Steel Maiden

by Kim Richardson

  I moved closer to a window where a group of girls were staring at something outside. The girls stiffened at the sight of me, bowed their heads, and hurried off. I was a little put off. I would have liked to have spoken with them, to see how they liked living here.

  But when I moved to the window, I forgot all about that. Down by the lake, Jon was sprawled on the lawn with his head resting on his arms. Even from here, I could see his tanned skin and his open shirt ruffling in the wind. It was obvious that the women and the girls here didn’t get a lot of male visitors.

  I couldn’t help but smile as I made my way down the stairs. I received a few nods and bobs from the witches I passed, with lots of good afternoons, and Miss Elenas. Their good humor was contagious, and I was smiling so much my cheeks hurt by the time I made it downstairs. I wondered about what magic they could do. Was it learned? Could they do magic just by wishing it?

  I’d never been this relaxed before, and I didn’t know what to do with myself. I felt better when I pushed open the two grand doors and crossed the plush lawn to find Jon.

  He turned at the sound of my approach, and his face beamed. He jumped up gracefully, and it was hard not to stare at his chest. His face was even more beautiful in the sunlight. And when he came closer and smiled, my legs were like water.

  “Up already?” he said.

  I looked over to the lake.

  “Yeah. I feel much better. I felt useless just lying there in that bed. And after what Ada had said, well, I couldn’t sleep, could I? If we want to catch Landon before he makes it to Soul City we should leave now.”

  Jon eyed me suspiciously. “He won’t make it before we do. Trust me, we still have time.”

  I frowned. “But we don’t. He’s at least one full day ahead, maybe more. If we don’t leave now, we’ll never catch up to him.”

  “We can’t leave yet, not until tomorrow. Ada’s orders.”

  “Since when do you listen to anyone’s orders?” I asked skeptically.

  “Since they involve your well-being, that’s when. Ada said that this place heals, too, that it’s healing you, and that we need to stay until tomorrow.”

  I sighed, but I knew that Ada was right. I had felt the healing power the moment I had opened my eyes and realized that my migraine had gone.

  “Fine.”

  Jon took my hand. “Come with me. I want to show you something.”

  It was really easy being led by him. His warm hand was rough and callused, and I felt secure with him.

  “Where are we going?”

  Jon’s smile widened, but he didn’t look at me.

  “You’ll see,” he said.

  I tried to fight down the warmth on my cheeks.

  Mountains soared up and away from the edge of the lake. We crossed the grounds and moved towards a meadow of tall swaying grasses, orange lilies, and buttercups. Showers of blossoms fell over us from the Crabapple trees and covered the grass in a carpet of reds and pinks. The air smelled like expensive perfume. It was very different from the hot piss and sewer smells that I had grown up with in the Pit.

  It was a shame that people didn’t know about this place, but maybe it was better that they didn’t know. I’m sure the high priests didn’t know because if they did they would have taken it like they’d taken everything else.

  Jon stopped at the edge of an open field. A breeze set his hair rustling. His eyes met mine, and he gave me a lazy smile.

  “What are we waiting for?” I asked.

  “Just wait.”

  I heard the rustling of thunder and felt it rumble below my feet, but when I looked up into the bright blue sky, I couldn’t find the source of the rumbling. And then from the opposite side of the meadow, I heard a loud bugling call that sounded oddly familiar.

  And then they came.

  Hundreds of horses galloped towards us through the open fields. They moved together in a giant wave, like a school of fish. They were reddish brown, chestnut, tan and brown, white and black. There were even some with patches and spots that I’d never seen before, like the coloring of cows. I spotted foals running alongside their mothers. But one stood out among the throng of horses.

  A tall stallion, the color of midnight, stood out from the rest, grand and prince like. My heart jumped. I would have recognized him anywhere.

  “Torak!” I yelled.

  But when I started to move, Jon grabbed me by the arm.

  “Do you want to get trampled to death?”

  I stared at Jon, then back at Torak.

