Chapter 14
Braxton
As soon as I heard Eliane scream last night, I swung the door open and attempted to follow her.
Before I could even set a foot outside, a needle pinched into my leg and everything went black.
I passed out as fast as I jumped up to look for Eliane in the first place.
The next thing I know is that I woke up under a tree in the Fosia forest. Of course I tried reaching her, but that didn’t work.
I can feel her shimmer in my mind somewhere, but she is too far to reach.
Maybe she isn’t even awake yet and she still lies somewhere in the cold mud.
The thought makes me ball my fist and clench my jaw.
I don’t really understand why she was kidnapped and why I was only drugged.
I look at my feet, pushing the bushes away.
I haven’t seen anyone yet, and I am hoping I can keep it that way.
I need to get some food and create a base place first. Or I just need to find her, but finding her in the next hour seems impossible.
This might take longer than a day. Luckily, I am already wearing my sparring clothes.
Before I wanted to follow her, I changed my clothes.
Black thick pants protect my legs, and a black long sleeve hugs my chest. I carry a sword on my back, but for now that is my only weapon.
I sweep the rough stubble on my chin and brush my fingers through my knotted hair.
Twigs crack under my heavy shoes, my feet dragging me towards a tent in the distance.
I saw it ten minutes ago, climbing a tree to scan my surroundings.
This forest looks amazing, but it can’t cheer me up right now.
It is the forest they write in books about, the kind of books Eliane likes to read.
I try to erase the frown between my brows with my fingers.
I push the thought about her away and focus on the most important thing right now.
Survive the day and find her after. I orientate as I walk around, grabbing some berries from the bush that grow them and throw them in my mouth.
There are weeping willows and other pretty trees all around me, but for now there is no water to be seen.
Flowers grow on the ground beside me. I don’t know all the names, but I can recognize a few.
Daisies, poppies, forget me nots, and a tree with pink prunus flowers.
My heart feels like it is pounding out of my chest, memories bursting into my little cabin like a tsunami with no brakes to press.
The pink prunus tree was my mother’s favorite.
My mom’s favorite.
She would always carry a flower in her hair like there was no dirt in the air.
Heat covers my face, and I clench my jaw tightly.
I can hear my teeth grinding together. The tent comes more in sight, my legs speeding up as I can almost smell the odor of fresh sharpened swords.
I ignore the chirping sounds of birds and the butterflies flying in front of me.
My body tingles as I focus on my one and only goal for now.
I march further through the forest and everything else stops.
I am the only one moving, ignoring the background sounds, my ears sizzling, hoping I don’t cross anyone. My eyes focused, gaze straight forward.
I will fight if I have to.
Probably even kill too.
But it is not what I want—or at least, not if they don’t deserve it.
The king knows too.
He knows why I do this. To get away from him. To prove myself. He has always thought I am the weakest son. The loser of the family. He thinks my signet is weak.
One thing is clear—he doesn’t know me at all.
Everything stands still as I reach the tent.
A crow lands in front of me, his eye following me curiously as I step forward.
I ignore him. At least an hour or two must have passed since I woke up here.
The tent is light brown and has no zipper.
I push the rug of the tent out of my sight and lift my hand so I can see what is in there.
Clothing, some test tubes, and food.
And maybe most important of all.
Weapons.
I already have my sword, but there are more weapons.
I take a bow and arrow and throw it on my back.
A thick protective, fighting leather gilet hangs on a rack and using my signet, I swing it over to me.
There are some potions standing here too.
I am not sure what they are. They don’t have labels on it.
I am not an excellent master in poison or potions.
Maybe Eliane is? Or maybe she has read something about it in one of her books?
Time starts moving normally again and I hear some rustling outside.
Birds start to chirp loudly and before I can react, the rug of the tent flies open. I stiffen and reach for my sword.
Caleb.
Relief washes over me.
“Hey bro.” He smiles at me. I give him a curt nod, looking over my shoulder to see him. He bows forwards to grab a sword and change into fighting leathers. He was only wearing some joggers and a shirt.
“Where are you going, mate?” he yells after me. My feet stop. How does he mean where am I going?
“I’m going to find Eliane,” I say firmly, covering my stutters with my hand, her name rolling off my lips leaving a bittersweet feeling behind.
“Are you planning on something else?” I grin at him. I furrow my brows as he opens his mouth and closes it fast again. Like is amending to say something. The next time he opens his mouth something does come out.
“I think we should team up.”
Team up? I narrow my eyes at him, but he doesn’t show motion or regret. What advantage could teaming up bring?
“Aren’t you paired up with that cold ice wielder?” I snap. My eyes meet his, looking dead serious, like he isn’t scared of me. Like he sees me as a human.
