by Teri Barnett
“You do have a devilish streak in you, Bethany.” Connor shook his head. “So, Ian Johns, friend of Bethany, are you with us?”
Ian looked at Connor, then Bethany. He sighed. “I’ve been with you from the beginning, Beth. You don’t have to ask.”
Bethany took hold of Ian’s hand. “I know, but I wanted to tell you everything, so you know what we’re getting into.”
“I guess I’d better head home and prepare for the morning. I’ll see if I can get some of the other Diggers to come along. Maybe I can entice them with the notion of a new find.”
“Don’t approach anyone else, Ian. It wouldn’t be fair to ask others to go into such danger. I believe, if we’re smart and careful, the four of us can handle it,” Bethany said. “And I don’t want the possibility of anyone getting word to the High Priestess that we’re going to the Kiyolo of the Night.” She looked at Connor. “Do you agree?”
Connor nodded.
“Well, if that’s what you want.” Ian rose to leave. Bethany followed him out the door, closing it gently behind them. They walked in silence for several feet, then Ian stopped. “Why, Beth? Why him and not me?”
“It wasn’t a matter of choosing. I really had no choice.”
“You mean he forced himself on you? That doesn’t mean you have to stay with him.”
“What I meant was my heart has spoken to me.” She took hold of Ian’s hands. “I’ll always love you, Ian, but only as a friend. I’ve tried to tell you that all along.”
“And how do you feel about this Connor from Vaydah?”
Bethany sighed and looked into Ian’s eyes. “I love him.”
Ian let Bethany’s hands drop. He turned and started to walk away, his shoulders sagging. “Ian, please,” Bethany called after him.
He stopped and waved his hand. “It’s all right, Beth. Really. I can’t make you love me, can I? If Connor makes you happy, so be it.” Ian looked over his shoulder. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Thank you, dear friend,” Bethany whispered after him. She turned and walked back into the house to find Connor standing near the fire, studying Sarah’s totem.
“She’s lovely, just like you,” he commented. “Your father’s gone to bed. He wants you to wake him early.” Connor kept his voice low so as not to disturb Abraham. He turned to face Bethany. Her eyes filled with tears. He held out his arms and she rushed into his embrace. “How’d it go out there?” He raised her chin. “When you went out that door, I was afraid you wouldn’t come back to me.”
“I hurt him deeply, Connor. I didn’t mean to.”
“We can’t choose who we fall in love with, can we?”
Bethany studied his expression. Was he talking about them? She couldn’t be certain. Up to now, only their bodies had spoken to each other in a language as ancient as time. No actual words had been exchanged. “Ian and I have been friends for a long time. He wanted more than I could give.”
“I wasn’t talking about Ian, Angel.”
“No?” she swallowed hard, her heart skipping a beat.
Connor shook his head, sending his thick black hair into his eyes. Bethany reached up and brushed it away. “When you did that at the first kiyolo, that’s when I knew, in here,” he pointed at the center of his chest, smiling. “I just didn’t realize it then.”
He leaned down, his mouth so near to hers she could feel his warm breath. “And what did you come to realize?” Bethany asked, her voice a soft whisper.
“That I love you, Angel.” Connor’s face was serious. “We haven’t known each long as far as days go, but I feel you’ve been with me all of my life.”
Bethany stood on tiptoe, wrapping her arms around his neck, and pulled him down until their lips met. She kissed his mouth and cheeks, then his mouth again. He leaned against her, pushing her against the wall, and she could feel his need growing along with her own. “I love you, too, Connor Jessup.” She made a small ‘x’ on her chest. “Cross my heart.”
Connor laughed and scooped Bethany up, swinging her around in his arms. “Let’s go to bed, Angel. I want to make love to you all night.” He nuzzled her neck.
“What about Papa?” Bethany whispered. “He might hear us.”
“If he does, he can cover his ears.” Connor chuckled.