  “But? How? How did he get here?” I was excited and relieved to see that he was fine.

  Jon smiled and let go of my arm.

  “I asked the witches the same thing. Apparently, all the horses from the race came here after we were ambushed by the mist. The witches told me that all animals have a sixth sense. They sense danger, and they can sense safety. They knew to come here.”

  “Clever beasts.” My smile grew. “Beautiful and gracious. I could stand here all day just to watch them all. They look so happy here.”

  I laughed at one of the foals that head-butted its twin.

  “We can make real progress tomorrow with horses,” said Jon. “Prince Landon and his company are on foot. If we leave early enough tomorrow and ride hard, we may be able to snatch the stone right from under his nose.”

  “That is good news.” My shoulders relaxed, and I took a breath. I felt that we had a real chance to get the stone. I couldn’t wait to see the shocked look on Landon’s face when I punched him. Prince or not, I hated him for leaving me to die.

  “I’m assuming Will and Leo are part of the rebellion, too?”

  Jon nodded. “They are. We all joined together.”

  “How many rebels do we have in the Pit?”

  Even in the sun, a shadow crossed Jon’s face. “Nearly every able man and a few women.”

  “Seriously? That many?”

  Jon looked out over the meadow.

  “You’d be surprised how many people were willing to join. The folks in the Pit are starving. They’re slaves to the priests, and they don’t want to be anymore. They’re desperate and angry, and we’ll need that anger and passion to take down the Empire.”

  I thought of a life without the priests. Take down the Empire of the Sun. I played the words in my head. “Sounds like a dream.”

  “And some dreams do come true.” Jon’s eyes sparkled, and I felt his fingers interlace with mine again. The gleam in his eye made my heart race.

  “So we have the rest of the day to relax. Ada’s orders. Come.”

  He pulled me along to a thicket of trees and bushes. I was almost drunk I was so lightheaded. Finally, we sat under a great crab apple tree with leaves the color of wine.

  I sat next to him but not too close. I was sweating, and I could feel my fingers trembling. Why was I so nervous? I’d been alone with Jon before, well, with Mad Jack, and I’d never been nervous because there was only room for my anger. I looked at him again, really looked at him. His chiseled cheekbones, jaw, the framing of his eyes below his eyebrows, the strong muscles that peeked through the open neckline of his shirt, he was perfection. Even his scar gave him a dangerous edge, and I hardly even noticed it anymore. My skin tingled at his nearness. I realized then that my feelings for Jon had changed. It wasn’t simply a crush. It went deeper than that. And it scared the hell out of me.

  “So what will you do now?” I tried to appear calm and collected.

  Jon pulled out some grass with his fingers. “What do you mean?”

  “Does it change your plans now that you understand the power of the stone? I mean, I’m sure you had plans to sell it once you had it, right? I’m sorry you won’t make a killing with it now. I’m sorry about all of it.”

  “I never planned on getting the stone.”

  I turned to look at him. “So why did you join the race then?”

  He turned his face to me. The intensity in his eyes took my breath away.

  “For you, Elen
a.”

  My heart beat so fast I feared it might explode. “I joined the race the moment I heard what the high priest’s intentions were with you. I wanted to protect you, to keep you safe. I couldn’t give a shit about the stone.”

  He traced my fingers with his index finger, slowly.

  It hit me then how stupid and foolish I’d been all these years. Jon had been in front of me all this time, and I’d never truly seen him. He’d joined the race for me, to keep me safe. Although he’d spoken to me very little during all those years in the Pit, I realized now that he was a man of few words. His actions spoke volumes.

  “How long?” I asked.

  His eyes narrowed. “How long what?”

  “How long have you been in love with me?”

  He looked away and was silent for a long moment. His expression was a mixture of a smile and a wince. And for a long time I thought he wouldn’t answer.

  “Since the first time you came to me. You wanted to trade a gold necklace you had stolen for some books,” he said quietly.

