CHAPTER 10
Clarke struggled to keep pace, hands bound and attached to a rope Rowan was practically dragging her. She knew she had to make every attempt to keep up as she'd be subjected to being thrown over his shoulder again. At least while she was on her own feet there was a better chance of escape. Thankfully the weather made their journey slow, the snow had become thick and was difficult to navigate at times.
Clarke behaved herself, kept quiet and tried to do as she was instructed with the hope he would think her slightly more trustworthy. This would surely be her best chance of catching him off guard. Head down and trudging with the last of her energy Clarke hadn't noticed Rowan coming to a complete stop, walking full force into his solid back. She let out a loud grunt. Grabbing hold of her and ducking down, his face uncomfortably close to hers he gestured for her to be quiet. Holding her breath she glanced round trying to see the threat. Seeing nothing she opened her mouth to question him, but before she could utter a sound the majority of her face was covered by is massive filthy hand. Feeling a sting as he reopened the wound on her lip, Clarke glared at him. "Stay low. Do not be seen. And do not move from this spot." He warned.
Rowan let go of her and crept as close to the ground as he could. Clarke could hear distant footsteps, looking toward the tree line she could see three men, all wearing thick pelts and furs and weapons drawn at the ready. As they got closer Clarke could see scarred markings on their faces, much like Rowan's. These were Azgeda warriors. If these were Romans kin why was he hiding?
Without notice Rowan launched himself at the men striking the first in the face with his blade. The other two charged at him, the sound of metal clashing rang out. Clarke had to snap out of her confused trance and take the opportunity to run, with one quick glance behind her she saw the two Ice Nation men fall to the floor in a bloody mess. It appeared one had lost the contents of his abdomen as the other lost his head. Horrified Clarke ran as fast as she could across the icy plain.
Hearing nothing but thumping Clarke opened her eyes and could only register the pounding in her head. Through blurred vision she could see a camp fire. "I told you to stay put." Rowan grunted, he approached her grabbing the front of her furs hoisting her into a seated position. "What happened?" Feeling the large swelling to her left cheek. Saying nothing Rowan turned his back to her sitting back down to tend the rabbit on the fire. "If you run again I will remove your throat." Not even with a look in her direction he threw half the rabbit at her feet. Clarke sat frozen, she wasn't sure if it was because of the cold winter's night or the fact that this was not an empty threat. Feeling completely helpless Clarke considered what horrors tomorrow would bring when Rowan presented her to Queen Nia.
Abbey was beside her self. It had been weeks since Clarke had left Arkadia and every rescue team sent out to find her came back empty handed. Now what was worse they received news that she had been taken by the grounders. Of course rumours should never be taken as solid truth but Lincoln had managed to intercept the small group of grounders talking about the great Wanheda being taken.
She was completely helpless, there was nothing she could do to save her, her own daughter. Now Pike had taken over as Chancellor all search and rescue parties had been called off. He had tried to spin some rubbish about needing all the man power and resources they have to keep Arkadia safe. A curfew and orders to remain within a one mile radius of their gates had also been put into place, anyone caught in breach of these new rules would be subjected to capital punishment.
Hurriedly she passed one of the engine rooms of the ark and ducked into the small adjoining ventilation room. Thankfully she was met by Kane, Raven, Lincoln and Octavia. In hushed tones they had no time to waste and Abbey dove straight in. "Have we heard any more about Clarke?"
"No, all we know is the Grounders took her. But we don't know where she is Abbey." Lincoln stated in an empathetic tone, but the use of the word Grounders referring to his own people left a bitter taste in his mouth.
"But who Lincoln? Was it's your clan? Trikru? What could they possibly want with a nineteen year old girl?!"
"I overheard it was the Ice nation that took her. They'll most likely take her to Queen Nia in Azgeda, I am guessing she wants the power of Wanheda." He finished without thinking. Octavia gave him a sharp elbow in the ribs to stop him from divulging anymore to an already hysterical Abbey. "What does that even mean? What is a Wanheda?"
"Just a superstition Dr Griffin." He tried to cover up clearing his throat. Abbey's face contorted into a mask of rage. "Do not lie to me! What aren't you telling me? I have a right to know!"
Kane stepped forward gently placing his hand on her shoulder. "Abbey we must be quiet. Lincoln what do you know?"
Sighing he gave Octavia an apologetic look, she rolled her eyes crossing her arms.
"Abbey apparently Lincoln's people believe that Wanheda is a person who is the Commander of death. After the mountain the people started to believe its Clarke." She said.
"That's absurd! And you said they want the power of this Wanheda." Looking at Lincoln, he realised it wasn't a statement it was a question. "They believe if they kill her they will be able to take her power. And become the Commander of death themselves."
Placing a hand to her forehead Abbey couldn't think straight.
"Yeah but you said this was just a superstition right? This Queen character surely isn't that stupid to think this is real?"
"Raven is right. It's all just superstition Abbey. We will find Clarke. I promise. We just have to sort the mess out here before we can leave." Continuing Kane shifted his focus. "Octavia did you manage to get word to the Commander about the situation here in Arkadia?"
"I think so, I used the blind spot like you said to slip out of the fence. I found Nyko and explained everything. We just have to hope he got it to the capital."
"Why the hell are we in contact with that grounder bitch? Why does she need to know about what's going on here?" Raven exclaimed, the thought of Lexa instantly making her blood boil. "Because Raven she is the only one who might listen and try and help us. If she is aware we are trying to over throw this mad man and avoid going to war with her she may accept terms of peace. If Pike tries to do anything that he claimed they will kill us all." Kane stated firmly. Shrinking back Raven had nothing else to say. "So what now? Do you want me to head to Ton DC to find Indra? Maybe we can arrange to meet with the Commander?"
"No Octavia, it's too risky. Pike will have your head if he catches you. I think we need to wait a few more days to hear word. If not we're on our own. We just have to prey the Commander sees reason."