Bound to Survive (The Magic Within Book 1)

by Sharon Gibbs

  ‘What about Elle?’ Atlas asked. He was concerned for his daughter’s safety.

  ‘We’ll have her out well before we attack in the morning,’ Henry said. He had already planned how they’d rescue her.

  ‘How? It’s not like we can just walk through the camp and look for her,’ James interrupted.

  ‘Yes, James. That’s exactly what we are going to do,’ Henry said and then he grinned.

  ‘That’s ridiculous. You’ll not get past the patrols that scour the perimeter. You’ll be seen and killed before you can step a foot inside the camp,’ Jack said.

  ‘Argh, Jack, but you forget about magic.’

  Peter stepped forward eager to hear Henry’s plan. ‘Well what is it? What are we going to do?’

  ‘Three of us will venture towards the enemy’s camp. You, Jack, along with Christopher and myself, will ride as close as we can. Once there I’ll spell Christopher with an Unknowing spell. He’ll then be able to pass through the camp and search for Elle.’

  ‘Like when we passed the soldier on the road into Canameer?’

  ‘No, James, that was a spell used to alter his memory, to make him forget. This spell will cover Christopher and allow him to walk right through the middle of the camp. They’ll still see him, but their minds will be confused and his entity will be unknown to them and therefore register him invisible.’

  ‘Can you spell me, too?’ Jack asked.

  ‘No, Jack. If you two were spelled together you’d not realise the other was there,’ Henry said.

  ‘So how will Christopher find Elle in the midst of the camp?’ Atlas couldn’t see how one person could find his daughter, amongst maybe thousands.

  ‘When Christopher healed Elle, their souls connected. All he has to do is concentrate and his Wizard’s essence will guide him to her.’

  ‘So I’ll be unseen, but Elle will be visible,’ Christopher said, almost to himself.

  ‘Yes, lad, you’ll have to think of some way to get back out without her being seen.’ Henry watched as Christopher rubbed his chin. ‘Don’t worry, lad. Something will come up. It usually does.’

  Their plans were set and the three of them prepared to leave. They rode in the dark, with only the half moon to guide them, as close as they could towards the enemy’s camp. Before they reached the army’s patrol line they dismounted and tied their mounts to a tree. Christopher would only take what he could conceal upon his person. He’d carry no sword for protection.

  ‘Christopher, once I cast the spell, you’ll be invisible even to us. You may walk around the camp unseen, but don’t touch anyone or they’ll feel your presence and probably summon the Sorceress. This spell is an easy trick to undo so be mindful, and don’t speak unless it’s paramount as your voice will draw attention to you. The Sorceress won’t notice this meagre use of magic as it won’t disturb the balance in the realm. If by any chance you happen to return without the girl, you’ll need to let us know you are here so I can remove the spell. Sorry, Jack, it has to be said.’

  Jack was horrified that Christopher might return without his sister. Christopher saw the expression upon Jack’s face and reached out. He placed his hand upon the man’s shoulder to reassure him.

  ‘We’ll wait for your return,’ Henry said.

  ‘Grandfather, if I’m not back in time…’

  ‘You will be,’ Jack said. ‘Cast the spell now so he can find Elle.’ Jack’s imagination had begun to run wild, anything could be happening to his sister.

  Henry cast the spell. ‘Sit visum est ignotus.’

  ‘Where’d he go?’ Jack said as he looked around. ‘He was standing here just a minute ago.’

  ‘He’s still before us,’ Henry said and then reached out to touch Christopher. Jack patted the air where he thought Christopher stood and Christopher grabbed his arm. Jack pulled back at his sudden grasp. It unnerved Jack to be touched by someone unseen.

  ‘Go now, Christopher. We’re wasting time, but be careful. We’ll see you when you return with Elle,’ Henry said.

  Christopher walked through the trees and across the field in the direction of the camp. He was apprehensive as he watched the soldiers by their fires. To the right of him, Christopher heard someone approach. He stopped as a guard on patrol headed in his direction. Christopher’s heart pound in his chest as the guard drew close and then passed him by. Christopher sighed with relief, reassured that he couldn’t be seen.

