by Simone Pond
Evelyn made one final lunge toward the queen just as the zeevil released a gusher of venom. Evelyn dodged left and rolled out of the path of the iridescent substance as it spattered across the line of cocoons. Jumping to her feet, she came behind the queen and lodged the spear directly into her back, impaling the oversized insect, then flinging her dead body against the cave wall.
Doran stood back, his eyes wide with shock and awe. Ciara glanced up from the ground and observed the scene, then stood up. Evelyn turned around to see the cocoons dissolving as the venom ate through the outer layers of the sacs. The girls dropped to the cave floor, gasping and coughing for air.
“You did it!” shouted Doran, running over to give her a proper slap on the back.
“I think it’s best if you go down to the river and gather up some of the women for assistance.” Evelyn paused and stood in front of Doran to shield the naked girls. “And be sure to bring some clothes.”
Doran bowed with respect and darted out of the cave. Evelyn rushed over to the girls and carried each one to dry ground, leaning them up against the same wall where Ciara stood. She counted a total of twenty-one. Twenty-one lives that had been saved from a gruesome death. Once the girls were settled, she began moving their legs and arms to get the blood circulating again.
“You’re okay,” Evelyn assured them. “The zeevils are dead. We’re going to help get you out of this cave. The others will help lead you out of the forest. You’ll be reunited with your families. But I need you to be brave. Can you do that?”
One of the older of the girls pulled herself up and tucked her stringy wet hair behind her ears. “I can assist anyone who can’t walk.”
Another girl rose up. “I, as well.”
Within minutes all of the girls stood and faced Evelyn. Ciara began to walk over to join Evelyn, but stumbled. Evelyn assisted her.
“You’ll be fine,” she told Ciara.
“No thanks to you,” Ciara muttered.
“Are you serious? I just saved your life!”
Ciara coughed softly and wheezed, “Doran saved my life.”
“I was the one who forced him to track down the zeevil nest and find you. He wanted to continue without you! And I could’ve easily left you behind and continued on to Verubri Castle, but I begged him to help me find you.” Evelyn inhaled and pressed her lips together to hold back the bevy of slurs prepared to flood from her mouth.
“I wouldn’t be here in the first place if it weren’t for you,” Ciara said.
“I give up. I’ve tried everything to keep the peace between us, but you’re simply one of the most horrible people I’ve ever known. Next time you get into a bind, I’ll be sure to let you get out of it yourself.”
Ciara snickered under her breath. “There will be no next time.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“When those vile creatures captured me, I saw a shortcut that leads straight to the castle. Therefore, goat girl, I no longer need the ‘assistance’ of you or your thief.”
Ciara shoved past Evelyn and ambled out of the cave.
“Good riddance!” Evelyn called out behind her.
Though she was somewhat relieved to be rid of the ingrate, Evelyn knew she couldn’t let Ciara wander off and reach Verubri Castle before she did. There was no telling what fabrications she’d concoct in her attempts to manipulate Prince Kieran. The raven-haired harridan would stop at nothing to turn the prince against Evelyn and take her place as one of his ladies-in-waiting. But Evelyn couldn’t simply leave behind these frightened girls to race after the traitorous wench. Not until the other women arrived with clothes and assistance. Not until she knew these girls had help making their way through the cold, dark tunnels to safety. She’d have to wait for Doran to return, giving Ciara a considerable head start.
A small girl tugged on Evelyn’s torn and ripped-up bloomers. “Don’t worry, miss.”
Evelyn glanced down at the malnourished little thing and smiled. “What say you?”
“You needn’t worry about your friend … she won’t make it to the castle.”
A soft chuckle came from Evelyn. “I’d like to note, she’s not actually my friend. And how do you know she won’t reach the castle?”
“Because the shortcut she speaks of is a trap.”
10
Evelyn studied the girl. “What’s your name?”
“Aine.” She pronounced each syllable with confidence, like awn-yah.
