16. Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Sixteen
Astrid
Dripping comes from someplace far off, echoing through my head and I’m hit with the damp, stale smell of being underground. The slightest hint of salt and brine lingers in the air. My head is as heavy as my thoughts are foggy, and I try to open my eyes. My eyelids flutter once, and I try again. On the third try I’m able to face the cavernous, black, stone ceiling. The unfamiliar wooden cot underneath me creaks as I sit up, an itchy threadbare blanket scratching against my legs as it falls away. My whole body aches and I groan. I take a once over of the bruises and small cuts that litter my skin. The memories of the guards and the fight stutters through my mind. I run my hand along the stone wall catching sight of the finger-shaped bruises that have bloomed.
Black iron bars separate me from the other cells that line both sides of the hall. Squinting my eyes against the darkness, I find a toilet stained brown and yellow on the inside stuck in the corner farthest from the neighboring cell. The wooden cot creaks again as I try to stretch away the aches and pains. The thin pad laid out as a mattress does nothing for comfort. I force my feet to the ground, pushing myself to stand. Where the fuck is my sister? My eyes dart from empty cell to empty cell. Am I too late? Did they already sacrifice her? My heart thuds against my rib cage, while climbing into my throat. The old dungeons. It’s the only place it can be. Long unused—instead we have executions. I overheard Papa talking to Bjorn once about the King hiding something here, beneath our city. They didn't even hint at what it could be.
I throw my body against the bars separating this cell from the next, hoping they would give and set me free. They hold firm, but I find Embla snoring softly on a cot under my nose on the wrong side of the bars. She’s alive. She’s going to hate it here. I look at my hands. The layer of dry blood is itchy as it flakes. Bile rises in my throat. He's dead. Erik's gone. I rush to the sink and try not to gag as I rinse my hands. The image of Erik’s body hitting the ground plays on repeat through my mind. The sound he made when he landed grows louder each time the memory restarts. He was my rock; I don’t know what I’m going to do without him. Now he’s just gone . Tears prick my eyes as I continue to scrub and rinse my hands until they are raw.
He would still be here if Embla had tried to fight. If she had done more than just stand there while the guards came after us.
The water shuts off with a creak of the faucet, and all I can do is stare at my fingers. That blood was the last piece of Erik I would ever have. A single tear falls down my cheek. I’m never going to see him again. And the Oracle’s words echo through my head.
Embla stirs, and I’m palming my eyes, wiping away any evidence of my weakness. Hoping my sister thinks the puffiness is from the fight.
“Astrid?” Embla’s hoarse voice bounces through the empty dungeon. “Where are we?” She sits up on her cot. I swipe my hands over my face once more before she turns to face me.
“Deep in the dungeons under the palace, I think.” I walk back to my cot and drop my head into my hands. “This is all my fault.”
“It’s not. They wanted their sacrifice.”
“No, it’s my fault!” I shoot up and pace the length of my cell. “I should’ve gotten back from the hunt sooner so I could protect you and Papa. I should’ve talked to you quieter or in code about our escape.” My hands clench at my side. Unless my temper tantrum in the palace put a target on my back. But Em doesn't know about that.
“There’s no way you could have known what was going to happen,” Embla insists, resting her cheek against the metal bars.
“We have to get out of here, Em. I don’t want to know what the King has planned for us now Papa is sick.” I resume my pacing.
“We are locked in cells, inside of a hollow mountain. There’s no getting out,” Embla says, wringing her hands. I run my hand along the wall as I pace, the wall jostling as I pass it. A loose stone gives way under my touch. I pull on it and the stone comes out of the wall easily.
“I think I found something.” I bring my face right up to inspect the small dark space.
“Astrid, don’t stick your hand in there,” Embla says, her voice taking a matronly tone. I don't know why she thinks she can tell me what to do.
“There’s something in there,” I whisper, shoving my hand into the wall, and my finger feels paper. I latch on to it before pulling it out with my arms. Clutching it between my fingers, I can see the page has yellowed with age. It has been folded over itself many times to fit in its hiding place.
“What is it?” Embla asks, rising onto her tiptoes as if that will help her see what is written on the page.
“A note, maybe?” As I unfold the paper, it grows with each layer, revealing elegant scrawling in a language more delicate than my own. “It’s old.” I take in the odd flowing letters. Who could have left this? Something in the back of my mind sparks with recognition, but it’s like a dream long forgotten.
“Read it,” Embla encourages bouncing a little.
“I don’t know this language. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.” I offer the pages to Embla who takes them gingerly, easily slipping them through the cell bars.
