Well here's the next chapter, sorry for the late update. Exams really get in the way of writing. Thankyou for the story alerts and things :) Reviews are always welcome...enjoy!
Part 2-Reunion too late
BANG!
Ben Finn whipped around in time to see a house collapse. Large bricks shot towards the ground, not caring if they hit anyone.
"Finn, try not to get yourself killed quite yet. We are still in the middle of a revolution," The Princess of Albion yelled as Ben dived out the way.
He smirked and rejoined the battle. Guards were stationed at regular intervals along the rubble strewn path. At times the group had to take detours through crumbled buildings so as to reach their goal, the castle.
A large group of guards charged round a corner. Ben reloaded his rifle and took down three with shots to the head. The princess charged up her will and sent a powerful blast through the floor that caused many to fall or fly into walls.
In the middle of all the commotion a lone figure hurried forward. He twisted on the balls of his feet. Searching for the one he needed. The sound of metal on metal as swords crashed together mixed with gunshots and cries of pain made it impossible to call out.
Ben turned and swiftly dodged an attack from behind. He scanned the scene before him. There in the midst of battle stood Major Swift.
The captain ran forward to meet him and get him out of danger. A shot was fired and imbedded itself in Swift's right hip. He fell backwards and landed in a heap on the cobble-stoned path.
"Swifty," Ben called.
There was no way for him to get through as there was still a massive hoard of guards attempting to stop the revolutionaries.
Another will spell was conjured by the princess. It knocked over the remaining guards so Ben had a clear path to Swift. He dropped down on his knees and looked at the wound.
"This is deep. We need some bandages to stem the flow."
"No...No it will be fine," Major Swift took a large pained breath before continuing. "You have to get down to the dungeons. Find her. Save her."
"What? What are you talking about?"
The usual calm and casualness that filled Ben's voice had vanished. It had been replaced by an urgent mutter that panicked the princess who had just hurried over.
"Go now, before it's too late. I promised. Please?" The Major gabbled.
"What is he saying?" Princess Martha asked, bending down.
"He keeps telling me to save someone that's in the dungeons, I think."
Blood continued to escape from the wound. The Major's eyes began to appear unfocused and his speech slurred.
"Go to the dungeons. She'll be waiting, she's strong. Save her...save her!" blackness filled his vision and his body fell limp.
"He's lost too much blood. You go down to the dungeons with private Hull and Kelly. Check if there's anyone there. The rest can bring Major Swift into the castle. There are no guards left so finding Logan won't be hard."
"Good plan," He smiled. "See you later Princess, I hope the crown fits."
Ben's usual smirk was plastered back on his face as he jogged towards the dungeons entrance, Private's Hull and Kelly bringing up the rear.
"Kelly, light that torch. Let's get some light down here."
"Yes Captain Finn."
He carefully lifted down the torch and lit it using a match. It flickered into life and revealed a steep staircase that lead to the cells. Their footsteps echoed off the cool stone walls as they descended the stairs.
"Get these cells open and search them. By Major Swift's description it sounded like the prisoner will be very weak and will not run out to greet us with cries of thanks."
The other soldiers laughed and began to prise open the cells; the bars creaked under the pressure and eventually gave way with a clang. Private Kelly gave an irritated sigh at seeing that his cell was empty. He spun around and began on the next.
He had never been a fan of dark confined spaces or being told what to do. Becoming a soldier was not really a choice it was more of a demand by the authorities. In his past he had never really listened to the law so he began to have problems. After having a more serious run in he was arrested but there was a shortage of cells so he was offered the choice of being shoved into a cupboard sized dark cell or train and become a soldier. The choice had been almost instant.
"Hey, Captain Finn, over here!" Private Hull's voice echoed from inside a particularly dreary and damp cell. "I think I found who we're looking for."
"Good job Hull."
Private Kelly scowled and hung back while the others bent down to look that the small huddle on the floor.
Ben carefully rolled over the figure and let out a gasp of surprise. What met his eyes was an extremely pale malnourished girl. He leant forward so his ear was just above her mouth and nose.
"She's barely breathing. Kelly, hand over that bottle of health potion."
"Yes...here," He reluctantly passed over a small vial filled with crimson liquid that could have been mistaken as blood.
Before the final phase of the revolution every person that would be fighting had been given a vial full of the life saving liquid in order to help with any injuries sustained.
Ben slowly raised the girls head and tipped a few drops into her mouth. At first nothing, but then after about five seconds she swallowed and allowed another dose.
Over the next minute her breathing gradually increased until it resumed a normal pace and colour began to show itself again on her cheeks. Her eyes flickered open and rested on Ben's face for a second before closing.
"Okay stand back. I'm going lift her."
"Captain, wait! What's that on her leg?" Private Hull pointed towards her right lower leg.
He removed a scratchy rag and gaped at the mess it revealed.
"That looks infected. We need to get her out now."
