Hi! See me at the bottom for an author's note but right now here's another chapter. :D Enjoy!
*** Chapter 7 ***
Edward was brought out of his thoughts when a small hand came to rest on his tensed back, instantly recognising the touch as his sister's he felt his anguish deepen. Bella hadn't come herself. Before he could dwell on that Alice nudged at him until he turned around to face her but even then he couldn't bring himself to make eye contact.
"That was rude…what you did, and if Romena's king was the kind that was easily insulted you would be executed. You need to stop thinking whatever thoughts that are going through that overly large head of yours and snap out of this immediately." Alice said bluntly and Edward finally looked her in the eye in order to glare her way.
"You have no idea how much I'd like to do that but the fact that my horrible, dysfunctional family was the cause of so much pain to Bella's will still stand." He huffed. "Can't you see that there is no way to fix this for her…her mother is gone as is her friend…Charles has missed irreplaceable years with his daughter and now I find out that someone related to me is responsible? I feel like…like…I don't even know."
Alice sighed in frustration at her overly protective and loving brother, these were good and rare qualities to have but they were sometimes infuriating.
"Edward please, none of this should be your concern and besides I've seen Jaymes pay for his crimes…I can assure you that he will get what is coming to him. He has angered a lot of people and killed many unjustly and his days are numbered, I've seen it.
"As for your real father, he paid before his death, which I might add was very painful and drawn out…don't you see? You didn't have to do anything, the gods saw and they did what you could not because you didn't know-"
"That might be true but how will I face Bella knowing what they've done and that I share blood with her mother's murderer? She couldn't even face me to speak with me."
"That's not true. I told her to stay. Right now I know how your mind works better than she does. Bella wanted to come and she harbours no anger towards you, only concern, which…"
Edward was startled when Alice suddenly grabbed his arm, her eyes going blank, which normally happened whilst encased in a vision. He wondered what decision had been made and moments later he knew it wasn't anything good when her face paled and she pulled him along behind her.
He asked her between breaths what was wrong but she never uttered a sound, continuing to drag him back towards the hall where they'd met King Garrett; a sense of foreboding made him speed up until he'd almost overtaken his sister.
Skidding into the hall he noticed that only King Garrett and Charles remained seated and that Bella was not with them. Before he could ask where she went Alice was asking which direction she'd gone and Charles rose to his feet obviously unsure of their panic.
"She went to find you, did you not see her?"
"No, she's in trouble. I need you to tell me which way she went!" Alice pleaded in a hurry and Charles immediately pointed to her left which was the opposite of the way they'd both gone. Edward was sure he couldn't possibly feel anymore guilt than he already did but at that point, as they ran through empty walk ways and halls, he realised he'd been wrong. If Bella was harmed it would be no one's fault but his this time.
"What happened Alice?"
"I saw Bella get grabbed, the hand was dark and I could not see much else before the vision stopped except for a particular painting behind them." That explained why she'd been glancing at every wall as she ran.
"What do you mean by 'saw'?" Charles asked and Edward started in fright after not having heard him follow their hurried departure.
"My sister has been given the gift of sight…she can see the future depending on a person's decisions." Charles' eyes widened but not with disbelief like Edward would have guessed. There was knowing in his brown eyes that, with a pang, Edward couldn't help but associate with Bella.
There was no more talk after that and Alice eventually came to a halt in front of what Edward assumed was the painting she'd seen. There on the floor was the proof they needed but hadn't wanted to confirm Alice's vision.
Bella was gone.
Edward watched as Charles bent and picked up his daughter's daggers – which had been strapped to her back – and his fingers gently moved over the cold leather of the sheaths which had lost the warmth of their wearer.
"Could you make out any other details of the person who grabbed my daughter?" Charles asked, his voice gruff and through his own worry Edward could only imagine what he was going through. Charles had just been reunited with his child only for her to be taken away once more.
"No…I'm sorry. This hall is dark and, who I assume is a man, has the darkest of skin that I've ever seen. That colouring is rare is it not?"
"Yes it is but I fear I have never seen any of Isola with it." Charles said as his eyes frantically searched the halls as if his daughter would jump out at any moment. "I must speak with my king, he will allow me to track her I'm sure."
Edward numbly followed Charles as they ran back the way they came, arriving before King Garrett who looked to his commander with concern. "What has happened my friend?"
