Illuminated

by Jackie Castle

  Try as she might, she couldn’t stop shaking. Her vision became so blurred she didn’t even see Katrina approach. “Here, you eat. Yes? They are wondering what is wrong. I go distract them. Yes?”

  “Good girl,” Lotari said. “I’m working on calming her. Tell them to pack up and get ready to leave. I’ll carry her if I have to.”

  Jerin offered her more water. “Come on, Aly. Whatever happened doesn’t matter now. okay?”

  “Is the kid having a fit, or something?” As usual, Harp sounded gruff.

  “No, she had a nightmare. She’s fine. You know how kids are.” Jerin chuckled. “Is everyone about ready to leave?”

  Alyra took in a deep shuddering breath, knowing she needed to shake this off and go on. The canteen quivered as she drank gulps of water trying to steady herself. She splashed some of the cold liquid on her face. Jerin handed her a cloth.

  Lotari pushed back her tangled hair. “There you go, good girl, just take a couple more drinks and eat something.”

  Her hands would not stop trembling as she bit off a piece of bread. Lotari stayed right next to her. Jerin rolled his blanket and then hers, but continued to block their view of her. She watched Katrina smiling as she served the others hot tea and some of the loaf.

  She looked up at Lotari and whispered, “My Mo died. But I had a Da and a brother.” She set the bread aside, not having the stomach to eat. “Only I don’t remember him at all.”

  Lotari squeezed her tighter. “I’m sorry, Alyra . Hopefully, when you reach Aloblase, you will be reunited with those who remain.”

  Knowing they had to get a move on, she forced her emotions down. Taking her blanket from Jerin, she quickly repacked her bag.

  Following her friends, Alyra walked blindly, lost in her troubling thoughts. Issah had said that many had been sent to tell her of the Kingdom. The dragon, upon Darnel’s orders, had killed them. All those lives…. All her fault.

  “Is that light up ahead?” asked Frank.

  Lotari, who’d stayed at her side, draped an arm across her shoulder and slowed their pace until the others were a good distance between them. “Alyra, I see you are pondering many thoughts. I implore you to put them aside. Now is the time to keep your wits. Do you understand?”

  She nodded, dread replacing the worry buzzing though her mind.

  Lotari went on, “According to their map, the White Road lays to the south. We must head straight in that direction. If misfortune befalls us, and we are separated, I want you to remember the path will keep you safe. Is that clear?” His arm tightened around her neck to emphasize his point.

  Her heart threatened to burst from her chest. Tilting her face up to his, she whispered. “Lotari, why are you talking like something bad is going to happen?”

  He stopped. The others, intent on the growing light, didn’t even notice. “What instructions have you been given since the very beginning of your journey?”

  She sighed. “Stay on the path.”

  “What has resulted when you deviated from that advice?”

  Shoulders sagged. “Something bad happened, except for when I met you. That was good.”

  “That was no chance meeting. I was sent to help you return to the highway before harm befell you.

  “Understand, dear one, each time you step off the White Road, the risk of running into peril increases. There is no protection from the enemy away from the path.”

  “How are we to find our way back?”

  “We must listen for Issah. Run south. No matter what they choose, we will hasten in that direction.” He planted a kiss on top of her head, then pulled her hood up to cover her hair. “Keep your head down stay close to us. Jerin and I will keep you safe.”

  She gripped her medallions, hoping Issah was near, that he knew where they’d gone. Then a flash memory popped into her mind. Music playing, her hand in Issah’s as he spun her beneath the lighted trees. “I’ll be there for you whenever you need me, Alyra. I love you very much,” he’d said as they danced in Jolly Orchard.

  The tunnel opened upon a large portico where some of the roof had fallen from crumbled columns. She blinked against the brightness as the group moved out into the welcomed sunshine. They’d emerged at the bottom of a small amphitheater. Wide steps gracefully wove up the hillside. Broken statues of the earth’s various creatures lined the walkways above. Motionless horses ran wildly through a dried, crumbling fountain. One steed’s head had been knocked completely off.

  Katrina’s face contorted as she stifled a gasping cry. “Oh, it’s worse than I thought.”

