by Jen Wylie
"What is that?"
"Rune magic."
Of course it was. She looked wide-eyed at the Elf, and he gave her a boyish grin.
"So you'll be fighting with runes?"
He shrugged a shoulder. "We shall see. Such magic was not given to us to fight each other, yet we still manage somewhat. Collateral damage so to speak." He glanced over at her and winked. "Humans have no such protection. I suggest you keep out of the way."
She recalled quite easily the last time she'd gotten hit with a rune and gave him a sharp nod of agreement.
Something banged against the door and they both turned quickly to face it.
"Come now, girl. Open the door!"
She glanced at Baelan. "Who is that?"
"Not Vesrin," he answered with a frown.
"Time for us to go, little one."
She shook her head. "Are they not here to kill me?"
"Apparently not. Which isn't a good thing."
"I know." She scowled.
Something crashed into the door again.
"Well, we can't have that," Baelan muttered. He pointed to the bathroom door and then raised a finger to his lips for her to be quiet. She shook her head. He glared, pointing more forcefully. "Go," he whispered.
Grinding her teeth, she did as he asked. Fighting Elves with magic wasn't exactly something she could do anyway. Slipping into the room, she closed the door most of the way and waited close by. She didn't want to risk losing her escape if the Elf outside decided to try the bathroom door to the hallway.
Peeking through the small crack she'd left, she jerked back when the bedroom door suddenly exploded into the room. Baelan attacked at once, and it didn't take her long to decide she didn't want any part of that battle, or to be anywhere near it. If Baelan fell, she had no chance.
Moving as quietly as possible, she backed away from the door and moved to the other. Unlatching it carefully, she crouched to the side and pulled it open a crack. Finding the hallway deserted, she opened it farther and moved into the hall, keeping low and quiet.
Peeking into the bedroom, she winced at the destruction. Roan wouldn't be pleased, at all. Baelan appeared to be holding his own, fighting the other Elf, both with his sword and tossing runes. The other Elf had his back to her. She frowned; he didn't look to be the one she'd gutted.
Taking a deep breath, she leaped passed the door and continued in a quick jog down the hall.
Where are you going?
She grinned at Baelan's irritated voice. Away from fighting Elves.
Roan is going to kill me. After a brief pause he continued, I suggest you not go far. It is unlikely this one came alone.
"Rot." Nearing the room at the end of the house, she moved into the shadows along the wall. Loud fighting continued, but it still only came from outside.
She heard a crash behind her and dropped into a crouch, turning to the look down the hall. Whatever the Elves were doing, they at least kept it to the bedroom.
Turning again, she surveyed the common room. Furniture was pushed about, and the door hung open, but not a lot of damage had been done. Seeing a body sprawled near the door, she crept over to it and grimaced down at one of the men. Evan? Something like that. Checking him over she found he still lived.
Something moved behind her, and she whirled around, surprised to find the wide-eyed face of the boy crouching by a tipped over table.
"There another way out of here?"
He shook his head wildly and she cursed under her breath. Looking around the room, she saw the back corner would work as a hiding spot. Grabbing the man under the arms, she dragged him over, hiding him behind a jumble of furniture. The boy followed her and moved into hiding as well.
"There any bandages about?" A nod. "Good, if you can get them, wrap his wounds tight. Try to stop the bleeding. Otherwise, just…hide." Another vigorous nod. Sighing, she rubbed her forehead. "Try to stay safe."
She made it back to the door, wincing once at another loud noise from the bedroom.
Something jumped through the door, and she reared back, drawing her daggers.
Raythe crouched across from her, sword drawn. He blinked in surprise when he saw her. "Are you hurt, miss?"
"No," she answered, keeping her voice low. "What's the word?"
"Rotting Elf took out our archers. Right side of the landing is gone. Just humans out there right now. We're holding our own."
"Where's Silas?"
