by Lisa Chitty
‘Leaving him open and vulnerable to attack,’ Steve finished for her.
‘Exactly! Also, there will be people moving all over the district which will make it easier for us to move into position.’
‘So we’re going to attack him in a city?’ Randall questioned. ‘Wouldn’t it be better to fight him on an open battlefield?’
‘It probably would be better but we must make the most of the opportunity that this represents.’
‘What’s the city like?’ Steve asked.
Zaria began to describe it when Sasket interrupted. ‘It would be much better if they could see it. You could then work out the lie of the land and help us plan the attack better.’
‘Are you sure?’ Zaria asked slightly alarmed. ‘Wandering around in the forest is one thing. Taking them to the city is something else entirely. The level of danger will be much higher.’
‘I agree, but as long as we’re careful there shouldn’t be a problem. But I guess it’s up to these guys.’ Sasket turned to look at everyone.
The four of them shared looks amongst each other before Randall responded. ‘Are you sure that if we’re careful we’ll be alright?’
Sasket nodded.
‘Well, it makes good sense. I think that we should go. James, Steve, you in?’
Steve leapt at the chance. ‘Of course I’m going to go! Just try and stop me.’
James shook his head and rolled his eyes at Steve’s eager response. ‘I’d better come along, if only to keep you put of trouble’ he told Steve who just grinned back at him.
‘Hold on, what about me? Don’t I get to come?’ Abi protested.
‘No.’ Randall was adamant. ‘I’m not putting you in a dangerous position. You can stay here and assist Zaria in anything she needs help with.’
Abi was about to protest when James leapt to her defence. ‘Randall, we started this as a foursome, and I think that we should continue this, together. She won’t be in any more danger than the rest of us, will she, Sasket?’
Sasket shook his head. ’No. She’ll be fine with all of us. No one will think it too unusual that we have a woman travelling with us.’
‘Wait a minute, just because you two are now a couple it doesn’t mean that the pair of you can’t be separated, if only briefly,’ Randall still didn’t want Abi to come along.
‘That’s not the reason I want her with us. I just think that she deserves to come. She’s as much a part of this as you and Steve are.’
Steve backed up his friend. ‘James is right. Abi should be allowed to come with us.’ He then turned to her. ‘That is, if she wants to.’
Abi nodded eagerly.
‘That’s settled then. All four of us will go.’ James turned to smile at Abi, pleased that she would be with him, but it was a decision that he would later come to bitterly regret.
‘Now that the decision has been made, I suggest that you wait until tomorrow. You can get to the city and back in a day, so there’s no point in leaving now. Take the rest of the day to relax. Feel free to look around wherever you want. If you’ll excuse me there are things that I need to do.’ Zaria rose gracefully from the table and exited the room.
‘I don’t know about looking around, but a wash would be good. Can you show us where we can get clean?’ Steve requested of Sasket.
‘Of course I was going myself. Do you all want to come?’
‘Sounds like a good idea to me,’ Abi said. ‘Are you going to come?’ she asked James. He nodded and Randall rose as well to go with them.
There were separate areas for men and women and mercifully the female one was empty of anyone, so Abi would be able to bathe in peace. It wasn’t that she wouldn’t have enjoyed the opportunity to be with James, but she still felt the need to hide the amulet from him, and everyone else too.
They were all waiting for her as she emerged from the bathing area. ‘At last,’ cried Randall. ‘We were beginning to think that you had drowned. James here was gearing himself up to play the hero and dash in and rescue you!’
James grinned. ‘Ignore him! He’s just trying to make trouble.’ He pulled Abi into his arms gave her a lingering kiss.
‘Oh do put her down, James,’ Randall responded to the kiss. ‘The pair of you have got all the time in the world to get to know one another better!’
