Goddess Kindled, page 25
Pausing, she had trouble thinking about the last part.
“I also deserve all I have coming to me for inconveniencing him.”
Her head suddenly filled with growling.
“That’s bullshit Harlow. You don’t deserve any of this.”
In a blink the connection was gone, she could feel it severed. Still she thought.
“Caden?”
Trying whispering allowed this time.
“Caden?”
As strange as that had been, with the comfort gone. The pain of her aching body took hold. Closing her eyes she allowed herself to drift off, again.
She could hear voices in the distance. They seemed to be upset about something. She could tell by the tone each speaker was using. Whether it was each other they were upset with or someone else she wasn’t sure. They were too far away for her to understand what they were talking about. Maybe if she was still asleep on the floor, when they strolled by they would continue their chat. Then perhaps she could get some more information.
The closer they got she realized she was one of the topics of discussion. They didn’t like the Master's treatment of her. They believed it was wrong, and cruel. They understood they had agreed with Neera, all of her crazy plans, and weird ways. They had agreed, and followed her, not him. Regardless of what he thought. It didn’t seem to matter to him in the slightest. Kidnapping a woman ,just to force her to relinquish her power, and gifts, to transfer them to him. He was crazy, cause for her to do that she had to die.
Well now she knew what he wanted from her. These two had just confirmed what she had suspected. Wasn’t it always about power? Couldn’t people just be happy with what they had? Sadly that was not the case. She did agree with them on one thing however. He was crazy. Wondering if they or anyone else knew how crazy. She would never give him what he wanted. No matter what.
Loud echoing voices were suddenly thundering off the stone walls, interrupting the bothered voices. Fighting to stay as still as she could, and cracking one eye open only a little. It was best to give the illusion of sleep. She confirmed they were bringing in another prisoner. A man from what she could see. The large men carrying the unconscious prisoner were talking about how they had found him laying out by old ruins. They knew he was up to no good, and perhaps he could be useful. He was wearing clothes that were just like the other prisoner.
They were boasting how the Master will be very happy with them. They continually assured the unhappy followers. Demanding they open another cell, tossing the man in like a sack of discarded trash. They continued to boast as they all left., in the opposite direction. Leaving Harlow to wonder who the unconscious man could be. Was he a member of the True Guard? Or was this someone she knew, and came for her? She could only cross her fingers, and hope for the best. He didn’t look like Caden so it couldn’t be him.
She was starting to really miss Kieran as well. She hated that their last words together were her getting so angry, and yelling at him. Hopefully Ravens Night was out looking for her. Unable to stay awake any longer she went to sleep thinking of her intimate times with her man.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Kieran was beginning to feel sick with worry. All their plans of attack, and searching had resulted in nothing. Not a thing. He knew dark magick strong but this, this was just out right worrying. As he paced the floor.
“This is crazy, why can’t we get a trace of her?”
He was hoping, when the women had come back the other morning they had some good news to share. Sadly they had found nothing, absolutely nothing. How could a woman be here one second, and gone the next? Her trail started, and ended at his dwelling.
Aidan sighed.
“She’s obviously being cloaked in magicks. If only we knew who Ozel was working for. That slimy weasel.”
Growling further in anger he too began to pace the floor, faster this time.
Looking up from his seat Cillian replied. Before twisting his fingers into a knot, turning them white with the tension. Anger, and regret are clearly evident.
“Hey guys, I’m sorry for my brother's actions. I just wish I knew more, and hadn't been so blind to what was going on right under my nose.”
Still pacing Kieran said.
“Not your fault man. It’s your brother's fault. He shall wear the blame, not you. He lied to us all. Deceived us all.”
After a while he continued.
“Has anyone come close to revealing the identity of Neera’s followers' new leader?”
Everyone shook their heads, they hadn’t a clue. Only the knowledge that he was a he, and that he had kept himself very well hidden, and secret.
If only their mating bond were stronger he could just feel her out. But if Aidan was right, and she was being cloaked with magicks, there was no hope he could’ve used that avenue. Either that or she was unconscious. Which could explain him feeling nothing from her. If only he had told her everything, talked with her. Maybe things could have happened differently.
This type of thinking wasn’t getting him anywhere. It only served to make him feel worse about himself. He really needed to snap out of it. The what if didn’t solve anything.
Everyone then retreated to the spot they had occupied since the festival. All of them being in his dwelling, fearing the worst if they left. It was easier, better, and safer to all stay together. If only to console Kieran. Plus, this way they knew where everyone was at a given time, making it easier to make, and execute plans.
The hurried banging on the door had everyone freezing, and sucking in a breath, and holding it as if frozen in time. Everyone that was to be here was here, well except for his Mate that is. This was their home, they should be enjoying each other after their vows. Instead Ravens Night was gathered here in hopes of rescuing her. Shaking off his surprise he went to answer the door. On the other side was one of the guards that was usually posted at the entrance of the village. Confused, he squinted at the man asking.
“What is it?”