"Where are we taking her? To the orphanage? I heard they were going to turn it into a miniature hospital."
"No it's too far. Follow me."
He hurried along. Bowerstone Castle came into view and Ben walked on towards it.
He passed the open gates and the guards stationed there. They glared at Ben and the others but didn't dare speak their minds. They knew Ben's position in the new Queen's inner circle and also knew he had an influence on her future ruling.
"Finn?"
"It was too far to the orphanage. She's really weak," Ben replied as he entered into the warmth of the glorious castle.
"Okay. Take her upstairs and put her in one of the guest bedrooms," seeing Ben's puzzled look Princess Martha elaborated. "On the third floor, Tracy can you take care of her please."
"Of course Your Majesty," Tracy bounded forward, curtsied and led the way up the wide carpeted staircase.
Ben mounted the stairs and got halfway before a commotion at the top of the stairs caught his attention along with everyone else's in the busy entrance hall.
"I am still your King and you cannot treat me in such a manner. This is a disgrace!"
King Logan appeared along with three guards. Two of which held his arms and the other surveyed his struggles from behind.
They passed Ben on the stairs. Logan stared at the girl still limp in his arms. His face paled even more than it already had but he made no comment. He bowed his head and proceeded down in silence. When he reached the bottom he was dragged towards the front doors that stood at a wide angle, letting cold air rush in. As he passed a few servants and nobles hissed and spat insults.
A few minutes later Ben was gently lowering the girl into a large four poster bed with red drapes and gold embroidery. Seeing her in the light truly highlighted her bad condition. Her dress was more like a blanket.
Bethany's eyes flickered open. She shut them quickly but after some time she reopened them. They focused on the lush material canopy that hung overhead. She sat up and gaped at the scene around her.
The furniture was a light brown with golden handles that glistened from the sun raised that seeped through a gap in the curtains. Clear bottles and beautiful ornaments decorated the shelves and cupboard tops along with books and other interesting objects.
At this point Bethany's confusion reached an alarming level. Grabbing the curtains, she ripped them open. Light filled the room and revealed a scene Bethany had never seen before. Her window overlooked a massive garden full of blossom trees and colourful flowers. People were milling around in small groups, talking and laughing. They all wore posh clothes made of expensive fabrics.
"Ahhh, you're awake!"
Bethany turned around in alarm.
"Sorry I didn't mean to startle you. My names Tracy and I'm a maid for Her Majesty," Tracy said, smiling widely.
"Where am I...? H-how did I get here?"
"It's alright, darling. You're in Bowerstone Castle, that handsome Captain Finn brought you here." Bethany didn't reply so Tracy continued. "Because you were in the dungeons, see? And the Captain found you and brought you here. And your leg," She indicated to the clean white bandage tied neatly around Bethany's leg. "It was in a bad way so I cleaned it up and the physician removed the bullet."
She stopped and looked at Bethany, concern written in every small crease on her otherwise pretty face.
Suddenly something clunked into place in Bethany's head.
"Where is Major Swift?"
"He's in another room here. The physician is doing all he can for him but it isn't looking good."
"What happened?" Bethany gasped.
Tracy glanced out the window and then her eyes rested on Bethany.
"He was shot in the right hip. The bullet went very deep so it's very hard to get out." Seeing Bethany's worried look she quickly said, "But I'm sure he will be fine. He is a very brave strong man. Don't worry about him darling, it will all be okay... Anyway what's your name?"
"Bethany."
"Well that's a lovely name. How about I go to the kitchens and get you something to eat. I expect you're starving."
Bethany gazed at the slices of bread and cheese in front of her. Without pausing to think she began to wolf it down. In a matter of minutes the plate was spotless.
"You definitely was hungry," laughed Tracy, she picked up the plate and gently placed it on the table. She then began to bustle round the room, straightening books and dusting bottles.
"Can I go and see Major Swift?"
"Sorry darling but I don't think it's really a wise idea yet. Your leg isn't healed yet although the health potion is certainly helping and you are still very pale and weak. You haven't eaten properly for weeks." Seeing Bethany's crestfallen expression she added. "But maybe in a day or two I'll take you. For now though you can rest."
Tracy picked up the plate, smiled and left the room. Shutting the door lightly behind her. Bethany laid down with her head resting on the soft pillows. She stared at the fabric canopy before slowly closing her eyes.
"Beth, quickly!"
"No, we can't escape. He will find us," Bethany stammered.
"But he's not here."
Bethany gaped as the other girl ran towards an opening leading fresh air and sunlight. She tried calling again but it was no use. The other girl wouldn't listen.
The girl turned around just before she reached the opening. Smiling widely, she beckoned for Bethany to join her. Bethany was about to run and join her when a black shadow fell across the opening, blocking any light trying to get in.
The girl screamed as a muscular figure dragged her back into the cave and threw her on to the floor at Bethany's feet.
Bethany thrashed in her bed, still stuck in her nightmare. She cried out and sat up, breathing heavily. Her nightmare still carried on in her head because it was not a dream, it was a memory.
