The cave was damp, dingy and smelt of age and rot. Wrinkling his nose Roland was keen to get out of there as soon as possible, his eyes scanning every crevasse for the Ether Prisms they were so desperate to find. As always, he ran ahead of Tani and Evan, he knew them both to be capable fighters, but it never sat right with him to let children lead him into battle. He much preferred taking point and therefore be the first to suffer any ambush. There had been plenty of those. Ever since Doloran cast his spell of Spite monster numbers had been increasing at an alarming rate. Whatever he had done, the result was that monsters were even more aggressive and abundant than ever. Even the most populated routes held danger for any traveller not versed in combat.
Roland had lost count of the Whamsers he had dispatched so far in these grim passageways so it was with a resigned sigh that he turned a corner to encounter yet another group. Tani defeated most instantly with a Spark Shower her spell illuminating the cave enough for Roland to see the last Whamser run under his arm and past him. As eager as Tani to end this quickly he span round and shot off a Pressure Drop at the back of the retreating figure. He was alarmed when the Whamser let out a very feminine yelp as his attack struck home knocking whatever it was to the floor where it remained still. They exchanged questioning glances as they cautiously advanced on the prone form in front of them. Roland knelt down by the bundle of furs and carefully rolled the body over, as he did shards of a wooden Whamser mask slipped off the face of a young and very human looking girl.
'what the, hell'? muttered Roland picking up a fragment of mask from her cheek.
'Why is she dressed like that'? Evan breathed taking in her ragged trousers and fur lined hood.
'looks like she was collecting prisms too' Tami stooped to pick up a worn leather satchel at the girl's side scooping up its darkly gleaming content from where it had spilled across the floor. 'Ether Prisms'! she exclaimed holding one up for the other two to see. 'But why would anybody want these apart from us and…Doloran'? Roland shook his head his eyes on the girl as he brushed the remaining shards from her face.
'is she hurt?' ventured Evan
Roland worked a hand into her coat and pressed his fingers to her neck, her pulse was firm but fast and erratic 'not sure, whoever she is and whoever she's...working for, we better get her back to Evermore. Thetis will be able to help her'
The others nodded their assent as Roland shouldered the girl's bag and scooped up her small frame, her ragged clothes were soaked through and chill to the touch, Roland wondered how long she had been in the cave, searching. Despite how bundled she was in her costume her body felt slight and insubstantial. He looked down at the girl's pale face disturbed to see a bruise already starting to blossom on her cheek. His hand fisted into the damp fabric of her coat.
'Damn it! I never would have attacked her if I knew she wasn't a monster'!
'it's not your fault'! Exclaimed Evan.
'yeah' Tani interjected earnestly, 'Evan's right! How could you have known and besides if she is in league with that rat Doloran, she's our enemy anyway'.
Roland nodded brooding a moment on their words before calling up the teleportation spell that would bring them back to Evermore.
No sooner had their feet touched the marble floor of the throne room Roland was striding to his rooms and speaking over his shoulder to his companions.
'Tani, can you please go and find Thetis? Oh, and Bracken too' he added as an afterthought. Thinking another women would be a good idea.
'I'll be in my rooms. Evan are you OK to look after things here by yourself?
'of course!' exclaimed the young king, no doubt relishing the opportunity to manage his kingdom without Roland's watchful gaze for once.
Roland thanked both of them before backing through the double doors that lead to the North Wing and his apartments.
He shifted his bundle to a more comfortable position, clutching the girl tightly to him. As much as she had been jostled since the cave she hadn't even stirred. There was something so familiar about her, he had no recollection of meeting her before but still he felt a strange affinity that he could not explain. Was she really working with Doloran? Despite his usual pragmatism he found himself not wanting to believe it, but then why else was she collecting Ether Prisms? He had to be sensible, if she was working for him then she was working against Evermore and in that case Tani was correct, she was his enemy.
He swept into his rooms, careful not to hit her head on the door frame and walked over to his bed. He lay her down on top of the covers pulling down a pillow and lowering her head onto it gently. In the afternoon sunlight he could see her much more clearly. Bedraggled ribbons of chestnut hair surrounded a pale, finely boned, heart shaped face with too prominent cheekbones. Dark circles clouded her eyes and her brows knit together in a pinched expression that suggested illness and pain. He rested his palm on her forehead and was unsurprised to feel her burning up beneath his hand. Wondering what to do until Thetis arrived, he busied himself removing her soft boots noticing several holes where the leather soles had worn through. The rest of her clothes were in no better condition and worse were wet through, but did he dare touch them? Deciding her wellbeing was more important than propriety his hand moved to the buttons of her jacket. A sharp knock at the door saved him.
