“What?” She jerked the wheel in surprise.
Navina startled for a moment, then settled back to sleep.
“I guess that answers my question.”
“No. I just wasn’t expecting that.” She steadied the steering wheel and focused on the dirt road again. “I have thought about it, especially with our little stowaway.”
“And?”
“It scares me to death.” She thought honesty was the best policy here. “What about you?”
“Oh, it scares me too, but it doesn’t mean I don’t want to.”
Really? She gave him a double take.
“Don’t look so surprised. I’m not ready to have kids now, but one day I’d like to when it’s safe.”
“That may be awhile.” After Lazaro took over, nothing felt safe. That’s why Becca’s and Caleb’s families lived off grid in a small community, and even then, they ended up getting killed.
“I know. I can wait if you can.” His grin showed he had thought this out, probably more than once.
Focusing on the road, Becca found comfort imagining a future with Darion. And whatever it held, with him at her side, she could manage. “If we do have a child, can we lock her in her room until she’s sixteen?” She glanced at Navina.
“We can try. But if she’s anything like you, she’ll be able to pick the lock.” He motioned to a small turnoff ahead. “Try this one.”
She slowed to take the bumpy road. It traveled back through dense trees, and Becca hoped it would hide them from the main road. Navina began to wake as the road bounced them around the cab. The worse the road, hopefully the less people took it. When a small clearing appeared, she turned off the road and parked.
“We there already?” Navina straightened as she rubbed her eyes.
“No, but we’re about out of gas and the grownups are about to pass out,” Darion said. “Some of us haven’t slept at all since last night.”
“Sucks to be you.” Navina rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
Becca chuckled. “Yes, it does sometimes. If you don’t go back to bed, can you stay in the truck and wake us if anyone shows up?”
“Can I use the bathroom first?”
“Okay,” Becca sighed. “I’ll come with you.”
“I’m not a baby. I can pee by myself.”
“You’re not a baby, but maybe I need to go as well.” Becca stepped out of the truck, the cool morning air waking her up.
After both girls had taken care of business, Becca heard a truck rumbling by on the main road. She motioned for Navina to stay there as she ventured forward. It drove by slowly with several men in the back. Wherever they were headed, they weren’t in a hurry. Would they come looking for them? Was one truck worth all that?
She had a sinking feeling in her gut that told her they weren’t safe. Not yet. They did need rest though.
They went back to the truck. Climbing in the bed of the truck, she found Darion with eyes already closed. “Everything good?”
She hated to worry him about only a gut feeling. “Yep.” Pulling out a watch and a pack of cards from her bag, she handed them both over to Navina. “In two hours, wake us up. Or if you see or hear anything, wake us up. Okay?”
“Okay.” The girl set the watch on the dash and took the cards, working on shuffling first.
Becca fell asleep fast, with vivid dreams pouring into her mind. They held beautiful women fighting a bloody battle. They were disturbing to say the least, and when Navina woke her, it felt like she hadn’t slept at all.
Already awake, Darion stepped out of the cab of the truck.
“Everything went okay?” Becca asked Navina.
“If you mean exceptionally boring, then yes.”
“Good. Let’s gather our stuff. We’re on foot from here.” Becca pointed to the east through the foliage.
Navina looked worried. “We’re hiking through this? Don’t you think the road would be easier?”
“Only if you want to run into the people that we stole the truck from.”
Darion circled the truck and Becca got out as well, walking around to greet him. He wrapped her in his arms. “How far do you think it is?”
“Well in my expert opinion, without a map or compass, I’m hoping we’ll get there by tonight or tomorrow.”
“Let’s hope so. I don’t know how many hungry animals are in this jungle.”
“I don’t want to find out.”
Navina walked around the truck. “Are you going to make out again or are we going?”
Becca planted a light kiss on Darion’s lips, the contact a tease to her tired body. Reluctantly, she stepped back.
Navina rolled her eyes and started off. Becca followed her, and Darion pulled up the rear with the bag on his back. Even though she could have slept more, her body enjoyed the fresh air. They followed the path of the road, but far enough off the side to hide.
Clouds scattered above them, letting the sun peak through now and again. When it shone directly above them, Darion called for a break. Becca’s shoulder throbbed at this point, so she welcomed the chance to rest. As Navina drank a whole bottle of water, Becca realized that would be the first to go. Sweat dripped down her back, soaking her undershirt, and Darion didn’t look any better. He took a couple sips of water and then passed it to Becca. His eyes held the same understanding. Stewart’s information better be right, or they would be hurting soon.
The next morning, Elizabeth enjoyed sleeping in. She woke to a slice of light piercing through her curtains. Stretching, she got out of bed and wondered why no one woke her. She put on the white satin robe and slippers that were left out and headed for the door.
Opening it, she found Jeanette, her most recent maid, ready and waiting. “Miss Elizabeth, breakfast will be a buffet downstairs whenever you’re ready. Do you need any assistance?”
Elizabeth began to say no but stopped. If Jeanette could do her hair, then she’d be downstairs faster. “That would be wonderful.”