"Someone has taken my daughter and I ask for permission to track her. I know that this is not the best of times to leave the city without a commander but I beg your forgiveness and permission."
"Of course…think nothing of it, I still have many loyal soldiers which is why I want you to take the Nine with you. Their skills in the track, I am sure, are more refined than any other." Edward's opinion of King Garrett grew ten-fold as his face showed genuine worry and his voice rang true.
"Forgive me my liege but I fear that is not wise…I cannot leave you entirely unprotected, they-"
"Charles, my dear friend, have you no faith in my skills of battle? I believe I have set you on the ground too many times to count." He smiled kindly and Edward watched Charles' resolve weaken and eventually fade as he bowed and led the way out of the room after Edward and Alice also showed their respect.
"Thank you, my King." Edward said and found himself truly thankful for such a man as a leader.
"Think nothing of it…just make sure you find her, I do not wish to see Charles return to the state he was in when he first lost her. Go my boy and godspeed."
"Have you seen anything else Alice?" Edward asked as they hurried behind Charles, heading towards the soldiers quarters. Her face went blank as she tried to force a vision like she'd done a few times before but found she could not see a thing more than what was in front of her.
"No…I'm sorry. No one has made a different decision."
Edward wanted to swear at the sky and at the gods but he restrained himself because nothing good would come out of it except angering them; they'd had nothing but bad luck and it would only get worse if that happened.
Once they arrived in the soldiers quarters and Edward's eyes adjusted to the dim lighting he watched in awe as nine people – which consisted of two women and seven men – abruptly came to attention before their captain. They ranged in height and shape but all shared the same colouring, their skin the colour of the sands of the desert and their dark eyes the colour of the sky at dusk, a blue so deep they were piercing.
"I have need of your help, be ready to go immediately." Charles said, his voice firm despite his obvious worry over his daughter's whereabouts. "My daughter has been taken and we must track her. Make sure you are fully armed as we have no idea of what we will encounter."
The tallest, and who appeared as the oldest, of the group nodded and then barked orders to the others and they quickly strapped armour and weapons on until they had a deadly second skin.
Edward could only think that it had been minutes but yet they stood before Charles waiting his next command like they'd never moved. Their speed was astounding despite simply completing a mundane task and Edward was secretly pleased they were on his side and he would not have to face them.
"Edward, Alice, these are the soldiers of the Imperial Guard of Isola. They are skilled hunters and trackers and will hopefully help us retrieve Isabella, are you ready to go?"
Edward and Alice nodded and gratefully accepted the spare armour they were given; he made sure that Alice's was firmly in place, as she had never had to strap such things on her person before. Minutes later they were following Charles and the Nine as they ran to the palace's outer walls.
The two women were in the lead and Edward watched as their eyes scoured the ground, what they saw he could not say but he felt a glimmer of hope when one woman turned to the other and spoke. Her glossy, short, black hair had originally covered most of her face but slid back with the movement and Edward restrained a gasp as he took in the angry red slashes covering half of her face.
The other woman was smaller in stature and had her black hair braided out of the way and after they murmured a few more words – which Edward swore was in a different language – they turned to the leader. They pointed insistently towards two deep gouges in the mud of a road, Edward knew, led away from the mountains and towards the open plains of Sidia.
It was mostly flat ground there and Edward's heart raced at the possibility of spotting Bella in the distance; maybe they would be able to catch up to their quarry before she could come to harm.
"Let us go then. Sam will guide us through the plains so stick close as there are many unseen dangers despite the terrain."
"We'll be right behind you." Edward said and Alice nodded in compliance. Edward could tell she was upset at losing Bella and not being able to prevent it despite being so near to her minutes before; leaning closer he whispered for her ears only before they began their brisk run.
"Hold on to hope Alice…we will find her safe. You could not have done a thing just as I couldn't. Not when her mother was killed and not now. It is no one's fault but the scum who has taken her…if only I'd realised this sooner."
"Thank you brother…I needed to hear that. I know how much Bella means to you and I already love her like a sister."
***B***
Bella groaned and tried to shift away from the uncomfortable thing sticking into her stomach but found she couldn't move from the waist down. Her eyes blinked rapidly and then she saw legs and the world around her. Upside down. Leaning up a bit she took note of the people walking beside and behind what she now knew was a man; her small body flopped over his hard shoulder which was what was jabbing her.
