by R. G. Porter
"You can just go to hell. I belong to no one, especially someone as crazy as you are. Now get out of here and leave my dreams in peace. I don't care anymore who you are but I'm not who you are looking for.” Her heart broke for the creature the man had spoken so ill to, a part of her wanting to locate and sooth it. Whoever this Danielle was needed protection from this man.
"I can't.” His words barely registered.
"You can't what?” His words caught her off guard.
"I can't go to hell. I'm already cursed here.” His admission was not one she'd expected. “I can see you were not aware of this but it matters none. I've found you once more and this time no pesky demon will win."
"What are you talking about? Either you are making no sense or I hit my head harder than I thought. You know what. Never mind. Leave my dream and let me sleep in peace."
"I'll never leave your dreams. You belong to me Danielle. I'll find you. Now that I know what you look like again you will never escape me.” Chills moved across Alayia's body. The man was insane and she still couldn't figure out where she'd seen him before.
Fear pooled in her stomach, a knot so intense she fell to her knees. “Don't.” A brush of warm fingers moved across her face calming her soul.
"You don't belong here, Elroy. Leave her be.” Elroy. Lord Elroy. No wonder she'd recognized his face. A reflex or unconscious act, her body moved back in the direction of the stranger's voice. He knew Elroy and had provided the name of her aggressor. But who'd touched her? Her head twisted to locate the man's voice, the warmth of his touch still fresh on her skin.
"I'll not let her be. You shouldn't meddle in what doesn't concern you.” Elroy's voice pierced through her skull like a hammer cracking stone.
"I'll meddle where I see fit. She doesn't belong to you. She never did.” Why were the two voices fighting over her as if she wasn't there? Alayia felt her head begin to swim with visions of smoke and screams, a large creature grabbing onto her and heralding her from high above with the world coming fast upon her. So many thoughts and voices continued to push through her mind but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't hold onto them. Her body was just too tired from everything that had happened to separate what she saw. How was she ever going to understand if she never regained her strength?
"I will have her, mark my words. You will die this time, I promise it.” Elroy's threat held venom in his words.
"I look forward to meeting up with you and seeing just how far you can take that Elroy. You couldn't do it on your own the first time; I doubt you can this time.” The man was issuing a challenge. She wanted to warn him not to test Elroy but the sounds in her head had begun to increase in volume until she swore she would scream.
"Go away.” A scream lodged in Alayia's throat as darkness once more embraced her. Try as she might she couldn't hold on. She wanted to find the man who'd spoken against Elroy, to thank him. He'd fought to protect her but try as she might she couldn't see him, her mind still full of images she couldn't understand or hold onto. Black and grey continued to envelop around her ‘til she swore she would scream at the coldness that invaded her blood, her thoughts going blank.
Breathe deep and relax, nothing can harm you for now. His voice was there in her mind again. Familiarity mixed with apprehension in her blood. Who was he? Something deep inside her soul nagged that she knew him but how? Nothing around her was present but the darkness.
Who are you? Why do I know your voice? She wanted to scream out into the night but knew it wouldn't do any good. She was asleep and caught in a dream again.
I'm your past, present and future. I'm the one you swore to love forever. His words tore through her like a wildfire. His tone full of sadness and passion mixed into a deadly combination. How was that possible if she didn't know who he was? Sleep now and rest for you have a long journey.
How will I know you? She needed something to work with and anything at this point would be good.
You'll know me. Hidden deep in your soul, you'll know me and not understand why. Alayia wanted to ask more but could feel the wrap of sleep tightening its grip around her. She pulled as much as she could to get out of its hold but it didn't work. Fatigue finally won out, Alayia allowed the grip of unconsciousness to wash over her taking with her the voice of her mystery man. Seconds before she succumbed to the tranquility of the darkness one last image drifted before her. A midnight black dragon, its eyes full of sadness as it crouched inside a cave fire pulsating from its mouth.
No! Alayia's words never left her lips as her body gave way to the need for rest.