  He laughed. “You were so proud and fierce. You didn’t fear me like the rest of the girls, and you never ever tried to flirt with me. You were good with a blade, and you made sure we all knew so we wouldn’t take advantage of you. You didn’t care about me. You didn’t care who I was, or what I stood for in the Pit. I think that’s why I was so drawn towards you.”

  “Really?” I said. “That was five years ago, I was fourteen then, stubborn as hell and foolish.”

  A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips. “You haven’t changed, not really.”

  I found myself laughing with him.

  “I know I’m a bit of a hardhead. I’m headstrong, and I do what I want, when I want. You can laugh all you want, but I’ll have you know there are worse faults, like being vain and prejudiced. Rose always said I was as stubborn as a mule, and that one day I would pay for it.”

  I sighed. “I should have listened to her, because I am paying for it now. I should never have gone after that stupid Anglian crown. But I did. And now look at the mess we’re in because of me. I’m such an idiot.”

  Jon let out a low groan. “Can you ever forgive me?” he said.

  The sadness in his eyes went straight to my heart. Jon might have played a role in all this mess, but I had delivered the crown. It was my mistake, and I had to own up to it.

  I leaned a little closer to him.

  “Maybe,” I teased. “If you give me what I want, I might forgive you.”

  He laughed softly and placed a strand of my hair behind my ear. “Really? And what’s that?”

  “A kiss.” My heart raced.

  He looked mildly surprised at my boldness, but then gradually his smile broadened.

  “That’s it? Just a kiss?”

  I raised my eyebrows. “Well, it better be a damn good one.”

  Jon flashed a smile and then leaned in. His lips brushed against mine, soft at first and hesitant, like he thought I might pull away. But I didn’t.

  I leaned in, and he kissed me harder, crushing his mouth against mine. A wild passion exploded in me as our tongues touched and explored. His touch felt so soothing and vibrant.

  I kissed him with more intensity. His scent and kisses lulled me into a trance. I breathed in his smell, and it woke something primal inside me.

  I had kissed my share of men, particularly during my younger years in the Pit, and I had even added a prince to my list. But with Jon, it was different. He kissed with a gentleness and caution that made his kiss into a vow. It was a promise of his love, a promise that he was mine and always would be.

  “It’s always been you, Elena,” he whispered against my lips.

  He pulled back a fraction, cupped my face with his hands, and looked at me.

  I swallowed hard.

  He kissed my neck and my cheeks and then went back to my lips again. We kissed without finding breath, and his hand slid down my arm to my waist. My pulse pounded at the heat of his hands.

  He growled softly as I reached down and unbuckled his belt. I yanked off his shirt and threw it to the ground. My hands moved over his muscled chest as a ravenous unyielding sort of hunger welled in me.

  He grabbed my wrists and pushed me to the ground, straddling me. While he worked to take off my breeches, I raised my shift and tunic over my head and tossed them in the grass beside his shirt. I was completely naked, and although I wished I had some of the feminine curves the concubines had, Jon did not seem in any way disappointed as he inspected me from my breasts to my thighs.

  “If you don’t stop me now,” he breathed, his chest rising and falling rapidly. “I won’t be able to stop.”

  I reached over and yanked his pants down. “I don’t want you to stop.”

  He kicked off his pants and lowered himself over me. I hooked my legs over his thighs, and pulled him against me. He was heavy, but it was a good heavy. The heat of his body against my skin was electric. Our hands explored our bodies, and I could feel nothing but his touch, his lips, the sound of his voice, his scent. I sucked in a breath. I hadn’t realized how much I wanted him. My desire filled me, body and soul.

  I didn’t care that the witches might stroll by and discover us. There was only Jon and me.

  I wanted him. My body rose to take him, all of him. My eyes gleamed with tears, and I became a breathless tumble of sensations. We locked together, and the world revolved around us.

  CHAPTER 31

  WE RETURNED TO THE castle at sunset. Jon told me it was called Kindling Castle, and that it was a sanctuary for all things magic. It was also a school for witchcraft where witchlings, the young witch apprentices, learned all about magic.

