“I asked if we could have some stew to go with the bread, but it seems bread is all we get. So…” He took the bread from Alice and tearing it in half gave a piece back to her. “Get stuck in. Who knows when we’ll be fed again.”
* * * *
Alice slept badly. The ground was hard, and she felt every lump and bump on the ground. Hawk was comforting, pulling her close to keep her warm, but even so she felt chilled to the bone. Waking from time to time to blearily look around she murmured incoherently before falling back into a restless doze. However, with each waking she realized that, no, it wasn’t a nightmare she was having—it was real. She actually was holed up in a cave with Hawk and real live bandits, and their hope of escape ranged from none to slim at best.
* * * *
Morning came and with it mounting worry. The bandits went about their business, talking twenty to the dozen none of which made any sense to Alice, and that in itself created its own fear. Unable to understand the language or what was going on around her isolated and confused her, and that made the fear worse. Desperate for the toilet she attempted to take her mind off the growing problem by mentally reciting nursery rhymes. However, as time passed the situation became desperate, and no amount of “Little Jack Horner” helped ease the situation. Finally, fit to bust she whispered in Hawk’s ear. Nodding, he gently squeezed her hand in acknowledgment and called one of the bandits over. Falling into the easy use of their language he explained the situation, and with a guffaw of laughter the bandit grabbed the rope still around Alice’s neck and hauled her to her feet.
Giving a startled cry, Alice fell forward as her numb legs and feet failed to hold her weight.
Quickly leaning forward, Hawk caught her as she fell and, growling angrily, shouted at the other man. Aiming a rifle at Hawk’s head, he glared dangerously and reeled off some volatile Arabic. Frightened for Hawk, Alice quickly got to her feet and touching the man on the arm smiled winningly. “Please,” she whispered.
Distracted, the bandit with a last glare at Hawk motioned her to the back of the cave.
Biting her lip, Alice prayed that he was just going to show her where she could relieve herself rather than subject her to his amorous advances.
Squatting behind a boulder with an armed man just a few feet away was not conducive to relaxing, but toilette complete she took a moment to rinse her face and hands and take a good drink from a small trickle of water running down one of the walls. About to turn back to the guard a shadow caught her peripheral vision. She frowned, puzzled, and moved closer to where a crack of light spilled across the floor only to draw quickly back as a face suddenly appeared and just as quickly disappeared. If she hadn’t been frightened before she certainly was now. Her mind filled with pictures of past films, of evil possessions and ghouls. Horror films she’d watched with girlfriends when it was cool to be scared. Taking a deep sustaining breath she shook the image from her mind and calling herself all kinds of fool nodded to the guard.
* * * *
Back in her place beside Hawk, Alice bit her lip, her mind still on the image. Should she tell Hawk, or would he think her all kinds of fool? It was after all just a figment of her imagination. Decision made she touched him on the arm to get his attention, and then talking in a whisper explained what she thought she had seen.
“It looked evil, Hawk, pure evil.” She chewed her lip. “Do you think that this cave is…?”
“Is?” Hawk frowned.
“Well, possessed, or haunted or whatever?”
Hawk suppressed a grin. “Doubtful, princess.”
“Then why are you looking worried?”
“The whole situation is worrying, princess.”
Alice nodded, but curiously she wasn’t satisfied with Hawk’s answer. He seemed to be more on edge now than before. Her stomach twisted with even more knots. Something was definitely wrong.
Chapter Seventeen
The day wore on without much happening, and Alice was getting colder and thirstier by the minute. The fire was still burning, but they were still too far away from it to feel any benefit, and neither had they been fed or given anything to drink. The bandits had been coming and going all day. However, where they went she couldn’t even begin to guess. Hawk had been relatively silent, but his tension was a tangible thing.
“Do you think they’ve heard from Abdul’s men yet?” she whispered when the silence got too much.
Hawk shook his head. “Doubtful.”
“How do you know?”