However, before she could say anything, she was brusquely dropped to the ground and the air in her lungs was knocked right out of her. The man ignored her glare and spoke through mangled, scarred lips. "About bloody time you woke up…bitch weighs a tonne she does."
"I'm sure…or maybe you're getting weak Smiston!" another jeered and Bella finally realized she was surrounded by Barbarians. She assumed that they had been the other half of the group that Edward and she had fought.
"Shut ya' mouth or yours'll end up like Smiston's" another shouted in jest and Bella couldn't help but think that everything she'd gone through had been for nought if she was with them. At least she was their only prisoner this time.
As the men continued to taunt and joke together, some drinking from water skins, niggling thoughts flowed through her mind. Why had they pursued her and taken her? Was it because she was responsible for them losing their previous captives?
"Be quiet all of you." Another voice said – it was deeper and held a different accent which drew Bella's attention instantly – and the Barbarian's immediately hushed and continued their strides. Turning her head she came face to face with the man who had grabbed her. His skin the colour of the abyss with eyes to match, his head free of hair and what looked like silvery tribal markings ran down the length of his neck confirmed that he was no Barbarian.
The tone he'd used was quiet but threatening just the same and she knew that he was the one who led them. He had authority and power behind him and she figured that he wouldn't be someone she'd want to battle, he'd kill her before she could even raise a weapon.
Quickly reaching at her back she realised that even if she'd want to fight she couldn't, her weapons were no longer strapped there and the man's dark eyes took in every movement. His face showed nothing but she thought she saw amusement flicker in his eyes.
Suddenly a hand circled around her arm and she braced for pain at the strong hold but surprisingly the man did not squeeze like she'd assumed. Instead he helped her to her feet and waited for her to get her bearings before dragging her after the dark man when he stalked off.
Glancing curiously to the side she took in the profile of the Barbarian who still held her and noticed he looked different than the others. Barbarians were well-known for their stocky build, bulging muscles and fiery hair but this man, who was definitely branded, was slight, tall and fair.
She'd be a fool though to think he didn't have strength because she could see the muscles rippling down his arms that were bared from his leather and animal-fur vest. His hair was a light blonde instead of the dark reds and browns she'd seen and his eyes were bluer than the ocean. He certainly didn't look like he'd fit in with the rowdy bunch but he'd been one of the ones to tease the man who'd carried her so he held respect.
"I think I've heard that staring is rude…even for my kinsmen, they do not do it."
Bella's face went red and she faced forward until she was once again staring at the dark man's back. His voice, despite the obvious brogue of his nation, held something familiar and she wondered if he really was from Nordia like the others.
Shaking the thought off she walked quietly along and wished that she'd have some sort of opportunity to escape; maybe she'd try when they stopped to rest.
They walked and walked until the sun had well and truly set and the sounds of the night animals were heard, not long ago Bella had wandered freely amongst them and now she was a captive being taken to what she guessed was the Grecian empire. She'd figured it out once they'd reached the Sidian plains, the capital city Bero especially, was surrounded on all sides by the barren terrain which then met the ocean.
She remembered reading in one of her books that it was why they'd acquired the serpent symbol. Not only did the venomous creatures roam freely through the plains but they also buried in the sandy ridges that riddled the open ground.
***B***
Snores, grunts and the crackling warmth of a fire.
The scratching sound of a creature of the night foraging for food.
Bella refused to open her eyes and she made sure to breathe deeply and evenly as she felt eyes still on her. It had surely been hours since the men had set up camp and fallen asleep but still the Barbarian with the mangled lips watched her. She knew he wasn't the sentry because she could hear repetitive footsteps a short distance from her so she figured he'd been given the task of watching her specifically. She was deliberately making it the most boring night for him and figured he'd eventually doze off if she waited patiently.
After what felt like another few hours she felt a cold mist settle around the camp, the fire only dead embers, and the night creatures long gone. She so desperately wanted to open her eyes or move, her muscles growing stiff and sore and finally she felt his gaze leave her. The tiny hairs on her arms returning to normal.
Making sure to keep her face relaxed she opened her eyes until she could survey her surroundings through the cover of her lashes. Anyone who looked would assume she still slept but that would be their mistake. Quietly and quickly she took in as many details as possible, noting the exact position of every haphazardly sleeping Barbarian including Mangled Lips.