'Come in' he called, stepping away from her swiftly so the two women did not walk in to find him looming over the girl.
'Tani, filled us in' said Bracken, immediately all business 'said she might be a spy or something for Doloran'? She eyed the girl with open suspicion.
'Could be, but we don't know that for certain. All we know is she was after the same thing we were' he picked up the satchel and passed it to Bracken who raised an eyebrow at its contents.
Thetis ignored the exchange heading straight for her patient and setting out her examination bag pulling out several tools and tonics
'Chief Consul, would you mind leaving us while I take a look at her' She eyed the ragged wet clothes 'actually before you do, please can you find something for her to wear, a night shirt perhaps'.
'Sure' he walked to a chest at the foot of his bed and removed a rough silk night shirt in soft blue. 'this do?'
Thetis nodded took the garment from him and looked pointedly at the door.
'I'll be on the balcony then' he smiled at the women and scooped up the bag opening the French windows to walk out into the warm afternoon sunshine. Breathing in the sea air he almost did not notice Bracken slide the curtains closed behind him.
Sinking into one of the chairs that dotted his private balcony he slipped the bag off his shoulder and emptied its contents onto a small table in front of him.
Leaning over he sifted through its merger contents. Several Ether Prisms took up most of the space inside the bag. He picked one up and turned it over in his hands, it was heavier than he was expecting and glittered darkly as if it was absorbing the light around it. To his understanding unless you were looking to do some very serious inter-dimensional magic, like the kind both Evan and Doloran were trying to do, they were useless. Largely inert and only found in the most dangerous of places they were both practically worthless and hard to come by.
Throwing them back in the bag he went over the remaining contents. A heel of rough bread wrapped in a handkerchief, a small tarnished dagger covered with dirt, no doubt used more for prying the prisms from the rocks than any sort of weapon. He flipped the knife in his hand as his eyes rested on the only thing remaining on the table, a tiny glint of silver. He reached for it assuming it to be a common Nixaway broach but as he turned it over his mouth went dry. The enamel surface of the pin revealed the logo for Guns N Roses. He stared at the badge for a long moment. Was she, from his world? Is that why he felt a strange connection to her? He got up and paced the balcony looking out over the mountains and the sea. The pin held firmly in his fist, its edges biting into his skin. 'well, I'll be' he murmured.
He was so deeply ruminating the events of the day he almost started when a very serious Bracken followed by Thetis stepped out onto the balcony. Wordlessly Roland motioned to the table. He stuffed the badge in his pocket, he wasn't ready to share this discovery yet and besides he was eager to hear how the girl was doing.
Both he and Bracken turned to the healer. 'She will be fine' she said with a small smile. 'It looks as though she is suffering from severe exhaustion which is why Pressure Drop knocked her right out. It was just the final straw' she shrugged.
'So, you don't need to feel bad' interjected Bracken placing a hand on his arm. Roland nodded to both of them, eager for the healer to continue.
'She also has a fever; I imagine this is linked with her overall condition so I'll keep an eye on it but don't think it's too serious. In terms of treatment what she needs is sleep, and food. I would imagine she needs to stay in bed for around a week, but I'll know more when she wakes. When she does, she will probably feel pretty awful at least for the next day or so.
'Any idea how long she will be out for'? asked Roland.
Thetis looked at him and shrugged 'in a few hours perhaps, it's hard to say' I gave her a tonic that should help with pain. I have also left more pain relief and a sleep tonic on the table just give her a thimble full as needed. I doubt she will need help sleeping but it's there just in case. Oh, she also has a light sprain to her right ankle, she will need to keep weight off it, but it should heal on its own in a few days'
'That's great' said Roland brightly, once she wakes, we can find out who she is and why she was after the same thing we were'
Bracken looked grave her arms crossed over her chest.
'there's…something else' said Thetis. Roland shifted his attention to her quickly, noting her tone. 'it looks like someone has been...hurting her for a long time'.