It didn’t take long for Jeanette to braid Elizabeth’s hair into a crown. She put on a simple short dress with fitted pants. More of a modern outfit, but Elizabeth loved it. She tried not to think about what lives were stolen to provide this. What made her feel even more guilty was checking in with Becca who slept two hours in her same clothes in an old stolen truck.
When Elizabeth appeared for breakfast, only Caleb, Andre, and Nikki remained at the table talking over empty plates. The men stood as she entered. Even Nikki had on a new outfit, simple pants and a blouse, but clean and pressed.
“What’s going on?” Elizabeth asked, looking at the empty table. “Why did you let me sleep in?”
“Scarlett took her breakfast upstairs, and we thought you could use the rest,” Nikki said.
“How are Darion, Becca and Navina doing?” Andre asked.
Elizabeth took a seat, and a servant brought some coffee. “They didn’t sleep in beds or get hot coffee, but they are safe. Or as safe as they can be tramping through the jungle to some temple.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time for her,” Caleb said.
“Guess not.” Elizabeth sipped the coffee then added some sugar to it. Stirring the cup, she remembered she had missed out on a lot of Becca’s life since she left home years ago.
“Elizabeth?” Andre nudged her out of her thoughts. It was easy for her to get sidetracked even without her sister in her head.
“What?”
“Where exactly are they going?” he asked.
Over her coffee, she updated them on what was happening.
“I don’t like the idea of Navina trekking in the woods in that country.”
“I bet her mom won’t either.” Elizabeth set the cup down as a servant brought her a plate of food.
“They don’t have a lot of options. Unless they come back.” Caleb said.
“What’s worth more, Navina’s life or the possibility of information to aid us in this war?” Nikki looked bitter.
“I trust Darion and Becca
to do everything they can to keep the child safe. And having her with a group of rebels plotting treason isn’t much safer.” Andre set down his drink. “Speaking of which. Scarlett is giving me the means to go get Leon and the others and bring them back. I’ll leave after breakfast with a couple of cars and bring back as much as I can.”
“Do you need help?” Caleb asked.
“No, Scarlett likes her own men to drive the vehicles and we’ll need all the space to carry supplies. They will be camping a few miles from here. Close enough to protect and far enough for Scarlett to deny it.”
“I don’t think she will be able to deny it. She is taking a big risk having us here. Why would she do it?” Nikki asked.
“She’ll fight with us and wants me nearby.” Elizabeth spit out the answer before she even thought about it.
Andre nodded. “I had the same thoughts.”
“You don’t have to join them or even stay here if you don’t want to.” Caleb looked concerned.
“I know. I hate to admit it, but I enjoy being spoiled. I just feel bad about…” She waved a hand. “You know. The rest.”
“I’ve noticed how only Mundanes serve you now instead of the Soultorns,” Andre said. “That’s improvement. You’ve showed them a different viewpoint. That means a lot.”
Elizabeth nodded and took a bite of food. She didn’t know that it counted for much, but she did know that they needed Scarlett and her coven to have a chance at fighting Lazaro.
Nikki leaned towards her father, her voice quiet. “You don’t think she’s doing this just to get you to leave?” She glanced at Elizabeth.
It took him a minute to realize what she meant. If Andre was gone, they could force Elizabeth to join or kill all of them. Nikki was strong, but not strong enough to take on a coven.
“I would highly doubt it, but, Elizabeth, do you feel anything?”
She shook her head and searched her mind for any feelings. “I’ve never got that feeling, but I’ve never checked.”
“If we’re fighting side by side in the end, I doubt they would hurt us.” Caleb pointed out.
“Agreed then.” Andre pushed back from the table and the others stood as well. “If anything comes up, Nikki knows how to contact me.” He went and hugged his daughter.
Turning to Caleb, he shook his hand. “I’m leaving these two young women in your care. Don’t disappointment me.” Then he left.
Elizabeth sat to finish her breakfast. “So, what is on the agenda for today?”
“Not much,” Nikki said. “Scarlett did give us the use of her gardens and stables if we want, but I’ve never ridden a horse before.”
“It’s not bad. Caleb could teach you.” Elizabeth remembered his family had owned horses. He’d come over to give Becca a ride and after Elizabeth begged enough, he’d take her too.
“Okay,” Nikki looked a bit apprehensive.
“There are a lot of things worse than a horse.”
Images of the battle ahead, of Richard falling, flashed through Elizabeth’s mind. “Yes, there are. And we’re all heading towards that.”
Chapter Ninety-Eight
The tail of twilight began to fall in the jungle, and Becca slapped at the bloodthirsty insect hoping for another bite. Tired, sweaty, and hungry they continued trudging through the jungle.
The youngest among them kept the highest spirits. Granted, Becca, despite Darion’s questioning look, gave Navina most of the food and water. It wasn’t completely selfless. If she struggled, it would make Becca and Darion’s job harder.
As the smell of a campfire reached them, Becca’s hope renewed. “Is that a town?”
“Or someone camping.” Darion stopped for a moment. “Either way, we need to be careful. Let’s approach quietly.” He looked at Navina, who had been talking most of the trip.
“Maybe we can get supplies before nightfall,” Becca whispered. They couldn’t hike in the dark. Well, maybe with Darion’s witchlight, but she didn’t want to chance a twisted ankle with Navina. And the canopy above them kept out any chance of moonlight.