Taking note of any weapons near her.
Taking note of the position of their sentry.
When she was happy with her calculations she slowly uncurled from her fake repose and opened her eyes fully, the light of the full moon glowed eerily over the flat plains which would help guide her way.
She needed to get back to Romena. Edward was surely desperate at her disappearance, not to mention her dear papa who would be fraught with worry. Slipping a nearby knife into a small pocket that was concealed on one side of the dress, the kept close to the ground and crawled silently the way they'd come. Her dress helped her blend in with the moss and grass but she knew her skin would glow even in the minimal light so she made sure she kept her arms and legs close to her body.
Glancing back every few meters to make sure nobody was following she managed to make it a fair distance away when she abruptly hit something hard. She'd been looking back to check behind her and instead of continuous open air there were a pair of sturdy leather-covered legs.
Her heartbeat drummed loudly in her ears as her eyes looked up and then up again and she felt the cruel disappointment when the blonde Barbarian grinned down at her in amusement.
"Now how did I know I'd eventually find you here? Did you miss me?"
She refused to reply to his taunting and instead chose to regain some of her remaining pride; rising to her feet made her feel a bit better despite the fact that he still loomed over her.
"You know, the others aren't as docile as I am." Bella wanted to laugh in his face at such a ridiculous comment but chose to turn on her heel and make her way back. Maybe if he thought she was giving up he'd relax his stance and she could slip out the knife. Before she covered much distance however, his voice sounded again and she curiously slowed.
"I'll let you know a secret tiny lady. The men listen to me because I am second in command, but know this…I won't always be able to watch your every move and if it had been any other of my men to find you this night we would have had to deliver the remaining bits of your body to Laurent's master. Orders or not."
"Do you think that frightens me?" she asked coolly as she turned to face him. "I believe that your other men were no match for me before. In fact, they were no more experienced than young boys when they fought me."
She realised that it wasn't the smartest thing to do. To taunt an already annoyed Barbarian, but it was one of her failings. She watched with what she hoped was a blank, calm face as his head fell back in quiet laughter; 'maybe he hadn't took offence' she thought. Moments later she knew she was wrong when he moved so swiftly she never saw it coming.
He been a few meters away and in the time it took her to blink he was in front of her and holding her a foot off the ground by her throat. His strong, rough hand squeezed painfully around her neck and she felt her airway start to close so she desperately kicked her legs against him as hard as she could but it was similar to kicking a stone wall. She tried slipping out the knife but he knocked it out of her hand as if it were nothing but a toy.
"You are one brave tiny lady, I will say that…but just know that one of those men you so easily killed was a close friend." Sneering in her face as he mocked her words from before. "You got lucky…but I can assure you that your luck has run out."
Little spots were darkening the edges of her sight and she felt him painfully squeeze harder, ignoring the nails she dug into his skin. Her mouth was open and trying unsuccessfully to take in even a small amount of air and she knew she wasn't long for the world.
Seconds later she felt herself crumpling to the ground as she choked and sputtered, her throat raw as she tried to swallow and breathe. She glared up at the blonde Barbarian as he watched her with amusement and she leaned back when he crouched down on his haunches. His angular face so close she could feel his hot breath.
"I like you tiny lady so don't make me do that again. Next time I won't stop." His eyes were the deepest blue of the ocean as he stared her down. Raising her chin stubbornly as she grasped at her tender throat he chuckled in amusement at her silent defiance. "As I said, I like you. I find you unusual…for a woman."
Bella's glare grew darker and she wished that she had the power to kill with just that glance. "Now, now, don't look at me like that. You know you goaded me, therefore your pain is your own fault. Besides, it's a good lesson to have been learnt…it's not wise to play around with a Barbarian." He spoke as if he was simply having a pleasant conversation as he effortlessly picked her up off the ground.
She was helpless and sore as he carried her back to the camp but she deliberately slumped in his arms and let him carry her full weight to which he chuckled once more. "I guess now is a good time to tell you that if I had not been there you would be dead. You were about to crawl over a Viper's nest and I hear their bite results in a slow and painful death."
She felt her eyes widen in shock and before she could say anything he'd dropped her back where she'd started, her tailbone now as bruised as her throat.
