by Jen Wylie
He did not look pleased at all and she fidgeted in her chair.
"Have you been ignoring me, then?"
"I…what? No?" Shaking her head, she frowned, not understanding what he was talking about. "I never heard you."
He stared at her with cold eyes and a set mouth.
Gritting her teeth, she lifted her chin and gave him a defiant look in return. "I didn't," she finally insisted. Her own anger faded slightly as the reason occurred to her. "If you tried when I'd just woken up, it doesn't work then."
His dark brows drew together. "How do you mean?"
"The drug leaves me…foggy. It takes a while before I can talk to anyone." She paused a moment. "I imagine with that strong dose, it took even longer."
And do you hear me now?
She grimaced at the irritation quite evident in his mind voice and snapped her response. Yes.
"You have quite the temper, Arowyn. Was this always so, or is it due to your exposure to Fey fury?"
His question took her by surprise. "I always have," she answered stiffly. Though this was the truth, she refused to admit the anger had grown stronger and more frequent in the last year.
A slight frown crossed his lips, but he didn't press the matter. "Continue."
So she told him of the Elves and her abduction, though didn't get far before the boy came with lunch, followed by a stream of men while they ate and for some time after.
Once again she watched Roan's interactions with others. The stern and cold demeanor he shared with her didn't change with his men, though she wasn't sure if she should find that surprising or not. Sitting in his chair, he still ruled over the men standing before his desk. Every word or action remained controlled, thought out, and precise.
The more she watched him, the more he reminded her of her father among his men. Yet Commander Mason had been different at home. Though still stern, he had his gentle and caring side as well.
Did Roan possess such emotions? Did he keep his feelings hidden or not have them at all? So far she hadn't seen a cruel and ruthless side to him. Unyielding, commanding, stern, yes. He was a natural leader who expected immediate obedience and respect, and he received it.
Perhaps she irritated him so much because she didn't give in to him. She couldn't. She still didn't trust him.
Which was why she continued to leave certain things out of her story, like Prince giving Garen a glamor rune.
When he finally finished with his work, he paused by the shelf of liquor bottles. "Will you be needing something?"
How sweet he cared. Likely he wanted to loosen her tongue. She shook her head, and once he sat, she immediately jumped back into the story, wanting to get it over with.
When she finished, he sat for a long time, staring off over her shoulder while she calmed the anger within her.
"Where is Kei now?"
The sudden question startled her. "I…I don't know." Mostly truth. "Damon flew north. He's far enough I can't speak with him."
Roan frowned but nodded. "Have you heard from Damon since? Do you know when he'll return the Fey?"
Another question she couldn't really answer. Had the dream of him been real? She honestly didn't know. "No," she answered. "And by spring at the latest."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because despite all the trouble he's been, he does want me to heal the Fey. Spring is when we were to set out to do that."
"What of the Were king?"
Of course he had to bring that up. "I haven't figured that out yet," she admitted grudgingly. At least she still had a few months to come up with a plan.
"And Garen, where is he?"
She'd noticed the pirate's interest in the Were while she talked, so was prepared for the question. "I don't know."
"Is Garen his real name?"
Her eyebrows rose in surprise. "As far as I know."
Roan frowned his displeasure at her response and rose. "Very well. We are done with this, then."
A slow sigh of relief left her. All his questions had set her on edge, leaving her stiff and tired. Talking of those she knew to be dead left her unsettled. She just wanted to sleep…and forget.
"I do feel," he continued, "it would be unkind of me not to share some information of my own."
She straightened, eyes locking on his. "Oh?"
"The Elves lied. Your house still stands. Your…brother, Bo, continues to search for you."
She blinked and her mouth opened, but no words would come out.
"I had wondered why you consented to our agreement so quickly, and this of course, certainly explains that."
"He's alive," she whispered, tearing her gaze away as tears flooded her eyes. She raised the back of her hand to her mouth, trying to regain her composure.
She'd tried to reach him…and just as she'd explained to Roan, the drugs had prevented it. Not being able to contact him hadn't meant they'd killed him!
Bo! Bo, are you there?
Aro, pup, wither me, his mind voice choked. Where are you? Are you safe?
Springing to her feet, elation filled her. "I have to go!"
I am. I am. I'm so sorry. They told me you were dead.
Roan grasped her shoulders. "No. That wasn't our deal."
"He's alive! I have to see him!"
I'm here, as is Garen. We haven't stopped looking for you. And Hale, too. Where are you?
Glaring up at Roan, she tried to pull his hands away. "He's my family! Can't you understand that?"
I…I'm not sure. Someone took me in. It's complicated.
Bo sighed. What–
Give me a moment.
Roan's grip tightened and he gave her a little shake. "You need to understand it's not safe for you," he said angrily. "I do intend on keeping you safe."
Pressing her lips tightly together she shook her head, trying to calm the emotions flying wildly within her. "Please," she finally said. "I need to see him."
Staring up into his icy eyes, she put all the feeling she could into hers, begging him to understand.