"Miss? Miss wake up.” The barmaid's voice penetrated through the thick layers of sleep that had woven around Alayia.
"Where... Am I?” She could barely remember making it out of the woods let alone back to her bed.
"Why, you are on your bed, where else would you be?” She could hear the tease in the woman's voice and it felt good. As far as she was concerned Alayia had had a late night and was feeling it.
"What time is it?” She'd lost track of everything after last night. First, her mind remembered Gabriel's arms around her and then the other man's pursuit. Alayia's body shuddered at the memory of what had happened to him.
"It's nearing on ten o'clock. You've already missed breakfast, though I'd say by the looks of it, you were in dire need of the rest.” Alayia was almost fearful to take a glance in the mirror.
Alayia climbed out of bed, her head still pounding from the previous day's activities. “Is it possible to get something to eat after I've washed up some?” Try as she might, Alayia knew if she didn't get something more into her stomach soon she would faint from lack of nourishment. Something in the back of her mind warned her that she had a long journey ahead.
"Aye miss, that you can. I had a feeling you needed your rest so I made the cook hold back something extra for when you awoke. Now there is some fresh linen over on the table and the water is clean.” Alayia watched as the woman headed toward the door her posture stiff and sure. The moment the door was about to shut, the woman peeked back in a knowing smile crossing her face. “That young man who kept you company for a bit, he is a good one but with such sad eyes."
The woman's observation of Gabriel shook Alayia to her core. So she'd noticed the same thing? What was it about the man that made him appear so haunted? Annoyed that her mind could so easily drift to someone she barely knew Alayia pushed the vision of him from her thoughts. It didn't work. Her thoughts drifted back to the way he'd danced with her, the slow seduction of his eyes and lips.
"Argh! Get a grip on yourself girl, he's gone.” The moment the word's left her lips she felt bereft. Why had he left? He'd mentioned the forests being dangerous during the day. She knew that better than most. “Get past it Alayia, you have other things you have to deal with.” Like getting far away from here and finding your brother's murderer. She dared not say the other part of her thoughts aloud. Too many times she'd found the walls in public places had ears. Ears that didn't work in her favor and generally made life a living hell for her.
Dipping the cloth into the cool water Alayia began her morning ritual to do what she could to salvage what might remain of her dignity. Dirt and grime had caked across her face; she could only imagine what the woman must have thought. Never would she have guessed she'd looked so bad. How could Gabriel have wanted to dance with her last night? Damn, there went her thoughts again. Inch by inch she cleaned off the rest of the dust, the feel of the cool water refreshing on her skin. Her mind began to drift to her brother. Her heart broke knowing she'd not been able to say a proper farewell but she'd had no choice. He would have told her to leave.
Tears welled up in her eyes, her hands wringing the cloth still in her hands. “I'm sorry Robert. I've sidetracked myself for a short bit. I'll not do that again. I swear it.” She had to find the dragon. What she would do once she did was still a mystery, but she would figure that out later. For now, just locating the beast would prove a challenge. It wasn't flashy and from
what she could tell from the stories she'd heard beforehand it didn't make a show of itself. Alayia refocused back on the mirror, her hands reaching back to braid her long blonde hair. “Soon Robert, so very soon I'll find the beast.” Her vow carried up on the wind, a smile crossing her face.
A knock at the door startled her thoughts. “Miss are you ready? I've had the cook heat up the food for you.” The barmaid's voice echoed off the wood of the door concern laced in her words.
"Yes, I'll be out in a moment.” She could hear the woman pace outside the door. Clearly she was concerned. “Thank you for your kindness. I'm just about done.” She'd stayed long enough and needed to move on. As much as she liked the woman, Alayia couldn't afford to become friendly with anyone, not when she had a promise to keep and a man after her. One last look at her reflection, Alayia was as pleased as she could be with what she'd done. “Not great but it'll do."
