Author's Note: … So I was in a car accident. Long story short- I have nerve problems in my right hand and can't actually use my hand for that long without being in pain. If I was able to write this would've been up way early. I sincerely apologize! I'm doing slightly better now, everything still hurts if i use it too much but I will just suffer to get these chapters out to you. Anyways- after the longest wait from the worst author, here you go!
Chapter 25
Plans
Luther didn't let go. It had already been longer than a minute but his arms still held me close to him. He had lowered his head into the crook of my neck and I could feel his breath on my skin slowing down. It was as if he was trying to calm himself down. I couldn't return the embrace as he had pinned my arms to the side when he had pulled me sideways towards him. My position was now halfway off the bed and I could feel my back becoming more sore than it had previously been from all the 'training' Maverick had pushed me through the days prior. At this time I couldn't tell how many days it had been. I know I have been away from Luther and the rest of the camp for four days now but after Maverick had once again pushed me too far I couldn't tell how much time I wasted being unconscious.
But that wasn't what I was focusing on now. In my hand farthest from Luther I had clutched onto the mottled green and grey material that lay discreetly under one of the blankets covering my legs. This was the sign that I had been hoping to see. I checked around my tent with my eyes. None of the shadows we occupied by the cloaked figure I wished to see. Gilan had been here, I just know it. Becks wouldn't have been able to visit me as they wouldn't have needed to keep up pretenses while I wasn't awake especially without an escort. I knew that there would be no other sign of Gilan paying a visit but I still found comfort in knowing he had been here. I felt a huge weight lift from my shoulders as I finally knew the answer to whether my mentor was alive or not. I released a shaky breath as I realized that I was no longer alone on this mission.
"Shhh, it's okay." Luther whispered into my hair, "I'm here." I blinked a few times to get my eyes to stop stinging. The man holding me released me halfway. One of his hands came up and stroked my long dark hair out of my face. It was tangled and his fingers seemed to catch a knot but they simply stayed there, holding the base of my skull. His other hand fell off my shoulder and found my hand. I watched as Luther's tanned and calloused fingers thread into my pale ones. A thumb brushed against the back of my knuckles. Looking up I saw that Luther, for once, couldn't reach my eyes. He was intently staring at our interlocked fingers. I examined the man more. His clothes were dusty and wrinkled. His hair sticking up at odd ends, and the usual stubble on his face had not been groomed in what looked like a few days. The lines on his face seemed to be drawn on deeper because of worry.
Using my free hand I tapped him on the shoulder. He still didn't look up. Instead he brought our hands to his bowed forehead. "I came as fast as I could." His voice was hoarse, and lacked the enthusiasm it normally held. "I even left the camp last night and rode ahead. But then I found you like this…" His voice cracked and I felt my eyes start to sting again. I didn't really know how to answer so I remained quiet. His hand started shaking. Comforting wasn't something I was taught, so awkwardly I placed my hand on top of his. He looked up and I saw the dark circles under his eyes and how his brown eyes threatened to spill the tears that were forming. For once I could clearly see what he was feeling: worry, heartbreak, exhaustion, the feeling of uselessness and anger. All of them mixed together was too much for Luther, he was lost. Lost on which emotion to act upon so he chose none.
He turned my hands over. The palms of my hands were dry and cracked. Speckled with scabs that I had forgotten about. To a ranger these were nothing but a sign of being alive. But I wasn't a ranger now I was supposed to be acting as a lady, and in this case the victim of punishment. Outwardly, I winced as his fingers brushed against one of the larger scabs. Every day with Maverick resulted in new ones. Luther stopped and brought his lips down to them and pressed them lightly to my torn hands.
"Sometimes I can't understand why Maverick has to take things so far." At long last he finally caught my gaze.
"I don't-" My voice was weak and dry and failed as I tried to get the words out, but it did help my act. A hand came up to cup my cheek. A thumb brushed soothingly over my cheek. "But I'm scared he'll sell me out to the stake." It was a whisper but he was close enough to hear. I closed my eyes tight. Tears weren't something that I could produce on the spot. I can't even remember the last time I actually cried. Maybe when I was five? Luther once again pulled me into a tight hug.
"I'll protect you from him." The low drawl was soothing. "Maverick needs you. He won't be sending you to the stake, he's trying to make sure that it happens to no one again."
When you're in close proximity to someone, you tend to notice things. Like the fire of hatred in Luther's eye or the subtle hint of conviction in his voice. I may be no expert on reading people, but that last sentence seemed to stir something in him. As if he knew of the pain and didn't want anyone to experience it. That was Luther's reason. It must be or pretty close to his reason for following this risky plan. But does Luther know what Mavrick has planned?
