Foreboding, p.18
Foreboding, page 18
part #2 of The Black Eyed Witch Series
Ashley finally got herself back up again. “Let’s find and free Lithia. I will grieve later over Alice.”
As they walked towards the barn to pick up their horses, a carriage filled with barrels passed quickly by.
Ashley tapped Ronan on the shoulder and pointed with her head to the bypassing carriage.
“What? he asked.
“I sensed Walnors in them.”
“Do you think-?” said Ronan and dashed off to their horses. Ashley noticed that he was much faster than usual when he ran.
They saddled up their horses as quickly as they could and followed the carriage.
Chapter 39
The king of Latame entered the throne room. A middle-aged man, tall, slim built and clean shaved. He wore a well-polished brown leathered chest armour, with detailed imprints of a tree and deer staring at it. Several of his maidens and counsellors followed him. One carrying several rolls in a bag.
Gordon knew Chris for some time and was not surprised that he would come to see him. They mainly dealt with the transportation of fabrics, metal and weapons. Chris was strict with his kingdom. Gordon thought Chris was paranoid. Heavy patrols throughout his city and if anyone was about to cause some problems or behaves suspiciously, they get arrested and are locked up for several weeks. But what occurred prior in Levra, Gordon has no choice but to increase on patrols.
However, he could not deny that Chris was fair and listened to advice or suggestions on what could benefit his city. But if anything was out of place, he would take immediate action to resolve the issue. Something, Gordon admits to himself, he is too good-hearted and forgives too easily. A kindness that had to end, eventually.
Several witches and knights bowed as the king walked past them. Gordon and Natalie sat in their throne and greeted the king. “Greetings Chris. I was informed about your arrival. I hope we can settle this matter quickly.”
“We will. Let’s get started, shall we? It’s no secret that you lost your city to the people. A king losing his own city to protestors makes the rest of us look bad.”
“Yes, but were you informed that the Naguals were the cause of it? If it weren't for the witches, we could have never gained control of the city and you wouldn't have be able to waltz in here.”
“Yes, I’m aware of the situation. But only after you have requested the witches to return.”
“Chris?” said Natalie, “I was the reason that he lost the city. Because I advised him to listen to the people and ask that witches the leave.”
“This I did not know. But he is the king and he should have known that giving in to the people, knowing that their expectations are unreasonable. Now I do respect you, housing witches here and giving them contracts but that was the cause in the first place. It was a matter of time that their enemies would take advantage of it.”
“But-” interfered Gordon.
“I’m not finished. It was not only my decision, but it was also decided by every king of every land. Few of them, who were against you housing witches. I have the scroll right here, with everyone's signature that you must abdicate and that I become the king of Ausran.”
“So are you kicking me out of my own castle and my city?”
“We all discussed that matter. As you are kind and generous and are still well respected by us, regardless of the incident, we have decided that you can keep your city but no longer be the king of Ausran. However, as you have failed your own city for a period of time, I will be taking charge until I think it’s safe for you to rule again. I have noticed that you have a lot of witches patrolling your city. As they are the only ones who can sense a Nagual, they will remain for that purpose and I certainly will ask some to do the same for my city. As I said earlier, you can keep your title and your city but under one condition: you can no longer give contracts to witches. Their base is now shut down immediately. They may enter and live here. This will not be denied to them as long they follow the rules, that is. If you want to keep witches as guards here, you may do so.”
Chris looked at the witches, who stared speechlessly at him. Gordon could not deny it was fair that he could keep his rights as a king to the city. Admittingly, the thought he did not have a huge responsibility anymore, felt like a huge weight lifted off his shoulders. He could focus more on his family and teach his son how to take care of Levra. As he looked at Natalie, he could see she was relaxed; her shoulders down and did not sit in a stiff position as she was for the last few days.
Chris held out his hand and the man next to him reached for a scroll and handed it over to him. “This scroll needs to be signed at your convenience. It’s about what we have discussed. You and your wife can read through it carefully. Don’t hesitate to ask if anything is unclear.”
Gordon stood up and took the scroll. “We will Chris.”
Chapter 40
Ashley hoped that Alice would be close by as Ronan and her followed the carriage for the last few hours. Ronan had been quiet, most likely thinking about seeing Lithia but he looked depressed. If he may feel guilty for Alice’s departure, she did not know, and she didn’t want to ask him.
She looked back, hoping some figure was behind them but besides for the bypassing carriages and people, nothing appeared to ride in the same direction.
“Ashley?” said Ronan suddenly, “Alice may be right about the amount of Naguals but what if she is wrong? I can try to face them but I’m not even sure I can heal myself.”
“I asked myself that question too. Come closer.”
Ronan at first was hesitant and rose a brow but eventually, he rode right next to her and held his arm out. Without warning, Ashley made an incision on his lower arm. He hissed and his blood dripped onto the ground. She held his arm and stared at his wound. He tried to pull his arm back but she did not let him.
“Do you have any burning sensation inside you?”
“No. I just feel the cut.”
“Interesting. Alright, let us try this. I give you my slime and will see if this heals it.”
