by Lisa Chitty
Whilst Abi wanted him to come into the cave with her deep down she knew that he was right. This was her task that she had to complete on her own.
James raised Abi’s hands up to his lips and kissed them both gently. ‘Before you go in there, there’s something I have to tell you. I’m terribly afraid that you won’t come back out and I can’t let you go without you knowing how I feel about you.’
‘Oh, James,’ was Abi’s soft response.
He raised a finger and placed it on her lips. ‘Shhh, woman. Let me speak.’ James paused and appeared to gather himself together before he went on. ‘I know that we haven’t known each other for long, but in that time we’ve hardly been apart. I’ve watched you and looked out for you since we met and I believe I know you as well as I can. I also know how I feel about you. I love you, Abi.’
Abi gave a soft gasp, but before she could say anything he again silenced her with his finger on her lips. He then lifted his finger away, and bent his head towards hers. The first touch of his lips on Abi’s was soft and gentle, but filled with passion. He broke the contact and looked down at her to see her reaction. All Abi could do was gaze back at him, but she knew that her newfound feeling of love for him was in her eyes and he could see that. He smiled and bent his head again. This time the kiss was stronger, more urgent. They melted into one another, tried to seek more from the contact between them. Abi parted her lips and they explored one another’s mouths. James’s hold on her tightened and Abi gratefully gave herself up to his embrace.
Eventually, they broke the contact of their lips but still remained in each other’s embrace. Abi could have stayed in James’s arms all night, but James slowly pulled away from her. ‘Whilst I would like this to continue, you have a task to complete.’ He tucked a few stray curls back behind her ears and gently brushed her cheek. They stood with the only contact between them where they held hands. There were tears running down Abi’s cheeks as she looked back at James. ‘Go on, go!’ He dropped one of her hands and led her to the entrance in the cliff. Abi took a step forwards still holding his hand, wanting him to come with her, but he let his hand drop. ‘I’ll be here waiting for you. Please return to me.’
Tears were choking Abi’s throat as she looked back at him. ‘I will come back, because I love you too.’
James stayed where he was but blew Abi a kiss. There were tears in his eyes and he looked bereft as he watched her turn and go into the dark entrance. He then settled himself down by the cliff trying to make himself comfortable for his lonely vigil hoping against hope that Abi would be alright.
The way wasn’t dark for long. Abi had only gone a short way down the passage when she realised there was a soft glow that appeared to emanate from the walls. Whilst it wasn’t a bright light, it was enough for her to see where she was going. She walked hesitantly with one hand on the wall to guide her way. She wanted to see what was at the end of the tunnel, but part of her was still with James, where he sat waiting for her. Close to the entrance as Abi was, she wanted to ignore what was drawing her on, and return to James. However, the more strides she took, the more whatever was pulling her deeper in dominated her thoughts, and soon all feelings of running back to James had disappeared.
Abi walked along for some time, following the winding passageway wondering when she would finally reach the end, when she noticed that ahead of her looked much brighter. She picked up her pace to hurry towards the source of the light. As she got there, the light was so bright she had to shield her eyes. Abi couldn’t see what was creating such brilliance. However, almost as if whatever was dazzling Abi was aware that the brightness was too much for her, it dimmed to a more acceptable level and she was able to see what was in the chamber ahead of her.
There was a stone altar rising from the rock of the floor. The altar was covered in carvings, mostly just intricate patterns, but amongst them Abi recognized the plant, the Heart of Trelyssia Rose. Unusually though, there was no sign of the crown that she had seen intertwined with it elsewhere.
On top of the altar was a plinth, and this was where the light source was coming from. As Abi approached, the light surrounding it dimmed even more, until it was just a glow and she was able to see what was there. A silver amulet lay there on a silver chain and depicted upon it, once again, was the rose. But like the altar, it only had the rose on it, there was no crown shown with it. This is what had drawn Abi here, but for some reason she was loath to touch it. It had been well hidden and she had the feeling that it was somehow a source of power. Who was she to take it?