“That’s a beautiful name.”
“Thank you.”
“How old are you, Aine?”
“Ten.” She sounded and appeared much older. Aine took Evelyn’s hand and intertwined her bony fingers into a clasp. “Thank you for saving us. Because of you, I will live to see many more years.”
Evelyn smiled at the girl, feeling good about the rescue mission, but not wanting to get too cocky, she said, “It wasn’t only me. The gentleman who ran off to gather the women helped tremendously … and, of course, my spear.” Evelyn raised the weapon like a trophy. Had she just referred to Doran as a gentleman? He was a thief! The journey and the battle must’ve worn her wits threadbare and she was in dire need of proper rest.
“What’s your name?” Aine’s soft voice interrupted Evelyn’s thoughts.
“Evelyn. So, I’d like to hear more about this shortcut. Might you provide some details?”
Aine smiled shyly, her pale blue eyes lighting up. “You have a peculiar accent; from which region do you hail?”
Evelyn kneeled to get to eye level with the child. “A coastal hamlet called Ocelum. And you?”
“I’m from much farther south. I’m from the city of Corinth within the Russex Empire. Have you heard of it?”
It had a familiar ring, but Evelyn knew little about the southern empire. Only that it had once been an enormous threat to the north until … well, she wasn’t exactly sure as to the reasons why they were no longer a threat. She was overcome with the realization she hardly knew the history of northern Galicia or the surrounding territories. She hardly knew about her own history until recently … Too much time tending goats and making cheese.
“I believe I’ve heard of Corinth,” Evelyn said. “Soon, you will return to your city and be reunited with your family. These detestable zeevils and your slave days will be like a fading bad dream.”
Aine reached around and hugged Evelyn. The touch sent a shock of warmth and fulfillment through her heart. She could get used to this sort of thing. Before she got too carried away with the sentimentality of the moment, she stepped away and took a more serious tone. “Now, you must tell me more about this shortcut. I wouldn’t want Ciara to walk into a trap.” Or to reach Verubri Castle first, she thought but did not say …
“I can take you,” said Aine.
“Oh, dear girl. How kind, but you are in no condition. You must get clothed and begin your journey out of the forest. Your parents will be so pleased to have you back.”
Aine shook her head. “No, I’m afraid they won’t.”
Evelyn couldn’t imagine a mother not springing for joy upon the sight of her long-lost daughter. “And why is that?”
“Because they’re dead, Miss Evelyn. They were killed by the zeevils the day I was taken. I have no family for which to return.”
This enraged Evelyn, and had she not already destroyed the entire nest of abominations, she would have hunted them day and night until every last one was dead. All this unnecessary evil in the world angered her to the core. Her own mother, Deirdre, had been orphaned at a young age because of the dragon who had torched her parents and their lands. The hands of evil had fashioned far too much tragedy. Enough to make her want to do something about it.
“Have you any relatives to call on?” Evelyn asked.
“No, miss.”
“Well, I’ll make sure one of the women takes you under her wing and watches over you. You won’t be alone, Aine.” Evelyn stroked the girl’s pale cheek and smiled bravely. “Now, tell me where to find
this shortcut. Doran will be back soon and we must make haste.”
Aine closed her eyes and concentrated for a few moments, then recited a list of instructions. “At the west end of the foothills there are two paths, one leading up the mountain and the other through the trees. If you take the one through the trees, you’ll eventually reach a clearing where you’ll be able to see the castle beyond the forest. It looks to be only a short distance away. But looks can be deceiving …”
Evelyn nodded, waiting for Aine to continue, but the girl remained quiet. “And? What is it?”
“Anyone who continues through the forest toward the castle on that path will not make it across. I’ve seen many of my friends disappear.”
“Disappear?”
“The ground is a hungry demon and will pull anyone who touches it under and they are never seen again. This is another reason why escaping has been so difficult. Besides the zeevils tracking us down.”
