CHAPTER 8

Clarke struggled the whole time, her hands were bound and a rough straw bag covered her head. In the cave she had managed to spring to her feet, knife in hand ready to cut his throat. He danced around her clearly trying to subdue rather than maim. Eventually her captor had to bring this pointless charade to an end and landed one heavy punch in the face that made her hit the ground hard. Seeing stars Clarke was then unable to stop him from binding her and taking her to where ever it was he was going.

Tasting the dried blood on her lips Clarke lashed out her legs as hard as she could. It was evident this was doing very little to dissuade him. After half an hour of jutting, screaming and lashing he dropped her to the floor. Removing the bag from her face he leaned in close to her snarling. "Shof op!"

"Don't talk to me in your primitive tongue! You're a warrior, I know you know my language! Who are you and what do you want?" The man said nothing, he was well built, tall and handsome aside from the vulgar keloid scars etched into to his face. Clarke immediately knew what they were, these were Azgeda markings. He was taking her back to his Queen. The realisation flooded over Clarke, she recalled the story Lexa had shared with her the day they cremated Finn at Ton DC. How the Queen had kidnapped Costia, Lexa's love and beheaded her after weeks of torture. Seeing the blood drain from her face the man knew that this silly little girl recognised him. "My name is Rowan. You are coming with me one way or the other. They would prefer you alive...but that's up to you."

Swallowing deeply Clarke nodded "what does she want with me?"

"That's up to her."

The council meeting had left Lexa mentally exhausted. She had left the room at great haste trying to avoid then inevitable argument with Titus following her revelation about Skaikru. Her mood was fouling as the day progressed and she knew her temper would snap if she had remained with the Fleimkepa. As tempting as it was to also kick him off the balcony this was never going to be acceptable practice. Walking now at a slower pace towards the Natblida's training grounds Lexa started to feel a sense of guilt, she had neglected their training so much since her return to Polis. There were so many matters that needed her immediate attention she had little time for her young ones.

Watching as they trained with their staffs she could see Aden giving the smaller ones helpful advice. He was becoming more and more like a leader. It was strange but he somehow seemed older and taller. She has only been gone several weeks, his hair had the same auburn tinge as Costia's did that she so missed. Smiling to herself she continued to watch their training.

One small girl squealed in pain as her opponent smacked the back of her hand with his staff to disarm her. It was not a low blow, but perhaps a little too hard. Walking over Lexa casually jumped the waist high fence into the grounds. All the Natblidas jumped in horror and knelt before her, including the young one still crying over her injured hand. Lexa dropped to her knees in front of her tilting up her chin with one finger. "Shhh now, it's alright let me see." Looking at the dark bruise appearing on her hand Lexa placed a small kiss on it smiling down at her "you see, kiss it and make it better." The small girl giggled at the normally stern Commanders silliness. Wiping away the girls tears Lexa stood up with her arms out stretched inviting the Natblidas in for a hug. They all leapt at the chance to show Lexa their affection with such enthusiasm she almost lost her footing. Laughing and shouting all at once, they had so many questions for their Heda. "Now Natblidas settle down!" She said still smiling, the muscles in her face felt as though they were pulling uncomfortably, it had been so long since she had smiled. "I am sorry I have not been to see you since my return."

"We thought you were mad at us." One of the youngest ones said tugging on her own ear. Lexa scooped her up into her arms. "No, no! Never. I have just been very busy. So busy that I have barely had time to eat. But I am done now, so we can carry on with training today. And how about normal lessons with me in the throne room in the morning?" They all smiled and cheered at this, none of them ever enjoyed Titus's teachings and from her own experience she could not blame them!

Removing her coat Lexa placed it away from the dirt, she picked up her staff and twisted it slowly in hand then directly pointing it towards Aden, stepping forward with his own weapon he accepted her challenge. Bowing to her, Lexa responded by lifting her staff in acknowledgment. "Gather round and watch Natblidas." All eyes transfixed on the match about to ensue. Aden was quick, flicking out a strike towards Lexa's middle, which was easily blocked he advanced quickly again with the other end of the stick, this time aiming for her head. Ducking back Lexa lifted her own staff managing to slide it under Aden's pulling it towards her ripping it from his grasp within seconds. Raising his hands Aden yielded as he knew there was no point in continuing without a weapon. Surprised by how quick she was to disarm Aden, Lexa gave him a quizzical look. None were better than she but Aden was very talented and could give Lexa a half way decent sparing match. "Enough for today, go home and enjoy the rest of your evening little ones, Gremma! Go to the healers, let them look at your hand." Tapping Aden on the shoulder Lexa signalled that she wishes for him to remain.