Stepping back from him, she finally opened her eyes to where they were. Looking away from the bare chest in front of her, she began to take in their location, even as her whole body rocked with his constant friction on her arms. Slowly her teeth stopped chattering.
“I’m fine now,” she said.
He stopped immediately. She could sense Elex regarding her, but she refused to look back at him. Instead she focused on the dense forest they stood in. Maybe they were still in the north, she thought. The sun added enough light that it was easy for her to see through the trunks around her. “I thought we were going to a village?” she asked.
“I cannot land in the village. It would only scare them,” he answered calmly, as if it didn’t bother him at all to be frightening to others. “You only need to walk another five minutes east through the trees, and you will see the village at the bottom of the hill.”
Finally she looked back at him, his face still as unreadable as before. “Where are we?” she asked.
“Just at the border between my father’s land and the north. The village below is, or was, under Brutus’s rule, so you shouldn’t have any problems there. Meet me back here when you’re done,” he said, apparently readying himself to take off again.
“Wait,” she said quickly, shooting out a hand to grasp his arm. Her hand looked like a child’s compared to the size of him. It dawned on her that this man could probably easily crush her with nothing but those arms. She removed her hand, looking back up wearily at the creature in front of her. For that was what he was – a creature, just like the other ones. Even though he looked and sounded human, Rain knew he wasn’t. He was just another creation of Aziz’s. “H-how will you know when I’m here?” she stuttered. Now she actually saw him roll his eyes, which, she admitted, was a very human reaction. He’s not human, her inner voice reminded.
“How many times must I tell you I won’t hurt you?” he said in an exasperated voice. He didn’t wait for an answer. “I will be in the sky watching you. When you come here I will be waiting.” She only had time to give a slight nod before he took off again. She watched him soar into the sky, admiring the beauty of his magnificent wings. Despite how much he irritated her, she had to admit that he was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. A low chuckle filled her head.
“Damn it,” she said out loud. “Stay out of my head!” she yelled at the retreating figure. She blew out a frustrated breath.
CHAPTER TEN
The town sat on the floor of a small valley. The forest surrounded the north-west side, while mountains sat on all other sides. It was a hidden gem. One that Rain doubted many knew about. The war certainly wouldn’t reach the inhabitants of this town. When she finally reached the end of the forest, and looked behind her, she could see another mountain not too far off in the distance. It was the exact direction they had flown from. Was that Aziz’s fortress? She studied the high peaks, and wondered if it was really possible. Could Aziz have built a fortress inside a mountain? It would certainly hide him from his adversaries. Nothing about it looked any different than the others in view. But she had a strong feeling that it was not what it appeared to be. If anyone could build a fortress inside a mountain, and create passages and rooms within the rocky confines, it would be Aziz. Did the people of the village below know what lay beneath those rocks?
Turning away, she stood at the top a hill for a while, simply embracing the rays of sunshine that hit her skin. She could barely remember the last time she had been outside, and tried to drink it in as much as she could, considering she had no idea when the next time would be.
Walking down the hill, she breathed in the crisp air, and enjoyed just being alone. She felt – normal. It was a weird feeling to have, since being with Aziz was exactly what she wanted, and yet part of her missed her old life. Emotion filled her has her thoughts instantly went to her parents. There was no denying she missed them, and yet she had done what she needed to do to make a life for herself. They had probably disowned her anyway, she thought sadly. Which is fine, she told herself, standing up straighter. It doesn’t matter what they think of me. Rain was officially her own person, and she wasn’t going to let the close-minded nature of the Riders affect that.
The village itself was similar to Avalon, in the sense that its borders were open to the nature around it. They did not have walls, or guards posted, for they probably didn’t need them. No, instead they had massive mountains and forests protecting them from any outsiders. She would be a new person, and surely attract attention, but that didn’t bother her. She smoothed out her skirts and held her head high. Let them look at her and wonder where she came from. Perhaps they would fear her, or think her a witch. The thought didn’t perturb her. It was time that people started to look twice at Rain, the future Queen of Eden.