  He entered the camp, and as he passed by groups of soldiers he listened to the conversations that flowed in hope that Elle would be mentioned. Christopher had no idea where to begin his search. The tents were scattered and seemed to stretch on forever. As he passed by the next fire, Christopher recognised a few of the soldiers. They were Kovak’s men and they’d lived in The Dale for as long as Christopher could remember.

  Ahead Christopher saw three large tents. A ring of soldiers guarded the entrance. He knew that the tents belonged to Arnak and Athena and was loathe to venture into the serpent’s nest.

  Christopher stepped sideways as a drunken soldier fell backwards off a fallen tree trunk. The other men laughed at him as he lay sprawled on his back with his feet in the air. Christopher passed them by and as he walked through the camp he noticed women pulling small carts. They stopped every so often to collect mugs and trenchers discarded by the soldiers. As he approached another group of men huddled around the warmth of the next fire, he heard them discuss Kovak, so he stopped to listen.

  ‘He thinks he’s god almighty that Kovak does. Waltzing in here with that woman in tow. I’m surprised the Lord let him keep her.’

  Christopher was relieved to hear that Elle was still with Kovak. Now all he had to do was find which tent was his. As he crossed the camp he concentrated upon her. His instincts lead him over to a small group of tents on the opposite side of the camp. Christopher recognised one of Kovak’s men stationed in front of the tent, and as he approached an old woman holding a lantern high and dragging a small handcart stopped in front of him and entered the tent.

  Christopher walked around the cart. The old woman had left her cloak on top of the dishes and Christopher picked it up and moved along the side of the tent. Christopher stood in silence as the old woman spoke to someone inside and then he heard Elle’s voice.

  Elle lay on the straw pallet, the pain she felt in her stomach had increased. The rope rubbed every time she moved, and the coarse fibres dug into her wrists as her arm continued to swell. As she lay there trying to work her hands free, a light drew near to the tent. The flap opened and the light shone inside as an old woman entered, holding her lantern high so she could see. Elle laid still and the woman set the lantern down upon the table.

  ‘I’ve come to collect the trenchers. Has the Captain finished with them?’ she asked and then noticed Elle huddled up on the floor. Elle blinked and nodded as her eyes adjusted to the brightness of the lantern.

  ‘He’s asleep in the next room,’ she said.

  ‘Are you all right? I saw him bring you in here earlier,’ the woman whispered and then noticed that Elle was injured. ‘Oh lass, what’s he done to you?’ The old woman worried with the sight of the blood smeared on Elle’s swollen face.

  ‘Can you help me to get away?’

  ‘I’m sorry, lass, I can’t,’ the old woman said.

  Elle understood. It was a lot to ask of a woman who she didn’t know. If they were caught, the punishment would be death for them both.

  ‘I’ll come back and check on you in the morning,’ the woman said and then she gathered the dishes, retrieved her lantern from the table and went back about her business.

  Elle sobbed; the only chance she’d had of escape had just left.

  The flap of the tent blew opened again and Elle thought the old woman had changed her mind but no one entered. Christopher had stood outside listening. He’d heard the concern in the old woman’s voice. As soon as she left Christopher entered the tent. He saw Elle bound and curled up on the pallet. The light inside th
e tent was dim, but he knew enough by the way the old woman spoke to know Elle was injured. He knelt before Elle and cut the ropes from her hands and feet.

  Elle panicked as she felt a light tug on her restraints. In the dim light, cast by the fires outside, she could see she was alone. Next to her a slit appeared in the canvas as Christopher used his knife to cut them an escape route. Elle moved, but the pain was worse than she’d expected. Then she felt a warm hand take hers. The initial contact made her jump, but the hand felt strong and safe and even though she couldn’t see the person who was with her, to escape seemed a better option than to stay. Elle’s unknown rescuer helped her from the pallet and out through the slit in the tent.

