Dark Mirror 2 - Dark Passage

by M. J. Putney

  Numbly Cynthia turned and headed west toward the point where they might meet up with the other group. If not, they’d proceed separately to the cave. “I should have worn the trousers,” she whispered brokenly. “Then I wouldn’t have fallen and Jack wouldn’t have been captured.”

  “Perhaps. We can’t know for sure.”

  Allarde’s voice was expressionless, but she suspected that he agreed with her. She’d insisted on dressing like a lady instead of adjusting to circumstances as Tory and Elspeth had done. She was a fool.

  And her foolishness might be the death of Jack.

  “Cynthia,” Allarde interrupted her lacerating thoughts. “Can your illusion magic make Jack look younger? Since he’s in civilian clothes and obviously English, they’ll probably consider him a spy. If you can make him look younger than his age, maybe fourteen or so, they may consider him a boy and treat him as a regular prisoner.”

  “Not shoot him, you mean,” she said bitterly. “That’s a good idea. I think I can manage it.”

  She stretched her magic out to Jack, once more barely aware of where she was walking. She trusted Allarde to keep her going in the right direction.

  Though she and Jack didn’t have the bond Tory and Allarde did, she found him easily. Giving thanks that he was still alive, she channeled illusion magic, adjusting his appearance so that he looked younger and more harmless than he really was. She tried to convey what she’d done, but didn’t know if Jack was aware of her efforts.

  They reached the rendezvous point, a small grove of trees between the lake and the wheat field. The others hadn’t arrived yet. “Let’s wait a few minutes,” Allarde said. “The camp is still so confused that we can spare a little time.”

  Cynthia was glad of the chance to catch her breath, and she wasn’t the only one. After months of imprisonment, the three scientists weren’t used to strenuous exercise.

  Allarde stood silently looking toward the church. She guessed that he’d be very relieved when Tory was safely out of the castle.

  “They’re coming,” he said in a low voice. “I can see them leaving the buttress and waiting outside the range of the spotlight.”

  Cynthia followed his gesture and saw a ragged line of dark figures. “Look at all the people! They must have found the other families.”

  “Sarah!” Dr. Weiss started impulsively toward the compound.

  “Wait!” Allarde grabbed the scientist’s shoulder. “Let them come to us.”

  Cynthia held her breath, and she suspected the men did as well. When the spotlight swung away toward the center of the camp, the group from the castle surged toward the fence. They reached it as the spotlight returned, but the tree that had fallen earlier was large and bushy enough to provide cover for the fugitives, who dropped to the ground behind the tree trunk.

  Cynthia’s nails bit into her palms as she watched. Two or three of the group moved with excruciating slowness when every second counted.

  “Tory’s not with them,” Allarde said tautly.

  Cynthia didn’t question his knowledge. “She’ll be along soon,” she said, trying to convince herself as much as Allarde.

  The swinging light moved on, and the group bolted from the protection of the tree. After crossing the fence, they headed straight toward the grove that sheltered Cynthia and the others.

  “Sarah!” This time Dr. Weiss would not be stopped. He lunged forward and grabbed his wife in a bruising embrace. They clung to each other, both weeping. The scene was repeated as the Steins and Hellers and their children were reunited.

  Allarde allowed about half a minute before saying in a commanding voice, “There will be time to talk later. Now we must get out of sight of the compound.”

  The families obediently followed his orders, moving in groups behind Nick, who led the way with a child in his arms. As they headed away from the camp, Dr. Weiss looked behind, asking worriedly, “Where is Rebecca?”

  Dr. Heller looked around then. “Aaron? Where is my Aaron?”

  “And where is Tory?” Allarde said grimly. “Elspeth? What happened?”

  Elspeth was a few steps away, carrying a baby and looking drained. “The little boy, Aaron, was frightened when a soldier discovered us leaving,” she explained in a low, clear voice that carried to the others. “He ran and Rebecca and Tory went after him. They were cut off by the soldiers and couldn’t rejoin us. They’ll escape a different way and meet us at the cave.”