Evelyn had never heard of such a thing; an entire forest floor being a demonic entity, gulping up anyone attempting to seek passage … Ciara had plodded off in spiteful haste and was undoubtedly nearing the dangerous territory where she would be sucked below. For a moment Evelyn considered whether or not that was such a bad thing; she’d be able to continue on her journey without the hassle of the spoiled brat’s taunting and mockery. But could she bear the weight of guilt on her heart for the remainder of her life? But she had just freed all the slaves from the zeevils … did that not count for something? Many excuses could be made for Ciara’s disappearance—after all, they had been plundered by thieves. But could she … would she willingly allow someone to die? Even her nemesis?
The answer was a resounding no. After a brief kiss to Aine’s hollow cheek, Evelyn rushed out of the cave and back through the tunnels. The spear of Gorias lit up with a radiant white-blue glow, shining a pathway through the darkness. They were in sync, Evelyn and the spear, both on a mission to get to the forest and stop Ciara before death enveloped her.
Evelyn had been so focused on getting out of the cave that she hadn’t noticed the patter of small feet trailing behind, and it wasn’t until she reached the forest that she realized she was being followed. She peered over her shoulder to see Aine—still fully nude—gasping and hacking as she tried to keep up.
“What in the devil are you doing?” Evelyn shouted, still moving full steam ahead.
“You might need help,” Aine called out.
Evelyn chuffed loudly for emphasis. “I’m fine, dear girl. Now stop running before you hurt yourself!”
“But she doesn’t trust you,” Aine bleated out just before she took a nasty tumble, leaves and stones bustling up around her as she rolled over the dirt.
The girl was right. Ciara would accuse Evelyn of some ploy to keep her from reaching the castle. Stubborn as a goat, Ciara would rather test her fate than heed any warning from Evelyn. She stopped and went back to pick up Aine, hoisting her onto her back.
“Are you injured?” Evelyn asked.
“I’ll be okay. I’m more concerned for your friend.”
“Let’s just call her my colleague for now,” Evelyn said.
She charged ahead, hoping to reach Ciara before her feet touched that devilish ground. She began calling out Ciara’s name, hoping for a response to discern her location. But the forest remained silent and still except for Evelyn’s bare feet crushing over the dry leaves and dirt. She ignored the explosive pain that shot up her legs each time her bare feet landed on a sharp rock, stick, or stone. The added weight of Aine on her back had made it increasingly difficult to suck more air into her heaving chest. She slowed down to a jog, feeling her efforts were becoming futile.
The spear lit up again. Its enchanted pull directed Evelyn down a different path.
“Look …” Aine pointed, her sweet voice warming the side of Evelyn’s ear. “Your colleague is just up ahead.”
11
Ciara stood about fifty yards away, leaning against a pine tree. The girl didn’t know a thing about exertion or using muscles, so she was completely spent. Once again, Evelyn silently thanked her mother for forcing her to work the fields and become a strong and independent woman. Perhaps she lacked knowledge about proper etiquette and the surrounding territories, but she did know how to survive.
“We’ll go around her so she doesn’t see us coming and run off. Are you okay to walk?” Evelyn asked Aine.
She nodded and tiptoed beside Evelyn until the two reached a large pine tree only a few yards away from where Ciara was keeled forward, attempting to catch her breath with loud gulps. Evelyn nodded and motioned for Aine to proceed. The small girl carefully stepped away from the tree and toddled over to Ciara, giving the girl quite a start.
“Dear me! What in the name of all things holy are you doing out here?” Ciara tore off a large section of her dress and wrapped it over Aine’s shoulders. The gesture was so kind, Evelyn’s breath caught in her throat. She’d never, not once in the nearly eighteen years they’d grown up together, witnessed Ciara do anything kind or loving for anyone other than herself.
“Thank you, miss. I heard you say you were taking the shortcut to the castle.”
