Foreboding, p.27
Foreboding, page 27
part #2 of The Black Eyed Witch Series
Ashley could not deny that Helga sounded serious about what she had said. Helga reached for the overstuffed saddlebag, opened it and pulled out several bottles. “Here. I thought I’d save it for our victory but clearly you do not trust me.”
She tossed the bottles away, shattering as they hit the ground. She reached for the other saddlebag and pulled out more bottles. Without hesitation, she flung them away as well.
Sarah looked with a brow raised in surprise. All Ashley could do was shrug her shoulders, inclining she didn’t know how to respond to the sudden outburst.
“Are we all good now? Did I gain some trust?” she snarled at them.
“Sure,” nodded Sarah. Ashley waved a hand, still glaring at Helga for what she did earlier.
They reached the walls of the town and several guards stopped them, their hands on the pommels of their swords.
“Turn back or you will be arrested as the previous ones,” said one with a red stripe stitched on his right shoulder.
Ashley tilted her head questionably at the man. “What do you mean arrested?”
“Exactly that. They refused to leave and too many creatures have appeared here. It was all nice and quiet until you showed up.”
“If you don’t want them, why keep them?” asked Sarah.
“Since we are not allowed to kill them, there is no law saying we can’t arrest them.”
Ashley had to admit, the man wasn’t lying. Indeed no law states that humans cannot arrest witches as the majority wanted them dead. However, she questioned why any witch would allow them to be arrested.
“Alright.” Said Ashley. “We are here to get them. All of them. This should satisfy you.”
The man stood there, his hand still on the pommel of his sword. The other guards maintained their stance as well. Everyone was silent, glaring at each other as if in a standoff. Ashely expected one of them, including Helga and Sarah, to break the tension and attack, but both of them had their hands rested on their saddle.
“Fine,” said the man finally. “I was asking myself why they let themselves get arrested in the first place. Richard? Go get them. You three witches, you stay right here.
Soon, Richard came back with three witches behind him on their horses. One white witch and two black.
The guards stepped aside to let them pass.
“There. Now leave and never come back.”
Ashley nodded and pulled the reins on her horse, followed by the others.
“Let me guess,” said Sarah, “you got yourselves arrested to give the humans the impression you are not murderous beings.”
“I know what you are thinking but it was hilarious to see how they reacted,” said one of the black ones. All three chuckled in amusement.
“Are we picking up special witches today or was I for too long in Levra?” asked Sarah towards Ashley.
“As long you three can fight, that’s all I want from you. Were you in Levra?” asked Ashley.
“No. We have heard about the place but we like to be free. Roam around to discover new and different places without being restricted by regulations and guidelines,” responded the white one.
“Well, thanks anyway for getting us out. We could have gone out by ourselves as these doors are as flimsy as scroll. So see you-“
“Wait just a moment,” snarled Ashley back. “We didn’t come to free you just for the fun of it. We have a fucking serious matter to attend you may want to consider joining.”
“Why, what happened?” asked a black one.
Ashley and Sarah elaborated in detail what occurred. Ashley about the Naguals who abducted Lithia to use her to experiment on. The Walnors what they are being used for and Sarah confirming about the assault on Levra.
The three were silent without interrupting them. They even looked at Helga, who gave them a serious look. Ashely was relieved Helga took it seriously. Tossing away the bottles willingly did give her more confidence that she could be trusted.
The three looked at each other for a while as if they were communicating with their minds. One of the black witches faced at Ashley. “Alright. We are in.”
Chapter 60
Ashley and the others finally arrived at the coast to find many of their kind who patrol the area to intercept any ships delivering Walnors.
The cool wind felt refreshing during the warm sunny day. The smell of the ocean drilled through her nostrils.
It was still questionable how the Naguals got their hands on it. All Ashley could think of is they must have stored a huge amount of them somewhere they did not know about.
It could be possible these unseen Naguals have the intelligence to breed Walnors as they knew her kind would find out sooner or later and put a stop to it.
The more she thought about it, the more likely it was a trap set up by them to withdraw as many witches as possible from Levra to patrol the coasts. Injecting fear among humans about their kind for deeds they never committed because they got controlled by the Nagauls, was another way to reduce the amount of witches in Levra.
If this was the plan, they succeeded and each and every one of them, including Ronan and Lithia. Both kings and advisors fell for it and paid dearly for losing the city and many lives lost in the assault.
How the Naguals managed to maintain all these Ingens and Plokam’s for so long, she didn’t want to think about. One thing she did know is they would strike back with a vengeance and leave no Nagual alive.
It didn’t take them long to come across the first group of witches, who were under some trees of the small forest to hide from the sun. Yet, allowing them to have a perfect view over the ocean to spot any ships that would come close to the coast.
“We’re questioning when we would get released. The others are getting impatient too,” said one out of the group, pointing further down the coast.
Ashley did not hesitate to explain the situation.
“Get the fuck out of here,” said one.
“We were never told how many were stationed along the coast. We need all of them. And to be honest, I don’t think any Walnors are being shipped here or anywhere else,” stated Ashley.