  Yet, not all shared Katrina’s remorse. Harp spun around, with his arms out wide, and swooped up his wife with a loud whoop. “Didn’t I tell you? Right through the mountain we went.” Christina hugged her husband as the daughters laughed and danced around their parents. Frank was slapping his brother-in-law’s back and hugging his sister as well.

  “Hush you fool,” hissed Lotari, glaring at the joyous family. “We are by no means out of danger. Let’s make haste and find the path before soldiers show up.”

  Their grins faded and were replaced with angry narrowed stares. Harp slowly moved toward the horse and reached within the gear. “Fool, eh?” He withdrew a long sword. “I’ve about had enough from all of you.”

  Jerin’s hand grasped his hilt, but Frank stopped him, pointing his crossbow menacingly. “Everyone just hold on.” Frank stepped closer to his brother.

  Stitch was beside Lotari, a dagger clutched in his fist. Katrina stood between the two groups, looking from one to the other, her damp eyes wide in astonishment. “Harp, they wish for no trouble.”

  “Well they’ve been nothing but trouble. Now you get over there by Ma and the girls and hush.”

  She didn’t move.

  Alyra began to step forward, but Jerin blocked her with his extended arm. Something in the woods surrounding the top of the theater flashed within the darkness. She glanced at Jerin to see if he noticed, but his eyes stayed glued on the family.

  “Sir,” Lotari began. “All we desire is to return to the King’s Highway. Why don’t you go your way, and we’ll go ours. There’s no need for anyone to get hurt.” His fierce eyes flashed a warning to the men.

  Harp held up the sword threateningly. “You’ll stay till we reach the bottom of the mountain. Eventually we’ll run into the white path again. You can go then.”

  “We’ll not be safe from soldiers until we’re on the path.” Lotari shook his head, taking a step backward.

  “That’s why you are all coming with us. I know they are after you. An’ not only the centaurs, but the glow-bug girl as well.”

  Alyra gasped, which caused Harp to chuckle. “Yeah, see? I knew something was up. Told you, Frank, when I heard they was avoiding the soldiers. Now, we have us a bargaining chip if we run into trouble. We’ll offer up the girl and the centaurs if they’ll let us go on our way.”

  Chapter 35

  While Alyra’s friends faced the family, she peered from beneath her hood at the trees bordering the amphitheater, sure she’d seen a flash of metal within.

  “You may get off one shot,” Stitch stomped his hooves, “but I’ll have your head ripped from your body before you can reach for the second.” He glared at each family member, stopping on Harp.

  Jerin’s face paled as he stared at the palomino centaur. “I’d listen Frank. I’ve seen his kind in battle and ripping heads off is nothing to them. They aren’t easy to kill either. You don’t have enough weapons or time to take them both down, I promise you that.”

  The two men glanced at each other with uncertainty. A prickling sensation ran down Alyra’s neck. Up above, the woods seemed to be alive. Studying the foliage, Alyra squinted, catching a glimpse of movement. She grabbed Jerin’s arm and whispered. “Do you see anything up there?”

  He shaded his eyes with his big hand. “No.” His sharp intake of breath told he had. “Head’s up, we’ve got company, people.” The sword slid from his scabbard as he pushed Alyra
away from the others.

  “They’ll not bargain Harp,” she said. “It’s not their way.”

  The marble wall above the entrance exploded at the impact of an arrow hitting it. Soon the air whizzed with the sound of more feathered shafts flying past. Jerin held up his shield, keeping Alyra sheltered behind his body.

  “If you want to try, you go ahead. But I’d advise you to run now as fast as you can.” Alyra tugged at Jerin’s arm as she asked Katrina, “You coming?”

  The girl nodded and hurried after them with the centaurs following close behind. They ran southward, along the wall and up the stone-hued steps, not stopping until they found a small enclosure amongst the rocks alongside the stage area.

  Go up, child.

  Alyra turned to Lotari and asked, “I thought you said we needed to head south?”

  “What?”

  “Why are you telling me we need to go up now?”

  His brows furrowed in confusion. “I didn’t tell you… Wait,” his long ears twitched as he sniffed the air. “Who told you to climb?”

  “What?”

  They looked at each other, perplexed.

  Alyra, start climbing up the mountain.

