by Lily Thomas
Shivering she thought of those ginormous teeth. She didn't even want to imagine what could have happened, if he hadn’t shown up in time. She was starting to realize there were worse things in these mountains than Stryme. Elizabeth would rather be a prisoner than have her life snuffed out violently.
She groaned inwardly. She felt as though this situation was all her fault. She had been the one who was wishing for an adventure.
They were off again, heading deeper into giant territory and far from the reaches of any search party. Every step of the horse’s hooves drove her hope away. The distance would eventually be too much for any search party.
The scenery grew more gorgeous the farther they went. She did notice that every animal gave a wide berth, as the troop of warriors passed through the mountains. They seemed to sense the fire giants were predators and the rulers of these mountains.
Every so often, Elizabeth would notice sparkles flitting around in the branches of the trees. As the giants neared, the lights would flit away, in the blink of an eye.
Elizabeth watched them, as she tried to figure out what they could possibly be. Since they disappeared as soon as the giants were a few feet away, she was never able to get a good look at them. She decided to give up on figuring out what the sparkles were and turned her attention to something else. Anything else. Traveling like this for hours was becoming dull.
She had tried to take a nap, but the horse's movements just kept jarring her awake. She felt too awkward leaning against the giant, after he had seen her buttocks earlier.
She made an attempt to smooth down all the crinkles that had formed in her dress. By the time they finished this journey, she was going to need a serious bath and change of clothing.
She was supposed to meet her future husband in this dress and now look at it. It had been a gorgeous royal blue that brought out her sapphire eyes and her brunette hair. It had a tight waist area and showed the tops of her breasts off to the world around her.
Elizabeth had her parents to blame for this uncomfortably tight dress. They had wanted to ensure the prince wouldn’t say no to wedding her. It hadn’t been designed with horseback riding in mind, but they couldn’t have foreseen these events. It had never even crossed Elizabeth’s mind something so horrible would happen to their small party.
Taking a glance at Stryme from the corner of her eye she had to admit he was intimidating. There was a scar on his face she had never really noticed before. It was faded, but she was sure, if she ran her hand down his face, she would be able to feel the raised skin.
Was it from a blade? Or perhaps he had received his scar from the claw of a mountain cat. Remembering those big cats sent a shiver running down her spine. How did the fire giants live among such creatures and survive?
It seemed completely impossible to her. Not all of them could be warriors.
She peered up at Stryme from under her lashes, as she pretended to survey the area around them. He was definitely fearsome, when he wasn't in a pleasant mood. Whether or not she wanted to admit it, he hadn't done anything too horrendous to any of the women, other than capture them. He could have handed the women out to his men, but he hadn't. He threatened it, but she was getting the feeling he wouldn’t actually do it. Though she had no intention of testing her theory.
He was making it hard for Elizabeth to despise him. If he would just act more like a brute it would make it easier for her to hate him. Her beliefs that fire giants were savages were being tested.
She would have to let things play out as they would, because hewasn't making much sense to her. Questioning every single thing was going to twist her into tight knots and confuse her even more.
A couple more hours passed, before the giant finally called for a rest. Stryme signaled a couple warriors to watch over her and the other women.
Stryme placed his hands on her shoulders, while he whispered in her ear. “Don’t do anything stupid, while I am gone.”
Then he left with a few of his warriors without any explanation. Not that she expected one.
Sarah came over to sit beside Elizabeth.
“This wasn't the way I imagined our journey proceeding.” Sarah sighed. “I pictured arriving in another kingdom with men flocking to our doors! You would have been married to a dashing prince and troops would have been sent to help our kingdom.”
Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Sarah. “Try to remember this journey has yet to end. We have no idea how it will turn out.”
“We could end up dead.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes.
“I doubt any of us will die, while we are with the fire giants. They would have killed us, if that had been their intention.” Weirdly enough, she truly believed in what she was saying. There was no reason to be living in fear. Not yet anyways. “They could have used us as play things, but they haven't. Trust me, when I say it could be much worse for us. We are alive and fed.”
She held Sarah in her arms, until Sarah gathered her composure.
“Thank you, Elizabeth.” She gave a wobbly smile. “I'm glad you are here. I don't think I would be able to keep my wits without you. This is just too much for me. The unknown seems to be closing down, and I feel as though I might faint with panic at times.”
Elizabeth smiled back reassuringly. “I'm always here for you. I understand your fear, but don’t give up hope. Losing our faith is the worst thing we could do.”
They stretched their legs together. All the riding was wearing down their bodies. Elizabeth could feel her muscles screaming at her. If she would just relax and allow herself to fall back against Stryme, her muscles might not be so painful. She and the fire giant were becoming too intimate though.
She worried about these feelings developing in her.
“How much further do you think we will travel into the mountains?” One of the other young women came over to stand next to them.
“I have no idea.” Elizabeth shrugged. “Could be days or weeks.”
