Bound to Survive (The Magic Within Book 1) (39 page)

Kovak’s stallion began to slow. All the horses heaved as they drew breath. The sweat that had formed along their sides, necks and mouths had congealed and was crystallised into thick runnels of salt. These horses had given their all, and their energy was spent. No water had passed their lips since they’d left Corn Fallow, and the fast pace they’d kept took its toll. The horses staggered; they were dehydrated to the point of exhaustion. Kovak’s race north had come to a halt.

Kovak cut Elle free from her horse and had no care for her as he pulled her along by her bound wrists. He could hear the drums of the army as they pounded in the distance and knew they were close. Elle fought Kovak with every step he took. She didn’t make it easy for him and she would never bow down to his tyranny.

Peter and James followed Kovak’s trail and saw the signs of fatigue in their tracks. The impressions left in the mud were staggered as the horses Kovak and his men rode began to stumble. As they looked to the horizon, a darkness enveloped the land as Arnak’s massive force spread.

The cool breezes of evening carried the sound of the drums and Arnak’s army tramped the earth to their constant beat, as they marched through the evening twilight.

Soon the army would stop and a makeshift camp would be erected. Small campfires sprang to life as Arnak’s army settled for the night. Kovak smiled when he saw them and pulled on the rope that bound Elle’s hands to urge her forward. Elle resisted as much as she dared, but she’d no choice except to go where Kovak led her.

Through the darkness they continued, until they were safe within the ranks of the horde.

The army welcomed Kovak as he strode into the camp with his prisoner in tow, and Kovak stopped and spoke with a soldier as he rested by the fire.

‘Where’s the Lord’s tent?’ The soldier pointed towards the middle of the camp, where Arnak’s tent had been erected.

‘Leave us. Find somewhere to eat and rest. I’ll find you when I need you,’ he said to his men and then he made his way to see his Lord.

As he approached Arnak’s tent he knew the Sorceress would be with him. Guards surrounded the tent’s entrance and Kovak slowed his pace so as not to alarm them.

‘Halt! State your business,’ the guard said as Kovak neared.

Kovak sneered at the guard. ‘I’m Captain Kovak Turr, and I wish to speak with our Lord. I bring news of the traitors.’

‘They’re not traitors…’ Kovak turned and struck Elle across the face. She hadn’t expected him to lash out and the force of his blow knocked her off her feet.

‘You’ll only speak when spoken to,’ Kovak growled at her as she lay on the ground. The guard looked at Elle, her clothes were tattered and filthy. Blood stained her shirt and mud plastered her hands and face.

‘Wait here,’ the guard said and he entered the tent.

Arnak and Athena relaxed around the table as they ate their evening meal. The night was cold and they both wore thick fur cloaks to ward off the chill. Arnak looked up as the guard entered.

‘My Lord, Captain Kovak Turr is here and wishes to speak with you. He says he brings news of the traitors.’

‘Let him enter,’ Arnak said and continued on with his meal.

‘Well, what news would you like to hear, dear brother?’

Arnak grunted at Athena and took another sip of his wine.

Still bound by the wrists, Elle was led into the tent. ‘Sit!’ Kovak said as he yanked on the rope. Elle obeyed his order not wanting to provoke his anger again.

‘So, Kovak, what news do you bring?’ Arnak asked as he looked up at the man. Kovak moved to the side so Arnak and Athena could see his prisoner. They saw Elle and then returned their gaze to Kovak and waited for an explanation.

‘This girl fled with the traitors after she helped the Wizard escape. After I sent word to you from Corn Fallow, I managed to capture her when the others in her group attacked our soldiers in the village. I assume the girl’s cohorts have followed us.’ Kovak smiled, He thought he’d redeemed himself.

‘Well it’s not what you promised,’ Athena yelled and then called for her guard.

‘Cyrus!’

Cyrus entered the tent and stood before his mistress.

‘Take the girl and kill her. Hang her body from a pike so that all can see how we deal with traitors.’

