~ Chapter 25 ~
Hegrith was nursing a bloody hand but the little brat was finally secured. The former tenants of the Keep had an extensive dungeon that was ideal for keeping his prisoners but for now only held the girl. He rarely actually stayed here, preferring to keep on the move so he was harder to track.
He had been stunned when he saw the female leave the safety of the palace shields that hindered some of his watching to pick up a girl in the city. It was obvious even to the most indifferent watcher that she loved the girl.
That was her weakness.
Hegrith watched for only a few days before taking the girl. He had not expected the girl to be so rebellious. Since a dead hostage was useless he had been forced to subdue her with out magic.
A few days of starvation would tame the little spitfire.
Hegrith sat at the empty table in the great hall. All he had to do know was wait.
~*~
:Where to now?: Kenyon asked.
Keli looked around, everything looked slightly different with real eyes. "That way." Keli pointed to a trail leading off to the left.
Kenyon resumed his fast pace deftly dodging the trees and branches that got in her way.
Keli's entire being was focused on the keep she had seen. Once she reached that she could rescue Fyn and destroy Hegrith.
Behind her Solaris clung to the pad. It was obvious she was as concerned as Keli and Kenyon for the lovable girl.
At noon Kenyon insisted on stopping for a drink and some food. Keli was reluctant to give in. They had lost enough time with their wrong turns.
When Solaris insisted as well she gave in.
As soon as Kenyon was done she swung back into the saddle and they were off again.
~*~
Tris didn't need anyone to tell him this was the way Keli had gone. She wasn't bothering to hide her trail.
"If she stops for the night we will be able to catch up." Darkwind said from his position behind Elspeth on her Companion Gwena.
"She won't stop." Tris said grim certainty.
He took the lead this time as they charged down the deer path after her tracks.
~*~
Kenyon was sweating but he didn't complain, his Chosen's urgency becoming his own. When he brought her back he had never envisioned how much change she would bring. She had started the proceedings for a great university, taught the mages the more efficient techniques she had been taught, and created the position of a second Queen's Own. All of these changes had massive effects on the future making it more peaceful.
He had known she had known of the mage wars and had planned to give her enough information for her to know that Hegrith was the key to the wars. Destroy him, save her time. Instead she had overcome her grief, lifebonded to Tris, saved Fyn and made this time her home.
:Companions and Great Destinies.: Solaris gave a mental snort. :You would think that with Elspeth as an ancestor you would know she would not go along with your plans.:
:What was your plan?: Kenyon challenged.
:Bring her here and let her loose. Nice and simple. She would find her own path. All I had to do was keep her alive long enough to regain her feet.: Solaris answered.
:And I suppose you knew she would fall in love with Tris.: Kenyon said sarcastically.
:Actually, yes, I remembered Tris quite well. I knew him when I saw him in your time.: Solaris answered smugly.
:Well, we are still on a suicide mission. It just took longer to get here.: Kenyon pointed out.
:It was her choices, you knew it would have to be by her own free will.: Solaris reminded him.
~*~
Hegrith couldn't believe what he saw. The female adept was much faster than he thought. How had she learned of his location so quickly? Less than a day had passed and already she was almost on his doorstep.
It didn't matter. He would just be able to deal with her sooner than expected. She had even brought one of the three most powerful horses. Everything was going better than expected.
With a slight smile he went to retrieve the bait.
~*~
Keli swung off Kenyon and Solaris followed suit.
:I can't get in.: Solaris said.
"No matter. We will adapt the plan." Keli walk boldly up to the door and felt the shields tingle along her skin.
:Kenyon, wait in the entrance. Solaris, get Fyn and transport her to Kenyon then both of you get out of here as fast as possible.: Keli ordered.
:I will remain with you.: Solaris assured her.
Kenyon hesitated.
:I need Fyn safe. That is all I ask.: Keli requested solemnly.
The doors swung open.
~*~
Caewen's sides were heaving but she didn't slow. Gwena may be Groveborn but she was in the same condition since she carried a double burden of Elspeth and Darkwind.
She could sense Kenyon ahead. It wouldn't be long now.
~*~
Fyn was now cowering as the mage had expected but had attacked him as soon as he entered with teeth, fists, and feet.
Hegrith grabbed her arm and twisted it until he heard it snap and she gave a pained cry.
Her eyes were brightened with tears but she still showed no sign of surrender.
"Try that again and I'll snap your neck." He warned.
"If you were going to kill me you would have done it already." Fyn retorted.
He knew he would be able to gain a great deal of power from sacrificing this girl. It would also be as satisfying as the day he had sacrificed his own brother.
He felt the shields thrill when the female walked through them.
"I don't need you for much longer." He smiled coldly.
Fyn recoiled but her spirit was unbroken. "Keli is going to turn you into a gerbil, you know that? And she is going to blow your head up to. And you deserve it!"
He raised his hand to hit her and she dove for his ankle, her teeth sank into his flesh. "Damn brat!" He cursed and grabbed her by her broken arm. She released her grip at the fresh wave of pain and cried out. He could see some of his own blood on her lips. "I am going to make you watch me kill her first, then I am going to take my time with you."
Fyn whimpered helplessly.