The Mountain's best kept Secret

12. Stripped down

(Leo's POV)

All morning Leo searched for Isabella’s friends everywhere he could think. ‘Such a waste of time.’ His tired mind complained. Although he had his reservations to get involved, he promised her to find them. He already went half-way back to the river where they got discovered, but nothing. The rain from the previous night washed away any tracks for him to follow. All he had left to do was go back and hope they’ve already returned. “Jah!” He turned his horse around and raced back.

Before long, Galli and more warriors came towards him. If to guess, he would say about seven men in total. “Whoa, girl!” Leo urged his white beauty to stop and trotted closer to his friend. “Galli.” He greeted him by taking his forearm. “Commander! What happened to you before we reached the river. We came back but couldn’t find you?” “Long story, but I learned you found the intruders. Where are they?” Leo searched the warrior’s horses for any sign of them.  “Why come back this way?”

He pulled Leo closer and whispered in his ear. “We need to talk.” Leo gave him an understanding nod and asked, “Do you have a camp nearby?” “Yes. Come on men, lets turn back. It’s unlikely they got this far by foot. We must have missed them along the way.” Before Leo could ask why the prisoners are on the run, Galli eyed him to not ask more questions. They all followed the commander and his right-hand man back to camp. On their way, Galli waited until they got ahead of the others before asking, “how is it that all the Tribe’s warriors need to chase four weaklings? Doesn’t look to me they pose any danger?” “You know how my brother’s like; he doesn’t like his house disorderly. And they are a variable he didn’t see coming. Better to dispose with them.” He answered, yet deep in thought about Isabella he left behind. ‘Wonder what she’s doing?’

“Wait…” He suddenly realised what Galli said. “You said there’s four of them?” A shiver ran down his spine. ‘How did Galli know about her? She only mentioned three friends in need of saving… Did this mean?’ Galli saw his perplexed expression and confirmed Sesa’s words from earlier. “So, Sesa was right; you know them. I know you never met the three we captured by the river, so does it have something to do with the blue-eyed girl?” He questioned him but kept his voice low. Leo could trust his friend, so he slumped his head to confirm Galli’s suspicions. “I found her in a thorn bush where you left me.”

They arrived at camp, jumped off and tied their horses to a nearby tree to rest. “Commander come; we need to talk.” Galli said and led them to his tent. Once inside, he removed his water satchel, sword, and knife. “I’m tired Leo, we’ve been on horseback for three days straight and haven’t slept for two nights. If not accompanying them, we are chasing them. What is going on?” He sighed, shaking his head. Leo noticed his disorientated hair, scratches on his arms and feet covered with mud. “You look like a man that has seen better days.” He attempted to lighten the mood. Galli only smirked at him and took a sip from his water satchel. “Want some?” He offered. Galli would never be friendly with the prince in front of the others, but in private, they were like brothers. After Leo’s parents died, they became inseparable, because Galli also became an orphan after the battle.

“You know the rumours about my mother’s origin?” Galli nodded. “Well, Sesa told me we belonged to a different world many years ago but tore away from it to protect the forest.” Galli looked confused when he spoke, “I only know about the war our ancestors won against a great evil back then.” “That’s right. After they chased our enemy away, our worlds separated.” Galli listened carefully, then asked, “Your mother, the rumours are true? She came from this other world?” Leo went to sit next to his friend and placed his arm over his shoulders, “Yes, and Sesa believe these intruders also come from that world. Think about it; they do not speak our language or share our traits.”

“I have bad news.” Galli changed the subject. “We got to the village just after sunrise and took the three prisoners to an abandoned shed in the village. We wanted to inform your brother before any of the villagers came to learn about them. There then was an explosion, but merely a distraction by the hands of your grandmother and the girl. “What! I told them to wait for my return. Are you sure it was them?” Leo’s voice shook with anger. “Unfortunately, yes. I stayed back while the others ran to the explosion. That’s when Sesa and the girl showed up.” Leo fumed, hearing Galli’s recollection. “How could they act so rash. Why not wait for me?” He balled his fists.

“Calm down, Leo! Sesa convinced me to mislead the others so they could escape.” “So? Where are they?" He impatiently watched as Galli dropped his head. “I’ve not been able to locate them after they disappeared into the forest.” “That grandmother of mine! She will be the end of me. How can two women attempt a rescue all on their own?” Leo now paced in the tent with his hands behind his head. After thinking for a while, he asked, “Did anyone see Sesa helping them?” “No, only I stayed back.” “Maybe they went back to the cottage. No one would think to look there. Have you checked the house?” He stopped pacing and glared at Galli. “No…” He grasped his mistake. “Come, get your things and let’s go.”