'Hurting? What do you mean'!
This time Bracken spoke up.
'There are marks - wounds on her body, some are old and healed, some are...fresh. There's no way they are from a monster, the marks are too…deliberate.'
Roland looked from the grim face of one woman to the other, lost for words. Who was this girl and why if she was in a cave on her by herself could she not just run away from her abuser?
'Roland?' Bracken said softly, do you think it's wise having her stay here? I mean, we can put her in another room, set a guard on the door. We don't know if she is friend or an enemy'
Roland shook his head 'I'm responsible for her being her so I should be the one to get to the bottom of this'
The women exchanged looks
'but, Roland' Bracken pressed, do you think it's really OK to have this girl in your room?
Roland's eyebrows flared 'What do you take me for?' Roland huffed, incredulous, his hand unconsciously moved the pin in his pocket, he gripped it tightly. He glared at one concerned face to the other in a silent challenge.
'Nothing like that' Bracken said hastily throwing her palms up in a peaceful gesture. Roland leaned back a little, conscious of his body language. 'no, it's more that you are a stranger to her so when she wakes how will she feel seeing you. You were also the last person she saw, before…' she trailed off
'It will be fine' Roland smiled waving the concern away with a casualness that wasn't entirely genuine. 'everyone's a stranger to her here and besides it's my mess, I'll sort it'
Before Bracken could open her mouth to interject, he swung his attention to Thetis. 'Thanks for coming out so quickly I'm sure you have other patients you need to get back to'. Without waiting for an answer, he stood up and opened the door in a gesture of polite dismissal. Bracken seemed to want to say more but for once was holding her tongue.
They gathered at the foot of the bed all three gazing on the sleeping girl now looking decidedly more normal out of her Whamser Costume.
Thetis broke them out of their reverie 'I'll come back in a couple of days to check in on her but if you need me beforehand send a messenger and I will come right away'
'Thanks, Thetis' Roland shook her hand with professional courtesy and smiled at her warmly in friendship.
Thetis nodded, smiling and moved to the door. She paused and turned around. 'I forgot to mention' I left a jar of honey balm on the table too. Use that daily on all her wounds and abrasions and they should heal without scarring.
He nodded, gravely,' I'll make sure it's done'
'Well, if you need anything' murmured Bracken still gazing at the girl.
'Thanks. I'm sure I will, I just don't know what yet'. He smiled at her placing a hand on her shoulder she returned the smile and with one more backwards glance left the same way as the healer.
As the door clicked shut Roland let out a breath, he didn't know he had been holding. Sighing he summoned a Cor his assistant and requested a pot of coffee and large plate of bread, fruit and light cheese. When she woke, she would no doubt be hungry but he figured rich food might not be such a good idea just yet.
As he crossed the room, he noticed his reflection for the first time since their return. Dishevelled to say the least, he looked every bit like a man that had fought his way through a damp cave full of monsters. This was not the look he wished to greet his guest with. In short, he needed a bath.
He would rather have a shower but these apparently were not a thing in Evermore. Still, he always felt slightly silly descending into the deep pool of the marble bath, it always felt too luxurious for a man not used lavishing time in the bathroom. He set the water going and returned back to the main room that served as his bedroom and living space. The room was large and airy with a beautiful view of the sea and mountains through the floor to ceiling windows. Several oak bookcases lined one corner and by them a door which lead to a small study where Roland could work in peace. He sank down on a sofa in the main room and removed his boots. A soft knock brought in Cor with the food and coffee which he set down on the table. He thanked him and Cor retreated with unflappable professional courtesy.
Leaving the plate under its silver cover he poured himself a cup of coffee. He carried this over to the same chest he had taken the nightshirt from and rummaged around until he found a loose pair of pants and shirt. He normally did not wear anything to bed but he did not think this would go down well with his guest.
Carrying the small bundle into the bathroom he set his coffee down on the side of the tub and rejoiced in peeling off his filthy clothes, depositing them in the hamper before sliding into the bath to enjoy his coffee and strategize on what to do once the girl awoke. He would be firm but gentle in his approach, he decided. He would bring up the prisms first then move onto questioning her origins. If it turned out she was in league with Doloran then he would move her to a cell. Simple. If not though, what then? how long would he be sharing his rooms with her? Not that he minded, in fact he found the notion quite appealing. If she truly came from Earth, they would have a lot to discuss. He was sure that once she accepted his apology for the nature of their introduction, they would get on fine. In truth part of him relished the opportunity to care for someone again. Evan was different, he felt deep affection for the young King but his role was to counsel rather than console. With the girl he could do what he had been unable to do since he had been pulled away from the people he cared about.