  She caught sight of the family disappearing back into the tunnel. Soldiers poured from the tree cover, some running after Harp’s clan while another group gestured in their direction. “Lotari did you hear it that time?”

  He grasped her shoulders. “Are you frightened? Do you recognize the voice?” He also kept his focus on the soldier’s movements.

  In her mind, she pictured Issah grinning down at her while they’d danced. “No, I’m not. It’s Issah. I know it.”

  A heat radiated from her chest, like that day he’d tended her burns, and the moment she’d laid her hand in his when he wanted to show her the feast. Even the times he’d danced with her beneath the flickering lanterns. Yes, she knew.

  From their position, a trail wound along the base of dense spruce growing up the incline. They would need to hurry upward through the piney forest and not waste time trying to get around.

  “The trees might keep us somewhat safe.” She said.

  “Let us hope.” Lotari addressed Jerin and Stitch. “We need to climb. Jerin will you cover the rear while we get the girls up the cliff? Soon as I reach the next ledge, we’ll cover you. Do you both still have your slingshots?”

  Jerin held up his. Alyra fished in her pocket for hers. Wrapping the strap around her wrist, she helped Jerin collect as many rocks as possible.

  Lotari turned toward Stitch. “You help Katrina. Protect her, do you hear me?” He grasped the youth’s burly arm. “I don’t care how scared you are. Do not abandon her.”

  Stitch, ashen-faced, nodded and took hold of the dark-haired girl. “I’ll be right behind you, Kat. You can ride my back when we get onto more level ground.”

  Lotari waited a second as shouts from the troops filled the air. They’d been spotted for sure. He nudged Alyra and ordered her to climb fast.

  “Issah, if you’re anywhere near-” She said between gasps, “-please help us.”

  Arrows bounced off the stony edifice.

  Lotari shouted from behind, “He’s close. We need to do what he says.”

  They scrambled between spiked-branched spruces, the needles scratching at their clothing and faces. Once they reached the first rocky shelf where Stitch and Katrina waited, Lotari loaded his bow and aimed at the soldiers following as Jerin made his way through the pines. The soldiers struggled in their own climb, unable to shoot through the thick trees. Lotari managed to take down two, and Stitch three. Alyra sent several rocks on the men, but only managed to give one a possible headache.

  Below, the horsemen followed the path and Alyra wondered if they’d be able to find a way to cut them off. She hoped not. When Jerin’s head appeared, Lotari helped him onto the narrow ridge.

  “For once, we two-leggers have the advantage, eh boys?” Jerin grinned at Lotari and Stitch.

  “We’ll manage fine.” Lot retorted, biting back his own smile. “Keep going, Stitch.”

  As the first two headed into the next climb, Jerin continued gathering more stones that he loaded into the empty food sack. Lotari pushed Alyra to get moving. The narrow ledge created natural steps and she found the rise easy. Lotari stayed just behind. She tried not to look down or worry what pursued them. Instead, she focused on scampering up the rocks as quickly as possible.

  When they reached the top of the next plateau, the land leveled out for a good distance before slamming into another walled outcropping.

  “We’re trapped,” Stitch gasped.

  Sure enough, the tall cliffs circled the meadow, enclosing them in a basin.

  “We’re going to have to fight,” Jerin limped toward them, his breathing labored. A bruise darkened his cheek.

  Lotari searched the area. Shouts sounded from below. Alyra’s heart sank when the pounding of hooves joined the soldier’s yells. Soon the basin would be full of enemy fighters.

  “See that crevice?” Lot pointed toward the rocky walls. “We’ll make for there. Get on my back, Alyra.”

  Stitch pulled Katrina on and raced away as if a panther was on his tail.

  “Come boy, I will carry you as well.” Lotari held out his hand.

  Jerin shook his head and loaded a rock into his sling. “I can take care of myself. Get the girls and yourselves out of here.”

  He hesitated for a second, nodded, then galloped across the clearing.

  Racan horsemen burst into the valley from the tip of the basin’s arm. From the trees foot soldiers, trolls, dwarfs, and other beast hefting axes, bows and swords ran forward with their battle cries. Jerin sprinted full speed directly in front of the horde, blue eyes wide circles. Alyra watched over her shoulder as a giant sized warrior bore down on him.