Chapter 26
At sunrise, they made their way out of Paran. Anyone watching them would most likely think they were heading to the hilltops to celebrate the winter solstice. Moving steadily eastward, they cut a narrow path, using the remaining stars as their guides.
Bethany pointed to the sky and said, “There. We need to follow the constellation Magrio. It rests over the Kiyolo of the Night.” She glanced at Ian. “This was a good idea you had, disguising ourselves this way.” The color choice of the robes worked well. Since the leaves were now gone, the group blended in with the bare branches. “If there are any Eitellans in town, they won’t know what we’re about.”
They continued on in silence, pushing their way through the broadleaf forest as they headed for what they hoped would be Sarah’s rescue and a confrontation with the High Priestess.
Mother of All, keep my Sarah safe just a while longer. I’m almost there.
She looked over at Connor. He hadn’t left her side for a moment since last night. His presence was reassuring, and she struggled to let all doubts dissipate where Elizabeth was concerned.
I hope we find her after we find Sarah so we can end this once and for all.
“Penny for your thoughts,” Connor whispered as they walked.
“What does that mean?” She looked at him curiously.
“It means I’d pay to know what you’re thinking right now.”
Bethany shook her head. “Trust me, you don’t want to know.”
“Beth,” Ian called as they entered a clearing. “The sun is rising. Why don’t we stop and break our fast?” He checked the sky again. “We should only be an hour from the Digger’s camp.”
“That sounds like a good idea,” she answered as she began to walk away from the group.
Connor placed his hand on her shoulder. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to wander off, Bethany,” he said. “It may not be safe.”
“I’m only going to say my morning prayers. I promise not to go far. I’ll be right back.” She turned to Abraham. “Papa, let Connor show you how he lights a fire with rocks.”
“Impossible!” Abraham thumped his walking stick on the ground. He leaned toward Ian and whispered in his ear. “Thinks he can light fire with stone. Who ever heard of such a thing?”
Connor shook his head. Time to prove himself again. Frustrated Bethany had wandered off without him to say her morning prayers, he resigned himself to the fact that the woman he loved would not be told what to do.
Letting the matter drop, Connor walked to the edge of the clearing and gathered an armload of kindling and some dried leaves. Laying everything in a pile, with the sticks on the bottom and the leaves on top, he took the flint and steel from his pocket and struck a few sparks until the leaves caught on fire. He blew on them until the fire was going strong, adding some kindling as it was needed.
“Pretty handy rock you have there,” Abraham commented, stroking his chin. “You bring that with you or did you find it in one of those kiyolos you and Bethany have been exploring?”
“No, I brought it with me.” Connor held the flint and steel out to Abraham. “For you, Abraham.” He smiled. “Perhaps it’ll keep you from burning your house down.”
Abraham laughed. “So, Bethany has told you about the hazards we face every time we start a fire. That’s why we try to keep one burning at all times, even during the hotter months.” He studied the gift. “Thank you, Connor Jessup.” Walking away, Connor heard him say: “You might just be all right.”
“What’s that thing?” Ian asked.
“A
Colt Forty-Five.” Connor held it up and checked the sights, then twirled it on one finger before holstering it. He glanced at Ian out of the corner of his eyes. He appeared not to have as much confidence as last night when he strutted in and laid claim to Bethany. Poor guy, Connor thought, she must’ve really let him have it. “Would you like to come with me? I’m going to find a couple of bob-ears to cook.”
Ian’s expression lifted a bit. “All right.” Together, the two men entered the surrounding woods. They weren’t more than ten feet into the trees when Connor spotted a pair, side by side. In one lightning fast motion, he pulled his gun and fired two shots, striking both animals in the head. Ian jumped at the sound.
“How can you hit with such accuracy?” he asked, holding one bob-ear up by the hind legs. “You didn’t even damage the pelt.”
“I’ve had a lot of practice.”
Ian stuffed the animals into a pouch. “I’ve never seen a weapon like that.” He considered Connor for a moment. “You’re not really from Vaydah, are you?”