Shifting back toward the door, Alayia grabbed her bag. Tossing all her items back into it she prayed one day she'd be able to find a place to stay for good. One last glance about the room to make sure she'd not forgotten anything she reached out to the door knob a sense of calmness crossing her soul. As the door opened she found herself face to face with someone she'd not expected to see.
"Well if it isn't the little girl who likes to play games.” Bile rose in the back of Alayia's throat as Elroy's hand reached out to her. “I knew you wouldn't have gone far. I love it when I'm right.” His voice oozed across her sending her stomach into convulsions.
"I don't know who you are but you've got the wrong person.” She needed to do something and fast. Her eyes darted around the room but her parents were no where to be found. Good, she could continue the facade. “You must have me mistaken for someone else.” Alayia's stomach recoiled at the close proximity of such evil.
"You can try and lie to those around here but we both know better.” His hand reached out and wrapped around her wrist. The second his hand touched her skin visions unlike anything she'd seen before raged through Alayia's mind, knocking her to the ground.
"Let go of me.” Emotions so raw, hatred and evil stronger than anything she'd ever sensed before poured out from Elroy and into her mind. She needed to get him to let go soon or else her head would explode. There was something off with him, but she couldn't figure out what it was and didn't want to.
"I think not. You got away once; you're not going to get away again.” He was serious about it this time. Alayia watched as two men with swords moved to each side of her taking her arms and leading her outside. The moment she exited the building, the sunlight nearly knocked the breath from her body, piercing through her skull and into her brain. Her mind searched out a way to make good her escape, but how? They were stronger than she was.
"You're hurting me. Let go.” Alayia prayed the men held some compassion still in their hearts, unfortunately by the sound of their laughter it wasn't going to happen. At this rate she would never be able to find the dragon.
"You shouldn't have run, though if you would like to run again, we will enjoy catching you and making you pay. I do so love playing that game, the rewards are enjoyable.” The threatening undertones of their words didn't get missed. Fear made its way back into her body. She had to find a way out or she would be lost for all time.
"I'm telling you I'm not the person you are looking for. He has me mistaken for someone else.” She'd never seen the men before so she prayed they might believe her. By the looks on their faces once more she didn't luck out. “Let me go.” God, she needed to find a way out and fast. Once Elroy joined them outside, she wouldn't have any chance of escaping.
"Good day my fine men, what is the lady fussing so loudly about?” Another man's voice drew her attention. She tilted her head in the direction it had come from, her eyes coming to rest on a tall man. He'd come out of no where, no sound had foretold his approach. He stood near her, his short red hair pulled back and his hands gripped tight to a walking stick. He stood there within easy reach of Elroy's men yet didn't flinch when they moved closer. There was an air of confidence about the stranger.
"Go on your way buddy. She belongs to High Lord Elroy.” The moment their words registered, fury swept through Alayia like a firestorm. Her initial fear forgotten she found she wanted to strangle the soldier for his arrogance.
"Excuse me? I belong to no one.” She didn't care what any of them thought. Never in her life had anyone referred to her as a piece of property and she wasn't about to let it start now. Laughter broke through her thoughts. Her eyes directed straight at the stranger, his smile full of warmth.
"I see. I have to admit I've not heard of one person belonging to another in such a manner. Besides, she sounds very feisty. I'm not sure your lord would want her.” He was testing them. She could sense it in his words. One of the gifts she'd honed over the years and she'd never regretted it once. Now more than ever she was grateful she'd taken the time to listen to the old women who'd taught her to listen. This man continued to talk; his words ebbed with subtle pushes at the men who held her at bay.
"Well she does, now get on your way before we have to hurt you.” A threat imparted. A ripple of the man's muscle caught her attention, something so subtle that Elroy's arrogant men hadn't noticed. He was sizing them up. There was more to this man than she'd first given him credit for. His blatant disregard for the corrupt men drew her respect. If they lived she decided finding out more about this stranger was worth her time. Beyond that she wanted to know what he was up to. His calm and quiet demeanor was more than just indifference. The man was planning something.