"Sweet dreams tiny lady." He spoke almost soundlessly, bestowing her with a mocking bow.
"Bastard." She hissed out, her throat protesting at the scratchy, pitiful sound. She continued to curse him in her head as she watched him chuckle once more before blending into a dip in the plains.
Bastard.
***B***
As soon as dawn broke the Barbarians woke and packed up their camp but not before a few gave her curious glances, staring at what she no doubt guessed was the large bruise around her throat. Even the dark man, who she'd learnt was named Laurent, openly stared at her neck. She wished, as his eyes skimmed over her skin, that her hair was not in its usual braid and that she was able to hide behind the veil it would provide. His obsidian eyes were unnerving.
"Jasper." He spoke, the dark timbre of his voice steady and giving away no clues as the blonde man whom Bella now despised stepped forward immediately.
"Yes Laurent?" he drawled, his words were casual but his shoulders were tense and Bella wanted to smile at his discomfort.
"What is the meaning of this?" Laurent whispered, one long, dark finger pointing towards the ravaged skin of her throat. "The sire requested her unharmed."
"And she is…unfortunately through the night I had to haul her away from a Viper ready to strike…it was an unfortunate part of her to grab." His voice was casual and steady despite the lie and Bella's hate wavered. He could have easily told Laurent that she'd tried to escape and then she would have been uncomfortably carried the remaining distance but instead he'd provided a cover for her.
'Why would he do that?' she wondered as she watched the silent battle between the two men, her breath held in her chest until it threatened to burst.
"I see." Laurent simply stated. "A very unfortunate hold. Let us hope the sire is as understanding." It was a threat. Bella knew. Jasper was important to the Barbarian's and if Laurent hoped for any cooperation from them it would not do to harm their second-in-command. For now.
Laurent stalked ahead of the group as Jasper came to her side. His blue eyes were amused even though he'd just escaped from what could have been a deadly discussion, and he gently grasped her arm. Dragging her along beside him they continued their walk as if nothing had happened.
"You sure are exciting tiny lady. I hope Laurent's master keeps you around for a while." He smirked at her pathetic attempt to struggle against his hold so she could scratch at his annoying face, but they both knew she wasn't putting her full effort into it. Somewhere over the last minutes before they'd left the camp he'd grown on her. Bastard as he was, he seemed to be protecting her for some reason.
"You'll live to regret those words…I'm sure of it. I won't be a prisoner for long if my father is on his way like I know he is." She hoped her assumption was correct with all of her heart and she caught the flicker of recognition cross Jasper's face only because she'd still been looking at him.
"Commander Swan is a man not to be reckoned with. Maybe you're right."
Bella was shocked that he knew her father and she was about to ask him when his fingers squeezed her arm in warning, a slight shake of his head getting the message across. 'What was he up to?'
They walked for hours and Bella's legs felt like jelly, her ankles throbbed after tripping over so many unseen dips in the ground; the only thing that was keeping her up was Jasper's grip. As they'd walked she'd seen the city of Bero growing larger in the distance.
They were nearly there and soon she'd learn of her fate.
"Halt!" Laurent ordered and the men wearily glanced towards him for his orders, Jasper included, a muscle ticking in his clenched jaw. "Consider your services complete. Payment has been delivered to your ships with a promise of peace."
"That wasn't part of the plan." Jasper said, his voice was soft but deadly. "King Jaymes requested that we deliver her straight to him and we are men of honour. We keep our word."
Bella saw the flash of rage in Laurent's eyes and knew that if Jasper kept talking he'd find himself dead between this breath and the next.
"Your men of honour failed. I had to step in when they could not finish the task. The deal has been changed and you have been paid." It was a clear dismissal and Bella cringed when her wrist was roughly grabbed by Laurent's long fingers. His fingertips dug painfully into her skin as Jasper's hand slid off her other arm.
"Very well." He grunted, clearly angry, but willing to not find out what Laurent would do if pushed too far. "Send our regards to your master."
Whatever Jasper had planned to do had been interrupted, of that Bella was sure. The distance grew quickly between the two separating parties and she glanced over her shoulder one more time before they were too far to see and was startled when her eyes met Jasper's.
They were sincerely apologetic and her confusion over the mystery that was the Barbarian Jasper was renewed. She had no idea if she'd ever get the chance to figure him out.
