by Unknown
* * * * *
Some forty miles North, Alexander found himself sitting at “The Lucky Cock”, a dirty, run down inn in the bustling village of Cromarty. Alexander had needed a large mug of ale to calm his angry thoughts. First, he had cursed himself for ever being created, then he cursed Rowena for being such a cold-hearted bitch, and lastly, he cursed all thirteen Guardians, vowing he’d find a way to get out from under their hold.
“A fuppence for the poor?”
Alexander glanced to his left, pausing with his mug half-way to his lips. He looked down at the bumbling hunchback nudging his elbow. The portly little man was either blind or had severe cataracts in both eyes from the way they darted around, not really focusing on anything. His bald head had a ring of light brown hair. A few warts marred his right cheek. “Ye dinna look poor,” Alexander grumbled. “Ye look sick.”
“Aye, sick indeed,” the hunchback said followed by a sudden bout of forced coughing. “A fuppence for the sick, then?”
Alexander rolled his eyes. “Go away! I’m in no mood to deal with a festering pest!”
“Might I ask what ye’d be willing ta deal with, me lord?” the hunchback asked with a toothless smile.
Alexander slammed his mug on the dusty table and pushed his way out of his chair towering over the small man. “How aboot, ye leave me alone, or I’ll shove that wee cup up your a-“
-“Please, please,” the hunchback pleaded ducking from the blow he thought he’d receive. “’Tis only I’m hungry and ‘ave no monies.” He edged a step closer to Alexander, feeling the threat dissipate. “Dinna toss me aside like ye did the, lass.”
Alexander’s large fist immediately reached out grabbing hold of the man’s dirty, torn tunic. He raised him up to eye level, with the little man’s feet kicking in a fast frenzy.
“Help! Help!” cried the hunchback.
Alexander glanced around the tattered inn. A lass looking like she had the pox, and two men, with huge bellies, passed out over their cups were the only other patrons. The man could yell all he wanted, but no one here would help him. In fact, not one seemed to notice the argument going on in the corner.
Alexander dropped the hunchback. He quickly scuttled around on the floor and righted himself. The deformed man rose once again after picking up his cup from under the table and dusting off his breeches with his chubby little hands.
Alexander moved an intimidating step closer. “How do ye ken about the lass? Have ye been following me?”
The man held up his hands protecting himself. “No, no, me Lord,” he fervently said. “For I am blind. I see nothing. ’Twas only a saying. I ken not about a lass.” I-I should go now. Sorry ta bother ye.”
Alexander’s brow furrowed. He released a deep breath. Perhaps the guilt for leaving Kaelyn ate at him more than he thought. About to take his seat, Alexander heard the hunchback mumble, “God’s speed, lass. For the witch o’ ice is hunting ye.”
Alexander stomped over and spun the little man around. “Ye best tell me everything ye ken wee man, or you’ll not only be getting a fuppence from me, but a severe beating as well.”
The hunchback’s hazy gray eyes turned sad and his awkward shoulders slumped. “Verra well, but we need ta go somewhere private for what I’ll be tellin’ ye.”
* * * * *
As Kaelyn cursed Alexander with every step, she kept an eye out for what she hoped would be edible berries. Her stomach growled which made her curse him even more. Had she really prayed for a steak last night? Because now, she’d even eat a hard, crusty, unappetizing oatcake!
Kaelyn sighed in relief when she made the first step out of the forest and onto a bank belonging to a lake. Deciding she earned herself a break, Kaelyn settled on a huge boulder, letting the late day sun beat down on her face. It seemed the sun was a rare thing these days. She had never known just how cloudy and rainy Scotland was. But now, the sun shone and the lake at her toes sparkled under the rays. She crossed her arms around her knees and glanced across the serene lake, a part of her hoping to see Alexander again.
Kaelyn’s brow furrowed as she watched an osprey dive into the lake and pull out a fish. She had never felt so alone as she did now. She didn’t want to admit how much it hurt knowing Alexander had deliberately left her. Once, she considered him a friend, even hoped for something more. Ashamed, as her body tingled with remembrance of his touch, she closed her eyes, running her hands over her face.