  Voice too low to be heard by the refugees, Allarde swore with soft, controlled violence. “Just how do you think that Tory and the others will escape?”

  Elspeth’s smile was brittle. “I have great faith in her talent and ingenuity.”

  Allarde swore again, but changed the subject. “How did the rest of you get away from the soldiers?”

  “At first there was only one, and Nick shot him,” Elspeth said wearily. “More arrived after we entered the tunnel. We heard them, but they didn’t see us. They were probably chasing Tory and the others.”

  “So they might have been captured.”

  “They might.” Elspeth pushed her wet braid back over her shoulder. “You would know better than I if Tory is safe.”

  Allarde closed his eyes and drew a deep breath as he cleared his emotions enough to seek Tory. “She hasn’t been captured. I think she’s safe. For now, anyhow.”

  “Good!” Cynthia said gratefully. She examined Elspeth with a frown. “You look exhausted. Did you have to do a lot of healing?”

  “Enough to tire me out.” Elspeth patted the back of the baby in her arms. “This little darling had pneumonia and was in serious condition, and Grandmother Stein has severe arthritis, but I was able to help them both. I can make it back to the cave, but I won’t be doing any major magic for a while.” She frowned, her gaze scanning the fugitives. “Where is Jack?”

  “He was captured,” Allarde said. “Now that our scientists and their families have been rescued, I’m going back for him.”

  “Into the middle of an armed camp?” Elspeth said, horrified. “It won’t help Jack if you’re captured or shot!”

  “I’ll think of something,” Allarde said, his voice flat. “I’m not leaving anyone behind without trying to free him.”

  His words invigorated Cynthia. In a tone that didn’t allow argument, she said, “If you’re going after Jack, I’m going with you.”

  * * *

  “Any way out is better than the SS,” Rebecca said starkly. “Lead the way.”

  Tory did just that, racing back toward the prisoners’ cell. With the corridor lights on, they were able to move faster than before, but the same was true for their pursuers, who could be heard not far behind. One last set of doors to lock behind them.

  They reached the cell. Rebecca balked at the door. “Why do you bring us back to this vile place?”

  “I’ll explain, but first, come in.” Tory ushered the other girl, who still held Aaron, into the cell. After swiftly locking the door behind them, she said, “I’m going to tell you incredible things. Please be open-minded.”

  Rebecca frowned, her dark brows a straight line. “I do not understand.”

  “There are people in the world who have magical abilities. I am one of them. The quickest thing I can do is demonstrate the ability that will get us out of here.” A moment of hard concentration and Tory floated up to the ceiling.

  Rebecca gasped and shrank back, clutching Aaron while the boy stared at Tory with huge brown eyes. “What are you?” she asked shakily.

  “A girl much like you.” Time travel could wait till later. Tory drifted back to the floor as she continued, “But I have some magical powers. Floating is my particular gift. There are many other talents. You have magical ability, Rebecca. I don’t know what type, but haven’t you ever felt different from others? Done things that are supposed to be impossible, and you’re afraid to talk about them?”

  Rebecca bit her lip. “Sometimes … I seem to know what people are thinking.”

  Tory’s
brows arched. “That’s how you knew the commandant planned to send you all to labor camps in Germany?”

  Rebecca nodded. “It was very clear in his mind. We’d be shipped out as soon as a lorry was available to take us to a train station, and good riddance. Heinrich feels that he is above being a jailer of women and children. But I saw no point in telling the others when we were helpless.”

  Impressed, Tory said, “If you can read minds, it should be easier to believe that I can fly. Going out that window with me carrying you two down is our only way out.” German voices suddenly got louder and she guessed they’d come through the second set of doors and were getting close.

  Rebecca opened the door to the balcony and looked down the cliff, the wind and rain tearing at her bare head and dress. One hand clamped on the doorframe, her knuckles white. “I’m taller than you, and there is also Aaron. Do you have the strength to carry all three of us down safely?”