“I don’t for sure, but if they had heard anything, something would be happening. If the reply was an affirmative, you at least would be moved out ready for exchange. However, if the reply was negative we would surely be killed. We’re a commodity, and if remuneration isn’t forthcoming then they won’t waste food and water on keeping us alive. At the moment things seem relaxed, so I would say they haven’t heard anything as yet.”
Alice nodded although she refrained from mentioning that they hadn’t actually been given any food and water except for last night’s chunk of stale bread. Fear burned deep in her belly, the fear of being killed. The fear of Abdul’s men finding her, and most of all the fear that if Abdul’s men did want her back, Hawk would surely be killed. And it was in that moment she suddenly realized that if anything should happen to Hawk she wouldn’t want to go on living. Biting her lip to stop from crying she blinked rapidly.
The day wore on. Men came and went and nobody paid them much heed. Hawk’s arm was a comforting band around her shoulders, and she wearily rested her head against his chest hearing the reassuring thump, thump, thump of his heart. Waiting was the most difficult thing of all. More difficult than the escape, more difficult than the climb, and far more difficult than the cold. Waiting was stressful, fearful, and completely unbearable—wondering what might happen, the fear of losing everything, of losing what she held most dear, and the complete and utter agony of not knowing whether they were going to live or die. These feelings wound insidiously into her mind like a creeping fog, and the tears began to fall, slowly, silently rolling down her cheeks to drip like pearl drops off her chin to wet Hawk’s jacket. Her eyes closed, and she finally slept.
* * * *
Hawk shifted his position to ease his aching arm. Alice was a dead weight. Thankfully, she was asleep, which meant for a short time she was at ease from her barely suppressed fear. She was a brave woman, hardly complaining about the rigors of the journey, and although completely terrified, she’d for most of the time stoically carried on. He knew she was under a tremendous strain. The constant fear of Abdul’s men taking her back to satisfy man’s baser instincts, and the absolute terror of losing her life and never seeing her family again was taking its toll. The cold, hunger, and constant fear was more than most people could bear. However, she had maintained her dignity throughout, and he was proud of her. And that was one of the reasons he loved her. He caught himself up—loved her?
Staring at the cold gray wall his mind went momentarily blank. But yes, love her he did. Along with that thought there came a great overwhelming sadness. He’d never known love before, not real abiding love and now… Now it was too late. He couldn’t save her, no matter how much he reassured her. Their fate was sealed. Either they would be killed by the bandits, or Abdul’s men would take her back, and he would be thrown off the mountain. He’d shared her body, but he’d never shared her life and God help him, it was something he really wanted to do.
Chapter Eighteen
It was getting late. Whenever the boulder was moved Hawk could see change in light. He felt exhausted, weak from hunger, so how must Alice be feeling? They had not been fed since the chunk of stale bread the night before and had only been allowed a few sips of water. The cold was beginning to seep into his bones, aching his joints. Alice had woken earlier but appeared to be disoriented, whether from hunger, dehydration, or hypothermia he wasn’t sure, but he’d tried to get her mind focused by getting her to tell him about her life as a ballet dancer. Howe
ver, soon that subject had worn thin, and she had intermittently fallen into a mumbling slumber. He looked around, suddenly realizing only two men were in the cave. So where were the others? Carefully he eased Alice back to rest against the cave wall. She murmured a protest but soon settled back into sleep.
Carefully he felt around for the sharp piece of flint he had found earlier, and ever watchful he began to quickly saw through the rope around his neck. It was a slow laborious process, and his tension mounted. Eventually the rope was broken, and he turned his attention to his feet, only to still and feign sleep as a bandit glanced across at him. Moments later he returned to the process of getting free as the man wandered off to the back of the cave. Finally untied, he freed Alice’s feet and unhooked the rope from the wall. Placing a hand over her mouth he gently shook her awake.
Startled, Alice opened her eyes. Confused she stared worriedly up at him. Putting a finger against his lips he warned her to stay quiet.
Silently she nodded.