Ciara nodded. “That’s correct. Verubri Castle is just through the trees. I saw it for myself. I simply need to get to that damn clearing I noticed when those beasts took me to the caves.”
Aine pulled the worn fabric closer around her body and fastened it into a wrap-around dress, covering all the important places, then grasped both of Ciara’s wrists and said, “You mustn’t go that way, miss.”
A slight snicker came from Ciara. “And why is that, girl? Oh, don’t tell me, it’s a trap … Did that goat girl put you up to this? I swear, I’ll …”
Evelyn sauntered over. “Actually it is a trap.”
Ciara’s sapphire eyes widened. “You weasel! Having a child do your bidding. And sending the poor thing out into the forest without any clothes just to keep me from reaching the castle first. You’re appalling!”
Before she turned to run off, Evelyn carefully placed the tip of the spear against Ciara’s throat.
“I’m here to warn you. If you go through that clearing, you will die.”
“And what is this? Shall I have you pierce me with that wretched spear like you did the queen? The prince will hear about this and see to it that you are not sent back to Ocelum but to prison!”
Aine stood before Ciara. “I was the one who ran after her. She was coming to warn you about the trap in the clearing. I knew you’d never believe her. Your friend is only trying to protect you.”
Ciara snorted in an unladylike manner. “I don’t believe a word either of you say and I demand you free me so I may pass through this vile forest and get to the castle.”
Evelyn wanted to step away. She had reached a boiling point with Ciara’s bitter attitude, but she knew somewhere deep down there must been a kernel of goodness. She’d torn her dress to cover Aine. That stood for something.
“I can’t allow you to walk into your own death,” Evelyn said.
Ciara closed her eyes a moment as if whipping together a deal or trade. She opened them and said, “I’ll turn around and return with you if—and only if—you prove what you say is true.”
“Ha! That would mean one of us must die,” Evelyn said.
“Only if what you say is true,” Ciara replied.
Evelyn laughed, lowering her spear. “Well, it won’t be me, I can assure you of that. And definitely not Aine. So, if you must be stubborn and test our words, let it be you. And when the demon is slurping you into its belly, may your final thoughts be of remorse for not having trusted the one person who has saved you twice now.”
Evelyn turned and began to stalk off toward the foothills to rejoin Doran and get started on the steep climb back up the Vindius Mountains. She could leave in good conscience, knowing she had given Ciara a fair warning about the trap. There was nothing more to say or do as far as she was concerned.
“Wait!
” Aine’s little voice carried through the forest.
Slowly, Evelyn turned around. “What say you?”
“There is a way to prove it without any of us losing our lives,” she said.
“I’d like to see that!” Ciara snapped.
For a brief moment, Evelyn fantasized about possibly pushing the grumbler straight into the clearing when they got to its edge, but decided that wouldn’t sit well in her heart.
They followed Aine through the forest, threading through the pine trees as the day grew cooler. Evelyn gazed up to the violet-blue skies, knowing the sun would soon be setting and traveling up the mountain without her cloak would be brutal. But she wasn’t willing to venture back into the cave of doom to look for it or her dress and shoes. This will all be over soon, she reminded herself, and I’ll be sitting in a steaming tub of water scrubbing this journey from my skin …
Aine stopped and stretched her arms out, making sure Ciara and Evelyn didn’t take another step forward. “This is it.”
They gazed upon an open passage that led straight through the clearing of trees. The ground was the color of tar and untouched.
“Looks perfectly walkable to me. I see you’ve wasted my time, you fools,” Ciara chided.
Aine grabbed Ciara’s raggedy dress. “Don’t walk forward. If you want to live, I implore you to listen. I’ll show you that we have not wasted your precious time.”
“Do you have a plan, Aine?” Evelyn found herself growing impatient and wanted to hurry back to Doran before he began to worry about her whereabouts. Though she wasn’t sure why this would be a concern. He was a grown man, and she a fully capable woman. Sleep, I must lay my exhausted head to rest.