Rising from the bath he dried himself and dressed quickly. Throwing a towel around his neck he strode into the living room drying his hair as he went. As soon as he entered his brown eyes met hazel as the girl struggled to sit up groggily and stared right at him. 'Hello' he smiled, walking towards her 'back with us, then?'
Before he even neared the bed, the girl bolted in a whir of pale legs and sheets, she stumbled out the furthest side from him and rushed on bare feet to the door. Roland had just enough time to chase after her, throwing an arm over her head to slam the door shut as she tried to wrench it open. Gasping she retreated back into the room, glancing around wildly before snatching up a letter opener from his table, brandishing it straight in front of her like a dagger. Her chest rose and fell in short breaths as she watched him with narrow eyes moving around the table so it acted as a barrier between them.
'Why does this feel familiar' murmured Roland locking the door with a smart click he pocketed the key in his pants pocket where it chimed against her pin.
'You must be hungry, right?' he said lightly pointedly ignoring her stance and stepping forward to lift the lid from the platter of food in front of her. 'C'mon it's not poisoned' he popped a few grapes into his mouth 'see?'
Her eyes flicked to the plate; she licked her lips but held firm raising the letter opener slightly. Roland gave himself a moment to look her over and plan his next move. Her slight frame was engulphed in his overlarge night shirt. One silken shoulder had slipped down her arm revealing a bruise that looked worryingly like a grasp mark. She was shaking like a leaf and he noticed she wasn't putting much weight on her right leg she looked ready to drop at any second. They regarded each other in silence 'I have to go' she said at last. 'Please, it's the only way. I have to get back to him' the desperation was clear in her pleading tone.
'Get back to who?' he asked softly, dreading the answer and noting the fever brightness to her eyes as she swayed on her feet.
He took a small step toward her and she bolted again, attempting to rush past him to the door. This time through he was ready. Grabbing her arm, he swung her back into his chest pinning her against him tightly with his left arm, his right hand wrestled for her makeshift weapon. He was by far the bigger and stronger but she was evidently desperate, lashing out at any extremity within reach. Her bedraggled hair whipping across his face as she thrashed in his arms. Exasperated he swung her to the floor and rolled her roughly underneath him pinning her down with his weight as she kicked and struggled. He grasped her wrist twisting it until the dull blade clattered to the floor. She froze at the noise her tear-filled eyes meeting his. Her body blazed like a furnace beneath him taught as a bow string in him arms. She smelt of leaves and honey balm.
'I'll be good, I'll do whatever you want I promise' she sobbed in resigned desperation 'just let me go back to Doloran'.
This pulled Roland up short, 'what do you mean, whatever I want?' Roland snarled angrily hating the connotations of her words, he glared down at her as she panted heavily, her eyes looking anywhere but him. her breaths became little more than sort gasps as her head sank to floor, eyes rolling back. He eased off her pulling her swiftly to her feet only to feel the girl immediately collapse in a dead faint into his arms. 'that went well' he muttered. He gazed down at her as her head lolled against his shoulder her body limp against him. his hand grazed her thigh as he lifted her with ease and deposited her in bed for the second time that day. He smoothed down the nightshirt that had become rucked up in their tussle and tidied the covers. As he went to lay the thick quilt over her, he noticed her face down to her collarbones were covered in a fine film of sweat and grime and her breathing was still erratic. In his bathroom he filled a silver bowl with cool water and after grabbing two washcloths he set the bowl down at her bedside. Wetting the first cloth he wrung it out thoroughly and placed it on her forehead, smoothing the chestnut hair away from her face. He wetted the other one and hesitantly and very gently patted her face and neck careful of the bruises and a small cut on her lips he really hoped their last encounter had not caused. As the grime and sweat lifted away under his touch he wondered if perhaps Bracken was right. He thought she would wake up and they would talk. He had not anticipated her obvious deep fear of him and her absolute desperation to get away. Hopefully it's the fever talking he thought. Either way he couldn't risk another scene like that. He gave up on all thoughts of sleep for himself and after lighting the lamps and closing the curtains against the fading light he brought the book he was reading to her bedside. Sitting on the edge of the bed so he would be sure he would be ready when she stirred, he pushed the creeping guilt he felt in the hurt he had caused her down to his gut. He needed to remain pragmatic. One thing that had been clarified was that she was in some way connected to Doloran and that could not be a good thing.
