Not All Heroes Are Guiltless

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

A dull ache in my heart kept me from sleeping. I’m so restless, and I’m not entirely sure why. I jumped out of bed and put on a pair of trousers and a shirt. I’m not really sure what my pain is from. Whether it is from the episode at the ball because I hurt Andrew or if there is something more sinister occurring. All I know is that I need to investigate because I will never get sleep if I don’t get some answers.

I sneak out of my rooms in an attempt to just go out for a late-night walk, but the ball is still going strong in the gardens which are used as a segue from the noise of the ballroom.

The garden is large, and I have to find structures to hide behind because the courtiers are talking and debating in different locations. Its hard not to eavesdrop on their conversations. “Did you see the princess tonight? Dancing with the Marquis no less. So, do you think the rumors are true? Will we be having a new prince to crown? Marquis Andrew is such a fine young man.”

I wrap my arms around me and hold myself from screaming at the notion I could ever love Andrew enough to marry him. Of course, the courtesans want me to marry the marquis. He’s their tournament champion. One of the more prominent ancient families and any child we have would be a strong mage.

I guided myself to avoid as many as the ball attendees I could. Would hate to have to defend myself in my current state and attire. I find myself heading in a different direction entirely. I’m not truly sure of myself until I recognize I’m heading to the prison thoughtlessly.

I’m obfuscated by my own actions. I feel a strong desire to sneak through the dungeons. I never go down to the dungeons only to help with transporting prisoners. I'm not really sure what intention I could have to be drawn to the dungeons at this current time. Could the lupine mage cast some mind control spell on me? Honestly, since he grabbed my wrists, I had that vision. I haven’t been myself at all. The dream keeps returning from the vision, and now my body isn’t responding to my commands. I don’t want to risk getting into trouble. I would get by being found in the cells, but I can’t seem to stop myself. Andrew said the crystal had side effects, but now I’m worried it was before then.

With a crushed sigh, I allow myself to be drawn to one of the deepest of cells. The jurisdiction of General Tolston. I hid from the guards and sneaked by without fail. Might as well not ask for my trouble, then I could already be in. I pick up the keys and walk to a dark cell at the far end and unlock it. Completely, befuddled to how I knew which cell the lupine mage was located.

I halt when I see his ragged and torn form. I swallowed down my temper at his appearance. He’s hanging from the wall with his arms spreading above his head. I move closer, and I’m not able to hear his breathing. His torso is misshapen like he’s broken several ribs. A nasty bruise across his abdominal muscles. But what stops me is the open stab wound so deep you can see his heart thumping in his chest cavity. The only way I know he’s still alive.

I move closer to get a better view, but his head comes up, and his eyes meet mine. He struggles against the chains, and he’s unable to keep his focus on me as his eyes flitter around the room. “You shouldn’t be here, Delia.”

I’m petrified with shock and not sure why I haven’t run away in fear. I shake my head, knowing I should be demanding answers. He drops his head, and he stops struggling with his restraints. His voice is dark and broken, “Forgive me. This is for your protection. Dor ma notava nadar.”

The words ripple around me differently than any spell I’ve ever encountered. I’m entranced by its movement, and then my gut fills with the overwhelming dread I’ve endured since I first laid eyes on the stranger. He looks at me with pleading eyes, “Please, leave me. I don’t want you to see me this way. Delia. I don’t want you to hurt because of me.”

I clench my fists together completely filled with fury at the use of the nickname my father gave me, “Why do you-“

“Because you are much like the legend. Delia of Redland. Delia, the mighty light warrior. It fits you.” He says while keeping his eyes on the ground. His voice I raspy.

“My father called me that.” I say, and he doesn’t respond. “The only words I ever remember him telling me is ‘Delia, some secrets are to be stored in hearts.’”

His eyes meet mine, and there is a spark in his pupils. Although he looks on the verge of death, something tells me he wasn’t. I’m so lost in them when I feel like something has ripped into my mind and destroyed a connection between us. I’m dazed and trying to keep from crying out in anguish.

“They are coming! Get out now!” He leans forward and frowns angrily at me, and I’m now frightened to my core. I ran out of his cell and dropped the keys back off. I don’t stop running until I reach my room.

I sat on the bed with my hands wrapped around my knees to calm my nerves and emotions. I recognize I’m no longer in pain anymore. The dull ache of my heart is gone, but a part of me feels dejected and betrayed. I lay down my head and close my eyes, and get enfolded into the mountain vision dream. I woke up the next morning with puffy eyes from crying in my sleep.