By The Skies

by J E Mueller

  I glanced over, no less confused, and saw there was a paper out on it. I walked over and suddenly felt a stab in my arm. I hissed in pain as I looked over and saw mother had injected me with something. My brain reacted too slowly, surprised by the attack. My body started to feel cold and shaky and by the time I realized I needed to focus my healing on myself, I was already on the floor.

  The ground didn’t feel like anything, and I realized my magic was stalled, declining rapidly until it too didn’t seem to be there. No feeling, no magic, nothing but blackness to slowly claim me.

  Chapter Twenty

  As I regained consciousness, my head spun and I felt my insides crawl and cramp. My muscles ached and begged for the relief my magic could give. Should give. The feeling, the thread within my soul, felt vacant. The magic wasn’t there to grasp.

  For a moment it confused me before the memories flooded back. Mother injected me with something, the magic faded, and everything went black. I felt a bump and realized I was in something moving. Panic filled me as I tried to sit up only to have my stomach and head reject the idea, causing me to vomit.

  “Ugh,” someone with a deep voice grumbled. “At least we’re nearly there.”

  “She wasn’t supposed to start waking this fast,” another gruff voice replied.

  “She’s a damned healer. Magic or not, you’ve got to expect these bitches to recover faster,” Deep replied, no less disgusted.

  I really did not want to stir now. What would these two, possibly more, men do if I did? What had mother done?

  I tried to ignore the spinning in my head and the churning in my gut as I curled up into a tight ball. I could be over whatever this feeling was if I had access to my magic. What did she use to block it?

  There wasn’t supposed to be a way, and it terrified me that she had found one. I could only hope and pray to the Four that it would not last long. Maybe if it cleared up fast because I was a healer it would ensure that no one thought twice to pull that again. Then I could use my teleporting to vanish, and the necklace around my neck to call for help.

  At least I hoped I had it. I felt a cord around my neck but that didn’t tell me for sure if it was still there. The thought of moving and getting my bearings seemed beyond me this exact moment. By the four, I hoped I regained my senses and figured the situation out before something new happened.

  It didn’t take long for the carriage to stop and for someone to pull me up. I tried to struggle against them, but lacked the strength, feeling too sick from the dizziness and stomach cramps.

  “Let’s see what we have here,” a voice said as I was held up carelessly by the two men outside of the carriage.

  I raised my head enough to see I didn’t recognize him, not right away. His hair was cut short, and his beard neatly trimmed. As the sense of familiarity grew, it clicked that this was the final vision the fire had shown me.

  “What a mess. The master wants this brat for his spawn?” The man turned his head and spit in disgust.

  “If I'm so worthless let me go,” I said as evenly as I could muster.

  He slapped me hard across the face. “You’ll do well not to speak unless you’re spoken to, brat.”

  My head reeled, spots dancing before my vision. While I had felt plenty of pain before, somehow this almost felt worse than fighting against ocin moss. I knew I could fight against that and recover. I wasn’t used to feeling hopelessly in pain with no magic to aid me.

  “Get her inside. The master would like to see her.” He turned on heel and led the way inside while the other two willingly pulled me along.

  As they pulled me along, more dragging than not, I tried to figure out a way to draw my magic back. If what they had said earlier about me being up too soon meant anything, maybe I could find a wisp of power to help myself.

  And yet, nothing was there. Not a fragment, not a pinch.

  The little bit I caught sight of wasn’t impressive. The halls had paintings that looked rather generic. Plain vases with simple flower arrangements were here and there. Everything seems sparse. Were they redecorating here?

  When they finally dumped me on the floor of someone’s study I wasn’t sure if I was more desperate or angry. My heart raced and my mouth had gone dry, but I couldn’t tell if it was from the injection or the hopelessness of the situation. The wall of books gave it a little more of a homey feel, but did nothing to comfort me. A small fireplace had a dying fire no recently attended to so I hardly felt expected. Maybe they were running late with kidnapping me.