“You are looking at seven more groups all the way along the coastline. Some are bigger than the others.”
“I see ten of you. How big would the others be?” asked Sarah.
“Some are over fifteen strong. I think one was over twenty.”
“Why so many to cover the coastline? Yes, it’s a huge area to cover but Naguals aren’t hard to kill,” said Helga, shrugging her shoulders.
Ashley grunted quietly and glared seriously at her. “As we told you, there are huge ones. Three alone already struggle to bring one down. Now imagine five of them and only several of us.”
“Oh. I see. Forget I asked.” She waved her hand and looked away embarrassed.
“How long do you think it will take me to ride all the way to the last group?” asked Ashley.
Maybe an hour or more. You should find them among the trees like us. You will sense them as they would sense you.”
Ashley nodded. “Alright. You remain here. Sarah and I will get them. We will make this our assembly point. Hopefully by the end, we are over a hundred strong.”
Without hesitation, both dashed off.
Chapter 61
Nearly a week passed and Carl had to continue with his practice in sword fighting and hand to hand combat. He had to keep telling himself to watch his footing as Ronan instructed him. His instructor was strict but fair. He blocked a few attacks with the wooden swords they used but still got struck at his arms and legs.
“Focus.” barked the instructor. “You have to be faster to cover your exposed parts. Your enemies will take advantage of it.”
“Yes, sir.”
Jennifer sneaked slowly through his mind. Wondering what she was doing when Chris gave her an assignment. The incoming sword suddenly ripped him out of this thought and dodged it before it hit his face. He quickly countered it and made a final blow to the armoured chest of his instructor.
Carl was stunned by his sudden and unexpected move. Even his instructor looked puzzled at him but soon smirked, slapping his shoulder. “Well done. For a moment I thought you drifted away. Nice deception.”
Carl was still in shock. All he could think of was to be there for Jennifer as the sword fell upon him. Now he questioned himself if he was more in love than before. Being with her in one small house felt at times awkward but was gracious to have someone around he liked. Most of all a woman he wished to be close to.
“Alright, Carl. Take a break. You are doing better,” said his instructor and wandered to the table to grab a leather flask. He tilted his head far back to swallow the water.
Carl whipped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve and sat down in the nearest chair. He disliked the training court. It, as well, was made of stone. Grey everywhere you looked. It was depressing and he wanted to leave and take his chances out in the woods where there was a diversity. A vista of various colours of flowers, trees and bushes. Most of all, Jennifer.
He was deep in his thoughts when a touch on his shoulders startled him. Gordon smiled upon him and motioned with his head to follow him. Carl immediately stood up and moved next to Gordon.
He led him to the throne room. It was a grey as everything else besides for a few tapestries, simple tables and chairs in the room. Gordon’s throne was a big wooden stair with a pillow on it. Chris sat to Gordon’s right on the same looking throne.
Once Gordon sat down, both stared wordlessly at Carl. Carl wasn’t sure what to think of it. He thought of all kinds of problems he may have such as his sword skills or the relationship with Jennifer. All he could think of is, to stand in attention and wait what either of them will say.
“We have a proposition for you.’ Said Gordon finally after what felt like an eternity. “We like to promote you to be a royal guard. Would you accept this promotion?”
Carl’s eyes widened and dropped his arms in amazement. He didn’t realize at first that his jaw dropped until he tried to speak.
“You want to make me a royal guard?” he asked with a stutter.
“Ronan must have seen something in you to be his best man at the wedding. He could have asked easily someone else with more experience,” explained Gordon.
“With all respect, my lord, he chose me because I have an interest in a witch. He thought it would show me that there is nothing to worry about.”
“I see,” said Chris.
“Well? Did it help?”
“Yes, it did.” Carl was unsure where this was leading. Why both kings would ask a simple recruit about his relationship with Jennifer. What all this has to do with becoming a royal guard.
“What is your answer?” asked Chris.
“My lord?”
“What is your answer to our offer?”
Carl was silent as his lips trembled. He took a deep breath before he answered as confident as he could master. “With all due respect. I’m just a simple man who is still in training. I’m not cable on wielding a sword properly, or the skills to even give orders to a single person. I appreciate the offer but I must decline.”
Carl stood in attention, chest out and did not even dare to look at the kings. He heard how both chuckled at first before they engulfed themselves in laughter.
“You pass.” Said Gordon, still laughing. “It was a test to see who you are. What you would think.”
Carl wasn’t sure what to think of it. If they were having fun or they did it all the time to new recruits to see how full they are of themselves.
“We asked a few before you and you are the only one who gave a good answer. You know where your weaknesses are and this makes a reliable leader in the future. Your relationship with a witch doesn’t bother us, by the way.”
Carl remained silent. He continued glaring at them, waiting for more.
Chris stood up and moved closer to him. “Tell me. How long do you think you need to be ready?”
“Whenever I have the confidence to be one, my lord.”
Chris looked at Gordon and back at Carl with a brought smile on his face.
