The Binding (Chronicles of Azaria #1)

by Sam Dogra

  “We don’t know the whole situation yet,” I said, as my hunting knife was snatched away and I was shoved in line behind him. “I can’t risk being separated when I know for sure my feelings are being controlled.”

  “But…”

  “Don’t argue! Besides, Terent’s much closer to home, so if I’m wrong, it’ll work out better anyway.”

  Adam rolled his eyes. He said nothing further as we were herded into the streets. The way had been cleared by Guardsmen, and two carriages and a horse box were waiting. Cielo’s white head poked out of the latter—they’d already seized him from the vet. Wow. Aronzo must have had a lot of influence to make such complicated arrangements on such a busy day. At any rate, he certainly had the most incredible luck. Just how had he made it out of the lake?

  Aronzo blocked our path. He gripped my arm, his brown eyes menacing.

  “You ride in this one,” he growled, while Ryan was led to the front carriage. I bristled, but didn’t argue. I’d have to hope we wouldn’t drift apart further than half a mile. Aronzo didn’t let up his hold, and as he guided me to the carriage he muttered, “Thanks for the swim. But it’ll take more than that to get rid of me.”

  Adam bared his teeth, but didn’t have time to convey the rest of his anger as we were pushed into the carriage. A Terent Guardsman followed, clasping us in irons. He took a seat and closed the door. I looked at the shackle about my wrist, testing it with a tug. Despite its rusted edges, it was as sturdy as when first wrought. I wasn’t going to luck my way out of this one.

  Adam placed his hand on mine, squeezing my fingers. I rested my head against his shoulder, and sighed. I felt bad forcing him into this, but when I was still in the dark about so many things, I couldn’t afford to take blind chances.

  We would have to be patient.

  “That’s right, make yourselves comfy,” the Guardsmen said, removing his helmet. “It’s a long ride to Terent.”

  * * * * *

  Eight days passed before we arrived at the Glenford manor. A morose building on the outskirts of Terent, its twin turrets and grey stone gave it an ancient, haunted look. I watched our approach from the carriage window, my reflection glazed with shadows. Adam dozed quietly, a trickle of slobber dripping onto his chest, and our guard was polishing his helmet.

  I sat back in my seat, running a finger over the shackle on my wrist. We’d spent the majority of the journey like this, always under watch, and with a few stops where we could stretch our legs and eat. Ryan was kept separate at all times, though he did steal the occasional concerned glance now and then. In all honesty, I ignored him, if only because the Binding had started to pester me again. In the last two days, it had fallen back on its memory trick—made a hundred times worse given the more intimate moments we’d shared, including our lakeside antics. Every blink returned me to that cloaked embrace, stirring up flushed feelings and robbing me of sleep.

  That wasn’t the only thing; the curse also mourned the loss of physical contact. It drove every part of me to pine for Ryan’s arms, and the more I was denied, the more it deepened the cravings. I’d get bouts of terrible shaking and headache, and my skin would prickle with goose bumps. It was almost enough to be thankful for my chains. If Ryan came close now, I’d not be able to stop myself.

  On the plus side—if you could call it that—these symptoms put a lot of weight in favour that I was under the spell. Especially as they struck hardest whenever my thoughts turned to Adam. It had got to the point where a mere touch from him would make me flinch. The Binding was desperate to drive a wall between us.

  But I wouldn’t let it happen.

  Our carriage rolled to a standstill, and I opened my eyes. The darkness was complete, the green half-moon tucked in a blanket of cloud. The horses snorted, and the carriage creaked as the driver shuffled out of his seat.

  “Stay here,” our watchman ordered, donning his helmet and opening the door. “Don’t move until I come back.”

  I gave a dry smile.

  “I’m hardly going to go out for a stroll,” I said, rattling my chains. The Guardsman’s expression soured.

  “Oh, get a sense of humour,” Adam growled.

  The soldier grunted as he jumped out and slammed the door behind him. Adam sighed, stretching his legs on the far seat, though he was too tall to extend them fully.

  “Major Vance always said the Terent regiment were a cold bunch,” he said, flexing his wrists, which were probably as stiff as mine. “Not one drop of warmth between them.”