I wasn't given the chance to ask anymore questions on the subject. Luther finally released me. Smiling fondly he placed a hand on my head and stroked my hair once. "I'm afraid I have to get back and lead the troupe to Araluen this morning."
"They're not coming here?" I blinked up at him under long dark eyelashes. Possibly to continue the distraction. Or perhaps no one else really knew about this second camp. That would make more sense. Most of the people I travelled with didn't seem like the ones who would join the circus that openly wanted to take over the kingdom.
"There won't be enough room for all of us here. Besides, I was planning on letting everyone have a few days off to explore the area and the castle while we ask for permission to perform. They have a few more rules that take longer to process."
"Can I come with you?" I looked up at him through my lashes. He gave me a sad smile as he brushed my cheeks with his thumb.
"You need to rest, love. I will be back before you know it." His eyes scanned my face. A pressure from his fingers at the back of my skull indicated what he was planning. His lips pressed against mine for a few seconds as he tilted my chin up. A smile formed on his lips as he pulled away. "Sleep now." He whispered as he guided my shoulders back down.
It took him a few extra moments to actually leave my tent. Backing out as he did, just to get that one last look. I waited until his shadow disappeared from the side of my tent. However, disobeying his suggestion to sleep might not have been the best idea. I shot up in bed and immediately regretted it. The world started spinning even behind my closed eyelids. Holding my head did nothing to stop the agonizing pounding in my skull. I had forgotten that Luther had helped me earlier to sit. My body felt weak as even sitting here caused my muscles to shake. Even though my legs protested I still swung to the floor. I pressed my bare feet into the ground and closed my eyes. This was the easiest way to tap into my power, but I doubt my headache could get any worse and I didn't have the energy to actually concentrate through my hands.
Connected to the earth this way I could feel everything. But it was all at once and it hit me like a wave. I must've missed judged how much energy I had left. I had no ability to filter all this information. My head felt like it was going to explode. The only thing that stopped me screaming in pain was the vague sense of familiarity. As my vision blurred I saw a few people rush into the tent. I knew I had fully hit the ground from the angle of my vision but I could no longer feel any more pain. One might've been wearing a purple cloak but not much else registered before a blackness clouded my vision. I didn't care though. I'm not sure where exactly I had felt him, but I did. That little light that I felt had a special warmth belonging to only one person. Gilan was here. He was alive and I didn't have to guess that answer anymore .
I'm not sure how long I had been down. The sun looked as if it was on it's last few hours from the rays that hit the west side of my tent. Waking up this time was way easier, even if I felt stiff from prolonged immobility. Moving was slow. Which was mostly my fault this time. Breathing deeply cleared my senses as I came to a seated position. No more headache this time, that's good. I wasn't exactly back to normal but rest did seem to be what I needed. All the bones in my body seemed to creak and pop as I stretched them out. A small groan escaped as I straightened my legs to a stand.
"Are you awake, Miss Silas?" a soft voice came from outside. It sounded like one of the Genovesans. I never got either of their names, even when I asked for them. I rolled my neck side to side, massaging the taut muscles to get it moving properly again. Through the crack between the two flaps of the tent I could make out the side profile of a man clad in purple.
"Yes," I said in a small voice. Next I massaged my throat to make it easier for words to come out.
"You've been out for the better part of two days Miss. I will have someone bring you some food." informing me, still standing outside the tent.
"Can you let Mr. Beckett know I'm alright as well?" I chimed in as he turned to leave.
"Of course." He nodded then turned and left.
Becks, surprisingly, was the one to enter my tent after my guard had announced that he had returned with food. He gently placed the tray containing my meal on the side table next to my bed. Wordlessly he reached out and placed a hand on one side of my head. I could tell what he wanted to say but couldn't because of anyone outside who might overhear. Or that might come in.
"You gave us quite a scare there Miss Silas. Being sick is for the elderly like me, not the young'uns. Hope you don't mind that I dropped in, just wanted to see how you were doing."
"Of course not! I've missed your company." We both sat down on the bed as I picked up the tray and placed it on my lap. He started to recount the events that I missed when I was asleep, which I knew was a complete fabrication but he did it to divert attention from any eavesdropping.
The porridge didn't look all that appetizing but they were smart to bring it. Might be plain enough for my empty stomach to handle. Becks was quick to find the real reason I sat us down. He found the ranger cloak tucked into the blankets. He raised an eyebrow. I mouthed 'Gilan.' He asked the question 'where?' in his story. It was those hidden questions I knew I would have to wait for. I just shook my head, 'I didn't know.' I pointed at my hand and mimed being faint. 'I didn't have enough energy to find him with my powers.' He nodded and continued talking about yesterday's meal.
