She narrowed her eyes. ‘What are you looking at, beast?’
‘Thorn,’ cried her mother from the other side of the mast, ‘what are you saying to them? What’s happening?’
‘We’ll be disembarking soon,’ she said in Sanangka, ‘but I don’t know more than that. If I had to guess, then they’ll be taking us to Stretton Sands by land.’
‘At least we’ll be getting off this damned boat,’ said Bluebell.
The captives paused as the soldier called Carrie handed them each a small chunk of hard, dried biscuit. Thorn hated it, but knew it would give her the energy she needed to keep her powers working.
‘We’re going to make it out of here, girls,’ said Bluebell. ‘There’s seven of them and five of us; they can’t keep watch on us all the time.’
‘The Holdings agent said that these lands are occupied by the Rahain army,’ Thorn said.
‘I’m not frightened of those fucking snakes. It’s the Army of Pyre scum that we need to watch, as well as that Holdings sow.’
‘A little to port,’ cried Sable, and as the boat turned Thorn saw how close the coast was. High, rocky cliffs ran along a ridge, the waters of the Inner Sea crashing against them. ‘Into the gorge,’ Sable said to Loryn, and the young soldier nodded. It grew dark in the shadows of the cliff, then the boat turned again, and headed into a narrow outlet.
‘Sails down,’ cried Sable. ‘Oars.’
The soldiers scrambled about. Cain and Leisha pulled down the mainsail, while Denny and Carrie opened hatches on either side of the deck and set up two pairs of oars. The boat bucked and tilted in the swell of the gorge.
‘Keep us steady, Loryn,’ Sable said as the others grabbed an oar each.
Thorn turned back to Lennox, who remained where he was, his head lowered. She tore off another bite of her tasteless breakfast, her mouth parched, as a great spray of water surged over the side, soaking them. The boat began to move again, the four oars striking the water in rhythm. The sky narrowed to a slim opening overhead as they travelled up the gorge. The cliffs veered to the left, and Sable pointed to a calmer stretch of water set back from the main channel.
‘In there,’ she cried.
The crew swept the oars back and the boat entered the shallow bay, sheer cliffs rising around them. At the base of the cliff was a narrow ledge, where a rivulet was gushing into the shallows. Beyond that, a crack in the cliffside led away. Sable pointed, and the boat was rowed to the ledge, the side scraping up against the rocks.
‘Secure the Seablade,’ said Sable, leaping over the gap and onto the ledge, ‘and unload everything we need. Stow the rest away.’ She watched as the soldiers got to work. The boat was tied up at the front and rear with ropes, and the sails were folded and placed into deep storage compartments. Even Lennox joined in, ferrying supplies from the boat to the ledge. Cain approached the prisoners, and cut the rope that bound them to the mast. He gestured for them to rise, and they got to their feet, stretching their limbs. Leisha appeared behind them with a loaded crossbow, and the captives were ushered off the boat, with Bluebell in the lead, and Thorn last. Leisha pushed them back to the base of the cliff and they watched as the mast was taken down and secured.
Sable nodded. ‘Say goodbye to the Seablade, soldiers,’ she said. ‘At least for now. We’ll come back if we can.’
She raised her arm and set off for the gap in the cliffside, and the others followed, their crossbows urging the captives on.
They walked all day and reached the outskirts of Stretton Sands at nightfall, when the sun was setting over the vast Inner Sea. They crossed a ford in the river, and then Sable led them round the city until they reached the northern gates, ignoring two entrances on the eastern side. Kellach Brigdomin soldiers opened the gates for them and they walked through into the town.
Thorn gazed around. The streets were badly lit, with just a handful of lanterns showing the way. Clove let out a low moan as the gates were closed behind them, and their mother took her hand. They followed the main road south through the town, passing a few roadblocks occupied by Kellach, and then went through another wall and entered the town’s harbour. It was quiet, with barely any vessels visible on its still waters. Sable led them to an old stone building and brought them to a halt. She ordered the squad to stay where they were and entered alone.
Thorn glanced around, sizing up the risks of making a run for it. The soldiers were tired, but not much energy was required to loose a crossbow. After a few minutes, the Holdings agent returned.