Indicating she should stay where she was, Hawk picked up the piece of flint and the rope and stealthily made his way over to where one of the bandits was cleaning a rifle, his attention not on what was happening in the cave but on the gun in his hand. Looking up as Hawk blocked out the light he made to rise but was knocked unconscious by a swift blow to the jaw. Shaking his hand to ease the pain from his knuckles, Hawk picked up the rifle and, quickly checking the ammunition, beckoned for Alice. The other bandit coming back to the fireside opened his mouth to call out only to be hit in the face by the butt of the rifle.
“Two down, many more to go,” Hawk murmured, grabbing hold of Alice. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”
Nodding, Alice scooped up a covered bag from the fireside and catching hold of a super-looking knife followed where Hawk led. Now at least she had hope.
Creeping to the mouth of the cave, Hawk motioned once again for silence. Looking into the darkness he noted where three of the bandits stood on guard.
“Keep close, and make not a sound.”
Nodding, Alice followed the action by a muttered “okay.”
Hugging the wall, Hawk swept around the side of the cave and bending low ran to the nearest outcrop of rocks. Lying flat on his stomach beside Alice he indicated that she should stay where she was and slithered across the snow. Soon he was eaten up by the darkness, and Alice held her breath. Silence settled over the mountain, and with the silence came fear. Her breath left her in a whoosh. What was happening? Biting her lip she took a few deep sustaining breaths.
“Trust in Hawk, trust in Hawk,” she chanted quietly.
A subdued cry, a couple of thumps, and silence once again ensured.
“Trust in Hawk.”
“I thought I told you to stay quiet?” Hawk’s voice came as a sudden and welcome relief. “C’mon.”
Following Hawk, Alice began to think he saw himself as a sheikh and her as a harem girl following her master.
The darkness enclosed and enveloped them. The moon was hidden behind thick layers of cloud, and the air felt heavy with snow. Tension tightened Alice’s chest and weakened her limbs. She felt disoriented, weak, and light-headed, barely hanging on to reality and was only able to function by acting on instinct alone. Blindly she continued to follow Hawk without thought or concern as to where they were going. Inch by inch they moved forward, blending into the rock as if they were made from it. She wanted to cry but for what she knew not. However, her nerves were at a breaking point, and she wanted to throw herself onto the ground and scream “Why wouldn’t everyone leave her alone? Why had this happened to her? And why, oh why were people so cruel that they wanted to enslave others?” But instead as if in a dream she carried on putting one foot in front of the other.
Hawk stopped, and she bumped into him. Not speaking, she gazed up at him waiting.
Staring down into her white face his heart missed a beat. He was determined to get her home, by hell or high water and that was just what he’d do, no matter what the cost. “Stay here, Alice, I’m just going to do some reconnoitering. You’ll be perfectly safe, okay?”
Alice nodded. “K.”
* * * *
Leaving Alice clinging to the rock like a limpet, Hawk disappeared into the night. The darkness was his ally, and he used it to his best advantage. Two men down in the cave, another two just a few minutes ago left eight unaccounted for. Slowly and efficiently he searched the mountain. Until eventually his eyes narrowed. Four men were squatting on the plateau staring out into the darkness, laughing and joking. This was his chance, and he took it. Creeping nearer, he waited for the opportunity. Then lifting his arm he threw a rock as hard and as far as he could, watching with baited breath as it sailed over their heads to fall down the mountainside. Startled, the bandits leaned forward and gazed down into the abyss, and it was then he moved. Like lightning he sped the short distance and taking them off guard pushed two off the plateau. Slow in their reactions the other two turned to confront their assailant, but it was too late, and with a startled shout they tumbled backward to their death. Hawk stood in reflective silence. It was difficult to take a life even when necessity demanded it. Briefly closing his eyes he sent up a prayer and spinning on his heel returned to Alice. The way had been paved.
* * * *
Alice felt an upsurge of relief as Hawk came into view. Thank God he was alive. If he hadn’t returned she knew she would have curled up and died where she sat.
“You’re back.” She gave a tremulous smile.
Hawk reached out and stroked a tender finger down her cheek.
“Yes.”
Capturing his hand she lifted it to her cheek and rubbed her face against it like a kitten finding comfort.