Next, I pulled lightly on the chain on my neck then acted out the signal for the crown with my hands. Becks didn't falter as but his eyes steeled. He had guessed that was their intention, but 'how?' was his next question. I relayed it to the best of my knowledge through gestures. They'll surround him, and use magic. 'When?'
"I think I should go back to sleep soon." I said aloud, putting my tray on the table once again. The food half finished, maybe my stomach will accept the rest of it later.
"All of my talking must've tired you out. Don't worry, I'm sure I still have a few more stories waiting for next time. Rest well." Quickly before leaving, Becks kissed the side of my head.
It was strange, having Becks be so affectionate, but it was almost he was trying to make up for our time apart. Growing up, I rarely got to see him smile, let alone have my grandfather be physically tender. A smile gazed between the flaps of the tent as I settled once again into my sheets. From my conversation with Becks, I knew that I would have to regain my strength. If my guess was right it would only be a few more days before Maverick set his whole plan into motion. I already knew he planned to use my power. More specifically the one that caused the ground to tremor. It was the only one Maverick could control, and measure and rely on when the time came. If only I had a way of fighting back like I could with the rest of my powers. I had to figure it out and figure it out fast, before it could cause harm to anyone, especially the King. Except, the only person I know who is an expert in this field is Maverick. And I highly doubt that he would enjoy the idea of trying to stop me from using yet another one of my powers. I might even admit that he has helped me understand my powers and how to focus them. Something that would most likely take me a couple years to figure them out on my own. But what I needed right now was a plan, because time is running out.
I've been depleted of magic before. Back when I first discovered I had magic. I was worried that the voices would start fading before I was ready so I wanted to learn everything I could. Becks wasn't impressed, but I distinctly remember him warning me that I was pushing myself too far. Yeah, he was right. Luckily I had a Ranger as a grandfather to find my body in the woods or I might've been eaten by wolves. He never let me forget it either. I seemed to get more of his chores after that. Most likely to limit the free time I had.
This was worse. It felt like every muscle in my body was dried up. My legs shook if I took too many steps. The pounding in my head did fade but it made me nauseous if I sat up too quickly. So whether I liked it or not I was bound to my tent for two days. I couldn't force myself, I shouldn't force myself. I needed to have my strength back. Gilan, now that I was sure that he was alive, I knew he was coming up with something. With no word from him it was risky to guess. If worse comes to worst then it would be three Rangers against what feels like an army. Occasionally I would use my magic to scope out the area. It was a handy ability to have, if you're every move was being watched. I could scan the surrounding area, looking for possible fall back locations. I could sense scouts going through the woods, forging a path large enough for men and their gear through the trees. It went a good two kilometres and deep enough from the clearing that you wouldn't be seen from the valley. It made sense from what I remember of Maverick's map. It was also smart when facing a force like King Dunan's escort. Unless Gilan had a way to stop this initial attack it was going to be up to me for a plan B.
A pair of arms nearly knocked me to the ground. If not from a second pair of arms grabbing onto my other side. A high pitched note rang loudly in my ears as I was jostled even more.
"Silas!" Jane exclaimed.
"We missed you!" Beatrice laid her head down on my shoulder and squeezed even harder.
"I didn't bring you over to squeeze my Silas to death. Remember she just recovered." I was grateful for Luther's smooth drawl that seemed to be key in my freedom.
Beatrice's short blond curls still bounced as she contained her excitement. "Sorry Silas, I forgot." her blue eyes drooped shamefully. She dropped her arms and took a respectable step back. It hasn't been that long since I last saw the two girls. I didn't realize that they brought a new aspect to my days that I might even say that I missed. They didn't seem like they were part of Maverick's main plan. They might have been brought here because Maverick maybe sensed something in them just like a lot of the others. And judging from his reaction to me and when Becks had hinted there were other prisoners they didn't have enough magic for Maverick to care. That could've also been used as a threat to get them to stay after Luther's effect wore off and in return they joined this family. But seeing as they weren't brought to the main camp like I was, they probably don't know what's really going on. Or that's what I hope.
"When we heard that you had fallen sick we had to beg Luther to take us to see you and make sure that you're okay." Jane rubbed my arm, leaning her freckled cheek on my shoulder. Bashfully I looked at the ground. The smile warmed my lips at their thoughtfulness. A warm hand wrapped around my waist from the other side. I was squished into a side hug from Luther as he pressed a kiss to the side of my head.