  “I think so, or I wouldn’t suggest this,” Tory said honestly. “Five other magelings came on this mission. If necessary, I can draw on their power if I need it. But there is risk. Even if I can carry you both safely, we might be seen and shot from the air.”

  “The camp is directly below and we’ll come down in the middle,” Rebecca said, her voice shaking. “We will be recaptured.”

  “I’ll drift us to one side so we land outside the camp. Then we run.” Tory glanced back at the door. They had only seconds left. “Please, trust me!”

  The other girl looked toward the corridor, where guttural voices could be heard. Her mouth tightened. “Tell me what I must do.”

  Tory yanked off her coat. “We go out on the balcony and lock Aaron between us while I tie this around our waists to help us keep our grip. Then we go over the railing and descend to the ground fairly quickly so we won’t be seen. I’ll slow us down before we land.” She didn’t dare show her own fears. Rebecca was nervous enough already.

  “Tie us together!” the other girl said shakily. “And may God protect us.”

  Tory stepped forward until she was pressed against Rebecca with Aaron between them. Using both hands, she wrapped the coat around their waists and knotted the sleeves behind Rebecca’s back.

  The other girl was taller, but mercifully slim so the coat sleeves reached far enough to tie into a hard knot. Though the garment wasn’t strong enough to hold them together on its own, it would help.

  Wrapping her arms around Rebecca, Tory said, “Can you put one arm around me while keeping Aaron secure? He should be safe between us.”

  The little boy was supported on Rebecca’s left arm, so she wrapped the right one around Tory. “Aaron, mon petit chou, close your eyes. We’re going to get away from the bad men.”

  Trustingly the little boy closed his eyes and leaned his head against Rebecca’s shoulder. When he was settled, Rebecca closed her eyes also. Her face was chalk white under her dark hair.

  A rattle of gunfire blasted behind them. The soldiers were shooting off the lock of the cell door.

  Invoking her magic with prayerlike intensity, Tory lifted the three of them from the floor of the balcony. Rebecca whimpered when her feet no longer had solid footing, but her grip never wavered.

  Then they were over the railing and going down, down, down.…

  CHAPTER 32

  Cynthia had never seen Allarde lose his temper, but when she stated that she was going with him to rescue Jack, she half expected him to say, “Haven’t you caused enough trouble?”

  Instead, he said tersely, “That won’t work. It will be difficult enough for one person to get into the camp. Two will be more conspicuous, especially when one is an attractive young woman. I’d have to look after you as well as look for Jack.”

  He was tactful even when refusing her—she wasn’t attractive, she looked like a hag who’d been dragged through a mud wallow. Not that she blamed him for being skeptical. “I wish to heaven I’d been practical and worn trousers! But even in a gown, I believe I can lead you to where they’re holding Jack.”

  Allarde frowned, considering. Beside them, Elspeth said quietly, “Since men are physically stronger, they’ve traditionally been the protectors of women and children. But among mages, female abilities match those of men.”

  Sensing that Allarde was wavering, Cynthia said coaxingly, “I can use illusion magic to help us get inside.”

  “That would be good,” he agreed. “Helping us get out with Jack would be even better. Why, Cynthia? You’ve usually been more sensible than the other girls.”

  How polite of him to say “sensible” when the real word was “cowardly.” Even to herself, Cynthia didn’t want to admit the whole reason. She settled for, “It’s my fault Jack was captured, so it is damned well my responsibility to get him out.”

  As they stared at each other, Dr. Heller spoke up hesitantly. “Jack is the blond young man who helped you to free us? He has been captured by the Nazi pigs?”

  “I’m afraid so,” Allarde said. “With luck, the camp is still in such chaos that it might be possible to get him out, so I intend to try.”

  “The young lady said she should have worn trousers,” the scientist continued. “If it would help, I have a spare pair because I had little else to carry away.” He smiled at Cynthia. “Your waist is much slimmer than mine, but we are much of a height. I shall be happy to give them to you if it will help you rescue your brave young man.”

  Cynthia wanted to protest that he wasn’t her young man, but—he was. He was. “Thank you. That will be helpful.”