  “I suppose they prefer to call it disciplined,” I commented, twisting my arms so I could scratch my nose. Goddess, these chains were so uncomfortable. “Any ideas on what we’re going to do?”

  “That was your department,” Adam said. “You were the one so keen to follow Ryan.”

  I sighed. I couldn’t blame his bitterness, given how the curse had made me react to him. I tried to explain as much, but no matter how I phrased it, nothing would convince him it was the spell’s doing. He was determined to prove I was mistaken and would return home. The fact he was my best friend aside, I couldn’t fault his reasoning. Even the text in Lanaran said the curse ‘did not Bind more than once’.

  But they were wrong. For better or worse, my Binding was different.

  And I was about to find out why.

  The carriage door clicked open again, and a pair of Guardsmen I’d not seen before poked their heads through.

  “Come on out,” one said, unlocking the chain clip that trapped me and Adam to the seats. I exited first, into the deep evening mist. Once assembled, we were led towards the gates. Adam stuck close, his hand entwined with mine as we passed the crest of a winged horse and twin swords; the Glenford emblem. The muscles in my arm tightened, wanting to withdraw, but I held firm. I wouldn’t have the Binding push away the one anchor of trust I still had.

  The path was wet from recent snowfall, so we took up a careful pace. The snow masked the dead flower beds, and the hedge maze looked like a glazed cake loaf. Empty trellises hung from the manor walls, and the peaked windows shimmered with frost. The turrets brooded beneath the velvet sky, and I shivered. I might as well have been walking into a dungeon.

  When we arrived at the master entrance, I spotted Ryan with his escort. He wasn’t chained, though Aronzo was at his side, keeping a tight hold on his arm. I tried to catch his eye, but Ryan took no notice. His face was set with grim determination, and nothing would break his concentration as we were taken inside.

  The main hallway was bright, and I blinked to let my eyes adjust. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, and candelabras lined the dressers. My boots sank into a plush rug, which complemented the mahogany banisters on the dual staircase. Soft furnishings filled the rest of the room, and a large mirror hung on the rear wall.

  That was all I had time to admire, as we were ushered through a long corridor. One of the soldiers peeled away, leaving a single Guardsman to take us into a large drawing room. This was no less as lavish as the hall, except the walls were painted green and a fire roared in the hearth, lacing the chamber with woodsmoke.

  The biggest difference, however, was the two men that occupied this room. One was balding, the buttons on his blue overcoat bursting from his girth, while the other was lean and tall, dressed in black and silver finery.

  The taller man stood up as we entered, holding a decanter of wine. He sported grey hair that matched his beard and brows, and his sharp face was lined, making him appear older. Harsh green eyes completed the ensemble, and he cast his gaze over us, like a hawk eyeing fresh prey.

  Well, at least Lord Glenford lived up to his stern reputation.

  “Lord Glenford,” Aronzo said. He shoved past, dragging Ryan in tow. “I present your son and his two accomplices who have aided him in his refuge.”

  Adam took a breath, about to speak. I squeezed his hand so tight it left marks. He clenched his teeth and gave me a sidelong glance. Ever so slowly I shook my head. He had to keep quiet, or we’d ge
t into worse trouble. Adam continued to frown, before he huffed and swallowed back his response. I let out a quiet sigh. I didn’t want to stir the pot before knowing the full set of ingredients.

  “They’re not my accomplices,” Ryan said. “They have nothing to do with this. Release them.”

  Lord Glenford’s eyes narrowed. He set his glass on the table. With measured steps, he approached his son. Ryan’s gaze was no less as hard. They stared at each other, when Lord Glenford abruptly slapped him. Ryan groaned, blood seeping from his left nostril. My mouth hung open, and it was all Adam could do to stop me from running to his side.

  “You betray your own father,” Lord Glenford said, with such coldness my blood froze, “and yet when presented with the opportunity to take responsibility for your crime, you waste your breath giving me orders?”

  Ryan stared at the ground, not bothering to wipe the blood that dripped onto the floorboards. My heart burned, yearning to comfort him, so I leant closer to Adam. He curled his arm around me as best he could. I gritted my teeth. Whether it was the curse goading my emotions or not, this was horrible. However, all I could do was sit tight and wait, no matter how gruelling it was to watch.