“A penny for your thoughts?” Kaelyn jerked around, finding an outline of a caped figure standing behind her. Kaelyn shaded her eyes from the sun with one hand and looked up into the face of a beautiful older woman. Long, white-blonde hair hung down to the woman’s waist in loose waves as a silver circlet lay on the crown of her head. A lengthy, shimmering silver dress fit perfectly to the tall slender figure. “May I?” The woman asked, gesturing to the space next to Kaelyn on the boulder.
Kaelyn scooted over. “Um,” she nodded speechless. She had to be closer to civilization than she thought. The woman resembled a princess…or a queen. Perhaps, she’d find her way. Kaelyn watched as the woman flitted down to sit. Her dress billowed out around her and she sat with the grace of a queen.
“What surprising weather,” the woman purred.
“Y-yes, it’s wonderful,” Kaelyn said glancing from the lake to the woman. The woman made a non-committed noise. Kaelyn studied the woman from the corner of her eye. Her face was beautiful. Smooth skin, not a wrinkle to be found, perfect lips, pale pink with just enough shine, and eyes…eyes that made Kaelyn’s hair stand on end. Kaelyn squinted, trying to see more clearly. Kaelyn had never seen pupils that pearlescent color before. They were…unnatural. “I’m sorry,” Kaelyn said, “I didn’t catch your name.”
The woman glanced over at Kaelyn and smirked. “Of course you didn’t. I never told you,” she said smoothly. The woman glanced back over across the lake. “All alone?”
Kaelyn suddenly didn’t feel right. A prickling sensation crawled up her arms. “I-I’m meeting a friend. He’ll be along shortly.”
The woman smiled. “Of course he will,” she said in a patronizing tone. The woman turned, leaning in toward Kaelyn. Kaelyn edged back as the woman boldly pushed a lock of hair out of Kaelyn’s eyes, tucking it behind her ear with icy fingers. “We both know he’s not coming,” she whispered.
Kaelyn went to stand, but the woman stopped her with a firm hand on her arm. “I should be going,” Kaelyn said.
The woman’s face changed to a look of pity. “To where?” she said, removing her hand from Kaelyn’s arm. “I don’t even think you know where you’re headed. Ask me. I’ll help you.”
Kaelyn swallowed the lump of unease in her throat. “Which way to the nearest village?” she asked hesitantly.
“Not even a ‘please’?” The woman shrugged. “Very well. Follow the path around the loch until you reach tall grass. Cut straight across.”
“Thanks,” Kaelyn mumbled grabbing her tartan.
“What’s this?” the woman suddenly asked, reaching over to the leather thong around Kaelyn’s neck. Kaelyn quickly grabbed the crystal before the woman could touch it. The woman’s eyes narrowed. Her face didn’t appear so beautiful anymore.
“I-It’s nothing,” Kaelyn said tucking it back under her tunic, keeping her hand on it over the fabric.
“Oh, on the contrary, my dear,” the woman mumbled. “It very much is ‘something’. I’d take a great deal of care with it if I were you. You wouldn’t want it falling into the wrong hands.”
“I have to go,” Kaelyn said rising. The woman made her stomach nauseous. Kaelyn couldn’t stand to be around her anymore.
The woman laughed a rich throaty laugh. “Remember,” she yelled out, “straight across!”
Kaelyn stumbled over boulders to reach the path, getting away as fast as she could. The woman’s cackles continued from behind.
Large, dark storm clouds moved in front of the sun, setting the sky to overcast once again. A gloom filled the air a
nd a nasty wind picked up. The woman glanced up into the heavens as a wicked smile crossed her face. “Now, that’s more like it.”
* * * * *
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Alexander followed the slow-moving hunchback out of the inn and around to the side of the dilapidated building. It had to be late afternoon, Alexander thought as he glanced up at the sky. Was Kaelyn alright? He clenched his jaw and pounded his fist into his palm. Why couldn’t Rowena stay out of it? Kaelyn was no threat to her.
The hunchback suddenly stopped and turned around. “I-I dinna think anyone will see us here,” he said quietly.
“Tell me what ye ken,” Alexander said gruffly, taking an imposing step forward.