Out of breath but seemingly in a hurry, the man spoke.
“He said you are all to come. To be ready, for the Raven must fly tonight. Then all will be as it should be.”
Confused for a moment he asked the man to repeat the message, after which he asked.
“Who gave you this message?”
“Oh well the man at the gate. I refused him entrance. Saying I will take the message to you. If it is then valid, you will understand, and be on your way.”
Nodding his head to the man.
“You did well. I thank you for the job well done. Return, and tell this man we will be ready, and meet him shortly.”
At once the man took off towards the gate. Closing the door he turned to see everyone in action. All getting ready for battle. His dwelling had very quickly become a home base for them. With every standing member with the exception of Ozel moving in. Able, and ready to fly at a moment's notice. All manner of gear, gems, chrystals, and potions had been gathered, and organized. They could be ready at a moment's notice. So this news of a message was what they had been waiting for. The raven must fly tonight was one of the codes they had established with Cormac.
It reasoned he had news, and information needed to go into battle. He just prayed it involved the rescue of his True Mate Harlow. Now that they were rightfully bonded he couldn’t imagine life without her. She was his other half, the good half. The best of all of him. She brightened his world. He would kill anyone who harmed a hair on her lovely head.
In only a matter of minutes every member of Ravens Night was ready for action. They would be bringing his woman home, and see justice served to her abductees. Or else.
Harlow could hear movement in the other cell. It sounded like the man was regaining consciousness. His timing seemed to be perfect for her. She was trying to summon up enough energy to at least burn off the ropes holding her wrists together. Finally succeeding just a few moments ago, when the man’s moaning helped to cover her audible response for the very painful release of her arms. The amount of energy this took gave her pause to think. There was something in this prison dampening her ability to use or access her gifts.
At now thought she could begin to recover feeling from her shoulders down to her fingers. Hoping there was no permanent damage done. She was thankful that whomever tied her hadn’t been bright enough. In freeing her hands, she also freed herself from being secured to the floor as well. At least one good thing she thought. Well two perhaps, her prison mates manning, and groaning had definitely helped her.
If only she had used her talents in Kierans dwelling perhaps she wouldn’t be in this predicament. But maybe she was supposed to be here, for what she wasn’t sure of yet. What could she possibly learn or do by being held prisoner by a crazy man.
The man in the next cell was beginning to mumble now, and she wondered how he would respond to waking up in a cell? If only his voice weren’t so scratchy, she was hoping to be able to figure out if he was from her time or not. Or if she knew him. When finally she heard him say.
“What the hell. Where am I?”
With a rustling of movement, she could tell he was moving around. Moving herself toward the bars of her cell she peeked out, glancing in his direction. He was looking around taking in what was all around them. When his eyes met hers Harlow sucked in a breath. It couldn’t be. Shaking her head adamantly when he opened his mouth to speak. With questions in his eyes, she again shook her head.
In vain she tried to keep her silent tears at bay. They quietly fell down her cheeks. They were now in trouble. Without knowing it, the crazy man now had the power to get whatever he wanted from her. She would do anything, and everything to protect her son. The man found unconscious, and placed in the cell next to hers was Rowan.
Clearly he had found her clues, only it seemed a great deal of time had passed. The son she had last seen was fifteen years old. For her she had only seen him off to training three or four weeks ago. Now she had to think on the fly, and do what she could to protect him. He knew nothing of the world he just woke up into. Hopefully in protecting him she could also protect herself too. He very likely had gifts in this time. He would be wanted for them just like her. Before he could speak again she asked him.
“What’s your name?”
She was guessing if her access to her gifts were blocked there were other magicks at play. Those in power were very likely listening or possibly watching. If the latter were true, they were in big trouble. Their body language, and reactions to each other were a dead give away too. Still she would protect him regardless.
Again with questioning eyes he replied.
“Rowan. What’s your name?”
“Harlow.”
Squinting her eyes at the pain as she moved her arms to hang onto the bar's infant of her.
Mimicking her movements he asked.
“What are you in here for Harlow?”
Tilting his head in concern.
She could see his lips thinning knowing she was in pain.
“They want something from me, and I won’t give it to them. You?”
This time she mimicked him by tilting her head.
Rubbing a hand down, and over his face as he said.
“I have no idea.”
Cautioning him she replied.
“Well be aware, they will likely want something from you or use you.”
Ending on a whisper to hide the hurt, and pain. She watched as understanding crossed over his face before he nodded, and retreated to the back of his cell. Feeling defeated she too moved back to where she had been. Laying down on the cold hard stone, she began to ponder on how she could protect her son. If only she could use her gifts. They seemed to be a blessing, and a curse to her. When she remembered to use them. With her eyes growing heavy she drifted off to sleep.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Listening in on the prisoners had been a fantastic idea. He was so glad he thought of it. Ozel was coming in handy on so many levels. Enchanting ordinary objects as listening devices was genius if he did say so. It was sad he couldn’t get what he needed from him. Would have been much simpler that way. Alas the man just didn’t possess enough power for him. He needed more so much more.