  “Run, Jerin!” she screamed.

  Lotari slid to a halt. Alyra peeked around his sweat-drenched back to see what caused him to stop running. Stone pillars rose up like jagged teeth lining the cliff’s face. Several yards ahead, Stitch was already making his way through the gaps, Katrina clinging to him as she buried her face in his golden hair. Alyra realized the incline wasn’t what made Lotari freeze in his tracks.

  Lined along the top of the precipice stood rows of gold-clad warriors. Issah! The prince stared down as Stitch and Katrina picked their way up the narrow crevice leading to the very place he waited.

  Come on, daughter, hurry!

  Alyra dared another glance behind to find Jerin running with all he had. An arrow stuck from his backpack.

  Taking the bow from his shoulder, Lot loaded and aimed for a goblin bearing down on the boy, carrying an ax twice his size. The shaft flew straight hitting the dark emblem on its chest. A second, shot from above, found its mark in another goblin. The Alburnium warrior’s battle cry filled the enclosure as they swooped down along the sides, blocking the Racan beast and soldiers in.

  “Go, Alyra. Follow Stitch and get up to Issah. He will keep you safe.”

  “No, I’m not leaving you two.” An arrow whizzed over her head.

  He pulled her off his back and pushed her away. “Get out of here, you stubborn girl. Go now!”

  “No!”

  The clang of sword against sword broke off their argument. Jerin fought in hand-to-hand combat with a burly, trollish soldier. Alyra backed away, thinking he reminded her too much of that disgusting governor Darnel wanted her to marry.

  Jerin managed a spin and hefted the head off the large beast. Behind the first one come another. Lotari shot and slowed him but didn’t stop the monster. Jerin sprinted toward them with renewed vigor.

  “Go!” shouted the centaur, his hooves stomping hard on the ground. “Go, so I can help our friend survive this.”

  Do as he says, Alyra. Come on up to me. Alyra glanced up to find Issah motioning for her to climb.

  Jerin wasn’t too far away now. Issah was definitely close. Reluctantly she climbed up the incline. Some areas s
he could walk. Others she had to scramble up the rocks. Stitch’s hoof prints directed her. There was no sign of the girl or the palomino.

  Breathing hard, she paused upon a small ledge to check her friend’s progress. Down below, Alburnium warriors fought hand-to-hand, swords glinting in the afternoon sun. Several, wearing gold breastplates, swarmed into the fray.

  A loud cheer rose up from the dark army. Terror gripped her. Had they gotten them?

  “No, please.” She wanted to go back and find her friends.

  Don’t stop, Issah called, keep going!

  Jerin and Lotari ran for the cliffs arm in arm. She couldn’t tell who might be supporting the other. Stinging pain burned her hands as her fingers slipped from the rock, leaving a dark-red smear. Her palms bled from clutching so tight to the jagged stone, and her legs trembled with the effort to climb.

  “Keep going,” called a voice from above. She looked up into Issah’s face as he reached down toward her. “Come on up, Daughter.”

  Alyra glanced down once more as Jerin’s sword took the head off a dwarf. Arrows flew out from a hidden crevice.

  “Take my hand, my child.” The Prince urged. “Before it’s too late.”

  She reached up and clasped his wrist as his fingers circled around hers. He pulled her up into his firm embrace. Immediately, more warriors waiting behind him leaped down the rocks while another group stepped forward and sent a rain of arrows on the soldiers. The only escape was back the way they’d come which was now blocked by the Alburnium forces.

  Issah wrapped his arms around her, leading her from the gruesome battle scene.

  “No, we can’t leave them, Issah.” Alyra cried.

  He continued though through a copse of trees, which cleared to reveal a beautiful lake-filled valley. The bluffs rose like castle turrets around the crystal blue water. Next to the lake sat Stitch and Katrina looking worried and tired. A crackling fire blazed to warm them. Just beyond the small campsite ran a band of white glittering rocks: The King’s Highway. She bowed her head and began to sob.

  “I’m so sorry, Issah.” She remembered the dream and all her turmoil came pouring out. “I didn’t listen to what you’ve told me. Not now and not when I was small. If they are hurt, that will be my fault, too. I should have insisted we stay on the path. I should have waited. I….”