"Please," she said quietly.
Dropping his hands, he stepped back and ran a hand through his hair. "Very well. For a short time," he added quickly as she bounced on her toes. His expression darkened. "I cannot accompany you. There is a meeting I cannot miss. However, I'll send some of my men. Understood?"
"Yes," she agreed quickly, turning for the door.
"Clothes," Roan said wearily. "Go get dressed."
"Oh, yes."
"Plan to meet him somewhere. Near the west end of the market would be best. If I need to get you back here quickly I don't want you all the way across the city."
She paused at the bathroom door, but nodded. So he did know where she lived, and apparently she was now somewhere near the sea, as she'd thought. Struggling into the dress, she waited a moment to see if Aya would come, and when she didn't, returned to the room. Finding Roan absent, she got her boots and sat on the bed to put them on while she waited.
Having made plans with Bo while she dressed, and evaded his questions as best she could for now, a giddy feeling filled her. The Elves had lied. They lived.
Roan returned and she stood as he approached. He tossed a cloak on the bed as she turned around for him to do up her lacings.
"I want you to keep that on and the hood up. Vesrin certainly has people watching for you."
"I will."
"If you see or sense anything amiss, tell my men."
"I will." Finished, he stepped back and she gathered up the cloak and put it on. "Stop worrying."
"This isn't a good idea."
"I need to see him," she said softly.
He let out an irritated huff. "Yes, I understand that. Do not take long. Explain the situation. Tell him about the riath."
She grimaced at that, but nodded.
His finger set under her chin, lifting it so she looked up at him. "I am serious. You are due for another withdrawal soon. Make your reunion quick."
Brushing his hand away, she
straightened her shoulders. "I know and I will. Can I go now?"
He led her out of the room and down the long hall. Being the first time she'd left the room, she kept herself alert, studying everything around her. The hall opened into a large room filled with chairs, tables, and men.
Pausing at the entrance to the room, she came up beside him, taking in the rowdy looking men now all staring at her. Not all men, she did see Aya, who flashed her an amused grin.
One of the men seated closest to them made a lewd gesture at her. "Brought the little whore out to play, did ya, Captain?"
Roan stepped forward, but Aro sailed by him. The man began to stand as she approached, but she kicked a foot out from under him and roughly pushed him back into his chair.
He settled with a thump, clearly startled as she grabbed the front of his shirt and leaned over him, putting her face close to his. His breath stank, and her lip curled in disgust before she spoke, her words clipped yet calm. "I'm no whore, and even if I was, you'd do best to show some respect."
He looked over her shoulder at Roan and then laughed nervously. "The kitten has some teeth."
Someone snorted. Aro glanced over to see Aya reclining leisurely in her chair, a wicked grin on her face.
"Dres, darling. You seem to forget this is the 'kitten' who killed an Elf and gutted another. While in chains. On her own."
Dres raised his hands in mock surrender. "I was just teasing, lass. No need to get so riled up. Pretty little thing like you should–"
"Mind your tongue," Roan interrupted.
"Yes, Captain."
Aro let go of his shirt and stepped back, wondering if she should have punched him in the face so he'd take her seriously. The thought gave her a start. When had she gotten so violent?
Roan stepped to her side. "No fighting with my men," he said quietly.
"I blame you, making me wear this rotting dress."
His eyes flicked over to her. "You look nice."
"Go rot," she muttered.
Surprisingly, he chuckled and beckoned two men she'd barely noticed from a dark corner.
Not human, was her first thought. They stood out from the other men, at least to her. Too clean, too graceful. She couldn't decide if they were young Were or Elves.
"Silas and Raythe," Roan introduced them.
She nodded and waited while he gave them swift instructions. When he finished, she headed for the only door to the right of her.
"Hood up," Roan reminded her.
Flipping it up, she didn't look back.
∞ ∞ ∞
Whatever she expected to see when she stepped out the door, the inside of large warehouse wasn't it. She stopped, taking in the wide-open space around her. Elf lights hovered in the rafters above, lighting the long building.
The two-story house had been built into the corner. A landing ran along the front and around the next side. Wide, crude wooden stairs led down to a dirt packed area before two huge doors, currently double barred. Against the wall to her right she saw stacked crates and barrels. To the left of the house more inventory spread out before her, everything from lumber to hay to more crates and barrels.
She noted the bows and quivers of arrows set along the house walls as two men on the landing greeted her escorts. They directed her down the stairs and toward a regular door set off to the right. Another man startled her, rising from his seat by the pile of crates.
She glanced over at Silas. "Are all the guards necessary?"
"Sometimes," was his vague reply.
Before she could ask something else, Raythe put his arm around her shoulder. "Please stay close. Keep your head down and hood up."
Shifting to pull away, his grip tightened. When she looked over at him, he grinned and winked.
"We'll walk like so for a time. Lord Vesrin is certainly watching."
"Roan–"
"His idea, miss. Not mine."