  When Ryan still didn’t respond, Lord Glenford gripped his shoulders and forced him onto his knees. I winced, listening to the crack of Ryan’s kneecaps on the wood.

  “And in the presence of Lord Svendmar, the man you insulted,” Lord Glenford went on, “you don’t even consider to apologise for your insolent behaviour? For the dishonour you’ve brought me and your family name?”

  Ryan bit his lip, determined not to answer. I clung to Adam, unable to hide my shivering. If this was how Lord Glenford treated his own son, I dreaded to think what he planned on doing to us.

  To me.

  “Leon, enough,” the portly man spoke, rolling to his feet. “The boy’s tired from the journey. Let him have some time to reflect upon his actions. We can discuss this in the morning. I’m sure he will be more than willing to acknowledge his mistake.”

  Lord Glenford snarled. I gulped. I’d seen raging bulls with less fury in their eyes. There was a long pause.

  “Very well, Abel,” he said at last. “His unacceptable behaviour towards your daughter can be addressed later. Please, retire for the evening. I have other things I wish to discuss with him.”

  “Then I bid you good night.” Lord Svendmar bowed, downed the last of his wine, and ambled to the corridor. He passed a sympathetic glance over Ryan, before closing the door behind him.

  Once he was gone, Lord Glenford nodded. Aronzo stormed to Ryan and hauled him to his feet. My stomach churned. So much for my theory they were once friends.

  “Now then.” The lord pointed at me and Adam. “How much have you told them about your little misdemeanour?”

  Ryan’s eyes clouded. I had no idea what battle raged in his mind, but his worry was obvious. Whatever response he chose would affect all our fates.

  He took a breath and looked his father square in the eye.

  “Nothing.”

  Lord Glenford raised an eyebrow.

  “You’re a terrible liar,” he said.

  “It’s the truth!” Ryan exclaimed. “They’ve only helped me keep clear of your guards. I’ve not breathed a single word to them! I swear on Mother’s grave!”

  “Perhaps I should have them executed, just in case?” Lord Glenford said, tilting his head quizzically. My heart skipped a beat, and I recoiled into Adam.

  “NO!”

  Ryan made to wrest free from Aronzo, but a sharp elbow to the ribs stopped him. Then Aronzo punched him in the back, and he slumped to all fours. Tears pricked my eyes, and I looked away. I didn’t want to see this anymore.

  “Don’t hurt them, please,” Ryan begged. “They don’t deserve to be punished. Take it out on me, all of it. I wronged you, I betrayed you, and I’m sorry. I’m sorry!”

  Lord Glenford stared at his son, his expression sombre.

  “At least you keep your honesty,” he muttered. He turned to me, and gave a curt nod. “You are fortunate my son holds such compassion. But your part in this tale has come to an end.” He nodded at the Guardsman and Aronzo. “Sergeant Vale, Aronzo, please escort my son’s…comrades off my property. I will hold no charges against them.”

  The Guardsman crossed his arm over his chest. “As you wish, my lord.”

  My mind froze. Lord Glenford was releasing us?

  Then the realisation hit me, and my eyes widened.

  “No, wait!” I said, as the Sergeant took Adam’s arm and Aronzo took mine. I made to shake him off, but he wasn’t letting go. “Please my lord, I can’t leave him!”

  Lord Glenford huffed.

  “Don’t play with my patience, girl,” he said. “My son is Bound, waste your infatuations on someone else.”

  “But I’m the one who’s…”

  A cry of pain silenced my protest as Aronzo pinched my arm.

  “Your game of hide and seek is over.” His grip eased, and for a moment I thought a flicker of remorse crossed his features. “You must let him go.”

  His hold tensed again, and the last I saw was Ryan bowed at the feet of his father as Adam and I were led away. I swallowed. I might have escaped execution, but I still had no proof about Ryan’s first Binding. No way of knowing what would happen if I strayed over that half mile boundary.

  And this was not how I wanted to find out.