"It's nice to see you looking more like yourself, love." He whispered. Not quietly enough, as I heard some giggles trying to be muffled. "Make sure you ask if you need anything ladies." Luther nodded to the man on duty to guard me. This Genovesan, as usual, didn't say anything. I don't know if Maverick is paying him enough to start doing errands for people.
With that Luther left. There were some moaning noises coming from the two girls as they stretched out their backs. From the cracks coming from their joints could only mean they didn't have a lot of breaks along the way. What did I do to deserve friends such as these?
It didn't take much convincing to take the girls on a tour of the camp. Taking them the long way around camp allowed me to see what kinds of preparations they were coming up with. As normal they took over much of the conversation. It was fun to hear the latest gossip that I had missed while I was away. Making it so that when I return I wouldn't be left out of the loop again. They also didn't forget to poke fun at me and ask how my relationship with Luther was going, and got teary eyed when they remembered Gilan. Saying that even though I 'chose' Luther didn't mean Gilan had to leave and look elsewhere for a new woman.
I could hear rather than see the sound of hammering on steel. A blacksmith, most likely. They would need better weapons. There were less men than usual in the common areas. The ones who stayed practiced sword play. From the looks of it they seem to have improved. Their sword drills looked more defined. Spears and formations looked more disciplined. They might train well, but they were most likely hired as individuals. Put them in a fight and they will still think every man for himself. If things don't go their way, they will probably cut and run without getting paid instead of paying with their lives.
I glanced at the two girls snoring quietly as they hogged my bed. They didn't last long after dinner. After all they did mention that they were up before dawn just to come and see me. Smiling at them I fastened the clasp of my mother's cloak as I swung it over my shoulders. It was well past midnight, making hiding in the shadows easier. I wasn't taking any chances of being caught with a ranger cloak. I had full faith in my cloak but there was someone who was going to need one more than I did. The cowl fully on could turn me completely invisible. With as many men they had patrolling the night watch I was going to need stealth. Maverick was lying motionless in his tent for over an hour now. I casually checked on him while waiting for Jane and Beatrice to fall asleep. Being this far into slumber he shouldn't wake if I happen to go out of his radius. At least that was the hope.
It was when I stepped out the back of my tent that I finally felt like myself again. Breathing the cool night air, I let my eyes glance around my surroundings. They were already adjusted to the darkness. Swiftly I ran the perimeter of the camp, easily avoiding any wandering eyes with the help of my cloak. It took less than two minutes to reach my destination. This tent was one of the largest in the camp. It was constantly guarded by a minimum of four guards. This was the prisoner tent. Getting inside using the only entrance wouldn't be too much trouble but I needed to speak with Becks and didn't want to be overheard. A smirk graced my lips as it was handy that I just so happen to have a few tools up my sleeves to get rid of them. Nothing made the late night shit worse than seeing and hearing things that shouldn't be there.
My focus went to the shadows casted by the few clouds covering the moon that danced on the sides of the neighbouring tents. The sudden movement of a shape disappearing caught their attention. After a few scuffles all four of them were now alert. I did the same thing going in the opposite direction. Again their attention was drawn. Add in a few sounds of roots breaking and leaves from branches rusling and three of the four clenched their weapons tighter in their grasps and took tentative steps forward. A shadow passed right behind them. They jumped out of their skin and separated, trying to find the culprit. If only there was one to begin with.
Slipping inside was easy. I would have to just occasionally create some distractions outside to keep our new friends too preoccupied to bother listening for whispers. Inside was worse than I could imagine. There were only a few free spaces between the bodies of the prisoners that I could safely place my steps. Fifteen people might fit in this tent but not enough to let everyone stretch out to get a comfortable night sleep. All their hands were bound with rope, some gagged. These were the ones that Maverick must have found some potential in. They had magic, just like me. I just hoped he stopped looking for more unfortunate souls once he found me. Becks was easy enough to find. He was the only one that was tied in a seated position to the centre pole. His head lolled to one side, and rolled occasionally as if trying to find a comfortable angle to sleep.
Illuminated by the moonlight I could see the deep lines that etched his face as I crouched down to his level. Tired dark circles sagged under his eyes that pained me to think about waking him up. I lightly put a hand on his shoulder, the other quickly covering his mouth.
"Shhh…" I whispered as his eyes popped open and glanced around. Quickly I brought my hood down. He relaxed tiredly when his brown eyes met mine. Becks had always teased that my grey eyes reflected the moonlight making it really easy to pick them out in the moonlight. I always had to remember that throughout my training. I just hoped they helped him recognize who was intruding his sleep.