‘Right,’ she said, addressing the soldiers. ‘I think it best for now that we keep our captives’ identity a secret, so we’re going to lock them in the harbour jail. I want you all to stay here tonight, with at least two on duty at all times.’
The squad groaned.
‘I know that you want a night off,’ Sable said, ‘but you have to realise the value of these captives. Having them in our possession changes things.’
She led them through the door and into the old jailhouse. A couple of soldiers were on duty, and they nodded to Sable, and handed her a set of keys. The agent took them and went down a stone passageway, where two barred cells were located on the left. She opened them up, and the gates squeaked and grated across the floor.
Cain and Leisha ushered the captives towards the two cells. Sable pointed for Ivy, Bluebell and Clove to enter one, while Thorn and Bracken were herded into the other. Thorn walked inside then turned to face her captors as the doors were closed and locked.
Sable took a ring from a pouch on her belt and handed it to Leisha. ‘I need to report,’ she said. ‘Use this to requisition food and drink for yourselves and the prisoners, and make sure they’re well-fed. I’ll be back soon.’
Sable and Leisha strode from the passageway as the rest of the squad gathered chairs and sat by the cells. Lennox took a seat away from the others, his gaze lowered, as Thorn remained watching by the bars.
‘That’s us, isn’t it?’ said Carrie. ‘We’re fucking stuck with Sable for good.’
‘Looks that way,’ said Cain, ‘but I don’t know why you’re complaining. As far as I’m concerned, this is the best thing that could have happened to us. Our squad leader is a fire mage, and we’re his personal squad. Even better than that, we report directly to Sable, instead of some piss-poor Army of Pyre officer. You know how they’ve fucked us over in the past, well that won’t be happening again.’
‘Fucksake, Cain.’ said Carrie, ‘Libby died on this mission. If Sable’s in charge, then how many more of us will die in the next?’
Thorn decided that she quite liked Carrie. She seemed the least comfortable with what had happened, and Thorn was sure she hadn’t killed anyone during the raid. Also, she had let go of Acorn on the wharf, allowing her to escape. The bolt in her back that Leisha had loosed would hurt, but the agent had been right; Acorn would recover, so at least one of the family was safe. None of that meant that Thorn would trust Carrie, but she sensed that not all of the Army of Pyre were bad. She had no doubt that those leading them were evil, but maybe some of the ordinary soldiers were just that: ordinary. She glanced at the others. Denny had a nasty streak in him, and she sensed that, like Leisha, Cain was capable of almost anything. Loryn was unknown. She had sat in silence by the tiller for day after day, her lips closed as her eyes had scanned the sea.
After a few minutes, Leisha returned carrying a great sack over her shoulder. She set it down on the floor in front of the squad, and they shared out its contents of bread, fish and fruit. There were also a few stoppered jugs. Carrie got up and handed some of the food through the bars to Thorn.
‘Thank you,’ Thorn said. She passed the food back to Bracken, who was crouching by the wall, then returned to stand next to the bars. ‘Could I also have some water for washing, please? And can I ask about toilet arrangements?’
Carrie shrugged, and pointed to a bucket at the rear of the cell.
Thorn frowned.
‘Let us know when you need to go,�
� Carrie said, ‘and we’ll turn the other way.’
‘Do you know what they have planned for us?’
Carrie snorted. ‘You think they tell us anything? We’re the last to know, believe me.’
‘How does it work, then,’ said Leisha, ‘you know, healing?’
Thorn held up her hand. ‘Through touch. We lay our hands on someone, and will them to recover.’
‘Don’t speak to them, Thorn,’ called her mother from the cell next door, using their own tongue.
‘Trust me, mother,’ she said back. ‘Some of them have serious doubts about what they’re doing.’
‘What’s that old woman saying to you?’ said Leisha, her eyes narrowing.
‘That old woman happens to be my mother,’ Thorn replied, switching back to the Rahain language. ‘She advised me not to speak to you.’
‘She doesn’t like us?’
Thorn smiled. ‘Her opinion of you is exactly as it should be, given the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Tell me, would you think differently, if our positions were reversed?’