  * * * * *

  We retraced our steps to the gates. The mist had cleared, revealing the dark buildings of Terent, but I couldn’t concentrate on them. I kept an eye open for a place to hide, although deep down I knew it was futile. With Sergeant Vale and Aronzo at our heels, I’d never get far enough away. And how could I leave Adam after all he’d braved to find me? On the other hand, once we set foot off the estate, I’d never get back inside. And if my fears about the curse were true, well, that would be the end of it.

  Goddess, what was I supposed to do?

  “You okay?” Adam pulled me against him—they’d taken the shackles off once we’d left the manor. His touch ignited an urge to throw up, and I had to step away to keep my digestive system from revolting.

  “Not particularly,” I mumbled, trying not to notice his hurt expression. If only he’d believe it wasn’t my fault.

  “You’ll be fine,” Adam said, meaning to be reassuring. “Lord Glenford himself said Ryan was Bound, so it has to be true.”

  “But how could he be?” I blurted. “He’s been travelling alone for four months, Adam. Four months! It’s not possible to be that far apart for that long and not become Unbound.”

  “It’s not,” Adam said, “but it’s also not possible to get Bound twice.”

  “One of us has to be wrong then,” I said, drawing my arms around myself. “Either he’s not Bound, or I’m not.”

  “Well, let’s hope it’s you.”

  I let out a long breath, watching the main gates come into view. Either way, we’d soon find out.

  Aronzo unlocked the bars, and gestured towards the town.

  “You are fortunate Lord Glendford is in a generous mood,” he said. “Do not take his goodwill lightly. You no longer have permission to remain on his estate, and if you are found trespassing, you will be suitably punished.”

  I nodded, though I couldn’t help but pick on a slight hitch in his voice. Perhaps he wasn’t as cold-hearted as he’d made out. Or maybe he felt guilty for trying to drown me in the lake.

  Before I could ponder on it, Adam took my hand and led me to Terent’s main square. I stood tall.

  No turning back now.

  Fighting down the butterflies in my stomach, I began to count my steps. If my guess was right, the half mile boundary would be about five hundred paces from the estate. My heart thudded in time with my strides. Keep calm. I’d have my answer soon.

  “Well?” Adam watched me carefully.

  I shrugged.

  “I’m alright for the moment, but we’re not at half a mile yet.�
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  “But you’re not feeling any urges to run back, either?”

  “Adam, it’s not as simple at that,” I grumbled. “Besides, I’ve been fighting those desires since the moment I met him. I’m bracing for something much more potent.”

  “Oh, be a little more optimistic, Eliza.” Adam nudged me with his elbow. “You’re always expecting the worst to happen.”

  “At least I’m never disappointed,” I muttered back.

  Adam didn’t answer. He simply gave my hand a squeeze.

  The lamplights were already lit on Terent’s main street. I focused on their blurry outlines, listening to our footfalls. The curse seemed to have gone quiet again, but all that did was focus my attention on the upcoming moment. My heart was a hurricane of dread, anticipation and hope, each vying for dominance as I kept counting. Four hundred sixty-seven, four hundred sixty-eight, four hundred sixty-nine…

  On the threshold of the town, a crisp wind picked up, blowing in the mist and cloud. The green moon vanished, and I lost sight of the road. At the same time, Adam’s hold on my hand disappeared.

  I stopped.

  “Adam?”

  No answer.

  “Adam, where are you?”

  The cold howled past my ears, and I swallowed.

  “Adam, I’m not in the mood for one of your games right now.” I was trying to sound irritated, but inside I was trembling. How could he leave me alone? I needed him around in case anything happened when I came to the half mile boundary. If this was his way of cheering me up, he needed to rethink his strategy.

  “Adam, come on, this isn’t funny…”

  Frantically I looked around, but the mist and darkness were too thick. I couldn’t even see the city gates, though they must’ve been a few steps ahead. The chill seeped deeper, and I shivered, suddenly finding it hard to breathe.

  “Adam!” I shouted. “Please, stop it now! Come back!”

  My hollow cry echoed back. Damn it, where had he gone? I had to find him, find someone. I stumbled forward, walking blindly through the smoky air.

  “Adam?”