Chapter 4
Time passed in a haze for Jude as he lay there trembling.
Every time he moved his back screamed at him until he lay still again. Yet still he edged himself backwards until the wall was behind him.
He felt too exposed lying in the middle of the floor.
His head was spinning and he couldn't concentrate long enough to cast Healer on himself.
He felt the odd mental push from Ludger but fended it off, he wouldn't be able to shield the pain from him if he tried to talk and he had no information to share either.
Instead Jude began cataloguing all he did know as a way to distract himself.
Braht and Exodus were working together. Exactly what Braht would gain from this exchange remained to be seen. Jude was currently in the basement of Braht's headquarters in Duval, somewhere in the labyrinth of back streets.
It wasn't much to go on.
Jude wondered if Braht even knew what Exodus planned to do to Trigleph? Maybe they had threatened to do it to Duval unless the Braht co-operated?
That seemed unlikely. It was more likely that Braht had picked Trigleph itself.
Exodus would have been more likely to focus their hate on Marksburg.
It was possible that the houses around the square the door to this house had been in was all part of this one house. Did that mean there was more than one door in and out? There must be, it would be suspicious if all agents used the same door and none of the others. Did that mean there were numerous back doors as well?
It was possible that an avenue of escape might not mean going through the more heavily populated areas. But if he didn't go out the door he came through he would be hopelessly lost and would probably get caught again.
No, better the enemy that you know and all that. Any escape would have to go through the front door so he could find his way back.
All of that planning was pointless though as Jude was currently too injured to move much, let alone get past Robin a few dozen Exodus and Braht agents and run then back through Duval to get to his friends without being caught.
Jude didn't even know how many people were in the house.
He sighed and tried to sit up. Agony shot through him and he lay on his side against the wall shaking.
Unable to do anything about his back, Jude instead focussed his attention onto his hand. Marcus had stomped on his left hand. He tried to flex it but the fingers barely twitched and pain ran through it. He tenderly prodded it with his right and felt hard ridges in three of his fingers. Two of his knuckles were turning purple as they bruised. His thumb appeared to be dislocated as well. With a pained sigh Jude carefully and agonisingly pulled his shirt over his head leaving just his black top to cover him until it was sitting on top of his bound hands. One part of it was torn and splattered with blood.
Steeling himself Jude pushed his thumb back into place.
A whimper escaped him as he bit his lip and the world spun a little. Before he could persuade himself against it he then reset his fingers one by one. He then ripped the shirt from his right wrist and wound it around his left hand to keep his damaged hand in place and protect it from further harm while it healed. If he did manage to cast Healer he didn't want to have to reset them at a later date. Eyes watering, he probed his nose it was broken but didn't feel too lopsided, without a mirror he would have to leave it be.
Jude sighed and let his mind wander again as he tried to think of a way out of this mess before Scott came back.
Scott.
Jude shook. He was being held by a madman. He fully believed him when he said he would kill everyone in front of Jude. It was a possibility even if Jude refused to build an out of control spyrite for them.
And he would refuse.
After all he had gone through saving both worlds he wouldn't let them destroy one another. Jude wondered if Gaius and Rowen were with Ludger. Most likely. He now considered that the three of them might not be enough. Jude had underestimated the manpower that Braht and Exodus had combined. While Gaius could probably destroy the house without too much effort there was a high risk of Jude being taken hostage. He had not anticipated being a burden when he had sent Ludger off to find them. He had been overconfident that they wouldn't hurt him.
The door opening broke Jude from his self destructive thoughts. He tensed up as he saw boots at his eye level before looking up.
It was Robin.
Jude didn't think he would ever be so happy to see him.
Or anyone other than Scott really.
Robin stalked over to him before crouching down. He placed down a jug of water a small loaf of bread and a single apple gel. There was no concern in his eyes as he glanced at Jude's prone form and crudely bandaged hand, there was only boredom and a shadow of distaste. It seemed that while Robin didn't mind hurting him to ensure Jude's cooperation, he didn't like the idea of Scott hurting him when he was already caught.
Interesting ethics.
"They want to destroy Trigleph and wage war on Rieze Maxia. What do Braht get out of helping them?" Jude didn't even know why he asked. Knowing would make no difference to his chances of getting out. The response he got surprised him.
"We get to destroy Trigleph, making Duval the new capital city under our control and we get to wage war of Rieze Maxia" Robin replied with a grin.
"And me? What do the Braht have against me?"
"Unlike Exodus, we have no quarrel with you Dr Mathis. This is simply an unpleasant but necessary means to an end." Jude was right then, he had seen distaste but it didn't seem like Robin was going to be an ally if he tried to break out. He was too happy with the end result to protest. "I suggest you get to work Dr Mathis, it would be wise to stay on Exodus' good side. You have already had a taste of their bad."
With that Robin straightened and without another word, left the room, locking the door behind him.
Cautiously Jude edged over to the water and after sniffing it cautiously took a deep drink. It tasted of blood but still soothed his torn throat. He took another smaller mouthful and swirled it around his mouth before spitting it out. It was bright red. He took another mouthful and this time the iron taste had diminished and he could enjoy it more. He saved half of it before turning to the bread. It was fresh, not stale. Jude broke it into pieces to check there weren't any pills or liquid inside it before biting into it.
