Discovery (Revisioned)

Chapter 13

"Good let's get going."

I watch as Zarius and Robert climb into the carriage. When they are out of sight, I relax. I can physically feel Joseph relax behind me as the troops walk past.

They are all wearing the same Raven crest on their chain mail as Zarius' and marching in fives. Some are wearing swords, some with axes, some with bows and arrows, some that have pikes, and some that don’t look like they are wearing anything.

When the last five soldiers leave, Justin grabs my Dad by his arms and yanks him forward. I don’t wait for Joseph to do the same, I follow right behind Justin. As we exit, Justin grabs a hold of my Dad's right arm and Joseph does the same.

The sun is up but the air still has a chill to it. The ground rumbles with the sounds of the miniature army. The only thing that I can hear is the clang of metal against metal the heavy footsteps leave because of their heavy armor.

The fear I feel at that moment is unbearable. My body shakes uncontrollably as I force my feet to walk. Looking over at my Dad, I can see the same fear. Both, Justin and Joseph's faces are masks of stone. I can’t tell if Justin is nervous but I can fell Joseph’s anxiety.

I had no idea that there were this many men at the castle. I had only seen a total of ten, most of them on that horrible night. The castle itself is pretty small. I don't know where all these men have been sleeping. Taking a look around us, I can see nothing but trees. There are no campfires or tents made anywhere. So, where have they been hiding?

We came into a small village just after midday. The women and children ran out yelling their goodbyes. I found my answer to where the men slept, as some of the women and children say good bye to their loved ones as they pass.

Some of the women wish for their safe return while calling me a witch in the next few seconds. I sigh as I realize that everyone in this city listens to the priest but I can also see their jealousy gleaming out of their eyes.

I notice a man standing beside a tree, but he’s in the shadows and I can’t get a good look at his face. When we pass by, he meets my eyes, giving me a slight nod. I turn to look at Joseph to see if he’s seen him but, if he did, he doesn’t show any signs of it. When I turn back around, he’s not there.

After passing through the village, the woods have given way to fields. Some fields have livestock, some have vegetables, and some have both. Passing by the farms, my stomach starts hurting and I could feel the fatigue setting in.

I realize that I hadn’t eaten a proper meal in far too long. My body feels so heavy that I need to watch as my feet put one foot in front of the other. I can see Joseph's breathing pick up as he starts to panic. He’s probably afraid that I might fall and he would have to do something to hurt me.

My Dad’s doing worse than me, but you can tell that he’s putting on a brave face. Every time he starts to fall, Justin grabs and lifts his right arm higher. I want to take that sword off of Justin and chop his hands off then leave him lying on this dirt road. The anger gives me renewed energy and I walk with my head held high.

The soldiers break off to set up tens as the sun starts to set. Zarius' carriage has pulled over to the side and they are walking towards us. All four of us tense as we wait to hear what he plans to say.

"Good job, Justin and Joseph. You kept the prisoners with us. Robert and I will be sleeping in a cottage while the four of you will sleep out here with my men. I suggest that you make a campfire soon.”

He glares at my me, glances at my dad with amusement in his eyes, and returns his focus on me and Joseph. “Don't get any thoughts about trying to escape. I wouldn't want you two to run into my loyal soldiers; especially you, my dear."

I flinch as he brushes his hand down my face and as a reflex Joseph grabs my arm tighter. I barely register his body shaking with anger because Zarius slaps me across the face and I fall into Joseph.

"You need to learn your place. If you move away from me again, I will end your life. On second thought, I will make your life so miserable that you will wish that I had given you death."

He reaches for me again and I avert my eyes to my Dad, who’s looking at us with barely controlled anger in his eyes. He doesn’t even seem to notice me. I can’t control my breaths as they come faster with his touch.

You read about women who lose control of their breathing because they’ve found their destined match but this is not one of those times. This is from fear and this man disgusts me more than a house full of roaches. The tears that slide down my face stream harder as he caresses my face like I’m his long lost love.

"Such a pretty face, let's not do anything to change that.” He smiles slightly, a little forlornly, and his tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “Ah, well, it’s too bad that I am a Priest.”

Turning towards my dad, his face becomes stony. “Good night Wizard. Justin and Joseph will be with you to ensure that you behave." Then he turns and leaves for the woods.

Joseph volunteers to watch us both while Justin gathers the wood. While Justin is gone, Joseph asks me to make the food. He pulls out some dried meat and onions.

There’s not much I can make with those two so it ends up as bland stew. Joseph lays out the sheet while I pour out the dinner. All four of us enjoy the stew and for a few minutes we forget about everything.

Justin lays down beside my dad with his back to him. He’s tied Dad's hands to his right arm. Joseph does the same to me, but he holds his arms behind his back, gently holding my hand. I eventually fall asleep despite the fear that I feel. Holding Joseph’s hand brings me a sense of peace.

My current self tries to wake up, feeling guilty and needing to see Derek, but it’s like lifting a heavy truck off of me. I don’t have the strength for it. I do know that I’m starting to have feelings for Joseph too. This is a source of guilt. I feel as if I am betraying Derek.

Somehow, I have gotten myself to fall in love with two men that I barely even know. I don't want to even think about how I would have been treated if Robert was my guard.

The memory skips through us sleeping and picks up shortly after me waking up to someone lightly tugging on my arm. I open my eyes to see Joseph smiling at me.

"You will be safe in just a few hours.” He whispers. “It’s time to go. We need to be ready before Zarius gets back."

I look around and notice that everyone is up and moving around. Justin and my Dad are already walking away from camp. I help Joseph clean up the camp.

Then we walk to stand beside Justin and Dad. I look at Dad and he offers me a small smile. It’s weak but welcome. His breathing isn’t as labored as it was when we went to bed. I feel a little hope bloom into my chest.

Zarius and Robert shows up just in time for all the guards to line up. Before going back to his carriage, he walks over to us. I groan inwardly as fear takes a hold of me once again.

"Good to see that you are still here. I knew that you could be reasonable. But, just in case you forget, you are surrounded by my men. Don't plan on escaping. You will not make it."

After a quick check to be sure that we are secured, he strides toward the carriage. After he passes by a few lines of the soldiers, they turn and give me animalistic smiles.

I know that they can get me any time that they want. They’re just waiting. What they are waiting for, I don’t know but I don't plan on giving them the opportunity to do anything. I shudder violently causing Joseph to glance at me. But before he can ask anything, we’re walking.