The Fold was just how she remembered it. Dark and cold, the storm wind blowing her hair once again from her face and disappearing behind her. The low crackle of thunder and lightening made her flinch as they descended deep into The Fold, the dark clouds consuming them. Alina watched the sky intently, the screeches from the Volcra sending shivers down her spine. She didn't take her eyes off, her hands itching behind the coat to create a shield for safety but she didn't want to step out of line. Not with Mal here who's life was depending on her behaviour.
Memories flashed back in her mind of the last time they were here. Watching the city of Novokribirsk being consumed by the shadows of The Darkling, innocent people's lives taken away. Alina wasn't certain whether the same thing would be coming for Fjerda. The skiff creaked and rocked as they swam through the sand, entering The Fold deeper and all was silent. The heavy footsteps of Kirigan brought Alina's attention away from the sky and she felt his presences behind her, his warm breathe just above her neck.
"It's time" he whispered and Alina looked over her shoulder, staring up at him. Kirigan stared back, his eyes deep and his body close. Alina took a shaky breath in and turned forward. Slowly, she raised her hands and as she pulled them apart, a ball of light summoned, lighting up the darkness of the skiff. Without a moment to loose, Kirigan placed his hand on her shoulder underneath her coat, a sudden shock sending through Alina's body and she gasped as the light expanded, shooting off in the distance and creating the light barrier she had once summoned before. Volcra screamed and cried as the light banished them from flying down and attacking the Grisha, burning their feet and wings as it touched the light and realising they could't intercept it. Alina held her hands up to keep the barrier there and felt her power taking it's toll on her, her body weakening from the strain. She pushed it once more and the light seemed to stay in place before she collapsed forward, her breathing harsh and ragged.
"That's a good girl, you do this and I might just give you a reward" she could feel his smirk behind her and Alina
Alina looked up with wide eyes at Kirigan, a pleased smile on his face before he turned and walked away. Alina sighed and took a moment to catch up with herself. She hadn't used her power like that since the last time. She felt as if she had been thrown off the skiff and landed on some boulders. The skiff glided through The Fold, the Grisha on board now relaxed as they were safe under her light. Kirigan strolled on board, his eyes watching the sky intently as if he was searching for something.
Alina glanced over at Mal who was glaring at Kirigan from his post, his fist tight and knuckles turning a shade of white. He looked like he was ready to begin one of his fights he was so good at. She remembered a time when Mal was teaching her how to raise her fists and to properly punch someone. She was so inexperienced but Mal had taught her well. Except it was useless against these Grisha.
The journey to Fjerda wasn't long. The skiff had reached 100 marks and they only had 10 to go. Alina watched her light shield glimmer and spark in the sky, the Volcra screeches now non-existent. All it would take for her to bring it down is a swift pull and the shield would be broken. She could break it and let the Volcra carry Kirigan off to his death, leaving her to escape with Mal. The idea embedded in her and she glanced at her hands, rubbing her fingers softly together.
Do it, do it and end the suffering
It was risky though. The Volcra could get to her before Kirigan or attack Mal first, then she would have no one.
If only I wasn't chained to this damn thing
If she wasn't chained like the slave she was, she could easily jump to Mal and protect them from the Volcra with a smaller shield while the rest were carried off to their death. Alina liked to see The Darkling being destroyed by his own creation. A smile rested on her lips at the thought of him being chewed up by one of the ugly creatures and the urge to do so was tempting.
"Sir, we've arrived" Ivan's voice sounded which turned Alina's attention to the front of the skiff. The Fold was starting to thin and the Fjerdan docks came into sight as they neared them, the skiff piercing through the black shadow. She hadn't even noticed as she was in deep thought.
Kirigan stepped forward to the front, head held high as the skiff had now entered through the black smoke and into dry land. The tall mountains beyond were covered in snow and hided behind white fluffy clouds, a thin mist hiding them. Trees surrounded the mountains and the docks were icy and white. It was considerably colder than Ravka and even The Fold so Alina was grateful for her coat. The wind blew against her face and she shielded it down.
"Stop" Kirigan ordered and the skiff came to a halt, creaking as it came to a stand still. Kirigan stood at the front of the skiff, turning to the Grisha on board.
"We are here to bring our Grisha home safely, Drüskelle hunt and kidnap our nation and we will not stand for it. Bring as many of them as you can, anyone one who gets in your way… you know what to do" Kirigan nods to his beloved people and they respond with a nod and a bow. Alina watches from her place on the skiff deck, the Grisha leaving the skiff with determination as they enter the Fjerdan boarder, ready to bring back their people. However, not everyone leaves.