‘No!’ Kovak yelled and then changed his tactic. ‘My Lord, I wish to keep the girl. She may prove useful in the future. I was to take her for my wife when I left Canameer, but now I have other plans.’

Athena looked at Elle. She reminded her of the filthy women who worked in the fields. Elle glared back and Athena looked away in disgust. She flicked her hand and spoke to Arnak. ‘She’s a traitor, but do as you will. I care not for such trivial matters. Those who lay with dogs tend to wake up with fleas.’

Elle swallowed hard as she digested Athena’s insult and wished she hadn’t heard it.

‘Cyrus, take the Captain. Find him a tent and some food,’ Arnak said as he dismissed Kovak.

‘Yes, my Lord.’ Cyrus turned to exit the tent. ‘This way, Captain,’ he said as he held the flap of canvas open.

Kovak bowed to his Lord. He pulled on the rope to summon Elle and when she stood, they left with the guard.

Along the perimeter of the camp Cyrus found Kovak a tent he could use. Inside were two small rooms. As they entered the tent the first room was simply furnished. A small table with two chairs had been placed in the middle of the room and beyond that a pallet lay by the canvas wall. Kovak led Elle over to the pallet.

‘Sit down,’ he said.

Elle sat upon the straw filled mattress. Kovak made sure the rope was securely tied around her wrists before he used the rest of the rope to bind her feet together. Elle still had enough free rope to move her arms upwards, as long as she brought her knees up towards her chest.

Kovak then entered the second room. There he found a bed, which looked a lot more comfortable than the pallet on the floor where he’d left the girl. A pitcher and basin stood on a table in the corner and on a nearby chair, linen had been left and Kovak tested the water. It was cold, but in need of a wash he poured the water into the basin and he spared no mind for Elle as he freshened himself.

As Elle lay upon the straw pallet a woman entered the tent with a tray of food. She placed it on the table and then glared at Elle. Shaking her head with disapproval she left.

When Kovak checked on Elle, he saw the succulent tray of meats upon the table. He pulled out a chair and faced it towards her. As he sat he extended his legs and crossed his ankles. Kovak picked up a slice of meat and the woman returned with bread and a bottle of wine.

‘Sir, I hope the meal is to your satisfaction,’ she said as she placed the bread and wine in front of Kovak.

‘Yes,’ Kovak said and continued to eat. The woman retreated from the interior of the tent and returned to the portable kitchen.

Kovak opened the wine, no glass had been left and so he drank from the bottle and continued to eat. All the while he watched Elle. She felt the distain he projected her way but she lay still and said nothing.

‘Eat,’ Kovak said as he threw her a piece of meat. It fell short of its target and dropped upon the ground. Even if she’d wanted to take the meat, it was too far away for her to reach with her hands tied.

‘Don’t waste your food on me, Kovak. I’d take nothing you offered,’ she said.

‘You’d take nothing from me, but you would lie with that scum you’re so eager to follow.’

Elle didn’t refute his words. She didn’t care what Kovak thought.

‘I’d rather spend one day with Christopher than spend a lifetime with you.’ As soon as the words left Elle’s mouth she wished she could call them back. Kovak flew from his chair.

‘You filthy whore,’ he said as he kicked her repeatedly then he pulled her up from the pallet and screamed in her face.

‘When he comes for you, I’ll make you watch as I slowly torture him and then, slut, I’ll let my soldiers have their way with you while he watches.’ Kovak dropped her. She fell back onto the pallet and then he left the tent.

Elle lay curled up on the straw pallet. Kovak had kicked her several times and her insides hurt. His boot had connected with her abdomen and hip. Her arm had already begun to swell where it had taken the full impact of his boot before it had careened on into the side of her head. She lay there and wept and tried not to think of what lay ahead.