"She must be of great beauty to dull out her temper with your lord."
"Of course she's beautiful, what are you blind?” The moment the man's words left his lips realization dawned on Alayia. The younger man had been dead on. Not once did he flinch, his eyes continued to stare the men down, never once blinking in the brightness of the daylight. He was blind. No wonder he carried the cane. Alayia's heart suddenly sank and with it her chances of escape.
"You're powers of perception are amazing. You must do your lord proud. Now, do you mind if I have a conversation with the lady?"
"Leave now cripple before we give you another reason to use that cane of yours.” Alayia wanted to hit the man next to her for issuing the threat. Still the man stood his ground and refused to leave the side of the cart.
"I see, well I hate to be such a nuisance to you gentlemen, but I fear I have a soft spot for ladies who prefer to leave such poor company.” Seconds after his words were said the man's hand moved with deadly precision. Alayia watched in amazement as his cane swiped up and into the air, knocking both men from their feet and to the ground. He moved back from the cart, his head still facing toward the men, his eyes never blinking.
"You will pay for that.” Each of Lord Elroy's men moved to opposite sides of the stranger their swords drawn ready to attack. Bile rose in Alayia's throat. She wanted to help him but could tell he wanted her to stay put. “Are you ready to die?"
"Such a curious question isn't it? Is one ever really ready to die? And what happens when one person dies? Do they just end or do they go on to somewhere else?” He was distracting them and doing one hell of a good job of it in her mind. Both of the men looked confused as their shoulders shrugged for a second. In that one precise moment, the man took the silence and attacked, his cane knocking the first sword from the man's grip a howl echoing through the streets. As the man fell to the ground, another swing came down across the man's skull rendering him unconscious.
"Why you piece of...” The other man charged after the stranger, his sword drawn, swinging in the air. Alayia watched in amazement as the man stood his ground as if the thug coming at him was of no consequence. Alayia's mouth gaped when the man was not but a few feet within striking distance the stranger arched back allowing the blade to slice the air above him. In that one movement, his cane flowed from below him to connect with the man's legs, cracking the bone as it connected. The pain
that flooded the man's face was apparent; the bone in his leg had been broken. Cries of anguish burst from the man's lips as his hands grabbed his leg to look at the damage. “You broke my leg!"
"And still you continue to state the obvious.” With another quick swoop the cane connected with the man's head knocking him out as well. “My goodness they are a loud bunch."
Alayia wasn't sure if she should laugh, cry or scream. The words left her mouth before she could stop them. “Who are you?” His smile eased the tension she'd felt initially.
"Ah, I guess introductions are in order.” His hand grasped onto hers, lifting it to his lips in a soft kiss. “My name is Talon Escaba. My friends call me Talon; my enemies don't have time to say much. I'm sorry if I misread that you wanted to leave these scoundrels.” Alayia didn't know whether to thank him or run. A crash from inside the Inn brought her back to the present and how close Elroy was.
"Talon... nice to meet you. I need to get out of here now.” Formalities aside, they needed to go and fast. Her hands rubbed the side of her dress as she vaulted to the ground and out of the cart. Adrenaline pumped through her veins as the sounds grew closer. “My name is Alayia and if we make it out of here we can talk about anything you like."
"Understood milady. These ruffians won't be moving anytime soon and I would rather not deal with their master. Follow me. We can lose them in the forest.” Forest during the daytime brought her to a sudden stop.
"No. We can't. There's danger in there during the day.” His hand held tight to hers, pulling her with him. The man had such strength. She'd never guessed by just looking at him. “Talon I'm serious."
"As am I. Trust me. I know all the ins and outs of the forest. We will be fine.” His tone was even and his pace sure. Alayia hesitated; fear a real beast that roared inside her head. “You must choose now. Stay here and deal with your friend inside, or listen to me and we will escape. I promise I will not fail you.” His smile warmed the terror that threatened to choke the air from her lungs.