Connor took a deep breath. Well, what would it hurt if one more person knew? His past was getting to be common knowledge anyway. “No, Ian. I’m from another plane. At least, that’s the way Bethany tells it.”
Ian took a step backward. “That explains everything.”
“Explains what?” Connor asked, eyes narrowed.
“The way you talk, dress, the weapon you carry.” He looked Connor straight in the eye, a brow raised. “Beth’s fascination with you.”
Connor gritted his teeth, fighting the urge to let his fist fly, when Ian jabbed at him with a finger. “Why didn’t you stay where you were? Why’d you have to come to Keilah?”
With that motion, Connor swung, catching Ian in the face. Ian fell to the ground, shook his head, and jumped up again. He swung, but Connor sidestepped and only got caught on the arm. Connor returned with a punch to the stomach and Ian doubled over.
“Ian! Connor! Come quickly!” It was Abraham and he sounded desperate.
Connor started to leave, then hesitated. He sighed. “Come on,” Connor offered Ian a hand to help him to his feet. Ian accepted it begrudgingly.
The two men hurried back to the clearing. Abraham ran up to them. “What’s going on?” Connor asked.
“It’s Bethany. She hasn’t come back yet. Her prayers shouldn’t have taken this long.”
Connor glanced at the sky. He hadn’t realized it but almost an hour had passed. “Gather up your belongings, Abraham. I want you to go on ahead to the camp. There’s a chance Bethany might show up there. Ian and I will go looking for her in the woods.”
Ian put his hand on Connor’s arm. Connor looked at the hand, then at Ian. “If you’re looking for another fight, it will have to wait. We need to find Bethany,” Connor growled.
Ian shook his head “I wanted to apologize for picking that fight with you. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’ve never felt this way before.”
Abraham walked over to Ian, taking in the blackened eye. “You’re in love, boy. Unfortunately, she doesn’t love you back.” He patted him on the back. “I’m truly sorry it didn’t work out between the two of you. You’d have made a fine son-in-law.” He looked at Connor. “Please don’t spend the rest of your days wondering what could have been if this one hadn’t come along when he did. The fact is, he’s here, and it seems to me she’s chosen him.” He bent over and picked up his pack. “I’ll go to the camp now, like you said.” He turned back around and Connor caught sight of a tear as it ran down his cheek.
He squeezed Abraham’s arm. “I’ll find her, Abraham. She probably just got carried away with her prayers for Sarah.” He didn’t want her father to know how worried he really was. Abraham nodded, walking away.
Connor waited until Abraham was out of sight then grabbed his pack. Throwing it over his shoulder, he turned to Ian. “Come on. I know where she may be.”
Ian looked straight at Connor. “At the Kiyolo of the Night?”
Connor nodded. “That’s exactly where I’m afraid she went. She is the most mule-headed woman—”
“I don’t know what a mule is, but if you’re comparing it to Beth, it must be extremely stubborn.”
He clapped the other man on the back. “Right you are, my friend.”
As they arrived at the obsidian fields, Connor pointed to the trail he and Bethany had followed a few days earlier. “That’s where we were when the Eitellans found us. If you look farther that way, you can see the man-made path.”
Ian nodded. “You’re right. Obsidian doesn’t form like that. When the volcanic ash cools, it creates long narrow streams. The first path you showed me is a more natural formation.” His tone was appreciative. “You did the right thing, following this one. I don’t know if I would have thought of it.”
“That’s the point. They hope no one thinks about it.” He lowered himself onto the path, Ian following behind. “Bethany said the Eitellans always planted clumps of trees around the openings to the kiyolos, like that one over there.” He raised his head and pointed to a grouping about twenty-five rods from where they stood.
Ian nodded. “She’s right. They also planted neighboring groups to throw people off the trail. But if this is the kiyolo’s location, that would be the entrance.”
Keeping low to the ground, they began their search for the kiyolo. “Keep your head down,” Connor warned. “We’ve got to make it in without being caught this time.”
