Morning Diamond

Unexpected

“Seriously, how long is he going to take?” Claire grumbled, as she stared at the forest before her. Mark had gone into the woods to have a personal moment, but had not returned in over fifteen minutes- at least. How she wished he’d hurry. She felt nervous sitting on the edge of the same cliffs that had been brightly illuminated the day before. She looked to the east, worried that the sun would rise to cast its telling rays upon them before they had a chance to scale the rocky edges.

Keith had assured her many times they would keep to the shadows of the rocks, making it harder for others to detect their movements, but if they didn’t start their descent soon even the shadows would be brightened by the sun’s revealing light. She looked at Keith pacing before her and knew was just as anxious as she.

After they had reached the cliffs the night before they had camped just inside the tree line, now their bags were packed and ready, but she and Keith were forced to wait while Mark did heaven knows what in the hidden shell of trees.

She had listened carefully to the noises surrounding her, each one expressing their freedom and reassuring her that Mark had yet to be attacked by their foes. It would seem it was only his uncompromising bowels that held him within its clutches. She rubbed her drooping eyes and attempted to concentrate on something other than the large hole in the forest where Mark had disappeared.

During the night she had slept very little, knowing that a small army of men waited, intent on putting her head on a spike. She feared at any minute Leishmann’s men would be upon them and their lives would be forfeit and their souls sent into the fiery depths of purgatory. She looked back at the dark forest.

Maybe focusing on Mark’s extended absence wasn’t quite as bad as she originally thought. At least it prevented more tedious ideas from wreaking havoc on her imagination.

She listened once more to the awakening woods, but again no warning call came, thus Mark’s absence continued to taunt her nerves and mock her confidence. She said a quick prayer to Maikel, God of Tyrell, that she and the twins would remain safe once they began their climb and…She paused in her prayer. Who should she be praying to now, she wondered? She looked at Keith and decided she should ask him- if they survived the day.

“Pack up, let’s go.” Mark announced as he stepped through the trees, Claire pulled herself away from her thoughts and lifted her bag from the ground. Sneering at the way Mark sauntered out of the trees as though he hadn’t a care in the world.

“About time! We are sitting ducks on this cliff. The sun is beginning to rise and we should have been climbing down the cliff half an hour ago.” Keith stated through gritted teeth.

“Relax we have plenty of time.” Keith threw Marks bag, causing him to grunt when the force of it collided with his midsection. “Hey buddy….need a hug?” Mark spread his arms wide with sarcastic sympathy, his bag dropping carelessly to the ground.

Keith ignored his brother’s smart mouth and fitted his own bag over his shoulder before dropping over the ledge and disappearing down the cliff. Claire took a deep breath, accepted the reassuring smile from Mark and walked to the cliffs edge.

“Well, here goes.” She stated as she dropped to the ground and swung her legs over the rim; all frustrations with Mark forgotten as she concentrated on inching her way down the rough stone wall. She felt instant relief the moment Mark joined her and Keith moments later. One obstacle down!

Hours later the tension had returned to rest deep in Claire’s shoulders and a prickling sensation now tortured her neck. She hated feeling like a million eyes danced over her skin. She forced herself to remain quiet, remain still; though all she wanted to do was jump up and run screaming from the forest that surrounded her.

Claire took a deep calming breath and struggled to remain attentive to the world around her. Though they had left the cliffs behind them, they still needed to face their next challenge. Getting past Leishmann’s camp!

She knew they were getting close by the way her brothers held their shoulders. Currently they stood several feet from her speaking in low tones and plotting their next move. She strained to hear them, but their words were lost in a flurry of soft spoken whispers and muted mumblings. She cursed nature for pulling her away at such a critical time. The tingling feeling on the back of her neck intensified and she turned her head to study the dark pines.

Moments later she joined the twins; rushing towards the security they provided. “Here.” Mark bounced his hand in front of her causing her to focus her gaze to what he held.

“Another knife?” She already had one tied at her hip, one in her bag and one in her sweater pocket- although that was crumpled up in her bag, so it would do her little good if she needed it.

“Take it, Bear.” She accepted the small blade and tested its sharpness with the tip of her finger. “Tie it to your ankle.” When she finished, Mark grabbed her hand to lead her into the woods. She rolled her eyes at his protective gesture; after all she had never contemplated the idea of not following.

“We’re close to their camp. It’s been awhile since we were in this area and forgot how close this meadow is to the canyon we need to travel through. They don’t know our location at this time, so that is to our advantage. We may be able to sneak by without them even knowing we were here at all.” Mark whispered. “Stay near me and whatever you do, stay quiet. It is critical that you remain alert and focused as we move through those trees.” She nodded her understanding.

They moved painfully slow, cautious about their footing and barely making a sound. After a short distance male voices seemed to sneak through the brush to attack Claire with horrific thoughts of being seized during their escape. Claire startled, but graciously kept from crying out.

“Stay here!” She nodded at Mark’s hushed command and froze. She watched him move warily through the trees in careful progression until she lost sight of him. It only took a moment for her curiosity to grab hold of her and soon she found herself edging towards the place Mark had disappeared. Soon she moved in beside Mark and stared at the brush before her. She dared herself to dig deep within herself and find the courage to look at the men who craved her death.

Mark glared when she inched her hand forward. A restraining hand caught her wrist and prevented her from pulling back the small branch obstructing her view. She sent Mark a pleading look and with a silent sigh he pulled back and allowed her to sate her need for answers. He said nothing as she quietly repositioned a branch and gazed at the blokes on the other side. Mark flinched when she gasped.

“Mike.” she whispered. Mike sat among a group of rugged men. Though she could only see his profile she instantly recognized the firm outline of his jaw and solid composure he always radiated. He was covered in dirt with hints of blood splattered across the back of his clothes. Claire placed her hand on Mark’s arm and gave him an urgent shake.

“He’s alive, Mark, we have to save him!” She whispered desperately.

Mark looked at her as though she had escaped from the nut house. “You have got to be kidding me! Let’s go!” He whispered. He turned and gestured for her to follow.

Claire found herself torn between obeying her brother and saving her friend. She ventured a quick glance at her brother then looked back at Mike. Her decision was made when a noise on the other side of camp attracted several of the men. Most jumped to their feet and ran to investigate. Mike watched the commotion with disinterest before returning his attention to the dancing flames before him.

“Come on!” Mark tugged on her pants.

“What about Mike?” She kicked his hand away, irritated he would show so little compassion for her friend.

“Come, NOW!” he ordered in a harsh whisper, reaching for her again.

“NO!” She hissed with frustration. “I’m going to help Mike!” Before he could stop her, she jumped to her feet and ran to a bunch of trees closer to the meadow, and Mike. She looked around for a rock to throw at one of the remaining guards.

Seeing the perfect stone she closed her fingers over it and stepped from the safety of the tree to take aim. The stone went sailing across the air and connected with the back of a dark head. The watchman swore when the rock connected. Mike jumped to his feet and swung around to fully face her. When he locked eyes with Claire a smile spread across his face before a sudden look of panic replaced it.