***B***
The open plains never seemed to end as Edward continuously searched the horizon for signs of movement. They'd been walking and running on and off all morning after having rested for an hour at most for two nights straight, his legs beginning to cramp. Alice was in worse condition and he was worried she would collapse at any moment, her chest desperately heaving in air as they tried to keep up with the Nine. They'd been better introduced when they'd stopped to rest; names exchanged over a small meal of roasted snake.
Edward had thought himself fit before this day but realised that he was no match for the seven men and two women that formed the elite group; not one of them were showing signs of fatigue. Even Charles seemed fine but Edward thought it was sheer willpower driving him onwards more than stamina.
The first time he'd lost his daughter he'd thought her dead and Edward knew that the commander would not make the same mistake twice.
His eyes had once again drifted to where the sky met the uneven plains which is why he nearly collided with one of the men. The man's name was Quil and he seemed to be the friendliest – the word not the best to use as a description – but he seemed to say a few more words than the others.
Looking around their small group he noticed that they'd all stopped and it seemed that Charles, Alice and he were the only ones who didn't know what was going on. He watched in silence as the two woman moved forward, slowly and carefully. One bent down and picked up something that turned to ash, the black particles drifting through her fingers as she brought it closer to her nose.
"Not far." She said to Sam. "It is still warm."
"Where Leah?" Sam asked the other woman who had circled out from where Emily still stood. They watched as she picked up a small knife and then pawed at the mossy stones. When she stood once more one slender arm pointed towards something that none of them could see yet but knew inherently.
Bero.
Bella was being taken to the Grecian capital and for the millionth time Edward wished he'd never left her side. Maybe then she would never had been taken and she would not have to face his half-brother, if that truly was their destination. They could possibly still reach her but Edward had a feeling they wouldn't make it before she'd been brought before the king who was known for his horrible temper and harsh punishments.
Deep down he had a sick feeling that maybe it was his fault she had been targeted but he shoved the thought aside and focused when Sam nodded and they once again continued their brisk run.
Just as the high walls of Bero came into view hours later so did the silhouette of a lone person. The figure was too big to be a woman or child so the quiet susurrations of swords being drawn was heard before the person became more visible.
He was a Barbarian and Edward saw red. He didn't stop to think why the man never drew his own weapons, or why he was alone or even why his face showed no malice, before he was upon him. His fist flew with spectacular speed connecting with the blonde man's jaw, the sound of teeth clicking together and then a groan as he lost balance was like music to Edward's ears.
Before he could move to strike again his sister's frantic face was in front of him and she desperately pushed against his vibrating chest. The fury of losing Bella finally finding a reliable target.
"Move Alice!" he snarled, "I don't want to hurt you."
"You can't…hurt him…do you hear me?!" she shouted back between pants and her unfamiliar tone snapped him out of his haze of fury. He'd never heard her raise her voice and he'd never seen her filled with so much anxiety. "You mustn't hurt him. He's here to help."
"What are you talking about?" Edward asked in annoyance. "I'm sure he helped take Bella away."
"You're right," the man grunted as he unsteadily got to his feet, his hand rubbing at his reddening jaw. "I was part of the group that delivered her to Bero."
This time Alice needed the help of Sam and another of the Nine named Seth, both of their muscles strained to hold Edward who was desperate to slice the Barbarian to pieces. His green eyes turned dark in rage.
"Edward calm yourself! You're wasting time we don't have. Do you want Bella back or not?!" that seemed to finally get through to him and he shoved Sam and Seth off him. His hands pulling at his messy hair as he paced like a caged tiger of the courts.
"Explain." He huffed out impatiently and for the first time he noticed the sentinel position that Charles had taken in front of the Barbarian.
"It is true, Jasper is part of the group that took Bella but he left them and is now coming to help us get her back. He intended to free her after they'd reached Bero and had a chance of escape but his plan was ruined by Jaymes' general." Alice was no longer panting and she seemed to have calmed down minutely when she was sure that Edward wasn't going to attack again and it made him curious.
The only people she protected like that was her close family and friends. It also occurred to him that she knew his name already despite the Barbarian not mentioning it.
"So you had another vision which you decided to not tell me about. I should have known, you keep everything to yourself until it's too late." Edward spat out.