He glanced away, and her heart dropped to her stomach. "He got injured when they rushed us." He ran fingers through his chestnut hair. "I couldn't leave him…"
Reaching out, she grasped his arm. "Hey, you don't leave friends."
He snorted. "He's my brother. Twin."
She blinked at that. The two were so different she'd never have made the connection. "Family's always first," she said finally.
Giving her a weak smile, he shook his head and winced. "Roan's going to kill me." At her confused look he continued, "We're supposed to protect you."
"I'm fine." She winked. "He doesn't need to know."
That got a weak laugh out of him.
"Your brother safe?"
He nodded. "I got him hidden out of the way so he can heal."
"Good." She jerked her head in the direction of the bedroom. "Baelan's dealing with the Elf." Shifting forward, she peeked out the door into the warehouse. The fighting seemed centered near the bottom of the stairs, though a few other groups fought as well. "They could use some help."
He shook his head quickly. "Not a good idea."
Her eyes narrowed. "I'll not have them die for me while I sit up here. Come or not, I don't care."
"You are very frustrating."
"Yes, yes I am," she muttered, looking out again. "Don't suppose you can shift?"
"Roan would certainly kill me then."
Why was everyone suddenly saying Roan would kill them? Had she missed something? "Shame. I imagine they'd clear out pretty quickly if you did." Moving forward, she peered around the door one last time and grinned. The archers may be gone, but she saw a bow and quiver within reach.
"Miss, I really must insist you…"
Swinging around the doorframe, she kept low as she went out onto the landing. Moving quickly, she scrambled across the rough wooden boards and grabbed the bow and quiver before hastily taking cover behind one of the railing posts. They might not have archers, but that didn't mean someone wouldn't throw a knife at her.
As she settled the quiver over her shoulder, she glanced at the door to see an unimpressed Raythe still cursing. Turning her attention to the fighting below, she pulled an arrow and set it to the bow. Leaning around the post, she started firing rapidly, glad she'd decided to get back in practice with the weapon. She aimed for enemy farther out, the fighting down below too close for comfort. She didn't want to hit friend instead of foe. At least she knew Roan's men by sight, if not by name, and quickly picked off targets until, reaching back, she found the quiver empty.
Arowyn, is all well there?
Tossing the quiver down onto the head of a man below, she quickly hid behind the post once more and debated how to answer Roan.
It's loud. Baelan is trying to distract me. I think he's flirting with me, she lied.
He'll flirt with anything with two legs. Don't take him seriously.
She mentally laughed. I'm not. Where are you?
Within the city, but Garsin ambushed us. I'll be there as soon as I can.
It took her a moment to remember Roan had named Garsin as the Elf she'd gutted. Be safe, she thought finally, not sure what else to say.
You as well. Stay in the room!
Rising to her feet, she kept the bow in her hands as she moved to dart down the stairs. She actually bumped into Raythe's back as he appeared in front of her.
"Try not to do anything stupid," he grumbled loudly over the noise.
"Got your back," she replied.
He glanced over his shoulder at her in surprise. Giving him a l
ittle push, she took a settling breath and they both bolted down the now rickety stairs. At least it didn't collapse.
When they reached the bottom, she didn't have time to think any other useless thoughts. Swinging the bow to clear the area around her, she and the Were pressed into the fighting below.
Calm settled over her as she swung and dodged until she used the bow to pull a sword from an enemy's hands. The string broke suddenly. She tossed it to the side to pull both of her daggers. Following Raythe, she danced through the men, spinning, kicking, slashing, and stabbing. The sounds of clanging metal, grunts, and screams faded around her.
Vaguely she heard, "That's her!" Men pushed toward her but none were quick enough to get by her blocks.
Raythe stepped back into her, avoiding a slashing sword, and she shifted to the side. A huge man swung his sword down at her and she blocked, catching the blade on crossed daggers. The strength of the blow jerked her hands back and she took the hilt of one of her blades in the side of the mouth. Pushing back and to the side as she twisted, she disarmed the man. Cursing loudly, she sprung forward, swinging a leg out to catch the man behind the knee, and drove a blade into his chest. It caught in his ribs, and she cursed again, abandoning the weapon.