"Silas." He breathed. I wrapped my arms around him as best as I could.
"I'm here Becks." My voice was muffled into his shoulder as I refused to let him go.
"Are you alright?"
"Let's not worry about me right now. I'm here to plan your escape." A wide smile spread on my face as I kept him at arm's length.
"Well it's about time." There was still a glint of Ranger in him. That was a good sign. He wasn't broken yet. I reached under my belt, inside my corset where I kept my throwing knife. It was terribly inconvenient to get to in a moment's notice but it was well hidden.
"You can use this to cut your ropes."
"I thought you said we're planning my escape? You seem like you're in a better position to do it yourself."
"As much as I know how easy it would be to cut you loose and help you escape, what about everyone else here? If we all try to go at once, not everyone will make it and Maverick will still try to take over the kingdom. We will need a better distraction than just me playing with some shadows." I put a few small alterations in the rope. The knife could easily slice through the multiple layers of the rope but I only wanted a few threads here and there. Not big enough to be noticed but enough to allow freer movement. I dug a small hole in the dirt next to the bottom of the pole. He should be able to dig it even with his hands tied, if he didn't have enough strength to break them.
"What's your plan then?"
"Depends, do you have any idea what Maverick plans to do with everyone here? Maverick is planning on abusing the King. Do you know if anyone here will be of use to his plan?"
"Maybe a few. It's been a while since Maverick has pulled anyone out for 'training'. But from what i know about their abilities, I doubt he will take everyone and risk losing all his hard work."
"From the tension around the camp I gather it will happen any day now. When we go to meet the King you can take the chance to escape. I'll take care of anyone that ends up going with us. They can join my plan B." I drew a crude map in the dirt. "Your best bet is to keep the cliff face visible and use the trees for cover. It will be the opposite direction that the help will be taking when they ride out for the King. About half a day's walk there will be a cave, narrow entrance and easily defendable but large enough inside to fit everyone. Last I checked there were no creatures living in it."
"I don't think I'll complain about your powers ever again." Becks chuckled. A small proud smile graced his lips.
"We really need to get you out of here, you're starting to compliment me."
My night didn't finish with Becks. I had a few extra provisions I had to set out for him. There were still a few hours left of night cover. The guards I had left on a wide goose chase were finally swapped out for the next shift. They weren't as jumpy at every ghost of a noise and would make hiding in the shadows easy for a Ranger. My second trip relayed all the equipment that Becks would need to fight his way out if he needed. I bundled up his cloak, a quiver arrows, and my recurve bow and slunk back into the trees around the perimeter. The recurve bow was the logical choice. Realistically he wouldn't have the strength to pull the full weight of the longbow in his current condition. I probably won't hear the last of it but at least he'll get out of it alive. The molten colours of the cloak would help obscure the shapes of the other weapons. Hooking my foot around the base of the bow I bent it back into its proper shape. Wrapping them all together I parted the branches and placed them near the roots. It was a rather dense bush that someone would have to look through the branches to know there was something hiding in there, or have been told exactly how many steps from the south east corner the cache would be. This was all I could do for now. The sinking feeling in my chest that had accumulated over the last few months started to fade. Becks could be saved. We have a plan. Getting him out is the easy part. At this point my plan to save the kingdom is going to be next to impossible.
Author's Note: Thank you to all my beautiful reviewers! I cherish everyone. I have the next chapter planned out and have a bit more ability to write more.
Love, Marie
0017Songbird - Thank you for taking the time to review! I'll try not to take as long (hopefully i can be excused just this once!)
fsfs - Hopefully this was worth the wait!
daughterofak1ng - thanks for the review and sticking with me all this time!
PigsAreLife- Thank you so much for the review! I know I wish i could've got this to you guys sooner!
GeorgiaIsAwesome- You just touch my heart with your reviews. And I agree Luther is killing me and needs to back off. I'm trying not to make weird smiling faces at work (luckily these masks we have to wear are helping lol).
Tracyn Skirata Freski - thank you for the great review! I'll try my best to look out for those inconsistencies with the tense. English writing has never been my forte, I went to a french school and was never really focused on english grammar all that much but I will try.
Adrianna- Your reviews always make me laugh. The genovesans don't really get much character development but i believe at least that one has a bit of humanity in him.
Something like me - thanks for the review! I'm still working on improving my writing and will have to work on how I indicate that time has passed. It's been about 3 months give or take. Takes a while for the whole troupe to travel and reach a destination, and they stay there for a bit as well.
Don't know if that helps.
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