  A cabinet liquor cabinet with glass paneling showed an impressive collection and I was getting the feeling this wasn’t a room used for meetings and discussions. No one else was here yet, but I had a good guess where my fate landed me. Mother was relentless, and if there was anywhere she would force me to go, it would be to the Lari’s estate.

  As Percival Markeley, my least favorite of the Lari’s entered the room, I knew I was right. I leveled a glare at him but said nothing. We both knew I did not want to be here.

  “Wonderful work gentlemen.” He smirked wickedly as he came to stand before me. “I take it the plan went off without a hitch?”

  “Of course. We got in and out with no one noticing,” stated the man who was leading the henchmen holding me.

  “Perfect.” Percival laughed before turning toward the door. “Ah, Eastyn, look who is finally here to stay.”

  Eastyn entered the room but looked surprisingly disgusted. “Why did you bring her here?”

  His words surprised me. I had thought for sure he would be a bit too pleased by this.

  “She’s your bride to be, where else would be better?” His father sounded equally confused.

  “I thought she was shy and needed to learn her place. The bitch doesn’t want me. I’ve no use for her.” Eastyn turned and walked off.

  There was silence as we all watched the door for several moments.

  “He’ll come around to it, as you will.” The Lari’s smile slowly widened, giving it an eerier and evil look.

  “No, I will not come around to it,” I snapped.

  His lead man slapped me hard once more. “You were not asked a question.”

  “You see, you just do not know your place.” Percival chuckled. “Once Eastyn sees you can be a proper wife, he’ll resume his affections toward you.” His face darkened. “And if you take your time, you won’t have access to your magic. The better you behave, the better things will be for you. Do I make myself clear?”

  I couldn’t hide my glare as tears stung my eyes. “Crystal.” It was obvious for the moment there was nothing I could do, but the second I had magic or a way to break free I would be out the door.

  “And in case you’re wondering, which I’m sure you will be if you aren’t now.” Percival laughed for a moment. “An antidote is needed to recover nicely from this drug. You can, of course, recover on your own, but it will be very, very painful. We’ll be able to find you from your screams of agony alone.” He turned toward his men. “I think that’s enough for one night. Take her to her room.”

  The men dragged me off with ease. After a few minutes of awkwardly navigating me around, they threw me into an empty room with a small blanket and nothing more, not even a window. With the door closed, it was impossible to see anything, but at least I was alone. Better than any other alternative they could come up with.

  My thoughts ran in circles as I tried to figure out my fate. It was clear Mother hadn’t backed down, but there was no way for her to hide that I was missing. Come breakfast, assuming I hadn’t slept through that, someone would know. Father might buy into me resting but I knew Soleia wouldn’t. I was even more grateful I had asked her to come along now. She might be my only hope at getting out of here. I held the pendants tightly, glad I could do so now without tipping off someone what I was hiding.

  After searching the room as best I could, I determined there were no hidden passages. I couldn’t sense any magic without mine so that was still a mystery. Not t
hat it mattered. A well locked closet could easily defeat me right now. I couldn’t even try and summon Soleia. Without magic to activate the necklace, I had to wait for her to figure out I was gone. The moment she did the magic stored in the necklace would lead her here at least. Until then, I had to wait. Begrudgingly I tried to get comfortable enough to rest. I had a feeling I would need my energy.

  I don’t know when exactly I drifted asleep, but a loud noise outside the room startled me awake. I listened for an explanation but nothing came. After trying the door, which was unsurprisingly locked, I tried to drift back to sleep. If anything could help my body fight off whatever this drug was, it would be sleep.

  Not long after I dozed off again, the same thing occurred.

  And again.

  I finally figured out what was happening. The room was spelled with a highly illegal torture spell to force someone awake as they entered their restful sleep. It was a good tactic to have someone quickly crumble. Even the best would eventually fall into a haze. It would cause possible sleep driven hallucinations, fatigue, and would force the person to start listening, or well die. The body needed sleep lest it perish.