The second her foot stepped onto the well-worn cobblestone street of the small village, she could feel heads turn in her direction. Oh yes, she would be noticed. Staying calm, she walked towards the middle of the village where she saw a small market. Unlike Avalon, the village had tall buildings that sat close together, and a large main square. Avalon was filled with the small huts that everyone occupied, surrounded by personal gardens. It was a slow, peaceful place. This village was busy and lacked decoration. The houses sat closer to the outside, while business occupied the main area of the village. It resembled more of a city, just smaller in size. Animals were everywhere, and large wagons filled with supplies. She assumed many traders came to the village, as their isolation would make it difficult for them to obtain anything they couldn’t grow in the valley itself. It was quite the busy little place, and since everyone seemed to be occupied with their daily activities, she didn’t feel like she stood out as much as she thought she would the closer she grew to the main market. Now that she thought about it, strangers probably weren’t as uncommon as her initial assumption. Perhaps they would just assume she was a merchant’s wife, here with him on a trade.
The small market was brimming with people. Stalls were set-up around the outside perimeter, their patrons yelling out whatever deals they were promoting that day. Numerous men tried to convince her to buy jewellery and perfumes, but Rain politely shook her head. She just wanted her salts and a dagger. Walking through the crowds, she admired the way the people of the village had achieved a rather thriving little city. Despite their isolation and distance, they seemed to be doing very well for themselves.
A small booth caught her eye, numerous weapons hanging from the make-shift roof. Weapons! She thought gleefully. The man who stood there was a large man, with a brown leather vest covering his chest, leaving his wide arms bare. One eye was hidden behind a dingy looking eye patch, and greasy black hair hung down just below his ears. The visible eye was a deep brown, and regarded her favourably when she approached.
“Good day t’ya miss,” he said, spitting on the floor beside him before turning to smile at her with yellow teeth. “Welcome t’Frost Point! What would a wee flower like yerself want with any of what I be sellin’?”
She smiled back at him, the action strained somewhat because of the flower comment. Why did everyone disregard her just because she was small and female? It was infuriating. “I’m looking for a dagger,” she replied, ignoring his question. Aziz had slipped quite a lot of money into a pocket in the dress, which Rain hadn’t found until halfway down the hill. “Something perhaps with a jewelled handle?”
The man raised his bushy eyebrows, his one eye regarding her slowly. “A dagger’s fer killin’ people, pigeon. Surely yer not the type t’be doin’ such things.”
Her teeth clenched, but she did her best to remain calm. “You never know who might need killing these days,” she replied, keeping her voice playful. “It would make me feel safer, and my husband has agreed to let me purchase one. He’s often obliging to my silly notions.” She almost gagged, but kept up the charade. Sometimes it was best just to let people think they’ve figured you out correctly. False assumptions always came back to bit
e. She had no doubt it would with this man too.
“Ah, well yer husband must be a good man then. Nothin’ like keeping a wife pleased,” he chuckled. Reaching down beneath the counter, he pulled out a small black box with a gold lock. Flipping a tiny switch, the latch opened. He pushed the lid up and turned it around for her to see. “Surely this would please ye.” Inside lay a small dagger, a little bigger than the length of her hand. The handle was decorated with stunning rubies and emeralds in intricate swirling designs. It almost reminded her of Elex’s tattoos. The silver was polished to a shine, and the whole thing glittered in the morning sun.
“It’s beautiful,” she said admiringly. “I’ll take it.”
“Don’t ye be cuttin’ yerself on it now, pigeon. I’d hate t’see ye ruin that pretty porcelain skin of yers.” He placed it back in the box and they exchanged payment. Thankfully it didn’t cost more than what she had, and she still had enough to buy her salts, and possibly a cloak for the ‘ride’ back. It occurred to her that Aziz had said he’d meet her there. She looked around to see if she could spot him. There was no way he could blend in. He was taller than most people here, and dressed in finer clothes than these people had probably ever seen in their lives. His bronze skin and golden eyes were too unique to go unnoticed. No, he wasn’t there yet.