On the skiff remains, Zoya, Ivan, Mal, Alina and Kirigan. As the last Grisha leaves the skiff, the plant is boarded up and the skiff suddenly starts to move back into The Fold. Alina furrows her brows, looking up in shock as they slowly enter back into the darkness, the light shield still keeping them protected.
"What's going on?" She asks and Kirigan steps beside her, his boots inches from her.
"Time for your tracker to start his mission" he looks above Alina and gives a swift nod. Two other Grisha that she hadn't noticed advance over to Mal and unlock his chains, dragging him over to the centre of the skiff and throwing him down on the floor. He lands with a grunt and whispers something under his breath.
"I'm sure I don't have to tell you what will happen if you try to fight me" Kirigan threatens and Mal glares up, face turned in disgust.
"Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid" Kirigan murmurs to Ivan, eyes not leaving Mal and Ivan nods, holding his fingers ready for use.
The skiff moves slowly through The Fold, slower than it did before and Kirigan resumes watching the sky, his head turned slightly as if he was listening out for something. Alina looks over at Mal, giving him a confused look with wide terrifying eyes.
What's going on?
Mal slowly stands, wincing and grabbing his arm in pain. Ivan has a death stare on him, his fingers twitching as if ready to grab his heart if needed. Mal gazes up into the sky as well, his eyes narrowed and silence falls around them.
"Well?" Kirigan breaks the silence with a command, addressing Mal.
"It's hard to tell with the light" he murmurs and Kirigan frowns.
"That light is keeping us all safe, try harder" he demands and Mal scoffs.
"Let me get closer to the edge, I might have a better chance at finding one there" he points out and Kirigan freezes for a moment, debating whether to let the tracker do as he pleases.
"Fine" he grumbles, nodding his head in the direction of the side of the skiff. As Mal pressed forward, Kirigan mirrors his move and stands close to Alina, his hand peaking out from his coat and brushing Alina's hair away as it rested on her neck. His possessiveness came to the surface and he smirked at Mal as he made his way to the other side of the skiff. He wasn't going to allow him anywhere near his sun summoner and he wanted to make it very clear Alina was his.
Alina flinched at his touch but relaxed quickly, not wanting to set Kirigan off. Alina glanced up at Mal her eyes with sorrow and gloom. Mal fought every bit of him inside to shove Kirigan off Alina as he knew it would only make matters worse. Of course he was doing it on purpose to get to him. But with the Heartrender close by and Kirigan directly beside Alina, he had no choice but to let it go. Anger boiled inside him.
As soon as I get the chance, I'll cut your hands off and you'll never touch Alina again
Mal loomed over the side of the skiff, watching the sky once again. Alina looked in confusion. She hadn't a clue what was going on and her heart inside was starting to thump against her chest, her nerves growing larger. Kirigan's hand laid on her neck, fingers softly stroking her skin and touching her collar. She shuffled on the floor, turning her head from his touch and she felt him press harder.
"Anything?" Kirigan asked once again.
"I think I can hear one, but with the light it's difficult" Mal gritted, showing his frustration.
"Are you certain?" Kirigan narrowed his eyes and Mal sighed, turning to face him.
"I think so" he whispered and Kirigan's eyes lit up with delight.
"Stop the skiff" the skiff was stopped and Alina jolted forward. Silence fell once again and she looked up with frightened eyes.
"Get the net ready, I want this done quickly" Kirigan ordered to the two other Grisha who came to the side with a large net. It was made hard rope and at the top was drawstring. The tow Grisha held the net open as if they were going to catch something. But what?
Zoya descended down the steps from the top of the skiff, carrying a bow and arrow with a long rope attached to the bow. She smirked as she saw Alina on the floor. She'd never liked her.
"Once it's close enough, you will shoot it with the arrow and bring it down, be careful not to kill it otherwise we'll start all over again" Kirigan warned Mal who was given the bow and arrow.
"Trust me, I'm a good shot" Mal spat and Kirigan glared before turning back and pacing towards Alina.
Alina was compete baffled. She hadn't a clue what was going on and she was becoming nervous. She hadn't been this nervous since the last time in The Fold.
What is Kirigan up to? What is he planning on capturing?
Kirigan stood before her, eyes down on his sun summoner at his feet.
"When I say, I want you to bring down your light, do it slowly and only when I say" his voice was dominant and warning.
