21
"She was taken? How do you know this?" Luxa demanded.
"I had scouts sent out to search the area surrounding the city." Mareth explained. "The Isolist troops are positioned north outside the outer circle. My soldiers reported back that both Nerissa and Wynnora are being held." Gregor felt himself grow cold. They had Wynn. "We believe the Isolists will make a trade offer soon. The women for the prisoners we have now."
Luxa did not reply immediately. She was thinking hard, no doubt weighing her options. Gregor knew they could make the trade, but that would be helping the enemy. They could not make the trade, but he knew they could never abandon their cousins. For a moment, Gregor realized he was thinking in terms of they, but this was her decision. Luxa's decision. Not theirs together. He looked to her now.
"I cannot give the Isolists what they demand. Not only would it make me appear weak, but I would also lose a valuable asset," Luxa said.
"But we can't leave our family," Gregor reminded her. The queen nodded, and pushed up her crown.
"Mareth, is a successful rescue mission possible?" Mareth thought a moment before answering.
"With a small, well trained party, I believe it possible to rescue them," he finally said.
"Excellent." Gregor knew she made up her mind. "I want Gregor, Hippolyta, and Ripred included. Aurora and I will also go."
"Your Highness, I must protest t-" Luxa held up a hand to silence him.
"Nerissa is my family, and I will personally see to her safety. I will not hear your objections. If you are truly worried for my safety, then you will be certain the other soldiers you select are highly skilled." That was the final word. The plans were made, the party was chosen, and they were on their way in a few hours. Everyone hurried the mission as they were all concerned about what information the enemy could get out of the women as well as the techniques they would use.
Gregor was worried sick over his cousin and Nerissa. He tried not to think about what the enemy might do to them, but his mind kept drifting to the idea. He was relieved he had no time to tell his family about what happened: he did not want them to worry like this. He forced himself to focus on the task at hand, and reviewed the plan. He would be with Luxa and Ripred on the ground. They would wait for Mareth's troops to get into positions above, then they would attack and flee as fast as possible.
It did not take long to get close to the Isolists. The party landed just inside the outer circle. Mareth took his troops the long way round to sneak in from above, while Gregor, Luxa, and Ripred would walk the rest of the way. They crept forward silently through the dark tunnel. Luxa held onto Gregor to guide her through the pitch black. As they neared the Isolist campsite, the army's lights allowed her to see. They crouched behind a boulder at the cave opening, and looked inside.
Wynnora stood before several Underlanders with her hands tied behind her back while Nerissa sat beside her muttering to herself. Wynnora was bloody and dirty from battle, but Nerissa's dress and skin were only a little dirty. Gregor thought she looked totally out of place.
"Cease your mumbling," an Underlander spat at Nerissa.
"She obviously can't," Wynnora said. "You might as well stop asking questions. She doesn't know anything, and even if she did, she's too far gone to answer."
"Silence, Overlander!"
"Calm yourself, Rodrith." Stellovet stepped forward gracefully. "Nerissa will be of no use to us for information. However, the Overlander may be of value." She smiled at Wynnora. Gregor hated that smile. He should have killed her.
"Can we get them out now?" Gregor asked. He was almost touching Luxa so she could hear his quiet whisper. She shook her head, and pointed to the ceiling. Mareth was not in place yet. Gregor knew they had to get his cousin out of there before she was hurt or revealed some important information. She knew so much of the Allied plans, not to mention useful information about Regalia, quite possibly more than Gregor knew.
"What would I know? I'm just a weirdo from upstairs," Wynnora said. She was trying to sound casual, but Gregor heard her voice shake slightly.
"Oh, do not be so humble. My brother told me much about you. I have no doubt you have very valuable information."
"Shall I retrieve the powder for the interrogation?" Rodrith asked.
"No, I think not." Stelloevet's voice was too sweet. "I would very much enjoy getting the information in the traditional way."
"We need to get her," Gregor hissed in Luxa's ear. They had to wait for Mareth. The queen shook her head firmly. Gregor watched Stellovet draw an ornate dagger.
"These are the rules," Stellovet explained. "I will ask a question. If you should refuse to answer, or if you should lie, I will cut you. After five rounds, we will proceed to breaking bones. Is that clear?" She smiled.
"Perfectly," Wynnora mumbled.
"What is Luxa planning to do next?"
"Your mom."
"The Overlander speaks in riddles!" Rodrith yelled, and the other soldiers muttered in confusion. Stellovet ignored them, and in a smooth motion, cut deep into Wynnora's arm. She cried out in pain, while Nerissa muttered louder to herself. Gregor checked the ceiling. No soldiers yet.
"How many of our weapons do the Allies still have?" Wynnora answered in Japanese. It was probably nothing good. Stellovet cut deep in Nerissa's arm, but the woman hardly seemed to notice.
"You said you would cut me for wrong answers. Stop breaking the rules," Wynnora said. Stellovet giggled.
"You are very childish."
"I don't know why everyone keeps saying that. I'm an adult. I file my own taxes." Smack. Stellovet slapped her across the face.
"We need to get them," Gregor hissed in Luxa's ear. He could not stand seeing this. Stellovet asked another question, leading to a cut on the neck. A fourth question with a cut to the leg. A fifth question, then a cut near the rib. Wynnora was being worn out. Where was Mareth? Gregor could not stay quiet any longer. He knew Luxa would be mad with him, but he had to stop this.