Abi stood pondering this for some time. She wasn’t originally from this place, and yet here she was, standing in front of an altar about to take something that seemed like a sacred item. As she stood there, an echo of Theldon’s words came back to Abi. Words that she had forgotten in helping the guys find their weaponry. Something about an item that would only reveal itself to the one destined to hold it. Well, here she was. She had followed its call, opened the chamber and come into its presence. It must be hers for the taking.
Taking a deep breath Abi lifted her right hand slowly and held it over the amulet. A curious tingling developed in the palm of her hand, almost as if the amulet was alive. As she lowered her hand the tingling became more intense until it was travelling up her whole arm. Abi was afraid, terrified of what would happen when she touched it, but she knew she couldn’t stop herself. She placed her hand on the amulet.
At once Abi cried out as a shock ran through her whole body. It was like she had been electrocuted and she collapsed by the side of the altar. As Abi had absorbed the shock her hand had closed on the amulet and she was now gripping it, unable to let it go. She lay there gasping for breath, struggling with the amulet, wanting to drop it. But it seemed intent on possessing the whole of her.
Eventually, its grip on her lessened and she was able to sit up and catch her breath. The amulet still tingled in her hand but much more gently now. Abi sat there examining it but there didn’t seem to be anything special about it. Just a plain silver circle with the rose on the front. Then Abi turned it over and looked at the back. On it was written one word. Abi. Whilst it was a fairly common name back home, she had a feeling that there wasn’t anyone else with the same name as her in Trelyssia. Abi couldn’t have had more incontrovertible proof that she was the one destined to wear the amulet.
Abi sighed. She didn’t know what it meant to have it. She could feel that there was an immense power in it, and that it had somehow chosen her to be the one to wear it. There was nothing that she could do about it, so she placed the chain around her neck and tucked the amulet under her clothing. It was time to leave here and return to James who would still be waiting for her.
James! At the thought of him Abi got to her feet and ran out of the chamber and down the passage. In all the time she had been in here she hadn’t once thought of James and she felt guilty. Now all she wanted was to be back with him and to feel his reassurance that everything was going to be alright.
As Abi neared the exit she slowed down. She didn’t want to alarm James, so she walked slowly out. He had been sitting to one side of the entrance but at her footsteps he had stood up and was now facing the entrance. At the sight of him, Abi smiled and quickened her pace. He held out his arms and she gratefully went forward into them. As she exited the cliff, the entranceway closed behind her and she knew that she would never go back in there.
‘You’ve been gone for hours I was worried’ James cried out. ‘But at least you came back to me.’ James continued softly, holding Abi tightly as though to reassure himself that she was really there. He then pulled himself away from her and held her at arms length. ‘Are you alright? What happened? You look different.’ A slight frown appeared on James’s face.
‘Good different, I hope!’ Abi smiled up at him. ‘I’m fine now, but I did have a slightly hairy moment!’
Concern crossed James’s face. ‘You’re not hurt are you?’ he asked anxiously.
‘No. I’m not hur
t, I …’ Abi shrugged, unable to go on. For some reason, although she wanted to tell James everything that had happened she was reluctant to, and she had the feeling that it was the amulet preventing her from saying anything.
‘It’s alright. It doesn’t matter.’ James pulled Abi back into his embrace and she rested her head on his shoulder as he stoked her hair. ‘Whatever happened in there, I’m sure that you’ll be able to tell me in your own time.’
They stood holding one another for some time, until eventually James pulled away. He kissed Abi softly then took her hand and began to lead her back the way that they had come. ‘Come on, it’s getting light. We’d better be getting back before we’re missed.’
Abi nodded her agreement and they walked back, once again side by side and holding hands.
Chapter 9
As James and Abi returned to where the camp had been set up they were relieved to find that everyone was still asleep. The sun had risen as they had walked back and they had stopped to admire the beauty of it. As they were in the beginning of their relationship, they had wanted to explore it, just the two of them. But neither of them were under any illusion that they would be able to hide the relationship from Steve and Randall. As soon as Steve and Randall saw them, they would realise that James and Abi were now together.