The first bite reminded him how hungry he was. He hadn't eaten since the morning and he had no idea how long ago that was now. He quickly consumed the rest before sipping more of the water. He wanted to drink it all but had no idea how long it would be before he got any more. Instead Jude reached for the apple gel. At first he was suspicious but then realised a single apple gel wasn't going to be of much help to him. But, It might give him enough energy to cast Healer again though. Before he could over analyse it Jude bit into it. Devouring it in two bites. Glancing at the bared knuckles of his right hand he saw the split skin scab over as it started to heal. His back got a prickly feeling along it and Jude guessed the damage there was doing the same. The throbbing and fog in his head lessened and his vision became slightly sharper. Jude took a deep breath and was relieved to feel it come through his throat without catching. He was by no mean healed but he could move easier and no longer felt like he would pass out. Not that he was going to try standing again unless he had to.
Jude had a choice, he had enough mana to either cast Healer or use Demon Fist to try and break the chain around his ankle. Healer would give him the health to run but he would have no stamina, no mana and he would still be chained. Demon Fist would get him free but he wouldn't be moving quickly and if he failed to escape then he would be seriously injured,have no mana and be chained.
It came down to how much he trusted Ludger to find Gaius and Rowen and to return. Now that Jude had recovered some strength he reached down the link to Ludger. He was closer than he thought.
Ludger?
No reply
Ludger, can you hear me?
Jude? Ludger finally responded. Jude are you okay? Are you safe?
Jude pondered that before answering. The answer to both was no, but he didn't want to make Ludger feel guilty about leaving him. It was Jude's decision and despite what had happened he didn't regret it. Instead he changed the subject Are Gaius and Rowen with you?.
Ludger knew he had changed the subject on purpose, he could feel his worry through the link but he accepted Jude's evasion. Yeah, I found them talking to Leia on the main street. Leia stayed behind with Elle but Rowen and Erston came with me to find you. We think we found the place you are being kept. A set of houses in the corner of a square. Jude sent his affirmation through the link.
Erston? Gaius must be travelling incognito. Damn Leia wasn't with them. Looked like healing himself was the better option. Both Gaius and strong and Rowen were strong but neither had healing abilities. Part of Jude was tempted to ask them to go back and get her so they had another healer with them in case they didn't get to him before Scott came back. But he didn't want to delay getting out.
Bear with me one second , my GHS is ringing. Typical, trust Ludger's GHS to ring during an important conversation. While Ludger was conversing with whoever was on the other end Jude slowly lifted himself off of the floor until he was sitting up properly. With some careful manoeuvring Jude was able to rest the top of his shoulder blades against the cold stone while keeping his tender back away from the wall. He took a deep breath and waited.
Jude? Ludger's voice floated back to him.
Hmm?
That was Leia. She got in touch with someone called Alvin and he is coming to Duval with Elize and Teepo.
Alvin? Elize? Jude perked up instantly. Elize was the best healer in their group and with the added bonus of Teepo Drain Jude would be able to recover his mana enough to help. Things were looking up finally. Alvin's past history with Exodus might make it possible to talk some sense into Scott and the other members. Maybe. If not then another fighter would be good.
Jude could sense Ludger was hesitating about something. What is it?
They are coming over from Helioborg. They won't be here until tomorrow morning. Jude's heart froze. Rowen says the choice is yours Jude, do you think the three of us can get you out or will we need support?
It was a valid question and part of Jude was tempted to just beg them to get him out.
But it wouldn't be easy, they would probably get hurt and if Jude got taken hostage he had no doubt they would be forced to surrender.
Then Scott would murder them in front of him.
Taking a deep breath Jude made the decision. Wait for them, You will be heavily outnumbered, the house is a maze and I. Jude paused before admitting. I won't be able to fight with you. Alvin is strong and Elize is an amazing healer. You will need them.
Jude... be honest. How badly are you hurt? How much danger are you in?
Jude really didn't want to answer either of those. He ignored the first question in favour of the second. He owed them enough to let them know what they were walking into. They would see him soon enough anyway. Hopefully.
They want me to do something for them. Something I won't do. They will hurt me but won't kill me.
They will try to get at you to make me change my mind. He hoped that was enough warning for them.
Where are you hurt Jude? Damn he was insistent. But Jude understood they needed to know so they could assess how well he would be able to fight.
My left hand is broken, I have a mild concussion and my back is damaged although I don't know how badly. I am currently chained up in a basement and there is little chance of me getting out on my own.
There was a pause, then We found blood on the street where I left you.
Jude cursed to himself, he must have worried Ludger sick. Oh, I broke my nose. It's not too bad though. just bled a lot.
Ludger seemed to accept this and Jude felt some of the worry leave him. We are going to head back to meet them, we will leave a small trail so we can find our way back quickly just in case. Just in case they lost the link, Jude understood, they wanted to be able to find him should Scott change his mind about keeping him alive.
When you see Alvin, tell him someone called Scott is the head of Exodus, he might know him.