The army of Solencia had also stopped for the night. Jack couldn’t believe how vast the enemy’s camp was. The light from their fires seemed to dot the entire horizon. As Arnak’s monstrous army hovered in the distance Jack’s thoughts of rescue vanished. He knew she’d be swallowed up within the mass ahead. James stood near Jack and watched as the lights from the campfires appeared. ‘We’ll get her back, Jack.’ He didn’t know what else to say to ease this man’s worry for his sister. ‘Come eat, the food’s ready.’

Jack was reluctant but he returned to the fire with James. As Jack looked around, their camp too was dotted with small fires, as their army kept warm and prepared food. ‘If we can see the enemy’s camp they’ll be able to see ours,’ Jack said. ‘We need to patrol our perimeter in case Arnak sends scouts this way.’

‘Have it done, Jack. Use as many men as you need,’ Christopher said. ‘And when you return, there’s much we need to discuss.’

Christopher had gathered his friends around the fire and they waited for Frank to bring back the leaders of the fold. They needed to discuss their plans for the attack, which would happen at first light. Frank returned with twelve men. These men had been pivotal in the rebellion to reclaim the towns and villages. Christopher welcomed them all and introductions were made. The group discussed plans and the decision was made to split their army into three sects and have a Wizard accompany each group. They’d attack Arnak’s army, in an arc from the front.

‘What about Elle?’ Atlas asked. He was concerned for his daughter’s safety.

‘We’ll have her out well before we attack in the morning,’ Henry said. He had already planned how they’d rescue her.

‘How? It’s not like we can just walk through the camp and look for her,’ James interrupted.

‘Yes, James. That’s exactly what we are going to do,’ Henry said and then he grinned.

‘That’s ridiculous. You’ll not get past the patrols that scour the perimeter. You’ll be seen and killed before you can step a foot inside the camp,’ Jack said.

‘Argh, Jack, but you forget about magic.’

Peter stepped forward eager to hear Henry’s plan. ‘Well what is it? What are we going to do?’

‘Three of us will venture towards the enemy’s camp. You, Jack, along with Christopher and myself, will ride as close as we can. Once there I’ll spell Christopher with an Unknowing spell. He’ll then be able to pass through the camp and search for Elle.’

‘Like when we passed the soldier on the road into Canameer?’

‘No, James, that was a spell used to alter his memory, to make him forget. This spell will cover Christopher and allow him to walk right through the middle of the camp. They’ll still see him, but their minds will be confused and his entity will be unknown to them and therefore register him invisible.’

‘Can you spell me, too?’ Jack asked.

‘No, Jack. If you two were spelled together you’d not realise the other was there,’ Henry said.

‘So how will Christopher find Elle in the midst of the camp?’ Atlas couldn’t see how one person could find his daughter, amongst maybe thousands.

‘When Christopher healed Elle, their souls connected. All he has to do is concentrate and his Wizard’s essence will guide him to her.’

‘So I’ll be unseen, but Elle will be visible,’ Christopher said, almost to himself.

‘Yes, lad, you’ll have to think of some way to get back out without her being seen.’ Henry watched as Christopher rubbed his chin. ‘Don’t worry, lad. Something will come up. It usually does.’

Their plans were set and the three of them prepared to leave. They rode in the dark, with only the half moon to guide them, as close as they could towards the enemy’s camp. Before they reached the army’s patrol line they dismounted and tied their mounts to a tree. Christopher would only take what he could conceal upon his person. He’d carry no sword for protection.

‘Christopher, once I cast the spell, you’ll be invisible even to us. You may walk around the camp unseen, but don’t touch anyone or they’ll feel your presence and probably summon the Sorceress. This spell is an easy trick to undo so be mindful, and don’t speak unless it’s paramount as your voice will draw attention to you. The Sorceress won’t notice this meagre use of magic as it won’t disturb the balance in the realm. If by any chance you happen to return without the girl, you’ll need to let us know you are here so I can remove the spell. Sorry, Jack, it has to be said.’