Chapter 27
Connor and Ian moved stealthily through the obsidian formation, each raising his head to scan the nearby land as much as he dared. “See anything?” Connor asked after Ian had finished looking around.
“Nothing. Everything’s clear so far. We chose the right passage. I think I can see the entry up ahead.”
They came to a low point in the chasm and got down on their hands and knees. Just as they began to crawl, a soft feminine voice called out from behind them. “Where do you think you’re going?”
Slowly, the pair stood and turned around. On the ground above them was an older, auburn-haired woman wearing a long black robe, her arms crossed over her chest.
“Uh, to worship, Mistress,” Ian answered. “We’ve come to celebrate the winter solstice.”
She let her gaze run over them. “You may be wearing the pilgrim’s robes, but this isn’t anywhere near the hills of Paran.” She smiled sweetly, pointing in the opposite direction. “You should be somewhere over there!” As she let her hand drop, five other women emerged from the entry, each carrying a cross bow.
“We’ve had a rush of visitors this day. So many pilgrims have taken a wrong turn it seems.” She shook her head. “Take them to the pit until I have a chance to talk to High Priestess Liazar.”
“One of the visitors you came across earlier wouldn’t happen to be a woman, about so high?” Connor asked, holding his hand up to mid-chest height.
She shrugged. “You’ll see for yourself in a few moments. Get them out of here.” she commanded.
Ian started to struggle as two of the guards grabbed his arms and began to tie his hands in front of him. His eyes caught Connor’s and the other man shook his head almost imperceptibly.
Ian nodded and relaxed, allowing the women to tie his wrists together as the others had done to Connor. Pulling the two men by their bindings, they led them into the bowels of the kiyolo. Descending the steps, Connor remembered another time, falling down a similar set.
If they’ve harmed Bethany or Sarah, I’ll see them all dead.
Into the darkness they traveled, their way lit dimly by sporadic torches mounted in the sides of the cave. This kiyolo was much larger and more elaborate than the previous one Connor and Bethany had explored, with passages criss-crossing in a maze. Connor tried to keep track of each one in case they found the chance to escape, but it was useless. There were just too many.
The air was heavier and more damp which meant they were going deeper into the ground. They stopped in front of a heavy wooden door at the end of one of the corridors. It appeared to be a jail of sorts as one of the guards threw back the bar and pulled it open. Together, the women shoved Connor and Ian into the opening. Immediately, their senses were assaulted by the smell of sour urine and decay. The familiar sound of scurrying reached Connor’s ears and he cringed inwardly. One of the women placed a torch into a hole in the wall, then slammed the door as she left.
Connor spied a slight form crumpled on a cot in the corner. Rushing over, he fell to his knees.
Please, God, let her be alive.
Gently, he turned her over. An ugly purple bruise covered the left side of her face. He leaned down, placing his cheek near her nose.
“Good, she’s still breathing,” he whispered. He glanced around the cell, spotting a bowl of water on a table in the corner. “There’s a bowl of water over there. Here, soak this.” He pulled a kerchief out of his shirt pocket and gave it to the other man.
Ian did as he was instructed, offering the damp rag back to Connor. “The water’s pretty murky.”
“It’ll be all right, as long as it’s cool,” Connor murmured, cradling Bethany in his arms.
Rocking her back and forth, he kept the compress on the bruise.
“Wh-what happened?” she whispered.
“My God, Bethany, you had us scared.”
“Where did they find you, Beth?” Ian asked.
“Connor? Ian? Where are we?”
“Some sort of jail cell in the Kiyolo of the Night. How did you get here?” Connor continued to bathe the side of her face as he spoke.
“After I said my prayers, I heard a noise behind me and when I turned, there were three women standing there. Before I could move, they attacked me.” Bethany pushed herself up, then let her head drop down to her hands. “My head feels like it’s full of sand.”
“You’ve taken quite a hit. Can you heal it?”