The hunchback shuffled back a step and raised his hands as if he was afraid Alexander would hit him. “I see certain things when I meet people. With some people, I see a lot, with others I see nay so much, but with ye…with ye, ‘tis like I’m living yer life!” the little man said excitedly.
“Hunchback, I warn ye….”
“Please, call me by my birth name, Tobias.”
Alexander nodded impatiently and moved his hands in a motion for him to get on with the story, then realized Tobias couldn’t see the gesture. “Go on.”
Tobias nodded. “The witch,” he began, “she watches ye closely. Be wary o’ her.”
“Do ye speak of Rowena?” After Tobias’ nod, Alexander mumbled, “I’m always wary of her.” Alexander’s brow raised. “Tell me, did she keep her word? Did she harm Kaelyn?”
“Ah, the lass ye guarded. She’s with her as we speak, but there is another after her. He’s more powerful than the witch.” Alexander knew Tobias spoke of Cain. “And the witch,” Tobias continued, “why does the lass interest her so?” he seemed to ask more to himself.
“She wants Kaelyn to be used as bait, that’s why she made me leave.”
“Was it? Tell me something, mighty warrior. Why would anyone push another away from someone or something?”
Alexander shrugged. “They want it for themselves?”
“Do they? And why would the witch want the lass for herself?”
“I told ye! To use Kaelyn as bait!”
“Then why do I sense nervousness around the witch when she lays eyes on the lass? Perhaps, the lass has power over her?”
Alexander’s head creased. Was it for the same reason Cain wanted Kaelyn? Alexander glanced at Tobias.
Tobias nodded. “Ye ken why leaving the lass was a mistake.”
“Is it too late?” Alexander asked with a gut wrenching feeling, knowing what Rowena could do to Kaelyn.
Tobias’ head lifted up to the sky as if he listened to a conversation from far away. “Nay,” he finally said. “The witch only toys with her.” Tobias fell to his knees, grabbing his head.
Alexander leaned down. “What’s wrong?”
“The lass,” he wheezed out in pain, “I see her tartan…floating in water. She’s below ground. They’re coming for her,” he rambled on. “Save her, save her!” Fervently, Tobias grasped on to Alexander’s tunic.
Without a second to lose, Alexander patted Tobias’ head in thanks and unclenched his hands from his tunic, filling them with a handful of shillings.
Alexander ran to the stable fetching his horse. Upon seeing Alexander, his horse reared back sensing the urgency. It kicked its front legs in the air before Alexander jumped on its back and leapt out onto the dirt road, speeding toward Kaelyn. Alexander whipped at the reins urging his stallion faster. “I’m sorry, Kaelyn,” he gritted out. “I’m so sorry.”
* * * * *
With a satisfied smile plastered across her face, Kaelyn looked out over the field. It seemed the bazaar woman did know what she talked about. The path had led her straight to a large field with waist-high grass.
“Straight across” she remembered. Taking her first step into the grass, Kaelyn fell straight down into waist-high water. She broke the water sputtering and pushing her wet hair back from her face. After catching her breath, she steadied her footing, realizing this wasn’t a field, but a marsh.
“Ugh! That bitch!” Kaelyn screamed, pounding her fists into the water. She closed her eyes for a moment. “Get a grip, Kaelyn,” she said to herself. “I’ll just skirt around the marsh and get back on track.” Who knew, maybe she’d find a town, or someone with food…or a car, or the twenty-first century!
After slugging onto the bank of the marsh, Kaelyn stared at the soaking wet tartan floating in the water a few feet from her. “Screw it,” she grumbled. What was she going to do, dry herself off with sopping wet fabric.
Continuing along the marsh, Kaelyn glanced up into the cloudy sky as a ray of sun poked through. She shaded her eyes and figured from the way the sun was positioned in the sky, she still headed east. She rubbed her hands over her face and released a weary sigh.
Glancing around, she noticed the forest on the edge of the marsh began thinning out. She walked toward the welcoming blades of knee high grass.
A little farther down, she found the edge of what looked like another field. Gingerly, she tapped her foot on the grass. Dry, hard, solid earth. Smiling, she cautiously took a few steps. This meadow had to mean she was close to a village, right? Didn’t they herd sheep? Or was that only in the twenty-first century?