And Ludger, remember the link will break if you sleep.
That was the same for Jude as well. It was mid-morning when he had been taken and he wasn't going to see anyone until at least the morning tomorrow. It was going to be a long night but Jude had done longer. He was more concerned about being knocked out.
Jude decided against using Healer until the group had come for him. The pain would help him stay awake.
Hopefully Scott would leave him for the night.
XXX xxx XXX
Ludger had been relieved beyond words to hear from Jude.
He was less than happy about having to leave him again though. Only the sheer relief and joy Ludger had felt from when he had mentioned Alvin, Elize and Teepo convinced him that leaving was a good idea.
"They will try to get at you to make me change my mind." Jude's words echoed around his mind. Was that why Braht had tried to take Ludger as well? Were Leia and Elle safe? If Leia had been threatened and Jude still hadn't backed down then whatever they were asking him to do must be truly horrific.
Ludger, Rowen and Erston were quiet on the way back. The only thing that broke their silence was the sound of Rowen marking their way back at every intersection with his daggers so they could get back to Jude quickly.
It was heading towards evening when the group emerged near the bar and Ludger was exhausted.
He flipped open his GHS and called Jude's number, he hadn't had a chance to get Leia's before they split up.
She answered almost immediately "Jude?"
"I'm sorry Leia, we didn't get him." He almost heard her hope snap over the line. "We are going to wait for Alvin and Elize to join us. Where are you so we can meet up?"
"We are at the inn nearby. We were just about to get some food." At the mention of food Ludger's stomach forcibly reminded him that he hadn't eaten all day with a large growl.
Ignoring the amused looks of Rowen and Erston Ludger replied that they would be there soon.
XXX
After a rather subdued dinner Ludger sat in the room he was sharing with Rowen and Erston. A depressed Leia and a rather tired Elle had retired to another room. Rowen had fallen asleep as soon as he had reached his bed while Erston stayed in the common room a while longer to listen to the locals.
Ludger had elected to sit on the hard floor rather than the soft bed to help keep himself awake and let his mind run through all that had happened. Soon his mind began to provide "What if" scenarios until Ludger felt sick.
Erston quietly walked through the door as Ludger was busy mentally beating himself up for leaving Jude and leaving him in this situation. He was now too far away from the boy to even converse with him, they could only send each other small nudges over the link to help stay awake. Erston looked over at Ludger sitting there and beckoned him towards the door.
Reluctantly Ludger stood and made his way over. "Come walk with me Ludger, it would be good for you to keep your mind busy. It will be a very long night otherwise."
Ludger nodded and followed the man out of the door into the night.
They stopped by the job vendor as they went through town and picked up a couple of bounties for local monsters on the Alest Highroad. "Leia mentioned you were in some financial difficulty due to extenuating circumstances." Erston informed him. "I normally find training as a good way to pass the time, if it helps you repay your debt then that would be an added bonus."
Ludger nodded "Thank you, but you don't have to stay up with me Erston, I'm sure you are tired."
"On the contrary I am wide awake. I can not rest properly knowing Jude is in danger. It is strange, we fought last year but we felt no animosity towards each other. Indeed I admired his resolve and strength. Now I hope to share a common purpose with him in the future so we might fight alongside one another."
They reached the field and Erston pulled out his sword. It was immense. Ludger had never seen a weapon like it before but Erston handled it easily in a two handed grip. Jude and his friends fought this guy? "Ready your weapon Ludger" Erston reminded him and Ludger hastened to obey. He readied his twin blades in an easy reverse grip and lost himself in battles for a little while. They reached one end of the Highroad easily before making their way back as the dawn light started to glow around them.
Duval was in sight when it happened.
It felt like someone had driven a sword through Ludger's leg.
He dropped where he stood and started screaming. He couldn't help himself.
He wasn't aware of Erston picking him up and carrying him on his back. He had only vague memories of Erston's strong back under him as he both carried Ludger and fought the creatures off that were drawn by Ludger's cries of pain.
Ludger had been reduced to whimpers as they ran through the town, the pain was still excruciating but he felt as though he was being held at a distance from it. Was Jude trying to protect him even now? That was undoubtedly where the pain was coming from. Ludger had acquired some small scrapes from fighting monsters through the night but he hadn't seriously injured himself.
Exhaustion and pain were battling with Ludger as he was carried back to the inn, he longed to just give in and pass out but didn't want to lose his connection to Jude. He was placed back in his room next to an awake Rowen and writhed around in pain, determined to remain conscious.
"Ludger, break the link, you don't need to suffer like this. We have a path to him. Alvin and Elize will be here soon, we can go to him as soon as they arrive. Ludger." He heard Rowen's voice but ignored it
It was probably stupid, but he didn't want him to suffer alone. It didn't matter that Ludger could do nothing, he didn't want the boy to have no one know what was happening to him. No doubt he would make light of it when he was eventually found. They also put Jude in more danger if they didn't know exactly where he was when they broke into the house.
Or if he was alone.
Thank you to ignite-lx for another review.
Feel free to join them in their reviews, you will find I'm rather nice and I always appreciate constructive criticism :D
Updated to fix typos 6/10/16