  I was already so tired from wanting to go to bed just because of a busy day, then the added drugs, and lateness of the night… This was not going to go well.

  When Percival finally opened the door, bright light momentarily blinding me, he looked very smug. “Annetta, take our guest to get washed up and ready for breakfast.” The Lari moved just enough so I could see the tired older woman behind him. “And if you give her any troubles, I’ll make sure my men watch over you. Understood?”

  I nodded, not at all enjoying the devious smile or his blatant manipulation. My gut churned. I didn’t hope for any kindness here. After my horrendous sleep, I knew I should be careful with what I said. I bit back screams that he couldn’t treat me like this. We both knew he could.

  Instead, I quietly followed the maid out of the room and down the hall where she had a bath set up. She motioned to some clothes for me to wear and I noted they were from home. Mother planned this out a bit too well. I prayed that by now Soleia was working on a plan. If I could play my cards right, I would have my escape.

  The maid stepped out to let me wash and I tried to do so quickly. Maybe too quickly. When I finished, the maid hadn’t returned. I dressed and found the door was unlocked. Yes! My heart screamed as I slowly opened the door and saw not a single soul in the hall.

  Without hesitation, I let the adrenaline fuel me, quickly finding a way down to the main floor, and surprisingly finding a way out. I didn’t care what exit it was, the woods were perfect. I just needed distance and time. Once the drugs were out of my system I could call Soleia to me. Not that she needed that. She could always find the necklace and by now, she had to know something was awry.

  I wondered how long Soleia would need to start tracking. I wondered how long mother could keep her out of the know. I wasn’t particularly a morning person, but today wouldn’t be a day I’d sleep in. There should have been a duel taking place, and Soleia was more than smart enough to know I’d be wide awake and wanting to prepare obsessively until the final moment.

  I pushed myself deeper and deeper into the woods as my body slowly started to ache. Fatigue was building as exhaustion threatened to take hold. The adrenaline was wearing out and for the first time, I wondered if the Lari was being honest about the drug causing terrible pain. He seemed fairly clever with the way he set everything else up. It would be surprising if he didn’t give orders to keep the door guarded. Did he miss a step, or was he wanting me to do exactly this?

  My attempt at escape could be just that. A way to show he was not lying and further convince me to comply. The further I got, the more the pain heightened and coursed through me. They began in my gut and before too long were throbbing from my head down to each toe. The hairs on my body were standing on end. Every movement became a chore, sluggish, until finally, I collapsed.

  I tried my hardest to keep everything bottled up, but it was hopeless. Without my magic, I had no way to heal and push this from my body. Muscles began to tighten, and the second they loosened, they spasmed.

  I couldn’t get back up to walk. I couldn’t even try to crawl. Trying to curl up hurt too much and I was stuck on the ground with rocks and twigs digging mercilessly into my flesh. Suddenly it felt as if every bone was breaking, trying to poke its way through muscle, tendon, and flesh. They would certainly have no problem following my screams.

  When blackness came, I welcomed it to consume me whole if only it would end the pain.

  I awoke to a loud noise. Surprised, my head reeled for a moment before my gut tried to force up what little bile it currently contained. After a few moments it settled, just in time for the door to open.

  “Ah, there’s my guest,” I heard Percival crowed a bit too happily. “Now I’m sure you’ve come to realize I am not someone who lies. Would you like to take a chance at joining us for dinner? It’s the least my future daughter in law could do.”

  I glared up at him, eyes blurred with tears from the pain I was in. “No.”

  “Very well. Enjoy your room.” He closed the door, leaving me alone in the darkness.

  I waited for a while before trying the door. Of course, it was locked. If I escaped now, I would cover plenty of ground and would be far harder to reobtain, assuming they didn’t redrug me while I was out. The only card I held to my advantage was that necklace.

  I was surprised when the door opened a few minutes later. Eastyn stared down at me annoyed. “Father wants me to retrieve you.”