"You bring it down a minute before or later and I'll have your tracker thrown over the edge and the Volcra can have him to themselves… is that clear?".
Bring it down? That could kill us
"Yes… it's clear" she whispered, hanging her head down. Alina was even more terrified now but she was starting to realise what was happening. It was all coming together now.
"Good" he praised her with a smile and he turned his attention on the tracker. Kirigan didn't need to tell Mal what to do, he only needed to give him a glare and Mal readied the bow and arrow, holding it firmly and pulled at the ready. Mal watched the sky intently and his arm bulged as he pulled the arrow back further, holding a steady hand on it.
"Are we ready?".
The Grisha held the net tightly and firmly behind Mal. Ivan stood with his fingers still raised and Zoya held back, watching with delight.
"Okay… bring it down" his command was clear and precise. Alina took a deep breath in, swallowing the nervous lump in the back of her throat and her hands shook. As soon as her light was down, the Volcra would be on them. Alina was frozen and she didn't move, her face open in shock and horror.
"Alina!" Kirigan raised his voice and she turned to look at him. His eyes were wide and mouth set hard. She didn't want to. She didn't want to bring her light down and risk Mal's life. But either way, it would be brought down, whether it was by her or by Kirigan.
"I said. Bring. It. Down" he ordered once more, his command seething through his teeth and Alina held her hands up, scrunching her fingers to slowly bring the light down. The light started to fade and the darkness above was falling around them. It became much harder to see and Alina held the power tightly, trying to bring it down slowly.
Mal tightened his grip on the bow and arrow and suddenly a screech was heard as the light was almost gone. Heads turned to the Volcra scream and the direction it was coming from. Thunder clapped and wings flapped above them, the screaming turning louder.
"Get ready" Kirigan ordered and watched intensely as Volcra were starting to descend on them. Alina flinched and quivered as the screaming became louder and she held her hands up in defence incase a Volcra was to attack.
A loud screaming came and a Volcra flapped its wings forward, flying directly into the skiff, mouth open wide and saliva dripping from its' jagged teeth. The blind monster gripped it's claws on the side of the skiff and the crew backed away as to keep safe. Unlike the other Volcra, this one was smaller, more younger and Mal held the bow and arrow up forcefully as Alina watched in horror.
No… he can't be
Mal released the arrow, the sharp point entering the leg of the Volcra and a screeched sounded. The rope attached to the arrow hung over the side and Mal gripped it tightly around his hands, pulling the Volcra onto the floor. It screamed and flapped its wings to try and escape it's capture but the net was thrown over it to keep it contained. As the Grisha held down the net, the Volcra fought against it's binds, screaming and crying out. The sound was deafening and Alina watched in terror. The young Volcra started to calm down but it's claws scratched and nipped at the net, hoping to create a rip and escape.
Kirigan stared at the Volcra lying on the skiff, the young monster calming down against it's binds and soft whimpers escaped as if it was crying out of being scared. He stepped forward slowly to get a better look at the thing and as he made his way closer, the collar caught a whiff of his scent and panicked, thrashing against the net. A smile appeared on his lips as he was shocked by his mission. It had worked.
"Let's get it inside, we need to keep it in the dark otherwise it will die" his voice was calm. A large cage was brought over by Ivan and Zoya and the two Grisha proceeded to shove the Volcra inside the steel cage with a thick padlock to keep the door enclosed. Kirigan held up his hands, balling them up and creating a shield of shadow that he released over the cage, keeping the Volcra hidden in the dark. It's whimpers softened and it relaxed under the safety of the shadow.
Alina couldn't look away. She couldn't believe what she had witnessed. So that's what his plan was. To use Mal to track down a young Volcra and then capture it. But what was he going to use it for. What could it possibly bring to Kirigan or Ravka?
After all the commotion with the youngling, the crew had forgotten about the safe light not being there and a larger Volcra descended down on the skiff, his screams louder, causing Alina's ears to ring. The crew jumped back in fright and gunfire shot through the darkness, aiming at the older Volcra and trying to defend them against the creature. Kirigan marched over to Alina and gripped her shoulder, a sudden burst of light hitting the Volcra and knocking it over the edge, it bursting into a hot flame and they were once again protected under the light.
The skiff was alit with the exception of the shadow cage holding the Volcra captive. The crew relaxed and Kirigan let out a deep breath.
"Zoya… take us back to Fjerda, we're done here".
Hey so I hope you like it, please leave a review and let me know what you think