“Yes, I am,” he answers. “But I think you have bigger threats than my cold, rich ice wielder.” His voice sounds like he is teasing me, but his face remains intact. Maybe he is onto something.
“Alright.” I sigh reluctantly. His eyes light up.
“Alright?” he repeats me. “Was it that easy?” he teases, throwing some weapons on his back.
“We stick together,” I confirm, darkening my eyes at him “But if we find our partners, we split.” Laughter escapes his throat.
“Fine by me, mate.” He claps his hand on my shoulders, taking the lead.
“How did you get here so fast anyway?” I ask curiously. He looks at me confused. It is only now that I notice his red droopy eyes.
“The same as you I assume. I went to bed after the dance and the next thing I knew was that I woke up here?” I stare firmly at the ground as we walk.
Rage pulses through my veins and I have to look away from Caleb to keep my anger in check.
I clench my fist and stay silent. He doesn’t ask, which is probably for the best. Something foul happened, and my mind starts spinning at a thousand miles per hour.
Water.
A beautiful waterfall streams down a small cliff.
Small might not be the correct word for it.
It is high. It must be at least over 30 feet high.
The water is a clear blue and there are butterflies flying all around over the water.
Beautiful hanging trees surround this place, and I am shocked that we didn’t find animals drinking from this source.
“Have you reached Eliane yet?” Caleb interrupts. Her name out of his mouth doesn’t sound right. I clench my jaw and purse my lips before answering.
“I haven’t tried it since the tent. I think she was still out. Have you?” I ask, trying to be polite. “Gwen, I mean,” I correct myself, a bead of sweat trickling over my back.
“So you do know her name.” He chuckles. “She has just slipped in mind. That is why I asked. I block her out as much as possible. I hate her pitched, annoying voice talking and seeking around my head,” he answers.
His face loses form, and I can’t help but lift the corner of my mouth. I like this guy.
I swamp my head to the side. A twig moves heavily, and I see a shim move fast. I freeze to the spot and use my signet to sway my sword in my hand.
“Watch ou—” Caleb jokes. I turn my head so I face him. I push my hand on his mouth hard, silencing him. I use my hand to make a silent gesture using my finger in front of my face.
“Shhh.” I nod my head to the side. His eyes change and he seems to understand what is happening. He takes his sword out and together we stroll forwards. I walk in front, and he follows. The shim runs away, but I have seen it.
I have seen her.
The snake herself.
Aaliyah.
I am surprised she is in her human form right now. I nod my head to make clear we’re following her. I start to run, and Caleb follows me. Twigs break under our feet as we dash beside the water. I have to duck away to not run into some thick twigs. My heart beats fast.
I am going to do some damage to this girl.
Otherwise, she will do it to me. Or worse, to Eliane.
I can hear my blood whoosh and my heart drums in my ears.
My body tingles, and Aaliyah moves in slow motion.
She turns her head and her eyes wide. She is still in her normal clothes, but I know her signet is her biggest strength.
Her lips are plump and she has scratches on her arms. Probably from running through the woods.
Her human form disappears, and even though she is moving slowly, her form changes, leaving a luminous creature as she does.
A huge alligator appears in front of me.
My eyes feel heavy, but I need to focus.
Aaliyah is moving normally again and she jumps forwards.
Her jaw opens, exposing her sharp, shiny teeth.
The alligator has a white stripe on his jaw.
I use my signet to swing my arrow and bow towards Caleb.
I roll my shoulders back as the things flies off my back.
An arrow shoots beside me. It flies fast, but Aaliyah saw it.
It lands on the ground. Using my signet, I hold the next arrow still in the air.
I lift my hand and the tingle rushes through it.
I twist my palm. The alligator mouth snaps close.
The arrows fly straight onto her. Multiple arrows follow and I send them all straight to her.
She snaps her mouth open and close fast, trying to get closer, but the arrows landing in her thick skin stop her.
As Caleb keeps shooting, I stroll forward pointing my sword at her.
Before I can make amends to cut her, the big alligator slides in the water to our right.
Arrows cover her back. A red stream of something follows her into the water as she swims away.
Red liquid.
Blood.
I turn to Caleb to say something, but I don’t get to it. The door of my mental hiding cabin swings open and a light bursts into my little drawing house. I close my eyes to let her in and embrace her warmth. Her presence fills me up and I can feel her trying to reach me.
I let her.
She found me.
Even though I can’t see her, hearing her heals something inside of me. Relief fills my heart as she speaks. I can feel her smiling.
“Hi, Brax.”
I find the entrance of her mind and get in. I can’t help but smile from ear to ear and answer her as fast as I can. I am kind of glad she can’t see me, because she would tease me with this smile forever. I answer her, feeling proudness in my chest.
“Hi, Honey.”