Chapter 32
W e entered a slim and long dark alley that lived between two buildings directly in the middle of the market. Shadows creep around every inch of the alley, moving with us and the mayhem behind us in the market. The ground is a mix of dead grass, sand, and the spillage from whatever trash was dragged on it. Though I know deep inside what trash lies in the bags likely had somebody's body in them.
I try my best not to inhale through my nose as we walk attentively forward but the smell is too strong not to notice. My stomach clenches and I swallow down my saliva repeatedly pushing the thought of vomit back down my throat. Caspian lets go of my hand and grasps his sword with both of his, holding it up in front of him. He comes to a halt and tilts his head just slightly to glance behind us and listens. We all stay as still and quiet as possible but then we all hear them.
Footsteps.
I look around but cant see where they are coming from. It sounds like there’s a couple of people circling from all different ends. Just like Caspian anticipated, an ambush. We all turn to face a different direction, placing our backs against each other. I am staring at the left side moving sideways towards the other side. We all keep moving all close to the exit as we can as that could be our best chance of survival but the footprints are getting louder. Once we make it to the four way in the alley, I see the silhouette of several men clinging to the shadows.
Just as I go to call them out to the others, Arielle beats me to it. “I have three, maybe four men coming up from behind us. Entering in from the market.”
“Yeah, I have some moving in from the right side as well.” Jasper announces. Caspian looks over down my alley and then turns back in his direction.
“We are all going to have to stand our own ground, they are coming in from every exit. Shout for help when you need it and I will pivot to get to you.” Caspian warns us all but I know inside he was talking more towards me. As the men all get closer, their features are clear and I feel a sudden rush of adrenaline. Every swordship class I have taken has prepared me for this very moment. I no longer am feeling anxious, now I’m feeling confident. I take a deep breath in and point my sword forward towards the men.
I take a step forward, and wait for the perfect timing to attack first. Just as the first man is within reach, I swing my sword at his stomach and duck down from his sword aimed at my head. My sword glides through his body leaving blood pouring out. I immediately switch my focus to the next guy running at me. I threw my sword up defensively, allowing our blades to smack into each other. I hear the groans and clanking of swords around me and I know we are all defending our own just the same. The man’s dark brown eyes look almost black as he swings his sword at my leg. I push myself back just enough to avoid getting hit and then strike my blade into his neck. He drops his sword and his hands go up to his neck, his bodies reflex as death emerges upon him. I yank back my sword and watch as he falls forward.
I look over just in time to see the last two running at me simultaneously. The man running on the left side is slightly slower so I position my body to the right preparing for him to strike first. I remember I had my dagger on me and quickly grabbed it out and tossed it at the imaginary bullseye on the slower man's forehead and then swung my sword against the last man's blade. We both look over to the man who was on the left and notice him standing in place, my dagger perfectly inserted between his eyes.
“Damn, I missed my target.” I taunt knowing I still managed to kill him regardless of it missing the forehead. The man's expression changes and I see the fear overcome him. The same look I hope for in class when I am winning our play battle, but now it’s real life and I will be victorious. He knows it just as well as I do. He stumbles backwards and I jolt at him wielding my sword with all my strength right into his chest and then tug it out to watch the blood squirt out, drenching me. I wipe the blood off my face with my sleeve and then I hear Arielle Scream out.
“Shit, I need help. Ca-Caspian!” Panic escapes her mouth and I immediately run to help her.
Hold on Arielle! I’m coming!
I get around the corner to see one man has her pinned up against the brick wall by the neck, her feet just dangling. She is using everything in her to get this man to stop choking her. I bolt towards him but I can see it in her movements, that I’m out of time. I bring up my sword and toss it like a spear with all my force. I watch as it pierces into the man's left ear and through the other side. Arielle drops to the ground gasping for air.
I run over the rest of the way and grab my sword out of his head and use the bottom of my tunic to clean the blood off of the blade. I look down at Arielle who is just sitting there taking in every breath.
“Th-thank you, Abigail.” Her eyes look up to mine and I can see how grateful she is. I offer out my hand to help her up.
“That’s what a team is for, we look out for each other. Now get off your ass and help me get over to the other two” I grin at her to lighten the situation. I am just as relieved that I could get to her in time, I may finally have her respect. She grabs my hand and I help pull her up. She pats the dirt off of her shirt and then pats me on the back before walking over to Jasper and Caspian, who are both staring at us from the middle of the four way.