It was about an hour and several chapters later when she began to stir. He closed the book and waited in apprehensive anticipation for her eyes to flicker open. He smiled down at her as once more hazel met brown. She began to shuffle up against the headboard to escape his proximity but he was ready. Leaning over he casually placed one hand above her left shoulder effectively pinning her down with the covers. 'We need to talk' he smiled 'Let's start with names, I'm Roland and I'm the Chief Consul of Evermore. That's where you are now, in my rooms in Evermore castle'. Her eyes darted around the room he gestured to then back to him.
'My name is Rose' she whispered with a voice that cracked as if it was not used to use.
Roland nodded 'Rose, if I move my hand and get you some water will you try to run again? You're hurt and you could injure yourself further if you do. She paused, defiance briefly fleeting across her expression. He pushed his hand harder into the covers 'If I need to, I will tie you to the damn bed post.' At this logical suggestion Rose's eyes flared wide, she shook her head quickly as she realised, she was lying in what must be this this man's bed a man that was strong and far too close.
'No, please don't, I'll be good, I promise'
Disquieted by her reaction he frowned before easing up and lifting his form away from her. 'I'm going to help you sit up a little, put your arms around my neck, OK?' She nodded shyly, resting her hands lightly on his shoulders as he gently placed his arms around her lifting her slowly and settling her against the pillows. Though she hadn't uttered a sound her face grimaced with pain as his hands brushed her back. He noted this but decided not to question it right now. He filled a crystal beaker from a jug on his nightstand. As he held it to her she grasped the glass eagerly lifting it to her lips Shakely taking in large gulps until predictably she choked and spluttered, hacking coughs claiming her breath. 'Easy, easy' he placed his hands over hers to stop water sloshing into her lap. 'try again, but take small sips, OK?' she nodded sipping the water between short breaths. 'Rose, there are few things we need to talk about but before we do there are a couple of things, I need you to know, OK?' She gulped and nodded. Roland took the now empty glass from her hands placing it back on the nightstand. 'I'm not going to hurt you Rose. I'm sorry I scared you but please know I don't mean you any harm and I'm certainly not going to take advantage of you so relax, you're safe here, with me'.
Rose bit her lip and glanced away, seemingly unconvinced. 'look, don't you think if I was going to do what you're thinking I wouldn't have done it by now? Think about it.' In her silence he pressed on 'OK, well the second thing is you're in my rooms only so Thetis our healer and I can take care of you. It's my fault you got hurt in the fight. Do you remember?' she nodded. 'well then, you see I'm responsible for you until you get better'
Rose started in earnest. 'It's OK, really, I feel fine now so please let me go'. Her eyes darted to the door and back to Roland hopefully. 'Please' she begged.
Roland shook his head 'Not going to happen, sorry. That's not even close to true and besides I can't let you go back to that monster'.
'it's my choice! You can't keep me here against my will' she cried attempting to get away from Roland and roll over to the edge of the bed. With almost lazy resignation Roland grasped her round the waist over the covers and pulled her back easily. Slipping his fingers round her left wrist he lowered her down flush onto the mattress, his left hand by her waist pinning her back down lightly and with liquid ease. Her right hand slid up his bicep pushing back with feeble force. Her touch was like fire.
'Listen, I can, and will keep you here' Roland said evenly 'if you are working for Doloran that makes you our enemy, an enemy we are officially at war with, therefore I can keep you prisoner and even claim you as a spoil of war since I defeated you in battle and that's exactly what I'll do to protect you and Evermore. I'm sorry, but if keeping you here helps keep the people, I care about safe then that's what will happen'
She shook her head sadly 'I can't be your spoil; I just want to go home' she murmured in despair. Roland looked at her in silence, Stoney faced. She hadn't moved an inch in his grasp and neither had he.