Jack was horrified that Christopher might return without his sister. Christopher saw the expression upon Jack’s face and reached out. He placed his hand upon the man’s shoulder to reassure him.

‘We’ll wait for your return,’ Henry said.

‘Grandfather, if I’m not back in time…’

‘You will be,’ Jack said. ‘Cast the spell now so he can find Elle.’ Jack’s imagination had begun to run wild, anything could be happening to his sister.

Henry cast the spell.
‘
Sit visum est ignotus.’

‘Where’d he go?’ Jack said as he looked around. ‘He was standing here just a minute ago.’

‘He’s still before us,’ Henry said and then reached out to touch Christopher. Jack patted the air where he thought Christopher stood and Christopher grabbed his arm. Jack pulled back at his sudden grasp. It unnerved Jack to be touched by someone unseen.

‘Go now, Christopher. We’re wasting time, but be careful. We’ll see you when you return with Elle,’ Henry said.

Christopher walked through the trees and across the field in the direction of the camp. He was apprehensive as he watched the soldiers by their fires. To the right of him, Christopher heard someone approach. He stopped as a guard on patrol headed in his direction. Christopher’s heart pound in his chest as the guard drew close and then passed him by. Christopher sighed with relief, reassured that he couldn’t be seen.

He entered the camp, and as he passed by groups of soldiers he listened to the conversations that flowed in hope that Elle would be mentioned. Christopher had no idea where to begin his search. The tents were scattered and seemed to stretch on forever. As he passed by the next fire, Christopher recognised a few of the soldiers. They were Kovak’s men and they’d lived in The Dale for as long as Christopher could remember.

Ahead Christopher saw three large tents. A ring of soldiers guarded the entrance. He knew that the tents belonged to Arnak and Athena and was loathe to venture into the serpent’s nest.

Christopher stepped sideways as a drunken soldier fell backwards off a fallen tree trunk. The other men laughed at him as he lay sprawled on his back with his feet in the air. Christopher passed them by and as he walked through the camp he noticed women pulling small carts. They stopped every so often to collect mugs and trenchers discarded by the soldiers. As he approached another group of men huddled around the warmth of the next fire, he heard them discuss Kovak, so he stopped to listen.

‘He thinks he’s god almighty that Kovak does. Waltzing in here with that woman in tow. I’m surprised the Lord let him keep her.’

Christopher was relieved to hear that Elle was still with Kovak. Now all he had to do was find which tent was his. As he crossed the camp he concentrated upon her. His instincts lead him over to a small group of tents on the opposite side of the camp. Christopher recognised one of Kovak’s men stationed in front of the tent, and as he approached an old woman holding a lantern high and dragging a small handcart stopped in front of him and entered the tent.

Christopher walked around the cart. The old woman had left her cloak on top of the dishes and Christopher picked it up and moved along the side of the tent. Christopher stood in silence as the old woman spoke to someone inside and then he heard Elle’s voice.

Elle lay on the straw pallet, the pain she felt in her stomach had increased. The rope rubbed every time she moved, and the coarse fibres dug into her wrists as her arm continued to swell. As she lay there trying to work her hands free, a light drew near to the tent. The flap opened and the light shone inside as an old woman entered, holding her lantern high so she could see. Elle laid still and the woman set the lantern down upon the table.

‘I’ve come to collect the trenchers. Has the Captain finished with them?’ she asked and then noticed Elle huddled up on the floor. Elle blinked and nodded as her eyes adjusted to the brightness of the lantern.

‘He’s asleep in the next room,’ she said.

‘Are you all right? I saw him bring you in here earlier,’ the woman whispered and then noticed that Elle was injured. ‘Oh lass, what’s he done to you?’ The old woman worried with the sight of the blood smeared on Elle’s swollen face.

‘Can you help me to get away?’

‘I’m sorry, lass, I can’t,’ the old woman said.

Elle understood. It was a lot to ask of a woman who she didn’t know. If they were caught, the punishment would be death for them both.