They followed the smell and found a small village, not even big enough to be considered a town. About five homes and a couple of barns or large structures with some horses and other livestock. Darion handed Becca something small, a necklace. A gold pentagram rested in her palm, a second one dangled from his fingers.
“Where did you get these?” She hated to think he spent money on them.
He looked ashamed for a moment. “I stole them from Isabella. She was making some extras for the congregation. Maybe they thought we’d join.”
“That’s a disturbing thought, but why?”
“I figure the best way to blend in and explain our situation is to pass for believers making a pilgrimage.”
“Where’s mine?” Navina asked.
“Sorry. You’re young and we’re poor, they should understand.” He put the necklace over his head.
As they approached a home, they found a man working outside with the horses. He had the thick muscular build of someone living on the land. Keeping his back to them, he continued brushing the horses. “Stop where you are.”
Becca stopped Navina with an arm, keeping the girl slightly behind them.
Turning, the man had a weary expression on his weathered face. “We don’t like strangers here.”
Putting up her shields and keeping a hand on Navina, Becca noticed he was missing the gold necklace.
Darion showed his empty hands. “We’re just passing through, looking for water and food if you have any?”
The man looked them over, his eyes resting on Navina and Becca. “What do you have to trade for?”
“I have silver coins.” Darion slowly reached in his pocket pulling out two coins.
“Anything else I may want?”
Becca’s skin crawled, his gaze heavy and dirty.
“We don’t want trouble. Just something to get us on our way.” Darion kept his hands spread out. Some may think to show he didn’t have a weapon, but Becca knew his hands could be deadly.
“There is a stream down the way.” The man gestured to the south east. “You’ll have to come inside for food.”
Becca fought her repulsion for this man and touched his mind. His thoughts were dark and lusty just as she imagined. They needed help though, and she wasn’t going to trust him on his own. Becca’s skin crawled as she whispered the spell to make him more compliant to her will.
“Do you live alone?” she asked, because it was easier to find the answer when he thought of it even if he tried to hide it.
“Yes.” His current wife or partner died several months ago.
“Anyone else live here?” Darion pointed to the other homes.
“A few people that keep to themselves.” Images flashed through her brain of the others, mostly men, one with a partner.
She pushed a bit harder. “Let’s go inside and get a bite to eat.” She would have felt guilty if she didn’t find him a repulsive dirtbag
He escorted them inside a small dirty home and took a seat in front of the fire, while Becca retained a hold on his mind.
Once inside she turned to face him, focusing her magic towards him. Thank you for sharing a meal with us. We’ll leave money on the counter. You were tired and went to bed early tonight.
“I am tired.” He spoke in a robotic voice.
Becca hoped it would replace the real memory of what happened. The less trace they left, the better. Then she turned to Navina and gave her the honors. “Go for it.”
It took a minute for the young girl to focus, but soon the man slipped from the chair and fell to the floor.
“Good job.”
Darion appeared next to them. “I only wish you would have put him in bed first.”
“Oops.” Becca wasn’t much help with that either since her shoulder still hurt.
Darion dragged him into bed as Navina and Becca took food and refilled their water skins with a pitcher. Becca drank her fill and felt sated fo
r the first time in a long while. Darion returned and dropped two coins on the table.
“You would be more likely to burn this place to the ground if you heard his thoughts.”
“Probably.” He grimaced. “But this will draw less attention to our passing. I’ll still have the option on the way back.”
Navina shoved a piece of jerky in her mouth, her eyes wide at the conversation. Maybe they weren’t the best influence on the Navina. At least she was fed, right?
“Let’s head out.” Becca motioned for the girl to come.
“Can’t we sleep here?”
The idea of sleeping in front of a fire on a blanket sounded wonderful, but she remembered the man’s thoughts. They would have to tie him up and that would draw more attention. And despite his ugly thoughts, she couldn’t kill this man because they wanted a fire. She noticed Darion was leaving the question up to her.
“No. We need to get going.” She remembered the blanket in his room and added. “I’ll grab his quilt though.”
Elizabeth didn’t have the desire to spend the day outdoors. Yes, the gardens were beautiful and the horses majestic, but she still didn’t have the energy to keep up with the others. It discouraged her, but at the same time she tried to remember where she was just months ago. When she was first freed of the demon it took weeks of struggling to form out each sentence she was going to say. Her mind felt like a huge mud pit that she had to sludge through to accomplish the easiest things.
So instead of riding horses, Elizabeth excused herself and let Caleb and Nikki go on a ride. They could use the time alone. Though it took a lot to convince her chaperons of that. They didn’t want her alone in the house. But Scarlett didn’t want to hurt her, she wanted Elizabeth to move in. Finally, Caleb and Nikki agreed to a short ride, so Elizabeth headed off to one of the open rooms.
She found the room with the piano that had entertained them the night of the party. Once inside, she realized she wasn’t alone. Ms. Mathison sat in a wheelchair by the door. She didn’t remember her in a wheelchair before.
“I’m sorry to interrupt.” Elizabeth turned to leave.
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