Beat, Galli pushed himself off the ground and gathered his weapons. He couldn’t refuse a direct order from his commander or friend. Leo however had no patience, so he went outside to instruct the other warriors. “Galli and I have important business in the village tonight. All of you need to rest. Stay here and return in the morning. ” “Commander, do we need to give up the search?” one warrior asked. “For now, yes. After recent information came to to light, I don’t believe they are in the forest any longer.” He answered. “Yes, commander.”

Galli appeared from his tent and both got onto their horses. “Are you sure about this, Leo?” He asked worryingly. “My friend, you spend three days with them. You tell me if they’re a threat to us.” Galli smirked with one eye closed, because he was right—they were no match for them. He also had his doubts, but couldn’t dare question a direct order from the king. “Jah!” Both nudged their horses and raced into the dark night.

It was still dark when they arrived at the village, yet the birds started waking from their slumber. Judging from the sudden drop in temperature, dawn was looming near. Again, the two men went another sleepless night, totalling it to the third night in a row. Sure, they slept a wink here and there, but a man can only run off fumes for so long. It was only a matter of time before their fatigued bodies gave in. They stopped before entering the village. “Where to now?” Galli asked. “Let’s go around to Sesa’s. I don’t want to alarm the villagers. Talk is dangerous around here.” He answered in a daze. “As you wish. Are you alright? You seem distracted?” “I’m just tired. The sooner we get them back, the better for all of us.”

“My friend, you’re worried about her. No need to hide it from me. I saw her in your mother’s cloths. She reminded me of her. I guess Sesa gave it to the girl to wear?” Galli smiled. “Drop it! You don’t know what you’re talking about.” He sneered and rode on without waiting. “Leo, wait! Commander!” Galli shouted, but his words fell onto death's ears, so he hurried behind him on the outskirts of the village. Before long, they arrived at the small cottage, but something was amiss. No light came from the windows, although it was already the break of dawn. Sesa always got a fire going by now.

“Looks like there’s no one home.” Galli murmured. “Maybe they’re still sleeping, come.” He jumped from his horse and tied her to the post. “Or hiding?” He heard his friend mumble from behind, but ignored him. They both were exhausted and became more agitated as the morning processed. All he wanted was for Isabella and his grandmother to be safe to get a good night’s rest. His mind became more fuzzy that made him irritable and not think straight. But now was not the time to sulk, so he pulled his shoulders back and entered the house. After searching every room, the house was empty.

Nothing—no one.

“He… Hello?” A shaky voice resonated from the front door. Leo and Galli glanced at each other, then quickly made their way to the door. “O, good morning, Mrs Adria. A little early for a visit?” The two warriors stood like giants before the tiny old woman. “Yes, but I came as soon as I heard…” Leo’s current state left him with little tact and interrupted her without a second thought, “Hear what?” His voice demanding. “O, well, you see, I came to speak with your grandmother. Is she here?” “No. What is the purpose of your visit?”

“Leo, my friend. Go check if the coals are still hot. Then we’ll know when last they were here.” Galli jumped in before he scared the poor woman to death. He glared at Galli and walked to the kitchen. “I am sorry Mrs Adria, prince Leo had a difficult few days and now his grandmother is missing.” Galli explained. “O dear!” Adria grabbed her chest in shock. “Mrs, what was it you came to tell her?” He pressed.

“Well, you see, I heard some warriors talk in the street outside my house. Another discovered an escaped prisoner here in this house! I couldn’t believe it, so I came to talk to Sesa myself. I had to find out if it were true.” She fidgeted with the tassels on her shawl. “What exactly did they speak about? This is important, please think carefully.” “Um, they said a warrior with the name of Hassan noticed a young girl through a window on his patrol. He immediately knew she was not from around here, because of her appearance. Um… o yes, apparently, she had light hair.” “Good” Galli commended her. “What else did they say?”

“The only other thing that I can remember them saying before they left, was that he arrested and took her to the Judgement House for questioning. Apparently, king Rogan has also taken in interest in the sentencings today. They left soon after.” She answered truthfully. “Did they mention anything about Sesa?” He inquired. “No, nothing that I could recall.” “Thank u for your help, Mrs Adria. May I escort you back to your home?”. He offered. “No, thank u young man, I can’t have the village gossip behind my back, because a handsome man like yourself escorted me through the village. I will be fine. Will you do another thing for me?” She asked. “Of course.” “Please let me know if Sesa turns up?” She asked with pleading eyes. “I will send her straight to you.” He promised and watched her leave, satisfied with his answer.