All the women groaned at the thought of it being weeks. Not only would they have to put up with more riding, but they also knew their hope for a search party finding them would fade.
As the giants took their sweet time, some of the women decided to catch up on sleep. Their energy had been drained from all the recent stress.
Grabbing Sarah's hand Elizabeth led her over to an area where they could talk without disturbing the other women. They needed whatever rest they could get.
“I am glad the fire giant is proving to be a gentleman.”
Sarah looked at Elizabeth as if she had lost her mind and took a step back. “Lizbet.” She searched for words for a moment. “He isn't a gentleman, and he never will be. He isn't even a human. He is a beast who will show his true colors given enough time.”
“He could have used me last night, and he could have let his warriors use all of you. Yet, he didn't, Sarah. In my book, it’s a step in the right direction.” Elizabeth pointed out hoping she might be able to sway Sarah's mind.
Sarah shook her head. “Who knows what will happen, when we get to wherever they are taking us. He could be biding his time.”
“You act as though we will never get out of this. You shouldn't lose all hope, Sarah. I have every intention of getting us back to our people.”
Sarah grasped Elizabeth's hands in her own. “You will have to forgive me, if I doubt it could get better. It just seems fairly impossible, at the moment.” A sense of despair hung around her, as she spoke. A despair that seemed all too contagious. “Most of us are starting to fear for our families. We don’t even know how the war is going.”
“I know, but we have only been missing for a few days. I’m sure not much has changed. Go back to the others for now, and I will join you soon enough.”
“Where are you going?”
Elizabeth smiled. “I feel the call of nature, and I don't think our giants plan on returning soon. I am hoping one of the two giants left to guard us will understand me, when I let them know I need to step in
to the forest for a moment.”
“I wish you luck then for they might not trust you, after your escape attempt.”
Elizabeth made her way over to their guards.
They didn't notice her at first, but when they did she ended up thinking this might not be such a wise decision. She didn't know any of these fire giants. She didn't even know Stryme very well.
Their crimson eyes scanned over her. Although she didn't see any ill intention in those depths, goose bumps crawled their way over her skin. It would take her awhile to get used to their eyes.
She took a couple steps back so she didn't have to crane her neck all the way back to see them. No wonder soldiers told such thrilling stories about giants.
Thankfully they understood what she needed when she explained. One of them gave her a nod and led her outside of the circle of horses.
“Do not take long.” He warned her.
“Thank you. I assure you I will be back soon.”
She made her way between the trees and didn’t stop until she was far enough away that she wouldn’t be seen. She wasn’t about to bare her buttocks to any more fire giants, if she could help it.
The thought of those terrifying mountain cats kept her close as well. She might not want to be nude in front of another fire giant, but she also didn’t want to encounter another mountain cat.
Stryme and his warriors were hunting for the upcoming night. So far they had caught a few birds. It would be adequate. He had a lot more mouths to feed with the human females around.
Elizabeth's face kept popping into his mind, when he looked at the birds. He remembered how much she had enjoyed the fresh birds from the other night, and he wanted to please her with some more fresh food. He found himself wanting to make her happy, so he could see her heart-stopping smile.
He never would have guessed he would want to bed a human. Maybe once he bedded her he would be over it. He smiled, as he got lost in his thoughts about Elizabeth.
Keylz chuckled nearby, rudely interrupting Stryme’s pleasant thoughts.
Stryme's smile deepened into a scowl, within seconds. Even before Keylz said a word, Stryme knew he was going to have his patience tested.
“Thinking about the 'little human' of yours?” Keylz cast him a wink.
Stryme rode on without uttering a word. He was trying his best to give Keylz the silent treatment.
“I wonder how the females at the castle will feel, when we get back. I don't think they will be too pleased with the idea of their mighty king favoring the small form of a human female.” Keylz just didn't know when to give up.
Stryme gave a snort. “You are assuming much, my friend.”
“Am I?” Keylz cocked an eyebrow at him.
“First, you are assuming that my 'little female' means something to me. Second, you are assuming I will keep her as a bedmate. I plan on using many giant females, when we get back to the castle. Then you will see she holds no meaning, just a passing interest.”
“We will see, won't we? Just remember I support whatever choice you make. Though, I might caution you on marrying the human. Now that might be going a bit too far.”
“Good to know.” Stryme said sarcastically as they rode back into camp. He was king of the fire giants, and he wasn’t about to marry a human female.
He dismounted in one swift motion. Automatically, his eyes searched for Elizabeth. He didn't see her, but it looked as if all the females were sleeping together in a little huddle among the horses.
He would let them sleep for now, since he had to get the birds cooked anyway.
Once a fire was going strong, he put the birds on a spit above the searing flames. Giving instructions for another warrior to watch over the meal, he made his way over to the sleeping pile of humans.
Stryme was getting anxious to see Elizabeth. He wanted to show her the meal he had caught for her. He felt like a young boy trying to impress a hard to attain female.