Thanking the man again, she left and walked leisurely through the market, browsing through the interesting knickknacks for sale. None of the venders seemed to notice that she was new, and treated her with open kindness. Soon she was convinced to buy three candles that smelled of vanilla, and a bracelet meant to ward off evil thoughts from others, as well as her salts. The lady that had sold her the bracelet was rather odd, and had looked around nervously then pointedly at Rain numerous times. Thinking it was simply normal behaviour, she had ignored it. Now, as she walked past more booths, she got the distinct feeling she was being followed. The hairs on the back of her neck rose, and she could feel someone watching her. Had the old lady been trying to warn her? She looked down at the silver bracelet with a new understanding. Evil thoughts, she had said. Yes, she must have been warning Rain about something she noticed before Rain did.
Go back to the forest, I will watch to make sure you’re safe, Elex’s voice echoed in her head. Her eyes immediately looked up to the sky searchingly, but she couldn’t see him anywhere. Focusing on not betraying herself, she picked up speed and headed towards the outskirts of the village. The feeling never left, and she knew for certain someone was following her. As she reached the bottom of the hill, she began to climb with more speed. Now that she was out of the populated area, she could hear the distinct sounds of footsteps behind her, despite being muffled by the grass. Looking over her shoulder, she saw not one person following her, but four very large men. They made no effort to hide themselves as they picked up speed as well, shortening the distance between them and her.
Reaching into the box, she tossed it aside and held on to her new weapon, all the while focusing on reaching the forest before the men reached her. She didn’t make it. A hand grabbed the back of her skirts, pulling her backward onto hard ground. The bag she held with her purchases flew out of her hand and she rolled down the hill a few feet before coming to a stop. When she pushed herself off the ground, she was surrounded by the men. She held onto her dagger, readying herself to use it.
“What do you want?” she asked, keeping her voice as strong as possible. Her heart was racing and a cold sweat formed at the base of her neck. Elex? She sent out mentally. Nothing. Figures the one time she’d actually want him around he’d be absent.
“What do we want?” one repeated with a sneer. The rest all smiled at whatever wasn’t being said. Rain waited, praying they wouldn’t see her knees shaking beneath her gown. She noticed that one of the men was the man who had sold her the dagger. She looked at him through narrowed eyes, but he just smiled in return. “We want what’s ours,” the same man said. She looked back at him in confusion.
“Since we can’t get that,” said another, “we’ll settle for you.” She went to say something, but the speaker held up a hand to silence her. “We don’t want to hear what you have to say, little girl. Did you think you’d come into our town and we wouldn’t know what you were? You think we villagers don’t know that the sorcerer brought a whore into his home?” She could feel her cheeks redden.
“I’m not a whore,” she said calmly, feeling the usual rush of anger that accompanied being insulted.
“Sure ye are,” said the vendor.
She looked over at him evenly, taking her time to observe him from top to bottom. “No, if I were a whore I’d sleep with any of you, since whores don’t discriminate against flea ridden, town drunks. I, on the other hand, wouldn’t touch you if my life depended on it.”
The vendor smiled, showing his stained teeth. “Ye might be regrettin’ ye said that, pigeon, when we’re done with ye.”
Suddenly a knife was pressed to her neck, the man behind her pinning her arms to her side. He buried his face in her hair, breathing in her scent. “Oh yes, you will definitely do as we say if your life depends on it, which, pigeon, it most certainly does,” he said, his voice hoarse. “Did you think he could just take our men and women and we wouldn’t retaliate? Did he think we wouldn’t know where they went?” The knife pressed closer, and she felt warm liquid trickle down her throat. “Christian’s son just disappeared today, shortly after you arrived. Did he send you as a distraction?” He pushed her away suddenly, spinning her around to face him, the tip of the knife now pressed against her breast bone. “A mighty fine distraction you are, ain’t she boys?”