  I couldn’t help but envy the young girls. I would have given anything to have been one of them and to have grown up here instead of in the Pit.

  As we walked I wondered why my mother hadn’t come back here with me. I wouldn’t have been the same person I was today if I had grown up in a sheltered and nurturing place like this, if I had gown up surrounded by magic. I could have had friends and learned about my abilities. Maybe she didn’t want to give up on the man she loved? Maybe she didn’t realize how much danger she was in? I would never know.

  The log castle looked welcoming. Light spilled through the large windows, and the last of the sun glowed behind us, so that everything on the hillside threw a double shadow. A cool breeze rose, and I salivated at the smell of meat roasting.

  I followed Jon to the dining hall where rows of long tables with white tablecloths were arranged side by side. The air was filled with conversations and the sweet scent of food. We moved to the large buffet table, and I topped my plate with sweet potatoes, roasted chicken, boiled carrots, rice, bread, and a slice of meat pie.

  Jon looked down at my plate and gave me an approving smirk. My face warmed. I wasn’t sure if the witches sensed the feelings we shared for each other, but I knew that Jon and I shared an unbreakable bond.

  I had grown up not trusting men. My attitude towards relationships was pretty dysfunctional, and I had always kept a wall around my heart. But now my wall had lifted, and Jon and I were joined together with a connection so strong that I felt it in my soul. I never believed in soul mates, but if I did, Jon would be mine.

  Ada waved us over to her table, the only table that sat on a slightly raised platform.

  We took our seats facing the high witch and two other witches. The first was a middle-aged witch by the name of Sylvia who had been responsible for stitching up the back of my neck. Sylvia was from the White Witches clan and wore an earth-colored gown with blue trim. She had a pleasant face and short hair with tight gray and white curls. The other was named Maya, a dark-skinned witch in a sun-colored gown. She had silver eyes and a stern expression. Maya was from the Augur clan, the seers. She was completely bald, and her strange eyes sent a shiver rippling through me. I tried not to look at her while we discussed our travel plans for early the next morning.

  “What do I do when I get the s
tone back?” I asked through a mouthful of potatoes.

  I swallowed and watched as some unspoken communication passed between them.

  “Do I take it back to Hollowmere?”

  “No,” said Ada. “That place is spent now. We must find another safe place to hide it. Away from the priests, somewhere where they can never find it.”

  She drummed her gnarled fingers on the table. “Bring it here. We’ll need to convene with the other witch clans, and then we’ll make a decision.”

  The witches fell silent. I felt Maya’s strange piercing stare, but I did my best to ignore it.

  Jon took a sip of his wine and placed his goblet on the table.

  “Can’t we use the stone against the priests? If it’s as powerful as you claim, why can’t we use it against them? You said it was a weapon, so let’s use it. Let’s get rid of the priests once and for all.”

  Ada shook her head. “It’s not that simple, Jon. You cannot wield the stone, none of us can.”

  “Elena can,” said Jon.

  He tapped his finger on his glass. “Surely she can use it. You said it yourself. Elena is the only one who can even touch the damn thing.”

  “Touching the stone and wielding it are two different things.”

  Sylvia looked at me. “While you can touch it, you will never wield it like you would a sword or a knife. You can’t control it. Eventually you would lose yourself to it. You would become something else, something not human. The stone was not meant to be handled by a mortal, man or witch. Its power would kill you.”

  “Are you sure?” I dabbed my mouth with a napkin. “Jon might be right. What if I can manipulate it? You said it yourself that I was immune to most magic, maybe even to the magic of the stone. I was able to touch it when no one else could. I felt its power, truly I did, and I didn’t lose myself to it. It never took control of me. If I can wield the stone, and if it’s as powerful as you claim, then I should try. It would be foolish not to.”

  Maya reached across the table and grabbed my hands. I was surprised at her strength.