She pressed her mouth onto his. It would give the impression to anyone that they are kissing. After she regurgitated her slime, her head dropped on her horse's neck.
She could hear Ronan coughing as if her slime went down his lungs. Eventually, he stopped, and she got her strength back and rose back up.
“Sorry, wrong way.”
“It won't do any harm. Alright, let's see your arm.”
He held it out again and this time his cut slowly disappeared.
“That is interesting. Usually, we just poured it over the wound,” said Ashley surprised.
“I think I have never thanked you for sharing your slime with me. Even when we have to interlock our lips.”
“You did actually and you are welcome. I know Lithia would have continued and now with Alice gone, I need someone who can fight Naguals.”
“I would have never thought of interrogating Naguals. Especially killing them. Remember when I tried to kill one Lithia left for me? Yeah, that didn’t go well.”
“Not really surprising but Lithia had confidence in you or just did it so that you don’t feel left out. I have to admit, it is admirable how you come along with us, regardless of having none of our strengths.”
“Well, looks like I will not be some dead weight anymore. And I have to admire your patience as well for dealing with me.”
“I won't lie, I was pissed at times for slowing us down, trying to protect you. I know, Lithia did most of it but the compassion you have for each other made it bearable. And yes, you were very helpful when humans tried to shun us or refused to pay.”
“Glad I could help.”
“I was meaning to ask you. If you are so sure he is heading in the direction of the cave, why not go ahead?”
“He is heading in the direction, but what if I’m wrong and he goes somewhere else? Also, it has been years since I was in that cave and don’t recall the exact location. Coming across this carriage was a huge coincidence. Almost like in a bad play but fuck it. It may lead us directly to that cave but it may also lead us to somewhere else.”
“We will find out.”
It was early afternoons. The clouds blocked the sun, and the temperature dropped. Fewer people came across their path while the carriage continued heading in the direction Ronan insisted is towards the cave.
Occasionally Ashley looked around her. Not only in hope Alice was nearby but for Naguals. She was worried some of them may lurk in the woods and inform the others about them. It was impossible to hide if they wanted to keep track of the carriage. Regardless of the big distance between them.
She observed Ronan and noticed that he was on edge as well. Most likely thinking the same.
She was lost in her thoughts when a faded voice drilled through her head. She looked up, confused and noticed Ronan waved his hand at her.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t hear what you said.”
“I said: the carriage is pulling into the woods.”
“But I don’t see a path.”
“That’s why Noran chose this location. It’s a bit rough but doable for a carriage.”
Both accelerated their horses until they had reached the place Ronan stated the carriage turned off. There were clear traces on the grass of horses and wheels. They slowly rode in and could see the track has been used recently. Freshly broken twigs and ripped off leaves lay on the ground.
“I can see it. You think you will know the way?” said Ashley.
“No, not certain yet. I have to admit that it does look familiar but nothing solid. Besides, we have a clear trail to follow.”
They rode for a while as Ashley suddenly had a thought. “I know you are very strong now but it just hit me. What if Lithia is being controlled and attacks us? I can try to hold her off but you think you can fight off a Nagual?”
“I will find out. However, you have to expect that it won't be Lithia’s style of fighting. If they have controlled her throughout this time, they most likely will use her powers.”
“We should have taken more of us along. Now with Alice gone, I am worried.”
“No time. We have to do our best. We have to try to be stealthy and just hope there aren’t too many of them inside that cave.”
“Agreed. How far do you think it is now?”
“We are almost there.”
The carriage neared its destination and Ronan and Ashley hid their horses after he confirmed they were very close. Ashley was sceptical she could not sense a single Nagual as they followed the carriage through the woods. As if they were absolutely sure no one would find them here and therefore don’t require scouts or guards.
She followed Ronan as he carefully snuck from one tree and bush to another. Soon, they finally saw the cave. The carriage was in front of it and two Naguals, in human form, approached it.
They joked with the rider about the condition of the grounds and the location as they began unloading the barrels. She could finally sense them but still not Lithia.
Ronan continued sneaking closer and hid behind a huge tree. He indicated to her that she should remain behind the bush and then observe how the Naguals unloaded the barrels.
“I’m always amazed at how strong you guys are. It always takes three of us to lift it up,” said the rider.
“We have been doing this for a long time,” said one of the Naguals.
Ashley was wondering what Ronan was waiting for. She could handle these two before they raised the alarm and the human would be no threat to either of them. Unless he was waiting for the human to disappear before they attacked.
The Naguals finally unloaded the barrels, paid the human and stood by as he turned his carriage around and headed back where he came from. Once gone, the Naguals ignored the barrels and wandered back into the cave.
Finally, Ronan waved her over and cautiously moved forward until they reached the entrance.
“Well, how many can you sense and most of all, Lithia?” he whispered.
She finally understood why he hesitated on attacking. “I sense only three of them and you will be happy to hear that Lithia is in there,” she whispered back.
Ronan sighed in relief and smiled. “Thank you. Can you sense where she is?”
“Somewhere over there.”
“Good. So they put her exactly there where Noran put her. Which means she is chained up and most likely herself. Now let’s face them. It’s time to rip them apart.”