Twirling around she spit out a mouthful of blood and found another target. Ducking down under another blade, she drew one of her boot knives and fought on.
"Down!"
Bending at the waist, Raythe's sword skewered a man behind her. She spun, took a hit against her arm, ducked and struck. A blade sliced across her thigh, and she turned again, only to find the Were already engaging the opponent. Not feeling the wound at all, she still quickly checked the damage with her mind. Finding no major arteries hit, she ignored it and slashed at a man coming up behind Raythe.
He turned on her, however, his original target spun and sliced through the man's side.
Suddenly, no one stood before them. She blinked and let out a slow breath.
You fight well.
For a girl?
Raythe laughed. If I even thought such a thing my mother would box my ears.
A grin twisted her lips, and she winced. Tongue probing the inside of her split lip, she looked around. Few of the enemy still stood. The fighting had moved her away from the stairs and become more spread out. Bodies littered the ground. How many had they lost?
Sensing someone behind her, she spun, dagger raised.
A hand blocked her strike, strong fingers curling around her wrist.
"What, exactly, do you think you're doing?"
Dropping her arm, she grinned at Baelan. "What does it look like?"
Frowning, he shook his head. It rather disgusted her how beautiful he still looked, even with hair in disarray and blood on his face.
His stormy eyes took in her blood-splattered appearance. "How much of that blood is yours?"
"Not much." Despite a few aches and the wound on her leg, she'd come out of the fight relatively unscathed.
The Elf opened his mouth and then snapped it shut, his eyes darting past her. She turned in time to see the massive bay doors explode open with such force she suddenly found herself on the ground.
Scrambling to her feet, she cursed under her breath. Baelan of course still stood and did not look happy.
The Elf striding through the remnants of the doors set his eyes immediately on her.
Versin.
"I'll take care of him. Go back to the–" Humans suddenly ran through the door, at least another dozen of them. "Or you can deal with that."
With a swift nod, she twirled her blades. "Done."
Raythe stepped up beside her and she took the time to cast him a small grin. Fighting without her family left a strange feeling inside of her, but she wasn't alone in this battle.
The men engaged them. Glancing up, she saw a glowing rune sail by Baelan. It moved so fast, she reacted on instinct alone, raising a blade to block it.
Upon striking the raised metal, the rune split in two and shattered into sparks. She stared in astonishment as one of the runes on the blade glowed briefly before fading. The dagger Prince had given her. Apparently the runes weren't all "simple" spells.
"Wither me," she muttered before diving back into the fray. Luckily more of Roan's men had run forward to meet the new threat, and Raythe had covered her moment of shock.
She did see Baelan rush toward the other Elf, a whirlwind of flying silver hair and slashing sword.
Unfortunately, the humans kept her busy enough she missed seeing the death of the Elf who captured and tortured her.
By the time she once again found no more opponents to fight, she turned around to see Baelan walking casually toward her. Looking beyond him to find Vesrin on the ground and quite obviously dead, a satisfied smile came to her face.
It died quickly as Roan strode through the broken bay doors. More of his men followed, and with a sharp gesture from him, they ran past her.
Pulling herself together, she stood straight and kept her head high as he strode toward her. Her eyes flickered over him, and though she saw a few spatters of blood, relief filled her to see he didn't appear to be hurt.
Stopping before her, cold eyes regarded her angrily. A muscle ticked in his jaw.
Absently sliding her daggers back and forth across the sides of her pants to clean them off, the awkward silence continued until she sheathed them. He didn't take his eyes from hers, and she refused to back down and look away.
Do not lie to me again.
Her lips parted slightly before she thought better of defending herself. Now was not the time for an argument.
"Go get cleaned up," he said stiffly before turning away from her to face Raythe. "See to the wounded."