James and Abi quickly and quietly began preparing breakfast, sure that it wouldn’t be long before the others woke. They stole quick kisses as they moved about, and made any excuse to be able to touch one another. Eventually their movements roused the sleepers and soon Steve was standing in front of the tent stretching and yawning. He looked at James and Abi and realised they’d been up for a while. ‘You two are up early aren’t you?’ he asked. He was still too sleepy to question anything else.
‘Couldn’t sleep,’ Abi replied, to which James gently laughed.
‘Fair enough,’ Steve said. ‘Can I have breakfast?’
‘Help yourself,’ James answered. ‘I’ll go and rouse Randall and Sasket.’
Steve came and sat himself down next to Abi. ‘You seem chirpier today.’
‘Yeah, I am,’ Abi replied a broad smile spreading across her face as she thought of James.
‘Does that mean you won’t be arguing with Randall today?’ Steve asked cautiously.
Before Abi could reply Randall came out of the tent demanding breakfast. He saw that it was all laid out and sat himself opposite Abi before tucking in. Abi could feel Steve tense beside her, as though he expected her and Randall to pick up where they had left off the previous night.
‘Right, plan of action today is to head back to the caves with no diversions,’ Randall announced looking directly at Abi.
‘Fine with me,’ Abi replied. ‘It’ll be good to get back, I’m a bit fed up with camping.’
Randall’s jaw dropped. ‘What, that’s it? No arguing?’
‘Nope. I don’t feel like arguing today.’ Abi gave Randall a smile which broadened as James came towards them with Sasket in tow. James settled himself on the other side of Abi, and Sasket next to Randall. James looked at Randall and saw the expression on his face. ‘What’s up with you?’ he asked.
Randall turned to him. ‘Abi has decided not to argue with me, believe it or not. She’s agreed that we’re going back to the caves without any stops on the way. I think something must have happened overnight and this isn’t the Abi we know, it’s some substitute. It wouldn’t surprise me with all the weird stuff that seems to happen round here.’
‘I agree that it’s unlike Abi not to want to argue with you. But I’m sure that this is the same Abi that started out with us, all that time ago.’ James turned to smile gently at Abi, a smile which she returned.
Steve had been looking on silently but as he watched the interplay between James and Abi a dawning realisation came over him. ‘Oh my God!’ he cried. ‘You two have got it together haven’t you?!’
‘What!’ was Randall’s startled exclamation. ‘Abi and James? Really?’
James and Abi laughed before James replied. ‘I did think it would take you all longer to work it out, but yes, it’s true. Abi and I are a couple.’ He then leaned forwards and kissed Abi.
‘No wonder she’s in a better mood this morning. I gather this happened last night?’ Randall was clearly amused at the news.
James looked embarrassed. ‘Not like that Randall. After all we haven’t known one another long.’
‘Whatever you say James.’ Randall looked suggestively at the two of them.
‘Leave it, Randall,’ Steve said. He then turned to James. ‘Congratulations mate. You’ll be good together.’ He then rose and started to gather everything together. ‘Come on. We’d better be going.’
With everyone in a much brighter mood that morning the clearing up was done quicker than usual and they were soon all set to return.
‘Sasket, do you actually know where we are and how to get back after the merry chase Abi led us on yesterday?’ Randall asked him.
‘Yes, I do know where we are and actually, we’re not that far away. We should be back by midmorning.’ Sasket shouldered his pack and began leading the way. The others all fell in behind him, James and Abi walking together and enduring the good natured teasing from Randall and Steve. The only person who hadn’t seemed pleased about their relationship was Sasket. The strange, sad expression had come over his face again. He had quickly covered it but not before Abi had caught it. Her curiosity over what he knew was growing but she realised there was no point in pushing him on the issue.