She sat for half an hour just staring at the wall. She didn't dare go back to sleep out of fear of what was waiting for her. Tracy entered wearing her usual smile.
"Ohh you're awake, darling. That's good because I was just getting some water heated so that you can have a nice soak in a hot bath."
Bethany listened but didn't respond. Tracy knew there was something wrong so she tried to distract her from dwelling on her problem.
"I just saw Captain Finn downstairs. He was talking to Sir Walter Beck. Now if I wasn't engaged I would try my luck with the Captain. I've heard tales of his past and know he has a good reputation in the bedroom department," She giggled. "But I love my Jacob too much to roll in the hay with another man. Anyway I'll go check on that water."
Tracy re entered the room just seconds later and helped Bethany stand. They moved slowly along the corridor because Bethany couldn't put any weight on her right leg. She limped along gazing at the beautiful painting that covered the high walls.
They reached a small room with a bath tub and a large mirror. The room smelt strongly of expensive bath salts and soaps. Bethany breathed deeply.
"Do you like the smell?" Tracy asked, smiling widely. "They're imported from Samarkand, at a very high price. You don't find these in every house in Albion."
She helped Bethany undress and get into the warm liquid that, because of the salts, was mint green.
"I'll be back soon but just relax and if you need anything just call, okay?"
The door shut and Bethany looked down. She saw her body and what the past weeks had done to it. Although she had a naturally thin body shape it was still very clear how unnaturally thin she was. Her ribs jutted out along with her pelvis bone.
She splashed water up her arms. Her fingertips grazed over circular scares. A sudden image flashed into her head. A poker was resting in a fire, the tip orange from the heat. It was lifted out and pressed on skin. Bethany shivered.
Her leg stung from where the water had washed over her wound. Bethany was disgusted by her body. She hated herself for everything. She brought her legs up to her chest, leant her forehead on her them and cried. Tears poured down her face and landed in the bath water. Her sobs were quiet but her body shook every time a new wave of tears hit her.
"Can I please go and visit Major Swift?" Bethany pleaded.
A few days had passed and her strength had grows. She could now walk short distances with needing assistance and her body had started to recover from being without food.
"I don't see why not. Just finish that slice of bread."
She ate it in one and stood up. Tracy had foraged around and managed to find some clothes that suited Bethany's size. She wore a neat pale blue blouse with a patterned skirt.
They ambled down the corridor, Tracy in the lead until they reached a large door that was very grandly decorated with carvings of vines. This was obviously a room for a very high class. Before entering Tracy knocked lightly then held the door open for Bethany.
"Ah Bethany," A weak voice cried.
"Major?"
"Ohh don't worry, I'm fine, really!"
Major Swift was extremely pale and thin. Bethany thought that if she touched him he might break. He looked so fragile.
She took a seat next to him bed and managed a small smile.
"By Avo you don't look fine."
The Major's joy at seeing Bethany melted away. He knew that he wasn't fine. He knew he wasn't going to lie much longer. But he just didn't want to come to terms with it yet.
"Sorry I didn't mean..."
"It's alright," Swift interrupted. "I understand. The bullet is lodged in an awkward position to remove, the wound is infected and no health potions or ointments will help. I'm dying so there is no point denying it."
Bethany fell silent. The Major's words were sinking in and she didn't like the feeling that was left.
"B-but what am I s-supposed to do? I have no one. Major, MAJOR!"
Major Swift suddenly fell backwards onto his pillows. His eyes fluttered closed and his breathing became shallower.
"I think Avo has chosen this as my time. Please, in the top drawer there is a..."
The Major fell silent. Bethany didn't hear the door open behind her; all she did was cry out as Major Swift took his last breath. His face relaxed into a contented expression.
"Swifty?" A voice whispered.
Bethany spun around and met startlingly blue eyes. Ben Finn stumbled forward and dropped down on his knees by the bed. He touched Swift's hand but quickly withdrew his own. The cold skin felt unnatural.
Bethany took a few steps back to give them room. She guessed that this was Ben Finn, the one that Tracy and Major Swift had mentioned. She now understood where Tracy had been coming from, he definitely had looks.
Maids and the physician came in and removed the body. Ben stood helplessly next to Bethany while this happened. They didn't talk, they didn't make eye contact. They just stood because there was nothing else to do.
Everyone left the room and it suddenly felt empty. Bethany turned to Ben and opened her mouth to speak. He looked into her face. She saw great pain and sadness. He seemed to want to talk himself but words failed and he simply exited the room after the others.
Bethany glanced at the bed and remembered what Major Swift was saying just before he died.
Please, in the top drawer there is a...
She hurried over to a chest of drawers. There were three top drawers. In the first she found spare towels. In the second there were sheets of paper. Bethany shifted these and found two envelopes. The first was addressed to her and the second was addressed to Ben. She slit hers open and read.