  When Christopher took Elle’s hand, his magic lurched forth to heal her. It roared within him as his anger rose. He calmed his inner self. The magic would have to wait until they were away from the enemy’s camp. Once they were outside the tent, Elle stood and Christopher placed the old woman’s cloak around her shoulders. In a whisper, he spoke to her. Elle recognised Christopher’s voice instantly and felt stronger within his presence.

  ‘We must walk through the camp to the other side. Along the way there’s a cart. As we pass by, you need to drag it along with you. The soldiers will think you’re collecting their discarded trenchers. Do you think you’ll be able to manage that?’

  ‘To get out of here, I would do anything,’ she whispered back.

  As they left the security of the shadows they made their way across the camp towards its perimeter. Elle’s injuries caused her to stoop and hobble as if she were an old woman, and the soldiers paid her no mind as she headed towards the handcart. She lifted the handle and managed with effort to pull the wooden cart. It was partially filled with trenchers and scraps and she had to stop often to rest.

  Christopher walked beside her and supported her when she wobbled and looked like she might fall. As she worked her way across the campsite she weaved her way between the fires and the soldiers who surrounded them. Near the perimeter of the camp she left the handcart and continued on towards the trees. Christopher walked next to her for protection. She was still within sight of the camp and he couldn’t help her yet.

  ‘Woman. Where are you off to?’ a voice called.

  As Elle stopped and turned her head, she saw a guard approach. He’d caught sight of her delicate features when she’d looked in his direction and he hurried towards her. Elle looked down to hide her face and her heart pounded. She knew Christopher would step forward to intercept the guard’s path.

  ‘I’m sick,’ Elle suddenly said.

  The guard slowed his approach.

  ‘I was going into the trees to pee.’

  ‘What ails you?’ The guard was still interested. The moon had lit her features and he couldn’t forget the pretty face he’d seen.

  ‘I have the pox.’

  ‘On your way you filthy whore,’ the guard said in disgust and then he walked away.

  Christopher was relieved as the guard walked back to his duties and he took Elle by the hand and led her the rest of the way into the trees. When she could no longer be seen from the camp, Christopher lifted her up and held her to him as he carried her back to where Henry and her brother waited.

  Hours had passed while Jack and Henry waited for Christopher to return and time seemed endless. They spoke, but most of the time they waited in silence.

  Jack heard a noise through the trees and he drew his sword. ‘Wait, Jack,’ Henry said as he caught the incredible sight. It was Elle, but she didn’t walk. She seemed to float in a strange way and then they realised that Christopher carried her.

  ‘Henry, she needs help,’ Christopher said as Jack rushed forward. Henry removed the spell to make Christopher visible.

  ‘Bring her up here, lad,’ Henry said as he moved out of the darkness of the trees and into the moonlight. Elle smiled at Christopher as he lay her down and Henry conjured a small orb of light. He held the ball in his palm so the light would shine upon her face.

  ‘My dear, what happened?’

  Dry blood smeared the side of her swollen face and a deep hue of crimson lay just under the surface of her skin.

  ‘Kovak decided because I have a smart mouth that his boots would fit me well,’ she said.

  ‘Are you hurt anywhere else?’ Henry asked as he examined her.

  ‘That bastard, I’ll kill him.’ Jack’s anger boiled within him.

  ‘I have pain in my stomach,’ she said.

  ‘There’ll be plenty of time for killing later, Jack.’ Henry then reached out to feel Elle’s abdomen. Her belly was hard and distended and caused her pain as he touched it.

  ‘What we need is to get Elle back to camp so I can heal her,’ he said. ‘If I numb your pain do you think you’ll be able to travel?’

  ‘I can travel with or without pain,’ Elle said.

  ‘That won’t be necessary, dear.’ Henry removed a small vial from his bag and with one arm he helped to lift her head as he placed the vial to her lips. A small amount of the sour liquid trickled into her mouth. She winced at its bitter taste.

  ‘I know it doesn’t taste good, but it’ll help,’ he said and then lay her back down. ‘Jack, untie the horses. We need to leave immediately.’