“I don’t recognize it either,” Embla says, handing the note back. Carefully, I refold it and shove it deep into one of my pockets.
A door slams, reverberating through the space above us. Heavy boots sound on the stairs. The guard appears in the doorway to the left of our cells. Embla and I share a look before we retreat deeper into our cells.
“Two beautiful ladies, trapped.” He rubs his hands together as his feet stumble over each other. "You're not both ladies though, are you?" He removes his helmet revealing glassy dark brown eyes. Setting his helmet down on the floor he turns a predatory smile in Embla’s direction.
“You’re drunk,” Embla says, then the smell of rum and body odor hits me, a putrid concentration in the poorly ventilated space.
“I’m looking for a good time.” He winks at my sister as he walks to the door of her cell. She shrinks back farther. I'm not going to let him touch her, she's innocent.
“Then you’re going for the wrong sister.” My voice becomes low and sultry. I can’t let him touch Em. I don't think she would ever recover.
He swings his glassy gaze toward me, sidling up to my cell door. “You’re the good time?” he asks, resting a hand on the bars, a disbelieving look flashes over his face. Why is that so hard to believe?
“Haven’t had any complaints yet.” I flip my hair over my shoulder, trying to channel sexy confidence even while disgust seizes my stomach. This might be our only way out of these cells. “There’s a lot I can do with you.” I smile coyly at him as I pull down the collar of my shirt over my bare shoulders. I just need him to unlock the cell door and come in here.
The guard fumbles for his pockets at the sight of my bare skin. He pulls out a ring full of keys, nearly dropping them in his haste. His drunken sway costs him a few more seconds. The door to the cell swings inward, and he steps in. The look on his face is expectant. He comes up to me wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me flush to him. I’m overwhelmed by his vile odor. I hold my breath to avoid vomiting.
I slip from his grip, to put what little distance I can between us. He reaches out, pulling my face to his and chapped lips lock with mine. The taste of stale rum and pipe smoke fills my mouth, and I run my hands through his hair grabbing handfuls. He nips at my bottom lip.
He breaks the kiss to catch my gaze. His deep brown stare reminds me of the shit he is full of as I clench my fists around his hair and pull his head back with all my strength. I bash his head against the iron bars. He slumps after the first hit, but I continue forcing his head into the iron, my anger taking over as hot blood sprays over me. I snarl before I let him go. He falls to the floor, blood oozing from his bloody, swollen, and unrecognizable face.
My eyes search for Embla as I clamber over the body for his keys. I did that. The shock settles in as I sink into numbness, embracing it. I don't have time to feel bad, we need to get out of here. My sister’s eyes are wide, and a hand covers her mouth.
“You killed him,” Embla whispers. “You killed him,” she repeats, her hysteria growing with each word.
“Shhh,” I hiss sharply, worried she'll bring other guards to investigate. I don't even have to turn a key. My cell door stands ajar. I just push it open and step through to freedom. "We’re getting the fuck out of here,” I remind her as I close my cell door. The lock falls into place with a loud thunk, then I snatch the keys and I turn to Embla's cell. When her lock clicks, and I wrench it open, Embla’s arms suffocate me in an embrace, her warmth and love seeping into my skin giving me the strength I’ve needed since waking up here.
The hallway outside of the cell is lit with familiar mossterns. One end leads to a small room where the guards spend their time. The other end of the hall leads deeper into the mountain. Which way do we go? No sound comes from the alcove-like room above and I stick my head inside to find it empty besides a couple of recliners and a dining table surrounded by chairs, the contents of our bags strewn across the wooden surface. Laughing and whoops of victory coming from the second staircase.
“Our bags!” my sister says as she approaches from behind me. Together we repack everything. I make sure to grab Papa’s compass, map, and blankets. Leaving only his clothes, but I hesitate, staring at the pile. I want to take a small piece of him I can keep near me. I snatch up one of his sweaters and shove it in my pack. We weren’t supposed to leave him behind; I don’t know how to get through this without him. I strap my sword to my waist before scanning our surroundings.
We can either climb the stairs and face however many guards are up there—and possibly die—or try to find a way out of the deepest recesses of the mountain. I feel like we really only have one option. Even if it's a risk, I have to follow this gut feeling.
“We’re going to have to go deeper,” I say as I turn away from the stairs. “Do you smell the salt in the air?” I ask, and Em takes a second to breathe deeply before cautiously nodding.
“I think there’s a way to the ocean. We’re going to find it.” What I wouldn’t give for a map of this tunnel system, but I doubt he has any maps of the palace. I have to shove my thoughts of Papa down, the ache in my chest at the thought of my father becomes too much. I need to focus and get us out of here.