Immediately, Galli swung around to tell Leo but found him already standing in the hallway. “She’s at the Judgment House. There’s three other sentencings also, and one other thing…” “My brother will be there, I heard.” Leo’s bitter expression reveled his worry. “We better hurry if we want to make it on time.” The two men rushed to their horses and rode to the village. The Judgement House was the village’s court of law, where councilmen got together once a week to deliberate over the offender’s fate. Usually, their sentencing was fair, but if the king stepped in, he had the last say and not as merciful. Once a month he would join the deliberations and do the sentencing, yet death always came as his verdict. But today, he gave brief notice to the man that stole a horse, a widow robbed of her grain and a young man always causing fights. He came for one reason only.

As the two arrived, the entire village gathered there as well. They blocked the path as they all huddled together for a better view of the stranger. “News travels to fast around here.” Leo mentioned as they towered over the crowd on their horses. Looking for a way around or through the crowd, his eyes fell onto his brother sitting on the sentencing thrown in the middle of all the commotion. For him to appear in the village, the intruders truly caught his attention. After their notorious victory on the battlefield, king Rogan’s heart hardened. Some said he had no heart anymore, but a cesspool of anger and evil took its place. Also, no one dared to challenge him, because of the Stone Curse running through his veins.

“Bring out the girl.” King Rogan’s voice rumbled and silenced the crowd. Two warriors dragged Isabella by the upper arms and threw her at his feet. Whispers arose from the people gasping at the sight of her. Leo clenched his fists and wanted blood. ‘How could any man, alone his brother, treat Isabella this way?’ Galli grabbed his arm just as he jumped off, “Leo, no! If you challenge your brother, he will kill you both.” “I say good luck to that!” He ripped his arm from Galli’s grip and disappeared into the crowd.

“Thief! You stole those cloths from the house they found you in. Who do you think you are? My mother!” The people standing closest cowered back at his voice, thundering over them. The weight of his accusation could only mean death. “That poor girl. She looks so helpless. Maybe the cold drove her to steal those cloths?” A woman murmured, but another answered with less empathy, “Well, she chose the wrong house to rob. I heard she’s wearing queen Maya’s dress. No wonder the king is furious.”

“Where are the others? I know you helped them escape!” King Rogan demanded. Isabella sat on her heels and stared with tear-filled eyes and cheeks covered with dirt up at him. She dared not to answer, as she already knew her end loomed near. And nothing she said could change that. A sense of peace filled her soul, knowing enough time has passed so the others would have already gotten home. “My king! She can’t speak our tongue. Maybe we can use another technique to through to her.” Canis suggested with an ominous grin. The king leaned on his fist tucked under his chin without removing his eye from her. “She definitely something else… But first she needs to be taught a lesson!” He laughed and licked his lips. “Strip her in front of all to see and give her ten lashings! If she survives, bring her to my private quarters.” He handed down his verdict. A loud gasp escaped the crowed and Isabella’s head fell to the ground. Silently, tears steamed down her face. The guards standing by her side pulled her up and stripped her of the cloths, leaving the one-piece swimsuit on.

They looked at her with much regret and one murmured, “Please may you forgive me.” She gave him a nod, and he stared back at her understanding, with shock. “Do what you are told. No use in us both getting killed.” She whispered. The warrior froze, but the other pulled him out of his daze. Gently, they tied her to a post with her bare back exposed. “I’ll give the lashings!” Canis announced with amusement in his voice. The two stepped away with their heads held low and Canis took the whip. His grin exposed his dark soul by him wanting to cause pain to an innocent. The crowd fell silent as he lifted the whip to inflict the first lashing.

Suddenly, his arm got stopped mid way. “How dare you lift your hand against her!” Leo crushed his forearm in his grip. Canis squinted his eyes as if to question his loyalty, “How dare you intervene in the crown’s matters?” He sneered through his teeth. “I have part of that crown.” He reminded him and with his free hand, grabbed the whip. Once, twice, he cracked the whip through the air to make his point before letting him go. With a bruised ego, Canis rushed back to where the king sat. Leo hastily untried the knots, “Stupid girl! How could you act on your own? I told you to wait for me…” Leo trailed off as soon as he turned her around and noticed the glimmer in her eyes disappeared and face paler than ever. Dirt covered her rosy pink cheeks and golden hair.

“O, Isabella. I am so sorry for what they’ve done to you. You are safe now. I will never again let you go.” He whispered while holding her tight to his chest. She didn’t resist, instead allowed him to cover her half-naked body with his. With one heroic move, he scooped her up in his arms and turned to Galli that came towards them from the crowd. A woman handed her shawl to him, and he draped it over Isabella. The two men gave each other a nod in preparation to leave.