“Time to go.” He took her hand and began the next part of their journey.
Hours passed, and the sun began to rise, and she felt rejuvenated. Staring at the emerging orb she caught her breath in amazement. The effect was so beautiful. Orange, pink, and yellow, it rose in a halo of colors. The dawning of a new day and the dawning of renewed hope. Drawing a deep breath of fresh early morning air she unexpectedly felt content, and then she remembered the bag.
“I picked this up in the cave.” Opening up the drawstring she beamed in delight. “Food. It’s food, Hawk.”
Scooting to the shelter of a small overhang they emptied the bag on the ground. Bread, oranges, and some kind of cheese was spread before them a veritable feast for the eyes and for the senses. Laughing happily, they tucked into the alfresco picnic, enjoying each and every simple mouthful.
Finally replete, they sat back resting against the rock, their legs stretched out in front of them. Taking her hand in his, Hawk sat silently, peacefully beside Alice watching the sun rise to its astral position.
“We’re going to make it, princess. I promise you.”
Alice nodded. “I know.”
Back on the trail, the going was hard, but feeling full for the first time in days gave Alice an added spring to her step. Maybe, just maybe they had come through the worst. Hawk was being vigilant as usual, and as of yet no one appeared to be following them. The day wore on, but besides the melancholy sound of a falcon high in the sky, the rush of wind, and the movement of stones, nothing broke the silence. It was as the sun was setting behind distant mountains that Hawk finally called a halt. There was a crevice. It was too small to be called a cave, hidden in the rocks where they could hole up for the night. Silently Alice watched enchanted at the beauty of the setting sun. The air was cold, and each breath seemed to freeze in the air suspended like a white cloud for a few seconds before dissipating. The sun cast a red glow across the darkening sky. Streaked with amazing pinks and purples it looked like a starburst of color. With a heartfelt sigh Alice squeezed herself into the crevice in pursuit of Hawk.
Chapter Nineteen
The crevice was just that, a small gap in the rocks, with barely enough room to sit upright and stretch out her legs. However, as Hawk pointed out, it was shelter and cou
ld easily be missed should someone come looking. Squirming to get comfortable, Alice brushed accidentally against Hawk, and with a mumbled apology she remained stiff against the rock. Why she suddenly felt shy of him she had no idea. She’d spent nights in his arms, and they’d been intimate, and she loved him, so why all of a sudden she was afraid to touch was anyone’s guess.
“Relax, sweetheart.”
“Sorry, I just, well, you know. It, umm… It’s a bit tight in here.”
“So it is, but we’ve been closer than this before.”
Alice drew a deep breath. “Yes, you’re right—sorry.”
“No problem. Now is there any food left?”
Eating the rest of the bread and rather strong cheese, Alice felt safe and relaxed living for the day and not worrying about tomorrow.
“So, Hawk, what’s your story? How come you do what you do?”
Hawk failed to answer, and Alice looked at him questionably. “Hawk.”
* * * *
Not one to talk about himself, Hawk hesitated, but she was the woman he loved, and should they not make it he owed her even if it was to only tell her a little about himself.
“I was born and bred Army. All my family were military, and so naturally I followed in my father’s footsteps. But I wanted a challenge, something more than the usual, so I joined the SAS, Special Air Services. I went from mission to mission rising to the challenge, never questioning my orders, and eventually I made lieutenant colonel. I loved the challenge, loved the danger, but one day, one of my men was blown up by a roadside bomb, and it was then I realized I needed to get out. I’d had enough of watching good men die. So that year I resigned my commission and left. I bought a small holding, three acres and a rickety old farmhouse, which I renovated. I keep chickens, sheep, and dogs, purely as pets, of course, but I started missing the action. So I set up a service, if you will, a company that could extract people from difficult situations, to go in and handle trouble when no one else will. It’s all purely on the up and up, of course, and never, ever in conflict with my government. I employ ex-servicemen, seasoned officers who know what they’re about and who I would trust with my life and…” He shrugged grinning self-consciously. “It works, and here I am.”
Man of the Mountain (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 9