  Elle rode with Christopher. She sat across his lap while his arm cradled her to him. Henry had shown Christopher how to use his essence to increase the potency of the elixir he’d given Elle, so she’d be comfortable while they travelled. With one hand Christopher held the reins of his mare and with the other he supported Elle. With a little practise he managed to dull most of her pain, as they rode back to their camp.

  Chapter Forty-two

  The first rays of light beamed across the sky as Elle rested with Atlas by the warmth of the fire. Her pain had eased after the Wizards had worked to heal her injuries, but the magic could only do so much. Her body needed to finish the healing process. Elle and Atlas had been left one horse and wagon. If things didn’t go as planed, they were to journey north, to Alberdez.

  Christopher led the men of Solencia and in their divisions they advanced.

  Arnak and Athena’s army was broad, so they’d have to attack head on and take only those who came towards them. Henry and Clarence would work within each flank. They’d protect and guide their wing to gain the upper hand.

  Streaks of lightning pulsed across the sky and hurtled towards the enemy’s camp, their impacts eliminating all they stuck whether it be man or material.

  Their warning had been sent.

  The Wizards were on their way.

  Arnak and Athena woke to sound of explosions and the screaming of injured men as the Wizards’ lightning bombarded their camp. Arnak’s heart raced as he leapt from his pallet and raced out of his tent to find his army in disarray.

  Kovak had also woken amidst the first strikes of the Wizard’s attack. He rushed outside to see Arnak and Athena as they prepared the horde and gave orders to enter the battle. Now would be the time to use Elle. She’d be his bargaining chip, and he returned inside his tent to collect her. The slit in the canvas flapped in the breeze and Kovak’s anger flared as he stared at the remains of the rope strewn on the blood stained mattress. He flipped the small table over and stormed into his room. Kovak dressed and left his quarters.

  Henry and Clarence led their groups towards the horde. They could see Christopher ahead as he led his force towards the battle, a battle not only for their freedom, but also for every man, woman and child who lived in Solencia. If they failed, if Christopher couldn’t fulfil his destiny, then they’d all be doomed under the rule of these tyrants, and retribution would come upon swift wings.

  The enemy’s first wave of retaliation met with the army of Solencia as the fold clashed against the bewitched army. They now fought for their lives. Clarence and Henry joined the attack as their own forces ran ahead. They chose specific areas to cast their pulses of lightning and the blasts obliterated all they touched leaving behind depressions in the earth
. They were careful to stay away from their own men and their magic impacted on the force ahead enabling the fold of Solencia to hurtle forward. The fold fought hard, steel against steel and the men they fought bled the same as they did.

  Not long after the first blasts were inflicted upon Arnak’s army, Athena moved forward to cast a shield. As it came down, it encompassed the majority of Arnak’s men and prevented any further attacks from the Wizards.

  The fold of Solencia tried to advance but Athena’s magic had become an impenetrable barrier no man could cross. The bewitched army were still able to move beyond Athena’s magic, but once outside its protection they were left to their own purpose. Athena cast her evil beyond the shield to attack those outside. Clarence and Henry worked hard to deflect her power, before it impacted upon Solencia’s numbers.

  As Christopher raced forward upon his humble mare he saw the shield appear to protect the enemy. Spurring his mare forward he released her reins and drew his sword. He held the steel in both hands and pointed it towards the army. His will was strong and his need was great, and Christopher urged his horse on. His essence saw no boundary before him. His magic was one of a kind; it came from life around him and his love of the world. He’d been born for this purpose and nothing would stop him. As Christopher viewed the shield his Wizard’s essence dissected Athena’s magic and began to decode the spell. It whirled within him as it moved the sections aside and created a void. As Christopher neared the shield parted and he passed through and behind him the web stayed open and his men were able to follow.

  It wasn’t only the sword he carried that magnified his essence, but it was his will to lead the people to freedom. His talisman sent his essence forth in a magnanimous wave, and those who stood in his path fell before his magic. His power cast them aside to clear a path as he rode on. His need to find the head of the snake drove him forward.