'it's the only way', Rose continued. 'He said he's the only one that can take me back to England' she clapped her free hand over her mouth as if she had said too much.
Roland smiled sadly. Releasing her wrist, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the pin he had found in her bag and held it out to her 'I liked that band too' he said softly. She snapped her eyes to him in sudden understand. He nodded slowly. I'm from Earth as well and I'm sorry to say it but Doloran is not going to take you home' He placed the pin on the nightstand.
'You're lying' she sobbed her fingers bunched in the sheets as she struggled into a sitting position. That's why he's been sending me into caves to look for those crystals.
'Prisms' Roland corrected 'and it's true that he is collecting them to open a dimension portal, but one where there are even worse monsters than the ones we have here, not our home, not earth. That's why we are collecting them too, to stop him.
'I don't believe you' Rose breathed. Roland looked down at her with a sad smile
'I think if your honest with yourself you knew he was bad news' He took a deep breath stood giving the girl some distance. 'Rose, I know he's been hurting you' She gasped lifting her fingers to her mouth pointedly avoiding his gaze. 'Thetis told me, she left some balm for your wounds, said that if you use it there should be no scars.' Visible ones anyway he through grimly.
'I'm sorry to have to tell you all this. But I want to go home too I just haven't found a way yet. Your status maybe as my prisoner for now but I promise you will not come to any harm in my care and I will give you every freedom I can. I know it's not our home but the kingdom Evan is building is beautiful, I'm sure you will like it.
'I knew he was a bad man, I just prayed that despite everything he did he would keep his word'. I've only met monsters since coming here, cruel as he is, he was my only hope'
'there are good people here, too, Rose, you'll see'
Feeling that they both wished to change the subject Roland walked over to the tray of food. 'Can you eat something'?
'I'm pretty hungry' Rose admitted 'but at the same time I don't think I can face food right now'.
'just try a little. It will make you feel better, I promise'. He fixed a small plate of soft bread, some grapes and a little cheese.
He settled next to her spreading butter on the roll. 'just a little, Rose' he pressed using the same tone he had often used with his son all those years ago. She nodded.
He set the plate down and lifted her again her body slightly more relaxed in his arms this time. He offered her the plate and she picked at the grapes as he refilled her water glass. She nibbled at everything rather than truly ate but he decided not to quibble. 'that's good' he smiled 'well done' he took her plate and the tray of food and placed them outside his door. Listening carefully in case she tried to rush him. He called for Cor to come and collect the remains and shut the door locking it again just in case.
'Roland?' she asked softly using his name for the first time. He moved back to the bed to resume his spot on the edge. 'Roland, I'm so confused about you and- everything, why can't I think straight'?
'You have a fever' he smiled 'and you're exhausted. Thetis said you will be fine but you need rest. Trust me, you will feel more like yourself after a few days, starting now with some sleep'.
She nodded the frantic energy of her fever was evidently burning out over her pressing need for sleep. 'am I sleeping here'? He nodded
'but don't worry, I'm sleeping on the couch over there. I'm a light sleeper so if you need anything just call. Now listen, I don't want to scare you but this is important. I understand this situation is not ideal and I want to give you as much freedom as possible but if you try to escape or attack me in the night, I will have to restrain you and I don't want to do that. I also don't want you running around on that ankle, you will only make it worse, OK'?
'Ok, I still don't trust you but OK'
'Fair enough' he smiled, 'to tell the truth I'm not sure I trust you either' for some reason these words calmed her more than anything he had said so far. He settled her into the covers her hands grasping his shirt as he dragged her body down to lay in the bed. She shivered slightly in his arms. 'You cold'?
'hot and cold at once, kind of, hard to explain' she trailed off, her lids drooping.
He covered her with another blanket tucking it round her shoulders. 'sleep well, Rose'
By the time Roland had extinguished the lamps around the room Rose was deeply asleep. Her face still showed signs of fear and worry but her features had lost the pinched look of pain she had when she first arrived. Thetis's tonic must be working well he reasoned. As he tided the room, he realised how tired he was himself, he had been in a state of high alert since they entered the cave and now, he could finally rest. Making up a makeshift bed for himself on the silk couch he stretched his long legs out and tried in vain to get comfortable. Perhaps tomorrow he would ask for a cot to be brought in.