Steve and James laughed at this and Abi was about to but she had caught the expression on Sasket’s face and once again it was clouded with sorrow. She began to feel apprehensive and clung more tightly to James. He misinterpreted her actions as a response to Randall. ‘Relax!’ he said in her ear. ‘I don’t intend to let you go.’ To prove his point he bent to kiss Abi again and this time it was deeper and more passionate and left her in no doubt of his feelings towards her. The apprehension that she had felt totally disappeared.
‘If you two have quite finished with one another shall we make our way back?’ Steve raised one eyebrow questioningly.
James released Abi taking her hand, and they all exited from the bathing rooms. Sasket opted to take them back on a different route so that they could see more of where he lived. As they approached one corridor they could hear the tap of metal on stone. As they approached they could see someone with a hammer and chisel engraving something on the wall.
‘Making the place look prettier?’ Steve asked.
‘No. I’m afraid not.’ Sasket’s expression was sombre. ‘This corridor contains a memorial known as the Wall of the Dead. Anyone who dies for our cause has their name added here so that they are never forgotten. Turson here, is adding a name, so someone has recently died.’
They all regarded the wall silently. Sasket began walking along the corridor which seemed to go on forever. There were so many names there, so many deaths. James sensed Abi’s sadness and put his arm round her shoulders knowing that she needed comfort. When he had reached the end Sasket turned to face them. ‘I’m sure you would rather not have seen that, but it was important. I think you needed to see the truth of why you are, and what you are here to prevent. If you are successful in what you are brought here to do then there will no longer be a need for this wall, and none of them will have died in vain.’
As Sasket led them back through the tunnels to their rooms they were all silent, reflecting upon what Sasket had told them. When they reached their chambers Sasket bade them good night. ‘It’s getting late, I suggest that you eat in your rooms tonight, I‘ll arrange for something to be brought to you. I’ll come and fetch you in the morning when we’re ready to go.’ He then disappeared up the corridor, out of sight.
The four of them entered the suite and settled themselves in the central seating area. Randall and Steve opting for chairs whilst Abi went and sat on a sofa. James sat next to her and then pulled her into his arms so that she was leaning up against him.
‘That wall brings it all home a bit, doesn’t it?’ Steve asked of no one in particular.
‘Hmm,’ James responded, clearly at a loss for words.
‘I don’t think any of us really realised the danger of us being here.’ Randall paused thoughtfully. ‘I mean, nothing bad has happened to any of us…’
‘Hey, excuse me!’ interrupted Steve. ‘I don’t think being turned into a hamster was a good thing!’
‘That’s not what I meant!’ Randall turned to Steve. ‘None of us have been hurt or even come close to it.’
‘I don’t know.’ James shook his head. ‘When we emerged from that tent and we were surrounded I seriously thought we were going to be dead meat.’ James began to laugh and Randall and Steve joined in.
‘I wonder who they were,’ Abi’s words cut across the laughter.
‘What do you mean, sweetie? Who are you talking about?’ James questioned her.
Abi tilted her head to look at him. ‘The name that was being added. I just wondered who they were, what they were doing when … when they… died.’
Everyone was immediately sombre again. James smoothed Abi’s hair back and said softly, ‘don’t th
ink about it, it’ll only upset you. You didn’t know them and whilst we’re now all involved in this at the moment, I think it’s something you should put to the back of your mind.’ He bent his head and kissed Abi softly on the cheek. She sank back into him and he tightened his embrace realising that she wanted comfort.
For the rest of the evening Abi said very little. The men largely talked around her sensing that her thoughts were elsewhere. She was quite content to just sit on the sofa curled up in James’s arms. It felt the safest place in the world and that as long as he was here nothing bad would ever happen. Abi relaxed and was soon lightly dozing.
‘Abi, hello! Anyone there?’ Randall was calling across to her.
Abi shook herself and sat up slightly straighter. ‘I’m sorry Randall, what did you say?’ She stifled a yawn.
Randall laughed. ‘I wasn’t saying anything, just trying to get your attention. You look knackered. Perhaps you should go to bed.’
Abi sleepily agreed and rose to her feet. James quickly followed and taking her hand led her towards one of the bedrooms. Randall and Steve cheekily telling them to enjoy their night and not to make too much noise to their retreating backs.