Silas opened the door and she and Raythe squeezed out. She was not impressed. The glare of sun on snow made her wince. Trying to glance up through her hood, she cursed under her breath. She could barely see a thing.
"Where are we headed?"
She named the tavern she and Bo had chosen near the west end of the market. Doing her best to discover where Roan lived only made her frustrated. The young men took her up and down various streets and alleys until she lost count of the number of rights and lefts. Every time she tried to raise her head one of them would push it down again or snap a quiet warning.
Grinding her teeth angrily, she couldn't believe they'd go through such trouble to keep the location of the warehouse a secret. Then she wanted to smack herself on the forehead. Of course the more likely reason would be they were trying to lose anyone trying to follow them. However, knowing Roan, keeping her in the dark would just be an added benefit to their wild meanderings.
The guards, her escorts, and everything else began to cause a gnawing worry in her stomach. Was she truly in such danger? Would Vesrin once again attempt to abduct, or even kill her, in the streets? Her mind played out possible scenarios as they walked. At least she had her boot knives, but the rotting dress and heavy cloak would drastically impede her movement.
Caught up in her thoughts, the sudden recognition of familiar market sounds took her by surprise.
Raythe squeezed her shoulder. "Here we are."
Her head snapped up, and this time neither tried to stop her. Across the street stood the Drowned Fish and waiting in front of it…
Bo!
Springing forward, she dashed across the street, sidestepping those in her way and flinging herself into Bo's waiting arms.
Heart hammering in her chest, the relief at seeing him truly alive and well left her struggling to breathe.
His thick arms wrapped around her, squeezing her so tightly pain shot through her almost healed ribs.
She didn't care and just held him back as tightly as she could. "You're alive, you're alive." A sob choked her words, but she shook away the urge to cry. She'd done that already. Now was a happy time.
"Ah, pup. You've worried–" His voice cracked. "Worried us way too much these past weeks."
Pulling back, she looked up to see tears streaking down his rough face. Her poor heart broke for him, for all of them. Her lips trembled and she swallowed back tears again. "I'm sorry."
Ruffling her hair, he put an arm around her and walked into the tavern. "No worries, not now."
She did note Silas had taken up a position outside the tavern, but didn't see Raythe until they went inside. As her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she found him quickly enough seated in a dark corner with view of the entire tavern and the door.
At least Roan picked some decent men to watch over her.
Bo led her to a seat on the opposite side of the room. She dropped down to wrap her arms around Garen's neck as he sprung out from under the table.
Burying her face in his soft fur, she fought the urge to cry again. I missed you so much!
As did I. Welcome back.
His words sent her happiness fleeing. She had a lot of explaining to do, and the boys were not going to be happy.
∞ ∞ ∞
Luckily the tavern was fairly quiet, being only midafternoon. After a few more quiet welcomes, the boys quickly prodded her for what had happened. For the second time that day she told of the events of her abduction.
Garen growled quietly under the table, the vibration shooting down her legs since his head rested on her knee. Bo cursed, loudly, and ordered more ale.
Reaching out, he took her chin and turned her face back and forth, grimacing at the faded bruises. "Rotting bastards."
You did well with your escape, Garen commented once Bo stopped cursing.
"Not well enough," she muttered, and then told them what had happened since. She almost slipped, telling the boys he was an Elf. If the need came she would, but didn't think it important enough to cause the pirate's anger.
Bo leaned forward, head in his hands and mutterin
g under his breath.
"I thought you were dead," she said quietly.
"I understand that," he snapped. "Rotting Elves." Shaking his head, he leaned back. "How bad is it?"
Shifting uncomfortably, she looked away and saw Raythe covertly watching them. "Bad enough."
So what is the plan?
She glanced down at Garen. That's what we need to discuss. She filled the boys in on her thoughts about Roan, and why he'd agreed to help her, keeping their conversation to mind speech.
It is safe to assume he has everything well thought out. I think it will not be easy to get you free of him, Garen finally said.
I agree. Bo took another swig of ale. If what he says is true about the Elves still wanting you, that's another issue. How well guarded are you?
She told them about the house within the warehouse and all the guards and weapons she'd seen. I'm quite certain my escorts today aren't human either, she added. Were, I'm thinking.
Correct, Garen confirmed.
I never told them about you, she said suddenly. As far as they all know, you've returned to the forest.
Let's hope the glamor continues to hide my scent as well then. It would be safe to assume he has others also in his employ. In our search for you, I was surprised at the number of Elves and Were in the city.
Grimacing, Bo drummed his fingers on the table. I hate to admit it, but right now you're safest with him.
Anger spiked within her, flushing her cheeks. "You're my family," she said harshly. Bo grinned. Gritting her teeth, she shook her head. "I want to come home," she said more quietly. "So…can we make home safer?"
Garen's ears perked up. What did you have in mind?
We've decent walls; make them better. Fortify the place. Replace that rotting gate. Do something with the house windows. We've water, so stockpile some other food and supplies. More weapons. She looked to Bo. "What do you think? Hale might be able to help."