Ronan drew his sword and walked straight in. He didn't seem to care if they saw him as they went through the narrow passage and entered the big cave. She was stunned at first by the sight of the dripping stones. She was quickly drawn out of it when Ronan announced himself.
The three Naguals in their true forms looked surprised.
“You three are very much fucked for what you have done to her,” snarled Ronan between his teeth and took a defensive position.
Ashley looked at Lithia, who was just stunned to lay her eyes on them. Mostly at Ronan. She could tell that Lithia was uncertain if this was happening. She couldn’t even imagine what torment she had to go through that she may have lost touch of reality.
Sam pointed his finger, and both Naguals attacked. One went straight for Ronan while the other attacked Ashley. She sliced him in several pieces, blood splattered on the ground and nearby dripstones as the Nagual dismembered with a splattered and squishy sound as the pieces slithered on the ground. She was about to attack the other one before it harmed Ronan but was utterly stunned by what she saw.
Ronan deflected the attack with his arm and stabbed the sword straight through the creature’s stomach. Without further delay, Ronan hammered his fist on the Naguals head and it smashed through down to its chest. Blood splattered on him. He then grabbed his sword, twisted it and cut into the Nagual’s side. Then he kicked the body, and it flew into a stalagmite, breaking it into pieces, while the body slithered along the ground until it hit another stalagmite.
Sam stared, jaw wide open. Lithia was as well. Ashley was stunned how confident he faced a Nagual and successfully killed it as if he had done it for some time. She quickly snapped out of it and was about to attack when Sam suddenly twitched. Bones crunched and muscles tore as he grew bigger and bigger. His skin colour changed to sangria tone, and the eyes changed to wine-red, pupils were amber coloured crosses. Her jaw dropped as she saw how gigantic he was. He was nearly three times its size. No Nagual she ever came across grew that huge. Even Ronan took several steps back.
“Ashley?” he addressed her with a concerned tone in his voice, while he kept his eyes on Sam, “I’ll free her.”
Sam, however, charged at Ronan as his heavy stomps echoed through the cave. Ashley didn’t want to take any chances and attacked as well. As she was faster, she reached him first but Sam must have predicted it as he swiped his massive hand and struck her. She flew against the cave wall. She desperately gasped for air as she witnessed how Ronan evaded his massive claws. He tried to deflect them with his sword but his blade got only stuck in his fingers. Yellow blood dripped from the cuts but Sam did not seem to be affected by it as he tried to smash Ronan with his other hand. Ronan pulled the sword out and jumped back but the tip of the sharp claw scratched his face and part of his armour as the hand hit the ground. She could feel the tremors.
Ronan screamed as he held his face and stumbled away but Sam kept on attacking. Ashley was still woozy but Ronan was in danger and instinctively dashed forward and dug her sword deep into Sam’s side. He roared in pain and tried to reach for her but she pulled her sword out and yellow blood spat on her. It was warm and stank worse than a rotten corpse. She gagged and stumbled around. Then she heard a loud roaring, turned and saw how Ronan stabbed his sword in his stomach. Half his face was covered in his own blood.
“Free her. Just fucking free her,” he barked at Ashley and punched heavily in Sam’s stomach. Sam bounced a few steps back.
Ashley moved towards Lithia still wiping off the blood on her face.
“The key is on the table next to my gear.”
Lithia pointed at the mentioned table and Ashley hastened while she heard how Ronan and Sam continued fighting. She could not believe how well he is holding up against a foe he never fought in his life, and recently gained these new powers.
She grabbed the key, threw it to Lithia and then dashed to support Ronan. He was mainly evading Sam’s attacks as he took cover behind stalagmites. Sam smashed through them as if they were made of rotten wood.
Ashley went for the leg but her blade got stuck halfway. Sam turned and grabbed her as she tried to free her sword. He was tremendously strong as she was in his fist. She tried to force his fingers aside but his grip tightened. He rose her over his head, most likely to smatter her on the ground but he roared in pain again.
“Just fucking die already,” she heard Ronan bark out. But then Ronan screamed and soon she saw him in the same debacle as her. Ronan appeared as if he would manage to force Sam’s fingers aside, but Sam was stronger and closed his fist again. Both were raised above Sam’s head but then a gurgling sound could be heard and suddenly the grip loosened and she fell to the ground. Sam dropped to his knees as he held with both hands his throat. Blood drooled out of his mouth so as between his fingers. Lithia grabbed her and pulled her away from him, next to Ronan who breathed heavily. As she looked at Lithia, she was in her full gear and held in her hand a blood-dripping sword.
Without hesitation, Ashley stood up and looked at Sam, who was still gurgling on his own blood.
Lithia attacked but Sam swooshed her with the back of his hand and she flew to the ground. His attack was weaker this time. She dashed behind him to retrieve her sword, jumped on his back and stabbed violently in him. She saw Ronan’s sword partly stuck in the side of Sam. Ronan finally stood up, grunted in anger and attacked Sam without going for his sword. Sam tried to deflect him but he kicked his hand aside and began pounding at head. Ronan continued punching his face as blood splattered on him. Sam growled, close to whimpering.