As James closed the door to their room, Abi went over to the bed, threw back the covers and sat down. She gave a huge yawn. ‘I’m just going to lie down for a second,’ she told James. But almost as soon as she lay down she was asleep. James stood watching her for a moment, before gently lifting the bed covers and tucking them around Abi. He then gently and quietly got in the other side of the bed and turned out the lamp, putting his arms around her, before he too, fell asleep.
Abi woke the next morning to find that James was already awake and had been watching her, waiting for her to wake up too. ‘You looked so peaceful sleeping that I didn’t want to wake you’ he murmured softly. He smiled and then leaned in to kiss her. Abi kissed him back and the passion rose between them. But before they could do anything more there was a loud bang on the door.
‘Wakey, wakey lovebirds!’ Randall’s voice came from the other side. ‘Sasket’s nearly ready to go. Time to get up.’
Abi groaned and James swore softly. Abi gave a big sigh and reluctantly threw back the covers. ‘Come on we’d better get up.’ James rose and they both got themselves washed and dressed, though it took longer than usual as they were constantly stopping to kiss one another. Eventually they opened the door and joined Randall and Steve.
‘About time too! Come on, Sasket’s waiting.’ Randall rose and went out of the door. The rest of them quickly followed him. Sasket was waiting for them outside and he led them to the main cave entrance. Brougan was there and as Sasket entered he came over to the group. ‘I’ve got the travel rations you asked for,’ he said. ‘Are you ready to go?’
Sasket saw the surprise on the faces of James, Steve, Randall and Abi and turned to them to explain. ‘Brougan is coming with us in case we run into difficulties…’
‘But I thought you said it would be alright,’ Randall interrupted him.
‘It’s just a precaution. If we do run into anything then it would be best if we split up. Randall and Steve, you’ll go with Brougan. James and Abi, you’ll be with me. Is that clear?’
They all nodded.
‘Right, remember, we’re going into the heart of this land, where the Baron holds a lot of power. It means we’ll see a lot of people who are loyal to him, so we have to act as if we are too. If possible leave all the talking to myself and Brougan. Also, Abi, please try and remember that as a woman you are expected to be subservient and not talk unless spoken to.’ Sasket looked at Abi to make sure she understood.’
‘I’ll try to remember. I’m sure James will be on hand to remind me.’ Abi grinned cheekily at James, and he smiled back.
‘That’s another thing,’ Sasket began hesitantly. ‘It would be better if the two of you acted a lot less like a couple. It will attract less attention to us, because it would be better if Abi appeared to be a servant or relative.’
James started to protest but then seeing Sasket’s look he subsided. ‘Fine, we’ll do as you ask. I suppose it’s for the best. Shall we be going?’
They set out, through the narrow paths of the surrounding forest, but quickly joined a very broad track. ‘This leads directly to the city.’ Sasket told the rest of the group. ‘We’ll need to keep to the edge as people riding horses and taking goods to market by cart also use this way. We don’t want to be flattened!’
Sasket led on with Brougan and everyone else fell in behind them. Soon they found out just how busy the track was. Everyone seemed to be out and about on it, and everyone was going the same way, into they city, not away. The crowds were getting on Abi’s nerves. For a long while now, apart from when they were in the caves, it had just been the four of them with Sasket as a guide. The closeness of so many people was unnerving and she longed to hold James’s hand, but knew she couldn’t.
The further they went, the more evidence there was of armed guards. They were incredibly frequent, but it seemed the main function was to keep the peace. Abi kept her eyes down as they went past each armed patrol but they appeared to show no interest in the group.
Abi was beginning to regret ever wanting to come on this trip when up ahead Sasket stopped, went to the side of the track and beckoned them all over to him. ‘We’re not going to go into the city. The best thing is to see it from a fairly high vantage point so that you can see the lie of the land. However, this is the risky bit. The patrols don’t like anyone leaving the highway, so we need to be as quiet as possible. Now, follow me as quickly as you can.’ He then dived off into the undergrowth. Brougan gestured for the others to go after Sasket and then he brought up the rear.