  “I’m not coming,” I spat hoarsely.

  Eastyn raised an eyebrow at me. “That’s a stupid move. We both know you’re not that dumb. Come eat, play along, and get your strength. I want someone to willingly come to me. You’re not that person. If you can convince him you’re giving in, we can get you out of this faster and I can get on with my life.”

  I started up at him not trusting him. “That is nothing like how you were a month ago.”

  “I thought you needed encouragement. Clearly you actually wanted me gone. It’s a waste. You even could have pretended and then have had everything, but no, you went some stupid headed true love route. Find yourself a poor farmhand for all I care.” He practically spat his words from how disgusted he was in me.

  “You actually mean it, don’t you?”

  Eastyn shrugged. “Unfortunately, yes. It would appear I am on your side. Now come to dinner and be a good little fake daughter-in-law.”

  “He won’t believe it.” I shook my head.

  “Then be a brat at the right moments. Whatever. I’m starving.” Eastyn held a hand out to help me up.

  Sighing, I accepted. Whatever I wanted to believe, he was right. I did need food if they were going to keep sleep from me. Being able to move and react would make me far easier to save whenever Soleia was able to get to me.

  Eastyn took my arm roughly. “If you want to be believable, this should work.” He dragged me from the room and down to a small formal dining room. He shoved me at a chair with a small soup bowl in front of it. “There. Eat and shut up. I can’t be dragging you to every meal.”

  Percival raised an eyebrow at his son. “And what has gotten into you?”

  “I don’t want a part of this, which I’ve already stated.” Eastyn glared at his father. “There are plenty that would be happy to have me. Why are you so insistent on this bitch? What a waste of my time and yours.” Eastyn took his seat across from me and started to cut into his chicken.

  “You’ll understand in time, my son.” Percival didn’t even bother to explain. “What is important is that we bring her over to our side.”

  Eastyn rolled his eyes but didn’t respond.

  It appeared Eastyn didn’t need to act. He really was over me. Perfect.

  His father continued. “She now understands there’s no escape. The pain will set in before she gets too far.”

  “A mage from Valen
ston school has no way to escape? She was planning for a duel. I don’t see her as helpless,” Eastyn commented.

  My heart sank. No, no, no you fool, let him think I had no other routes.

  “What do you mean?” the Lari asked, showing that he had not considered this.

  “Even if she didn’t believe the sickness would get to her, she’s not dumb. She lives atop a large woods known for its game. For hunting. She would probably assume creatures here would kill her. Why leave at all unless there was a backup?”

  Percival narrowed his eyes on me and snapped his fingers. Two men were on either side of me dragging me off the chair as Percival got up and approached me. “That is a good point. What sort of thing would a healer even possibly have?” He eyed me for a moment while I tried to maintain a neutral expression. I didn’t trust my words. Saying I had nothing would further provoke him.

  Finally, he moved an inch away from my face. “I’ll give you a chance to tell me. If you do, you’ll be allowed to sleep tonight.”

  “I don’t have anything I can use.” I wasn’t lying. The necklace I couldn’t use without my magic, but Soleia could.

  The Lari clicked his tongue. “I don’t trust you.” He pulled the necklace cords above my shirt before ripping them off. I hissed in pain as the cord dug into my neck but he ignored it. After studying them both for a moment he sighed. “Well, I see you aren’t lying.” My heart eased. This could work to my advantage after all. Or so I thought before he dropped them and crushed both under his boot. “You need magic to work them, but I don’t trust that they are useless.”

  Tears slid from my eyes as I saw the broken pieces, the magic sweeping out and away from Soleia’s gift. If something happened to Soleia, if mother had drugged her too, now there may be no way to find me.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  I didn’t sleep right for two more days before I felt myself cracking. The drug they repeatedly injected me with removed most of my hope. Having the necklace kept my misery strong. Soleia wasn’t the type to give up, neither was Aylum once he got word of this.