  Once they were decided on a plan, Dr. Heller sacrificed his only spare shirt and trousers. Cynthia kept her hat and Jack’s saturated coat. Even heavy with rain, it gave her comfort. Then she and Allarde headed back toward the camp while the rest of the group started their hike to the cave.

  Cynthia looked even worse in her oversized male garments. Dr. Heller hadn’t been exaggerating when he’d said his waist was much larger. Her borrowed belt was cinched to the last hole. Her trouser legs had to be rolled up as well.

  But looking like a beggar was worth it for the freedom of movement she had now. Later, if she survived, she’d kick herself for having refused the trousers Jack had offered. If she had to wear male garments, much better she wore his.

  She and Allarde retraced their steps to the end of the camp by the church, where the fallen tree and deserted buildings offered the best cover. When they reached the fallen tree crossing, she asked hesitantly, “Tory is still all right?”

  “Yes, but in danger.” He paused a moment. The flatness of his voice was alarming.

  Cynthia asked reluctantly, “Do you want to go after her while I go into the camp for Jack?”

  He hesitated a long moment before replying. “Jack is a prisoner and his situation is more dangerous. Tory is free and will make her way back to the cave, so she doesn’t need the help as much.”

  Cynthia was relieved. While she’d go into the compound alone if necessary, success was more likely with Allarde.

  The spotlight moved away and they darted over the fence and took shelter beside the tree. As they waited for the spotlight to move over them, Allarde asked, “Do you have some sense of where he’s being held?”

  Cynthia concentrated, reaching out to find the essence of Jack, then trying to read his circumstances. “He was taken to the camp headquarters. A building in the center of the village. The old town hall, I think.” Pain stabbed through her belly. She moaned and pressed her hand to her stomach.

  “What do you pick up?” Allarde asked sharply. “Is Jack…?” He didn’t complete the sentence.

  “He’s alive, but they’re beating him!” she said in a choked voice.

  Allarde shook her shoulder. “Pull back, Cynthia! You can’t help Jack if you let yourself be crippled by his pain.”

  She knew he was right. Turning her face up, she let the cool rain wash over her cheeks and aching temples. After half a dozen heartbeats, she said, “Very well, I’ve pulled back. Not so far that I can
’t find him, but enough that I can function.”

  “Good girl,” he said quietly. “Has anyone mentioned that you’re at your best when the situation is worst?”

  She smiled wryly. “Mostly they say how sharp my tongue is.”

  “Heroines are allowed a few flaws. Come along now.”

  His warm hand on her back was comforting. Silly of her to have fancied him merely because he was heir to a dukedom. His friendship was more valuable than that.

  The spotlight passed over their heads and they ran into the compound heading for the shadows of the abandoned church. The rain made it a miserably, muddy night, but at least it helped conceal them.

  They circled the church to the side that faced the village. Most of the military camp’s lights were on, except where Jack’s waterspout had wreaked the worst havoc.

  The road that led up to the castle ran between them and the main village. They were about to cross when the throbbing engine of a powerful motorcar sounded, the noise increasing rapidly.

  As they dropped back into the shadows, Allarde said under his breath, “I think that’s the commandant’s car.”

  An idea struck Cynthia. “Can you stop the car with a tree so we can catch him?”

  He opened his mouth to question why, but there was no time to waste. Fiercely she said, “Just do it!”

  He obeyed, pulling major power as the heavy Mercedes roared around the curve. A sharp crack split the air and a massive tree limb crashed onto the vehicle. It stopped dead in a crunch of metal and snapping branches. The Mercedes was pushed onto one side, its headlights shooting down at an angle.

  They waited to see if the accident had been observed, but no one came. Though the crash sounded loud to them, the steady rain muffled the noise from carrying far.

  “Now that I’ve crushed the car and possibly killed two people, would you care to explain your plan to me?” Allarde asked in a dangerously silky voice. “If you think we can exchange the commandant for Jack, I doubt the Nazis will cooperate.”