Sasket was true to his word and a few hours later they were back at the caves. This time as the group arrived they were greeted by various people. Not effusively, but people nodded and smiled at them as they passed through on their way to Zaria’s apartments. Word had reached her that they were back and she was waiting for them.
‘You’re back! I’m so glad.’ Zaria cried as they entered. She rushed up to Sasket and gave him a hug before turning to the rest of them and giving them a warm welcome. ‘Come and sit down, you must be quite tired from your travels. James and Abi, you especially look worn out.’
James and Abi exchanged looks. Their lack of sleep the previous night was beginning to tell on Abi and she was grateful to sit down. James was in a similar state. Zaria had provided food and drink and they tucked in as between them all they told her what had happened. When they got to the part about their finds within the old oak tree she insisted on seeing everything.
‘Wow,’ she said after examining all of the armour. ‘I’ve never seen anything like these. It’s amazing that something so light, could provide enough protection.’
‘Believe me it does,’ Abi replied. ‘Steve insisted on testing it.’
‘On himself?!’ Zaria looked startled.
‘No,’ James laughed. ‘We managed to stop him from that. Just!’
Zaria returned to examining everything. ‘These pieces were made by a master craftsman. You’re very lucky to have them. You should look after them.’ She reluctantly left the items and sat back down at the table. ‘Anyway, lets hear the rest of what happened.’
They went on to tell her how they had left the tree and the chase Abi had led them all on.
‘Actually Abi, I’m still curious about that and how you suddenly stopped and agreed to come back here. It doesn’t seem right.’ Randall’s look was quizzical.
Abi hesitated, still reluctant to talk about the amulet she was now wearing. She was constantly aware of it. It seemed to vibrate slightly where it lay on her chest, and was strangely warm. There was no escaping the fact that her life was now very securely tied in with it.
‘Well,’ Abi eventually said. ‘I actually completed what I had to last night.’
‘What!’ Both Randall and Steve exclaimed.
‘You went wandering around by yourself at night?’ Steve continued. ‘How could you? Your recklessness is going to get you killed if you’re not careful!’
‘Oh relax,’ Abi said exasperated by his and Randa
ll’s response. ‘Do I look like I got hurt?’
Before either of them could reply James intervened. ‘Beside which, she didn’t go alone. I went with her.’ He paused before he went on. ‘It was quite a nice moonlit night for a stroll!’ With that he grinned saucily at Abi.
‘Hold on, hold on’ Randall said. ‘I’m confused. You two went for a moonlit walk, during which time Abi managed to do whatever it was she needed to, and then the two of you got it together?’
‘More or less,’ Abi replied,’ but the other way round.’ Seeing Randall’s look of confusion Abi explained further. ‘James and I “got it together” as you put it first, then I completed my task.’
‘What was it? What did you do or find?’ Steve asked.
Again Abi felt an enormous reluctance to say anything and this time she could feel the amulet, where it lay on her chest growing warmer. It didn’t want her to reveal its presence and its power over her was strong enough to stop Abi. ‘I can’t really tell you. Let’s just leave it that I did what was needed and now we can all move on.’
Randall and Steve began to protest, when Zaria raised a hand to silence them. ‘It’s probably best that we just leave it as Abi requested. If she doesn’t want to tell us, I’m sure she has her reasons.’
Abi smiled gratefully at Zaria. Not being able to tell anyone was hard, especially as more than anything she wanted to tell James. Keeping it a secret from him was going to be very hard indeed.
‘Anyway,’ Zaria went on. ‘Now I’ve heard your news, I need to tell you mine. We’ve had some good fortune. The Baron is getting married!’
The group all looked at her in confusion. ‘How is that good, exactly?’ Randall asked.
‘Forgive me,’ Zaria replied. ‘I forget that you aren’t familiar with our ways and our customs. A wedding is a very social affair, especially when someone of great importance is involved. On the day that the Baron marries, everyone in the area will be invited. The city will be freely open to everyone. Also with all the festivities, guards will be very much lowered.’