“Oh pigeon here is t’finest, I’d say,” the vendor said happily.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I suggest you let me go,” Rain said through clenched teeth. On the contrary, she could guess exactly what they were talking about. She had seen Aziz’s hands this morning, and already concluded he’d have to regain some strength soon. Elex’s mission in town this morning was suddenly very clear to her. There was a sick feeling in her stomach, but this was not the time for her to lose composure. Four men were looking at her like she was fresh meat, and she needed to find a way out. Quickly. Elex, she tried again, waiting to hear anything back. Her voice pleaded inside her head, but she still heard nothing in reply, nor saw any sign of his white and blue wings.
“I think you know exactly what we’re talking about,” the one in front of her said.
“Ain’t no wee dagger gonna save ye now, pigeon,” the vendor said, his eyes fixed on the weapon still clenched in her hand. They all laughed, fuelling the already burning fire inside her.
“It might not save me,” she replied, with a cold smile. “But it can certainly even out the odds a bit.” Without hesitation, she whipped the dagger through the air, landing blade first in one of the men’s chests, the blade embedded up to the hilt. None of the others had expected this, and she used that to her advantage. Spinning quickly on her feet, as their shocked faces looked at their now injured friend, Rain began running full tilt up the hill. She didn’t get far before someone grabbed her ankle, causing her to fall face first onto the dirt. Spitting out a mouthful of earth and grass, she struggled to get free, but her assailant covered her body with his, effectively crushing her into the ground. He turned her around, pinning her arms above her head, and placing his legs on top of hers.
“If my friend dies, whore,” he sneered, anger rolling off of him. “I will make sure your death is as painful and long as possible.” Without thinking, Rain looked at him and spat, hitting him right in the eye.
“I hope he dies,” she said back. He wiped at his face, looking at her with disgust and hate. Then, with that same hand, he brought it down hard across her face. Her head whipped to the side, her ear ringing from the impact. Stars danced before her eyes and she could taste blood in her mouth. Blinking twice, she moved her head back to look at him. He stared at her smugly.
“Anything else you’d like to say,
whore?”
“Yeah,” she said, swallowing a mouthful of blood. “I hope you rot alongside him.” Then she spat at him again, her saliva now coloured red. Another hard blow connected with her face. More stars, with a darkness hovering at the edges. Rain guessed that if he were to hit once more with that amount of strength, she’d fall unconscious.
“Anything else?” Just as she was about to reply with some other smart comment, which would have surely gotten her in even more trouble, the weight of his body on hers was lifted, and she saw him fly backwards through the air. She breathed deeply now that she was able to. The whole left side of her face ached, and she was pretty sure her lip was bleeding as well as the inside of her mouth. She blinked back the stars as best she could and gingerly sat up. Elex stood a few feet in front of her, like a solid wall separating her from the men. The man who hit her lay motionless on the ground, too far for her to tell if he was still breathing. The one with her dagger in his chest sat on the ground as well, his face pale and sweaty. The vendor and the last man stood in fear, their mouths hanging open as they looked at the large, winged man.
“You touch her,” Elex said in his cold voice. She watched the men shiver when they heard it. Fortunately she was used to his emotionless tone. “You die,” he finished.
“W-we d-didn’t t-touch her,” one of them said. Elex cocked his head to the side like Rain had seen him do before, in a very inhuman way.
“He did,” Elex replied, pointing to the main attacker. “If you are here with him, then that makes you just as guilty.” Without hesitation, he moved forward, his wings lifting him slightly off the ground, making it seem as if he floated over to them. Taking their throats in each of his hands, he lifted them effortlessly off the ground, and bashed their heads together. Rain could have sworn she heard a crack, even from where she sat. Then he flung them, just like he had the first, as if they were nothing but trash. Turning to the already injured man, he cocked his head again. “You will be dead in a few hours, I will leave you.” Clearly dismissing him, he turned and walked back up to where Rain sat.
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