‘I would have fought back,’ said Leisha. ‘I wouldn’t have been taken alive.’
‘But we are not warriors like you. We’d rather heal than kill.’
Leisha shook her head. ‘Are you sure you’re Sanang?’
‘And what do you know of my people?’
‘More than I’d like,’ said Leisha. ‘Did you wonder why we came the long way round the town, instead of entering by the nearest gate?’
‘I did, yes.’
‘It’s because the eastern half of the town is occupied by your countrymen.’
‘Sanang men?’
‘Aye,’ said Leisha, ‘and a right bunch of bastards they are. Call themselves the Sons of Sanang.’
Thorn tried to keep her features under control, as her stomach turned. For the first time since they had been captured, she felt fear freeze her heart.
‘You know of them, aye?’ Carrie said.
‘What are they doing here?’ Thorn said.
Leisha shrugged. ‘They hate the empire; we hate the empire, so someone high up thought it would be a good idea if we became allies.’
‘And what do you think?’ said Thorn.
Carrie leaned in close to the bars. ‘I fucking hate them with all of my heart.’
Thorn lowered her voice. ‘As do I.’
‘Quit yakking,’ said Cain from where he sat. ‘Stop giving them ideas.’
Leisha scowled at him. ‘And who put you in charge?’
‘Fair enough,’ said Cain. He turned to Lennox. ‘Hey, boss? I know it’s too soon and all that, but have you thought about appointing a new second? I think we might be in need of one.’
The black-haired soldier raised his head. He glanced at the squad, then at the prisoners, as if seeing where he was for the first time.
‘What the fuck does it matter?’
‘See, Cain?’ said Leisha. ‘You’re not in charge of me. If I want to talk to the prisoners then I will, unless Lennox orders me not to.’ She turned to their squad leader. ‘Boss?’
Lennox glanced away. ‘Do what you like.’
Leisha and Carrie turned back to Thorn.
‘Poor guy,’ whispered Carrie.
‘He’s tormented by his actions,’ said Thorn.
‘Aye,’ said Carrie. ‘What he did… well, he’s never done anything like it before. It was like he was mad with grief.’
‘He’ll be fine,’ said Leisha. ‘He’s strong.’
‘You like him?’ said Thorn, keeping her voice low enough so that only the two soldiers could hear.
‘Of course we do,’ said Carrie. ‘You should have seen the last squad leader we had.’
‘Careful, Carrie,’ said Leisha. ‘You’re talking about the father of my twins.’
‘You have children?’ said Thorn.
‘Aye.’
‘Do you miss them?’
‘Aye, I do. This all seems like a different world from being back in Liberton with just me and the bairns.’
‘I hope you get back to them.’
Leisha frowned at her. ‘Maybe we’re getting a little over-familiar.’ She nodded to Carrie. ‘Let’s leave them be.’
Thorn cursed as they walked away, Carrie giving her a slight nod. It was wrong to have asked the soldier about her children; it had made her feel uncomfortable. She turned to Bracken, and sat down next to her, picking up a chunk of bread. It was dry in her mouth, so she took a swig from the jug the soldiers had given them. Red wine. She grimaced.
‘How are you doing?’ she whispered to Bracken.
‘I don’t feel well.’
Thorn reached over with her hand and touched Bracken’s arm, sending a surge of healing into her. She withdrew her fingers, feeling her own powers weaken a little. She had plenty in reserve, but needed to eat more, and get some proper sleep.
‘Thanks,’ said Bracken, raising a small smile on her lips.
‘We’re going to be all right.’
Thorn felt in her pockets, and took out a crushed packet of cigarettes. She gazed at it. She hadn’t smoked since Rainsby, and had longed for a cigarette while tied up on the boat. She took one out and struck a match. The soldiers turned at the noise, and Lennox stared at the tiny flame as she lit the cigarette. She inhaled and leaned against the wall, the soldiers’ attention drifting back to their low conversation.