At first, the king merely sat on his throne with his fist still tucked under his chin, and observed his brother. He only made himself heard as he and Galli prepared to leave. “Where do you think you’re going? Your disrespect to this court is sickening! You are not above the law, brother.” The king’s voice stopped them in their tracks. Without patience, he swung around to face his brother. “You might be the king and rule this court, but your lack in judgment - that’s what sickens me!” Murmurs arose from the crowd because no one dared to disrespect king Rogan. If someone did, they never lived to tell. “How dare you insult your king!” Canis spitted the words, but got interrupted. “Silence! Leo is the prince and my brother. He thinks that gives him the right to do and disrespects as he pleases…” King Rogan spoke not to him, but the expecting crowd.

 “What I think little brother Leo needs, is a lesson of his own!” The king’s face revealed his sinister heart. “Ten lashings!” He shouted. “Yes, he will give the girl ten lashings himself!” Canis added before bursting out in laughter. “My king, you can’t seriously take his advice to heart? He is clearly not of sound mind!” Galli rushed closer, pleading for the king to reconsider. “Galli, my orphan brother. I’ve always envied your loyalty to Leo. Let’s put that to the test, shall we?” He stood up and walked to him. A silence fell as he leaned over and whispered in his ear. Galli’s brave expression soon turned to that of disgust and shock upon hearing his king’s words.

Pale, Galli returned to Leo, still holding Isabella. “Either you give her ten lashings, or I have to whip you…” He swallowed, imagining the horrid deed he will now have to do - the king left them no choice. “I know you don’t value your life, but he will torture her while you watch if I don’t do this.” Galli continued. “Leo…” Isabella murmured, placed her hand on his chest while her eyes gleamed wet with tears. “Please, I beg of you, don’t do it.” Her vulnerable expression and touch gave him strength, so he hugged her tight against him before placing her down. “No matter what happens, trust me.” He whispered.

Leo reluctantly picked up the whip and walked over to Galli. “Don't hold back—if you don’t disfigure me to Rogan’s satisfaction, he will just let you keep at it until he is.” Leo stared at the whip in his hand before handing it over. “I am sorry, brother.” Galli placed a hand on his shoulder and dropped his head. Both went to the post where they freed Isabella earlier, then Leo turned around and clasped it. Galli stood behind him, cautious to inflict the first lashing. “Galli, please don’t do it! Leo, no!” Isabella yelled, grabbing the shawl tighter. “Do it! What are you waiting for?!”

CRACK.

The sound of a whip slicing through human skin echoed through the air. No sound came from his lips, and everyone fell dead silent. The women in the crowd turned away as the blood escaped from the wound. The men’s heads bowed for their prince’s heroic actions to save another.

CRACK.

The whip left a second line behind, but this one much deeper. Leo’s knuckles became white and clenched his teeth as he tried to power through the pain. He did this for her, because no man would put his hand on her, ever again. He became deaf to her pleading for Galli to stop as his ears rang. “Again!” King Rogan ordered.

CRACK.

“Stop!” An old voice came from behind. Surprised, all peered around to locate the voice’s owner. “Sesa! I suggest you step aside or join him!” Rogan spoke angrily. Leo looked back at his grandmother refusing to stand down, “Do what he says, I’ll be fine.” Although Leo and his grandmother had always been close, she could never accept Rogan’s way of ruling.

“No! Leo is your brother, how can you do this to him?” Sesa asked. “You might be the king’s grandmother, but have no say here!” Canis cautioned her. “Then take me instead! Here’s my hand, touch it and turn me to stone!” Sesa’s smirk challenge caught the king off guard. He stared at her with his mouth open, but no words coming from it. Before long, he stepped closer to grab her arm, “How dare you? This is far from over… Canis, come! We have important guests at the castle waiting for our return. Let’s not delay them any further. If my grandmother wants to clean up this mess, go ahead.” He spat at her feet and left through the crowd. Everyone made way for him to pass as he stormed off.

After the king left, Sesa waddled to her grandson kneeling with Isabella by his side. “Come dear, let’s go tend to that wounds, shall we?” Leo nodded in agreement. Galli and Isabella helped him to his feet. “Why would her words upset him so?” Galli asked him after Sesa went to the councilmen. “He’s not made of stone…” Isabella spoke out of turn, therefore Leo stared down at her innocent face.

“You must be exhausted, because your mumbling makes no sense.” He gave her a smile filled with pain. “Everyone! To your homes! Enough entertainment for one day.” Sesa spoke up against the whispering villagers. “Warriors, please clear the square! I dismiss the court until further notice.” Obeying her instructions, Galli helped Leo to his horse, pushed him on and gently placed Isabella in front of him. “You’ll be safe now, we’re going home.” An injured Leo mumbled and leaned his head on her shoulder.