There were no tracks through where Sasket was leading them, so they stumbled through the undergrowth, but thankfully not for long. Sasket led them out onto a broad plateau that overlooked the city. It lay in a fertile valley and was larger than anyone had expected. It was completely walled and sat on the banks of the river. In the very centre was a fortress that rose above all the other buildings within the walls. They stood for a while dumbstruck at the sight before them.
‘You want us to attack that?’ Randall was incredulous.
‘That’s the plan,’ Sasket replied. ‘Now, you can see what we’re going to be up against. It’s not going to be easy.’
‘That’s an understatement!’ Steve shot back at him. ‘I think the words you were looking for are, it’s going to be virtually impossible!’
Sasket shook his head. ‘No it’s not, we have a plan. You see…’
‘Shhh!’ interrupted Brougan. ‘I thought I heard something.’
They all fell silent, almost holding their breaths as they listened. Sure enough there was a rustling in the undergrowth, but before anyone could react a patrol of four men emerged.
‘Everyone stay where they are!’ the patrol leader commanded.
They all froze on the spot.
‘Now then, perhaps you’d like to explain what you are doing out here off the highway.’
Sasket came to the front and bowed low. ‘Forgive us noble sire. We live in a small village and this is the first time we have come to the great city. We wanted to have a look before we entered the gates.’
‘I see,’ replied the patrol leader. ‘What are you going to do in the city? You can’t be trading, as I see you have nothing with you.’
Brougan decided to enter the conversation and he too bowed before speaking. ‘We have had a run of luck recently and have come to the city to spend the fruits of our labour.’
The leader regarded them all thoughtfully for a moment. ‘Bit of a mixed bunch aren’t you? You can’t all be here to spend money, especially not the woman.
Abi’s breath quickened as the man’s attention turned to her, but she remembered Sasket’s advice and kept her eyes on the ground, not saying anything.
Sasket quickly glanced at Abi to check that she was holding the right demeanour before replying.
‘We are all cousins and we run a family business. We brought the woman with us, mainly to keep her quiet. She does go on and sometimes it’s easier to give in than listen to her arguing!’
Abi nearly choked at Sasket’s words. However she managed to control herself but she was determined that Sasket would pay later.
‘Fair enough. If you’ve been so lucky lately, I’m sure you won’t mind spreading your luck.’
‘Of course not,’ Sasket replied instantly before reaching for his belt pouch and handing over a few coins.
The patrol leader examined the bribe. ‘That’s all the luck that you’ve got? I could arrest you for being out here you know.’
Sasket sensing the danger they were in began to back away. ‘I can spare nothing more,’ he protested.
‘Fine, then you’re under arrest! Guards, seize them!’ The patrol drew their weapons and came towards them.
‘Split up and run!’ Sasket yelled.
Needing no further persuasion they all turned and ran. Brougan, Randall and Steve headed one way, whilst Sasket led James and Abi in a different direction.
Running through the undergrowth was difficult and Abi was barely able to keep up but the sense of pursuit kept driving her forwards. However, the ground was uneven and at one point she stumbled. Abi managed to keep going but James and Sasket were now some distance ahead and the patrol was gaining on her. She turned to look over her shoulder to see how close they were and as she did her foot caught a tree root and she fell. Abi screamed, hoping James would run back to help her. But before any assistance could come, all four men of the patrol surrounded her.
* * *
James had never run so fast in his life. Ordinarily he never ran, but fear for his life had changed things. It was a while before he was aware of the fact that he couldn’t hear Abi’s footsteps behind him. He turned to look and then stopped dead when he couldn’t see her.
‘Sasket, stop!’ he cried out.
Sasket stopped and turned. ‘What is it?’
‘I can’t see Abi. We’ve got to find her. We can’t let her get her caught.’