“You seem to be pragmatic and trust worthy. For now. However, we also noticed your behaviour in this place. Care to elaborate?” asked Gordon.
Carl took a deep breath. “I know this place is supposed to protect us but the lack of colours makes it almost like a prison. Everywhere you look is rocks. Grey, boring rocks.”
Carl shook from the inside for saying it to two kings but since they already praised him for his honesty, he saw no harm in doing so.
Gordon stood up and looked seriously at him. “Yes, it is made to protect us. It’s not supposed to make you feel at home. It should give you the strength to fight back. To take back what is rightfully ours. You don’t want to be any longer here than us. I appreciate your honesty. Rare to find these days who are not full of themselves. Now you train hard. Gain the confidence you seek and if the witch means anything to you, you stay by her side and make every moment you spend with her, count. Dismissed.”
“Thank you my lords.” Carl bowed and left the throne room to continue his training.
Carl felt uncertain about what happened with Chris and Gordon. Uncertain if it all was a test to find out who he is or if the place has gotten to them too and decided to find a way to entertain themselves. He sat at the table, stabbing aimlessly at his food as approaching footsteps made him look towards the door.
A big grin when Jennifer entered, giving him her welcoming warm smile. Setting down a big bag she carried and then her armour.
“How was your day?” she asked.
“Awkward, to be honest. Chris and Gordon were testing me if I’m ready to be a royal guard.”
“But you are still in training. Your sword skills aren’t very good.”
“I know and I’ve told them that. They applauded me for giving them an honest reply.”
“So?”
“Of course I’m not becoming a royal guard. Heck, I don’t think I will ever come close to what Ronan is.”
“Ronan is Ronan. You are you. It’s good you look up to him but don’t try to be like him. I’m sure he will tell you the same.”
“You are right. I think this dull rock place is giving me a hard time.” Carl rubbed his face, in hope he will be back in Levra, woken up after a bad dream. But he stared at his food and the grey walls of the small house he was in.
“I think I can change that for you.” She took his arm and Carl looked surprised at her.
“Don’t worry about your gear. Your casual clothing will do just fine. I just need this bag.”
Carl wondered if she had found some place inside the caves but instead, she led him towards the huge gates.
“I don’t think they will allow us to leave. Too risky to open these massive gates,” said Carl concerned.
“I’m a witch. You think this wall is going to stop me?”
Her smirk was unsettling but he could not deny the thrill on leaving with her outside this cold place. They quickly ascended the stairs until they reached the top of the wall. The sun was still in the sky but would be gone in a few hours. However, the view was certainly refreshing seeing the forests and hills spread over the horizon. The guards and witches on top of it seem to enjoy the vista as well, many had a faint smile on their faces.
“Thanks. That is better than down there,” said Carl and held her hand.
“Oh, no. That’s nothing.”
She suddenly lifted up his legs and he found himself being held by her. He could not deny his surprise that a woman was carrying a man. It felt awkward to have the roles reversed.
“Don’t worry. If we get married, you can carry me,” she said smiling.
Before Carl could react, she suddenly jumped off the wall and he found himself screaming in terror. He held tide on to her, eyes shut tied and his feet suddenly touched the ground.
“Don’t be a baby.” Said Jennifer with a half a smile. “You have already forgotten we can jump very high and land from far above?”
Carl opened his eyes and found himself standing on the ground, in front of the fortress. “You can let go of me now. I know you like me very much but not here,” she said.
“Sorry.” He quickly let go of her and held his hands close to himself.
“Come. You will like it. Found it when I delivered a letter to Chris’s home. Which is still standing, by the way. It appeared the attack was aimed only at Levra.”
Carl looked back as they wandered off. To see if any of the guards or witches would raise the alarm but none of them moved as nothing happened. They must have had sympathy that no one wanted to be here and needed a change of scenery.
Jennifer led him into the woods. Passing by various bushes, trees and some odd flowers he has never seen before. The scent of the vegetation filled his nostrils and took several deep breaths, trying to treasure it in his body and only unlock it when he wants a better smell when he is back in the fortress.
They remained silent until he began to hear some running water.
“We are almost there,” she said excitedly.
It was a small smooth running stream. The green grass, pickled with small white flowers, was thick but soft as they walked over it. Jennifer opened her big bag and unrolled a big brown, soft blanket on the grass. Then she took out a bottle of wine and set it on the blanket.
Carl raised a brow in surprise as she took off her sword and boots.
She looked at him as she sat down and curled her toes. “Come, Carl. Do the same. Feel the fresh air on your feet.”
He smiled and took his boots off and sat next to her. Keeping his hands between his knees.
“You are so stiff. I think this place really gets to you,” responded Jennifer with concern and moved behind him. “Wow. You are really stiff. Come, relax. Enjoy this wonderful place. Do not think of Levra, the kings. Think of nothing but what’s happening now.”
Carl felt her thumbs digging into his shoulders and didn’t realize how tight his shoulders were. He sank them and Jennifer complimented him. “That’s it. Close your eyes.”