“There isn’t a different way?” Embla picks up her own bag, holding it down by her side.
“Not unless you want to deal with a room full of rowdy, possibly drunk guards?” I look pointedly at the stairs as a round of whoops and laughter echoes from behind it.
“Where are we going to go?” That’s a good question. We don’t have anyone left in Demendia, but we have one person waiting for us outside of the city.
“We’re going to find help. We’ll find someone who can cure this illness, and the King will be forced to welcome us back.” It'll be fine.
“What if something magical tries to eat us?” Embla’s voice is small, her round golden eyes stare up at me even though I’m only a couple inches taller. I truly believe what Effie said about the stories of fae and faeries told within this city are wrong. Stories used to scare us into staying. Whatever we find out in the wild, we'll face it together.
“I’ll protect you.”
“What if—”
“Look, Em.”’ I grab Embla’s hand. “No matter what happens, I will protect you.” I give her fingers a small squeeze.
“I’m scared,” she admits through trembling lips. She presses her elbows into her sides as if she can make herself smaller. I wish I could offer her more comfort, but there's nothing I can say that will take the fear out of both of us. Even under the facade I’ve put on, I am also scared of what could happen. Scared of learning who I truly am.
“Me too, but to accomplish anything we have to be strong and brave.” I run my hands down my sister’s arms.
“I can’t, Ash, I can’t. I’m just a girl,” Embla says, throwing her arms down and breaking our connection before taking a few steps backward. Her jasmine-citrus scent floats through the air and I try to understand how she can't see how special she is.
“Just a girl?” I snatch her hand, my grip unfaltering as Embla tries to twist away. “No one, other than you, could’ve organized a festival as quickly as you did. Papa left you all the work, and you threw it together in the matter of a day and a half,” I point out, my fingers squeezing tight around Embla’s wrist, so she’ll look at me. “No one is as persistent or determined as you are, as annoying as it can be. You can do anything you set your mind to.” Tears spring from the corners of Embla’s eyes. “You just have to try,” I whisper insistently. Embla closes her eyes for a second as she takes a deep breath, releasing my hand to wipe her cheeks. I wish she could see herself through my eyes just for a day, so she can see how magnificent she is.
“We’ll come back?” Embla’s voice is a little steadier.
“How else will we get the cure here?” I say with a soft smile. "That's the whole reason we're leaving in the first place."
Embla nods, her resolve glinting in her eye as she starts to confidently run down the tunnel.
The dungeon cells fall away as we flee. The only sound is a far-off dripping and my thoughts pounding along with my running steps. I'm sure King Daemon only wants me because of the way I spoke to him during the Lumin's audience. His way of asserting his dominance and proving women should be meekly docile. My fear is he'll make an example of me and Embla still doesn’t know. Shame coats the back of my throat. She warned me, and I threw it away thinking I knew best. I don't know how she's going to react, but this isn’t something I can keep from her, or she's going to continue blaming herself for this situation. When I poked the predator.
“Em...” my voice is hesitant as I break the silence, slowing down for the first time since we set off. My puffing breathless voice echoes off the walls around us louder than I expect, and I clear my throat to try to start again. “I have to tell you something.”
“Did you find another hidden treasure in the wall?” Embla asks half mockingly, jogging back to my side. I’m not sure what she can see in my face but it’s enough for her to come to a dead stop, her face closes off and becomes somber. “What did you do?” she asks again, her voice low, tone accusing. I wish I listened to her in the first place.
“I—I broke my promise.” My voice cracks on the last word. “I didn’t mean to, I really didn’t. But the King was talking to Papa like he didn't know anything…” my voice tapers off as Embla glares at me. If looks could kill, I would be doomed.
“I warned you, I told you to keep your temper under control. To control yourself, and you can’t even do that to keep me and Papa safe.” Embla starts walking slightly faster than me making it a point to stay two steps ahead of me.
“I know, I’m sorry,” I call after her; it’s the only thing I can think to say. This is my fault. I provoked King Daemon; I spoke out when I should’ve stayed quiet. I pushed and pushed until all of this happened. Nothing I have to say or do will be able to make it better until my family is back together and healthy.
“I don’t want your apology. I want to be anywhere but here. Scurrying around beneath the palace like rodents. We don’t even know if Papa survived today, or if he’ll be here when we come back. I don’t even know what the point of looking for the cure is anymore when we have no one to return to.” Embla stalks the two steps back to me, her finger going straight to my chest. “And you. You’re going to make this right, Astrid. I swear on everything you are going to make things right by the end of this or so help me Malia, I will never speak to you again.” There's an edge to her voice I've never heard before.