“Everything okay?” Jasper asks Arielle, worry sounding in his voice.
“Yeah, I slightly underestimated the size of the last guy. Fucker had a mean grip.” She says as her finger grazes her neck where his hand prints remain with bruises. She puts up a tough exterior but at the end of the day, we are all only human. Caspian gives her a reassuring smile, the kind that says I’m glad you’re okay without the need to speak it out loud.
“We should probably hurry, who knows how many more will show up once someone realizes they all died to get to you.” Caspian motions to me.
He doesn’t need to say anything for all of us to know exactly why they are all dead. Self defense or not, it still makes you wonder how one life can be worth so many others. For everyone to value mine so much over their own, it's a thought that remains curious to me. But it pushes me to prove I am worth it. I have to, otherwise everything happening because of me is for nothing.
We step out of the alley and in the distance we see a large broken building built on top of a large tunnel.The buildings windows are busted, a chunk of the building on the side is broken off and shattered on the ground. It's everything you imagine when you think of post apocalyptic times. In fact, it's an instant reminder of how our normal today is the result of a horrible natural disaster that left the world broken and messy.
There’s a group of men heading our direction all wearing the same cloaks that both Caspian and Arielle are wearing. Caspian puts his sword back in the scabbard and walks forward to meet up with them. I stay back just in case, these are his people but I’m learning that anyone can turn on you at any point and they have no reason to stay loyal to me. They discuss quietly while Jasper and I stay in the background watching as their eyes continue glancing over our direction. Though I know it's me they keep looking at.
“Abigail! Jasper! Come on over” Arielle shouts out, grabbing our attention. We both take a quick look at each other and then head over to the group. There are seven of them, all wearing their hoods over their heads staying mostly hidden. Caspian takes a step over to me in a way that feels dominant. As if he is marking his territory. It throws me off a little as I’ve never seen him quite so protective but I guess a lot has changed between the two of us in the last couple days. Caspian glares in their direction and they all stand up straight showing respect.
“Her life comes first. We represent The Royals and she is the heir.” Caspian growls at them but keeps his focus on Arielle.
“I won’t make the same mistake twice, Caspian. She saved my life back there, I don’t take that lightly.”
“Good, because I will need you to guide her to the top. Ace was reported to be seen up there along with Russell. You will need to depend on each other to make this work.” My head spins over at Caspian as fast as his words come out.
I know we discussed the plan earlier but part of me wanted to keep him close. It feels odd after everything for us to separate but I know it is necessary for our plan to work. Jasper comes over to me with his best friendly smile.
“You ready?” He asks though you can still hear the worry undertone.
“I’m not sure I have much of a choice.” I force out a giggle. “It’s easier knowing that you won’t be in Ace’s sight. I need my friends alive.” His smile widens as my words. We’ve lost everyone else from our crew, all we truly have left is each other. I will want a friend when this is all set and done and I couldn’t have asked for a better one.
“I’ll be right here when you are done.” He says and then starts to head toward the spot picked out for him to hide and keep watch from the distance. One of the seven follows behind him.
Good! I’m happy to see he won't be alone. It's hard to say how difficult this will be from this side of the plan.
The rest of us turn towards the tunnels and begin our battle. Once we make it up the hill the sky takes a wicked turn. The clouds grumble and release a full downpour turning the dirt into mud. The gods above let us know that they are watching and are ready to wash the blood from the murderous ground. The sky darkens completely leaving light only in the strikes of lightning.
We stand in front of the tunnel now drenched by the abrupt storm. Caspian pulls me off to the side and lifts his hand to caress my cheek.
“Why does it feel like you are saying goodbye?” I whisper
“No, never goodbye love. Just a simple reminder that I will be up there soon. You don’t have to worry about me Abigail, I’ve waited a long time for you. I’m not going to go anywhere.” His voice is so soft and soothing.
I immediately feel his passion and I lunge myself up to allow our lips to meet. He wraps around me matching my energy. This kiss was taken with desire but given by love. Once our kiss meets the end, he smiles at me and turns to the entrance of the tunnels and I watch him walk away from me. My own version of a knight, going into battle alone.