Hours passed. Thorn felt each minute drag out like an eternity as she replayed the events of the previous four days in her mind. Her thoughts turned to the marines, who had been there to protect them. Most had rushed out of the hospital when the first screams and cries had come from the harbour, and Thorn imagined that the crowds had swept them away in their panic, for she hadn’t seen them again. She hoped they were all right.
She reckoned it was about midnight when the door to the passageway swung open. Sable entered, followed by a large group of Army of Pyre officers. Mingled among them were a few Sanang warriors, and she heard a loud gasp come from the neighbouring cell. She stood, and watched the group approach.
‘Here they are,’ said Sable, as the officers crowded round, ‘five hedgewitches.’
‘Remarkable,’ said one of the officers. ‘The empire must be furious at their loss.’
‘Aye,’ said another. ‘Capturing them was very impressive. Well done, ma’am.’
One of the Sanang barged his way to the front and leered at Thorn, his eyes moving up and down over her.
‘That one,’ he said, pointing at her. ‘You can take the rest, but I want that one.’
‘I’m afraid not, Commander,’ Sable said. ‘The Lord Protector’s orders were explicit; all hedgewitches are to be taken immediately to him in the Rahain capital.’
The Sanang officer gave the Holdings agent a look of undisguised contempt.
‘I don’t give a shit what you say, woman,’ he said, ‘I’m having that one. By rights they should be ours, all of them, but if I can have her, then you can do what you like with the others.’
One of the Army of Pyre officers shrugged. ‘Perhaps we should consider it, ma’am, you know, as a goodwill gesture to our allies. Would one fewer really make that much difference?’
The Sanang slapped the officer on the back. ‘Good man.’
Thorn remained still while they discussed her, her anger and fear in equal balance.
‘No,’ said Sable. ‘Out of the question.’
The Sanang man shook his head. ‘Why are you insulting me, woman? Do you understand that I cannot return to my men without one of them, not now that they all know that hedgewitches are being kept here. I would lose face, and the warriors, well, let’s just say that I might find them hard to control if they decided to act upon their feelings.’
‘I don’t give a fuck,’ said Sable. She turned to the Kellach officers. ‘You know my orders. I expect them to be carried out.’
The officers glanced at each other. ‘Aye, ma’am.’
The Sanang man lunged to
wards Thorn, his hand reaching through the bars, but she stepped back and watched as his fingers clawed the air in front of her. He stared at her, a look of pure venom in his eyes.
‘Right,’ said Sable, ‘that’s enough. Everyone out.’
The Sanang man spat at Thorn, then turned and walked out, the officers and others following. Once they had gone, Sable closed the door. She glanced at the squad, who were all on their feet.
‘There might be trouble,’ she said. ‘If there is, then I expect each one of you to protect the Sanang women with your lives. Under no circumstances are they to be handed over to the Sons. Understand?’
‘Aye, ma’am,’ they replied.
Thorn wiped the spittle from the front of her dress. ‘Thank you.’
Sable turned to her. ‘I didn’t do it for you. I have my orders. Personally, I couldn’t care less what becomes of you; you mean nothing to me.’ The Holdings woman approached the bars. ‘So behave, or I might just give that Sanang thug what he wants.’
‘But doesn’t the Lord Protector want hedgewitches?’
‘Yes,’ Sable said. ‘Hedgewitches.’ She glanced at Bracken. ‘And I know fine well what you’ve been hiding. Your little friend there; you’ve been pretending she’s like you, when I could see from the moment we left Rainsby that she has no powers of her own. Sure, the Sanang will be disappointed not to get their hands on a hedgewitch, but I’m sure they’d take Bracken if I offered her to them.’ She moved closer to the bars. ‘And what do you think those savages would do to her? Don’t answer, just imagine it for a moment. Of course, if you cause me no trouble, then she’ll be fine.’ She smiled. ‘Sleep well, we’ll be leaving tomorrow.’
Sable turned away and left the passageway. Thorn watched the door close, then sat down next to Bracken and took her hand.
‘What’s going on?’ the young woman said. ‘What were you talking about?’
‘Nothing,’ said Thorn. ‘Everything’s going to be all right.’
Chapter 24
Levelling
The Magelands Epic: Storm Mage (Book 6) Page 34