"Do not speak to me that way. I have told you that there are consequences to everything I see and every time I speak it out loud I am risking everyone's future." He immediately felt remorseful, his face heating from the shame of talking to his sister like they were enemies.
"I'm sorry Alice…you're right. Please forgive me…I just-" her tiny fingers over his mouth cut him off and he looked down into her forgiving, familiar eyes.
"I know brother," she whispered earnestly, gently gliding her hand over the skin of his cheek and he tugged her in for a quick hug. He released her when she drew back and walked towards the Barbarian who had been listening to their conversation with a studious curiosity.
"How long ago did Laurent take her off your hands?" Alice asked immediately and Edward watched in secret amusement when the Barbarian's eyebrows rose so high they risked getting lost in his scraggly hair.
"How did-"
"We don't have time. How long?" she asked more sternly, her eyes not once blinking or diverting from the deep blue of the Barbarian's.
"No more than four hours ago." He sighed, his hand rubbing over his bruised jaw again as he shot a glare towards Edward. "What you said was true, I was planning to lose Laurent in the crowd and take her to the docks. Our boats were waiting and ready to set sail where I planned to smuggle her aboard until we were far enough away. I then planned to circle around to Romena."
Edward didn't know what to say. This man had been trying to help but he couldn't figure out why after their group had already killed most of the people of Creolle. "Why would you help her after what your men did to her village? What is she to you?"
Piercing blue met fiery green and then darted towards where Charles stood to the side. "Firstly, I have no control over what the men do out of my presence, I was unable to go with our initial group and for that I am sorry. Secondly, she isn't anything to me but I recognised her similarity to Commander Swan. I owed him a great debt from long ago and this would be my way of repaying it. It's no matter now anyway, I failed."
"At least you tried." Charles said.
"Too right you did." Edward muttered at the same time.
He deliberately ignored the irritated look that Alice sent him. "Why did you help Jaymes in the first place? You're men of the sea from another country, what made you throw your lot in with him?"
"Our sire was given no choice. He was to send two boats full of his best warriors or our lands would be overrun with Grecian's. The sire is in sick health. Jaymes knows this…and he also knows that any battle fought would be a blood bath on our side until we find a new leader."
"And we're supposed to believe that?" Edward said in disbelief, there was no way that the men of Nordia could be forced to do anything they didn't want.
"Are you saying that I lie?" Jasper hissed, his hand trembling as it rested on his sword.
"I didn't say that, but it's fairly obvious you and your men have no honour by attacking those weaker than yourself. How are we supposed to believe what comes out of your mouth?" Once again Alice found herself pushing against a man's chest, this time she tried to restrain Jasper as his furious eyes narrowed over her head.
Edward enjoyed the moment for only a split second before he heard his sister gasp and stumble slightly. In seconds Jasper was on the ground again, his jaw the target for the second time and Edward held Alice tight to his chest.
"What? What is it?" he rushed out, his hand itching to reach for his blade.
"No, no Edward…he didn't do anything. I just…he's my Kindred…" she breathed out in disbelief. Of all the things that he expected her to say that had not even flickered through his thoughts.
"What?!"
"You heard her," Jasper mumbled as he regained his footing again. "And if you slug me one more time I'll cut off your hand." He said, blue eyes flashing with restrained anger.
"Look, I don't know what's going on between the three of you but every moment that we waste is another moment that Bella is getting closer to Bero and I cannot allow that. We must move." Charles said, his voice ringing with authority and frustration and Edward wanted to hit himself for even forgetting for a second.
"Sorry Charles, you're correct. You said it was only four hours or so of a head start?" he reluctantly asked the Barbarian.
"Yes. Laurent will take her directly to his master but I do not know what will happen after their meeting." Edward nodded and studiously ignored the fact that Jasper was almost touching his sister. When they hurried onwards he knew he'd leave his opinion over their union for a later time.
They had more important matters to deal with first.
AN: Thank you for your comments and feedback once again!
I still love hearing your ideas of what's going to happen next so keep it coming and I hope you liked Jasper's appearance. I have to say he's one of my favourite characters (which might have to do with that smooth southern charm he exudes lol).
Hopefully I'll be able to keep updating Wednesday's as normal (AEST (UTC +10:00)), and just to let you guys know there should only be a couple of chapters left. I hope you have another lovely week!
Bye lovelies! :D