Her threat pierces my heart and I can't bring myself to look at her. Her anger is as justified as my shame. My head hangs further. Embla continues the trek, staying ahead of me as she stomps through the tunnel. Leaving the guard in my cell should’ve bought us some time but there’s no telling when or if they'll come looking for us.
“Em, you have to be quieter,” I seethe, and she shoots me a glare.
“You don’t want to listen to my advice, I’m not going to listen to yours,” Embla says, stomping her foot down even louder on the next step. I have to stifle a groan. This is what we’re doing.
“Embla, please,” I beg, trying to catch up with her.
“No,” she says, speeding up again, half running through the hall to keep distance between us. The walls start to close in around me, trapped by Embla’s anger on one side and the threat of recapture on the other. My breathing turns heavy as I start to drown in the panic choking me. That’s when I hear it. The sound of boots coming up the hall.
Fuck. They know we’ve left our cells.
I follow Embla around the bend of the underground tunnel, to run straight into Em’s back as she stares up at a large black stone dead-end that stops us from moving forward. The smell of salt and brine faint.
“Ash,” Embla squeaks as the faint sound of running thrums against my ear louder.
“We missed something; I can still smell the sea. There has to be a way out somewhere,” I say as we back track, each of us taking a wall as we inspect every crack and opening. Trying to find the source of the smell and our way out.
“They’re coming. Fuck, move faster,” I say as Embla latches a finger around one of my belt loops to ensure we stay close. I can feel her weight behind me as we rush down the tunnel separating every few feet to inspect the walls before her finger latches around my belt loop again, and we’re moving. With every second the boots get louder, and I’m looking for anything we could have missed. My feet tangle with Embla’s , and we stumble over each other, falling to the ground in our haste. I can make out a green glow coming from the dungeon side of the tunnel, and I know we’re about to run out of time. They’re going to find us, and we’re going to be executed, and Papa will be forced to watch. I place my hand on the wall to stand, sucking in a breath when something slices my palm as it buckles under my weight. The stone under my bloodied hand sinks into the wall creating a perfect arch. The smell of salt and brine becomes overpowering as the stone rises.
“A secret door?” Embla gapes as she runs a hand down it. “I’ve only ever read about these.”
I give her a questioning look, and she rolls her eyes at me. “The old books of the palace talk of old blood magic that was used to seal doors within the dungeons so prisoners couldn’t escape, but those with the right blood could,” Embla explains. Something tugs at the back of my mind, but I shove it away.
“We don’t have time to talk about it, let’s get the fuck out of here.” I can see the long shadows of the guards thrown against the walls by the glow of many mossterns. They must’ve brought an entire platoon to find us. We need to disappear. Now . Embla releases my belt loop and steps onto the mosstern lit path leading out. I snatch one of the mossterns from the wall as I step into the forgotten passage and a warmth spreads through me. Once the dungeon is behind me the wall rumbles back into place, hiding us from the oncoming guards.
“How did y—” Em starts.
I shrug. “I don’t understand how any of that happened, you’re the one who seems to have all those answers. We have to keep moving.” The passage turns, revealing a bright light at the end.
Freedom.
Relief like I have never known flows through my body. I urge myself forward, moving into a run to escape. To be free and in the open. The light grows until I am standing in the early morning glow. I stumble through the cave mouth onto the grassy hillside, my sister close on my heels. Spread out before me is the ocean, a sheer cliff drop, and an unbroken sky. All I can do is stare. I approach the cliff’s edge, the water lapping against the stone. Mist flies up, kissing my cheek as I take in the unobstructed colors that dance across the horizon, and a laugh bubbles out of me. I hold my arms out to the side as wind tickles me, and I feel the urge to dance with it as it whips through my hair.
“We did it.” I run over to Embla who is still standing near the tunnel exit. “I can’t believe it,” I say, clutching my sister’s hands, and we jump up and down squealing. Enjoying our first moment of true freedom. Demendia looms behind us. The large dome obscures the city as it kisses the skeleton of a mountain that houses the palace. A heavy feeling fills me, weighing down my celebration. All those people are stuck.
“Ash, we can’t stay here,” Embla’s voice is as heavy as my body feels.
I study the city that held me prisoner my entire life. A city I love and hate. I can’t see the green glow of the moss or hear the chatter of the market, and I’m not sure I ever will again.
I’ve been pressing to leave Demendia since I was fifteen years old, but I can’t stop the hole that forms in my heart. A piece of me will always live inside the boundaries of the city of walls, but finally…
I’m free.