Stryme looked down at the sleeping forms of the females. He didn't see her. Taking another look at their faces he counted them.
She was gone.
Stryme snarled down at the females. Some jumped with fright and others just froze in fear, as they wondered what he wanted with them.
Again she had escaped from him? How had she gotten away this time?
He growled and bared his teeth at them. This female was going to drive him insane. He didn't want to punish her, but he was wondering if he would have to. She was forcing his hand.
All the females lying on the ground cowered together.
He looked them over with disgust. Elizabeth wouldn't have cowered. She would have just faced him defiantly. Her eyes would have flashed like a wild ocean sea, and she would have barked at him to stop scaring them all witless.
But where the hell was she? Had she truly run from him even after their experience with the mountain cats?
Storming over to the warriors he had left to guard over the human females he barked. “Where is she?”
Coughing one of the warriors answered him. “She went into the forest to relieve herself.” He pointed in the direction she had taken.
Barreling through the forest he hoped for her sake she was truly relieving herself.
As she was ready to head back, those dancing lights appeared above her in the trees. They were the same ones she had seen while traveling through the forest with the giants. They kept flitting about, and she could have sworn she was hearing the hum of little glossy wings.
Were they alive? Perhaps they were bugs only native to the mountains.
The twinkling lights moved further into the forest, leaving her behind.
Elizabeth took a quick glance back at the camp, and then at the disappearing lights. Shrugging she decided she wouldn't be gone long. She felt her inquisitive side kicking into gear. Feeling as though the lights mesmerized her, she followed them deeper into the forest.
Over stumps and rocks, she made her way through the forest. Eventually, they stopped and flitted about in the tree branches above her head.
Elizabeth sat down on a mossy stump to gaze up at them, as they danced about. As she stared up at them, she soon forgot where she was. It was as if they were making her mind go blank, and she found herself unable to glance away.
Some ventured close to her, but they would always flit away, before she could get a good look at them.
One of the lights approached her so she gradually stretched her arm out to it.
As her hand came too close, it skittered up a nearby tree trunk. She felt bad for spooking it, but couldn't help being drawn in by their dazzling light.
Smiling she looked towards the ground to give her neck a small break, and she saw a couple of the lights dancing around near her feet.
They slowed, and their glimmer faded just enough for Elizabethto get a good look at them. Faeries!
They were faeries!
Or so she assumed. This was the first time she had seen a fairy. From the stories she’d heard, she would assume these little beings were faeries. They were miniature people with glittering wings and pointed ears.
She remembered the old men saying how faeries were devious little menaces, but they didn't look that way to her. They were beautiful and quite adorable looking. She could never believe they did any evil deeds.
Again she reached her hand out towards them slowly. Right when she thought she might be able to touch one, they all scattered away in panic. Turning into bright lights, they scurried away in a matter of seconds. Eagerly, she looked at the branches, but couldn't see any of them.
She felt a sense of disappointment, at their sudden loss.
As she was about to get up to head back to the encampment of fire giants, she felt a pair of eyes watching her. Maybe the faeries had sensed danger and taken off.
Images of the mountain cats flickered through her mind, as her shoulders tensed. Apprehension filled her, as the small hairs on her neck stood on end.
Elizabeth was filled with a sense of unease, but sh
e turned around to face what ever might be behind her.
Stryme found Elizabeth sitting on a stump watching the faeries dance in front of her. Didn't this female know anything about the world around her? Those creatures enjoyed leading others to their death.
To him they were little demons with wings, and he was glad they feared giants. His people had done their best to wipe out the tiny creatures, after they had led many of his people to their gruesome deaths. The faeries enjoyed bringing death, but didn’t enjoy experiencing it for themselves.
Was she really reaching a hand out to touch one?
Stupid female.
Stepping out from behind a tree he made his presence known to the faeries. They scattered in different directions, when they saw him.
And they had better too. He wasn't about to spare any of their lives, if he caught one. He wasn't keen on his human getting mixed into any trouble with their deadly mischief.
Stryme watched, as his female turned around slowly. She had clearly felt his eyes watching her and thought it might be something more terrifying. She should worry. The mountains crawled with all sorts of dangers she had no experience with.
Relief flooded her blue eyes, as she caught sight of him, and his chest puffed out a little. She recognized she was safe with him. How could he not feel a bit taller having that knowledge?
He frowned. When did she start to matter to him? And when did he become her protector instead of her captor?
He should be ranting and raving at her for being so hair brained. She kept walking from one danger to another.
If he had come after her, she must have been gone from camp for quite some time. She hadn’t meant to be gone for so long, but she had found the faeries to be so enthralling.
He pointed at her, and then in the direction of the camp. She got the hint loud and clear, but he didn’t need to give her the silent treatment.
She frowned right back at him. “I had to use the woods, and then those lights came flittering around the branches of the trees. I just had to follow them to see what they were.” She beamed up at him. “Faeries! Can you believe it? I'm the first in a long time to have seen real faeries!”