Either way, her pace increased, turning into a slow jog. It felt good breathing in the cool air, having her clothes finally feel semi-dry. She took another step, but when her foot should have made contact with ground, it hit air. Her arms flailed wildly around her as she dropped into a six foot deep pit. Luckily, she caught herself and didn’t land badly, spraining or breaking anything.
Kaelyn slowly rose and brushed her now, mud covered clothes off. “Are you kidding me!” she screamed up into the sky overhead. In earnest, she tried to jump and pull herself up, but she was too exhausted and a hair too short to reach.
After a few more attempts, she closed her eyes and slowly sank down the side of the muddy pit. She opened her eyes and looked around her new “room”. It must have been dug to catch wild animals…or trespassers, she thought. Kaelyn grew more panicked, thinking of the owner of the pit.
She wiped her hands over her face. “Think, Kaelyn. There’s got to be a way out.” Wrapping her arms around her legs, she sat in the corner of the muddy, damp pit. Nightfall crept in as the night birds made their calls into the darkening sky. A chill swept through her. Why had she ever thought she could trust Alexander? Kaelyn squeezed her eyes shut. She would not cry over him.
Suddenly, noises sounded above. Kaelyn jerked her head up. Was it Alexander? But then, more voices added to the cacophony. Kaelyn slunk back, clinging to the wall of the pit. Her eyes grew wide as she closely watched the edge for any sign of movement.
An eerie glow from a dozen or so torches lit the night sky as chunks of dirt fell over the rim of the pit. Kaelyn’s heart raced, her hands grew clammy, and a cold sweat broke out on her forehead. Was it Cain? Did he have followers? Is this where she’d die?
“Throw it over and let’s get ourselves a look-see,” yelled a man’s voice from above. Without warning, a torch flew into the pit, landing a few feet away from Kaelyn’s feet. Seconds later, a rope ladder swung over the side, and two skinny men climbed down. The second man landed on the muddy pit floor as the first man picked up the torch. Once the man held onto the torch, he rose…looking straight into Kaelyn’s face. Startled, he stepped back, bumping into his partner.
The other man spun around with his hand on his dagger. “Och, what the-.”
“I think we caught ourselves something,” the man with the torch said over his shoulder.
The second man stepped forward. “Aye, but ‘tis no boar.” Ten more men crowded along the edge of the pit, all trying to get a glance of what they caught.
Kaelyn swallowed holding her shaky hands out in front of her to show they were empty. “P-please,” she croaked. “Help me.” Snickers sounded from above.
“Aye,” one of the men from a
bove shouted, “that ‘tis no boar, but from the sound of it, maybe something to quench our other hunger!” A loud round of laughs and crude jokes made their way through the small group of men.
“Bring the lass up!” the one in command finally said. He was the only one that did not laugh or join in the remarks.
The two men in the pit gave quick nods to their superior and then turned toward Kaelyn. “Come, lass. This will be easier if ye dinna fight us.”
“It might be more fun if she does!” a man from above shouted with more laughs following.
Kaelyn panicked, darting to the other end of the pit, but a strong hand shot out and wrapped around her. The second man in the pit eagerly joined his partner and helped immobilize Kaelyn.
“Let go of me!” she yelled, kicking and hitting the two men.
“Stop fighting us,” the one man said, “or ye’ll regret it!” Kaelyn savagely bit his arm as it moved in front of her face. “Ahh!” he yelled out in pain. Without warning, the man cuffed her on the side of the head and she faded into blackness.
* * * * *
A light feather brushed along her cheek, Kaelyn thought. Was she dead? Was the nightmare of the past month over?
“Open your eyes and see,” a deep voice came from atop her. She must have spoken her thoughts aloud. That’s when memories of the pit came rushing back. She tensed, cautiously opening her eyes and immediately scooted back. On furs? A man crouched down in front of her wearing a dark green hooded tunic. The hood hid his face in shadows.
A candelabra across the room…or more like tent, created a low glow in the room. The man reached out. Kaelyn quickly scrambled backwards. “I won’t hurt you.” The man sighed, slowly standing up. He turned to glare into the candle light.