He thought he had been lucky when he had found Neera. Believing she was a part of the prophecy, he couldn’t believe the universe would hand her to him on a silver platter. She had even been convinced as well, she was the star of the foretold vision. It had been relatively easy then to pull just the right strings, and manipulate her the way he wanted. What he hadn’t seen coming was that she was just as power hungry as he. It was sad really, he had quite enjoyed her.
Now this Harlow as she said her name was. This woman, she had power, possessing so much of it that Ozel feared she could make a successful escape. To dampen her gifts he had laced her cell with herbs, and poisons to further weaken her. It was just an added bonus that the cart they stole, and tossed her into knocked her around a bit as they traveled. Weakening her just that little bit more.
He would get from her exactly what he wanted. It was only a matter of time. She would give him everything just like all the others had. He had eons of practice behind him. One never reached the age he did, and did not have the skill required. Laughing to himself he recalled the faces of all those who said he’d never amount to anything. Well look at him now, and where they? Dead and buried along with all of their descendants. Good riddance to them, he sure showed them.
It was just his good luck his other lackeys had found that unconscious man when they did. From the clothing they described, it matched that of the woman. If they came from the same place they have to know each other. He will just use the man for whatever info he can gain, and use it against Harlow. With his history he found women were so easy to break, and this one would be no different.
With the universe finally favoring him, he knew he was on the right path. He always did get what he wanted in the end. For the first time however it seemed as though he was finally being proven right. He would show them, show them all. Before long they would all be bowing down to him.
Grinning at the image his last thought created. He rubbed his hand together creating some much needed warmth. Something he lacked ever since he started down this path. For now life was good, very, very good. He’d see to that.
Harlow was awoken to loud voices, and the sound of metal on metal. Disoriented from lack of sleep, and low nourishment it took some time to ground herself. A stone cold floor was horrible for anyone to sleep on. Add in that she wasn’t trusting enough to fully sleep for long periods of time in her current situation. She was fuzzy at best. Saving her strength for what really mattered. In hopes an opportunity to escape would present itself to her.
Being so vulnerable scared her, forcing her to waste as little energy as possible. Leaving her with either sleeping or thinking to pass the time. As she slept her dreams were vivid reminders of all the lessons she had learned since coming here. All the time she practiced her many gifts. How she could channel, and focus a specific trigger for each, and every one them. She had been so frustrated at first because it had felt like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Once she found one, the rest just seemed to fall into place.
The rest of her dreams were filled with memories of events past, and present tossed together like some crazy themed show. Like they were trying to tell her something important. Only she could never figure it out, just as she was about to, she would wake. All was then forgotten till the next time she slept.
When she was awake, her thoughts strayed all over the place. Stirring up all kinds of emotions. Thinking of Kieran made her wish she could be his arms, instead this wretched place. Regretting deeply the argument she started. Had she not sent him away he could have possibly protected her from being taken. If that were so, she wouldn’t be here now with the knowledge that Rowan was here now too.
She needed to be at her best for son. Knowing deep down in her gut he was going to need her. It was her job to protect him, and she would do that. Just not sure on the how yet. Saving her strength for such a possible event instead of healing herself. Amidst her wandering mind she was pulled back to what had awoken her.
A group of very large animal looking men who all seemed a little too cheery came into the dungeon, in the middle of the night she guessed. Since no sunlight peered through her tiny window. The mass finally stopped in front of Rowan’s cell. Watching as the men entered, and pulled him out from his cell. She was shocked, her son was huge, almost the size of Kieran. He was most definitely now a man. How was that possible though, with their journeys through the arch vortex only weeks apart. Or did they just land weeks apart? Oh god, had she abandoned her baby for years? That had never been her intention. All she had wanted was justice for Cora’s murder, and to finish the cause she was killed for.
Who knew it would land her here, and now. Or that Rowen would find all her clues yes, but so many years later. Arriving only weeks after her. This could really give her a headache if she tried to figure it out. That archway, she was beginning to understand, was complicated, and unpredictable. Right now, she had to find a way to help her son. Without endangering herself in the process. She also feared what that man would do with all her gifts. It scared her the more she thought about what was going to happen with Rowan.
Watching as the two men drag her son along the hall, she decided they must have drugged him. There was no way he was that uncoordinated. His movements were far too sluggish for a member of the True Guard. Or was it an act he was putting on for the posy of animal like men. She couldn’t be sure. Instead of taking him up the stairs from where they came, they rounded the corner. When she heard a large heavy door open, and shut moments later.
Her eyes were fixed to the spot she had last seen her son. With a mothers fear, and worry she was afraid to look away, she might miss something. Suddenly the heavy door opened again. This time there was no cheerful chatter, just the sound of shuffling feet. When she saw them round the corner they were all but dragging Rowan down the hall. The closer they got, she noticed her son was only semi conscious. Arriving at his cell they just tossed him in. Hearing him groan when landed on the stone floor.