Angrily grinding her teeth at his harsh dismissal, she spun on her heel. Movement farther into the warehouse caught her attention.
An archer, hidden high amongst stacked crates, pulled back to fire. Swinging her head, her eyes tracked to his target.
Roan.
She didn't hesitate. His anger toward her, his coldness, not even her own distrust of him mattered. Flinging herself at him, one shoulder crashed into his side, pushing him out of the way.
The arrow slammed into her, high on her chest next to her shoulder. The force spun her backward before she even regained her footing and she crashed to the ground. Screaming out a loud curse through gritted teeth, her back arched against the pain.
Before Roan reached her side, she forced herself to sit up. Sudden anger at the archer rose within her and she didn't try to stop the fury breaking free because of it. It dulled the pain. Grasping the shaft with both hands, she tugged. The arrow didn't budge, though pain brought dancing spots before her eyes. Cursing in rage, she grasped the shaft again and used the power of the fury to lend her strength. With a snap, it broke, and she tossed the end to the side as she surged to her feet.
A hand rested on her shoulder, but she shrugged it and Roan's soft, "Arowyn" aside, eyes locking on the archer.
Launching into a sprint, she left him cursing behind her. Springing over the occasional body in her way, she drew a throwing knife with each hand.
The wildness of the fury overwhelmed her, yet also lent her strength and speed. Hearing and eyesight sharpened. Feet pounding on the packed dirt, a faint sound alerted her to another man. Kill. Without breaking stride, a knife flew and he dropped with it through one eye. Another man rose from behind a barrel, and her other knife took him in the throat.
A growl rose low in her throat. Her injury made her aim off. Drawing two more knives, she once again sought the archer. As she neared the crates he rose up, another arrow nocked. She threw with her bad arm, unconcerned when it missed. He dropped back down.
Her eyes sought a route up to him even as she leapt onto a crate. Jumping from one to another, with a mighty leap she sprang upon him as he rose once more. He cursed as her weight pushed him back and down. Before he had time to react, she punched him once in the face. Kill. Her blade slice across his
throat with such force blood sprayed up across her face.
Sudden silence pressed against her as she crouched over him. The sound of her quick pants met her ears, along with the shouts of Roan's men in the distance.
Closing her eyes, she took in a long calming breath. She struggled to push the fury back down within her. Squeezing her eyes tightly together, she grasped her bond with Kei. Eventually the fury relented. She had fought; she had killed. Weariness dropped over her and her hands began to tremble.
Arowyn?
Raythe's tentative call made her straighten, and she pulled herself together. Got him.
It took a moment for him to respond. Wait there, we're checking the rest of the warehouse.
Staying low, she wiped the blood from her face with her sleeve and then cleaned her knife on the dead man's shirt. While waiting, she searched and surprisingly found the other she'd thrown at him.
Sitting back against the crate, she closed her eyes and grimaced against the growing pain in her shoulder. Everywhere ached. The urge to curl up and have a nap nearly overcame her. She focused instead on how crazy she'd just acted. Had the fury overcame because she'd been shot? Or because they'd aimed for Roan? She honestly didn't know and wasn't sure she wanted to.
All clear.
With a sigh, she pushed the body down to the ground. Jumping down, she stumbled and cursed. Keeping her jaw clenched against the pain of walking, she headed back, taking the time to collect her knives from the other two men she'd killed.
Roan and Baelan came forward to meet her as she neared them. She kept her head high once more, daring either to say anything.
Roan stared at her for a long moment. The muscle still ticked in his jaw, and now a vein pounded on his forehead. No, he wasn't pleased at all.
"Captain!"
He hesitated at the call from one of the men and Baelan spoke up. "I'll see to her."
"Very well. I'll be up shortly."
She exchanged another long glance with the pirate, but didn't back down. He huffed slightly and shook his head before turning to deal with his men.
"Come along, Arowyn."