‘I’ll come back and check on you in the morning,’ the woman said and then she gathered the dishes, retrieved her lantern from the table and went back about her business.

Elle sobbed; the only chance she’d had of escape had just left.

The flap of the tent blew opened again and Elle thought the old woman had changed her mind but no one entered. Christopher had stood outside listening. He’d heard the concern in the old woman’s voice. As soon as she left Christopher entered the tent. He saw Elle bound and curled up on the pallet. The light inside the tent was dim, but he knew enough by the way the old woman spoke to know Elle was injured. He knelt before Elle and cut the ropes from her hands and feet.

Elle panicked as she felt a light tug on her restraints. In the dim light, cast by the fires outside, she could see she was alone. Next to her a slit appeared in the canvas as Christopher used his knife to cut them an escape route. Elle moved, but the pain was worse than she’d expected. Then she felt a warm hand take hers. The initial contact made her jump, but the hand felt strong and safe and even though she couldn’t see the person who was with her, to escape seemed a better option than to stay. Elle’s unknown rescuer helped her from the pallet and out through the slit in the tent.

When Christopher took Elle’s hand, his magic lurched forth to heal her. It roared within him as his anger rose. He calmed his inner self. The magic would have to wait until they were away from the enemy’s camp. Once they were outside the tent, Elle stood and Christopher placed the old woman’s cloak around her shoulders. In a whisper, he spoke to her. Elle recognised Christopher’s voice instantly and felt stronger within his presence.

‘We must walk through the camp to the other side. Along the way there’s a cart. As we pass by, you need to drag it along with you. The soldiers will think you’re collecting their discarded trenchers. Do you think you’ll be able to manage that?’

‘To get out of here, I would do anything,’ she whispered back.

As they left the security of the shadows they made their way across the camp towards its perimeter. Elle’s injuries caused her to stoop and hobble as if she were an old woman, and the soldiers paid her no mind as she headed towards the handcart. She lifted the handle and managed with effort to pull the wooden cart. It was partially filled with trenchers and scraps and she had to stop often to rest.

Christopher walked beside her and supported her when she wobbled and looked like she might fall. As she worked her way across the campsite she weaved her way between the fires and the soldiers who surrounded them. Near the perimeter of the camp she left the handcart and continued on towards the trees. Christopher walked next to her for protection. She was still within sight of the camp and he couldn’t help her yet.

‘Woman. Where are you off to?’ a voice called.

As Elle stopped and turned her head, she saw a guard approach. He’d caught sight of her delicate features when she’d looked in his direction and he hurried towards her. Elle looked down to hide her face and her heart pounded. She knew Christopher would step forward to intercept the guard’s path.

‘I’m sick,’ Elle suddenly said.

The guard slowed his approach.

‘I was going into the trees to pee.’

‘What ails you?’ The guard was still interested. The moon had lit her features and he couldn’t forget the pretty face he’d seen.

‘I have the pox.’

‘On your way you filthy whore,’ the guard said in disgust and then he walked away.

Christopher was relieved as the guard walked back to his duties and he took Elle by the hand and led her the rest of the way into the trees. When she could no longer be seen from the camp, Christopher lifted her up and held her to him as he carried her back to where Henry and her brother waited.

Hours had passed while Jack and Henry waited for Christopher to return and time seemed endless. They spoke, but most of the time they waited in silence.

Jack heard a noise through the trees and he drew his sword. ‘Wait, Jack,’ Henry said as he caught the incredible sight. It was Elle, but she didn’t walk. She seemed to float in a strange way and then they realised that Christopher carried her.

‘Henry, she needs help,’ Christopher said as Jack rushed forward. Henry removed the spell to make Christopher visible.

‘Bring her up here, lad,’ Henry said as he moved out of the darkness of the trees and into the moonlight. Elle smiled at Christopher as he lay her down and Henry conjured a small orb of light. He held the ball in his palm so the light would shine upon her face.