Captured

Chapter Eight

Sleep seemed to evade Lexa that night as she tossed and turn in her bed, the time well and truly past midnight. Her mind wouldn't switch off enough for her to drift into unconsciousness and the harder she tried, the more frustrated she became.

All possibilities ran through her mind like a constant cycle, all plans and ideas jumbled into one. None were safe or without consequences, some higher risks than others. And as she thought them all through over and over again, she had to remind herself to stay calm and not to panic over Clarke's safety.

Lexa eventually rose, the sun just speaking over the horizon as she slipped cold feet into her boots. She forced herself to remain focused, not matter how lethargic or sleep deprived she felt. As she exited Indra still stood guarding her tent and she gave her a small nod before proceeding on with her intentions.

Lexa stepped inside the scout's tent, knowing what she must do to cover all bases and the man suddenly sat up, apparently a light sleeper which was of no surprise. His eyes sought out the intruder and immediately he bowed upon realising who it was, a murmured Heda reaching her ears. The Commander approached the man's bed, her voice lowered as she spoke.

"I need you to deliver an urgent message to the one they call Orik."

…

The next few days passed achingly slow as Lexa prepared to put the next part of her plan into action, that unfamiliar feeling of impatience threatening to surface. She was unsettled, now more than ever as the urgency to get Clarke back continued to grow with each hour.

Lexa mainly resided in her tent, no one knowing of her plan until she was ready to inform those she needed to help carry it through. The first part was to wait until Orik had arrived to their camp.

A voice called for her from outside the tent and she knew who it was before he had even stepped inside. She took a deep breath to steady herself for what was to come and took a seat on her makeshift throne. "Please, take a seat."

Orik did as asked and with a worried and curious expression as he took a seat in front of her. The man wondered what could be so important that his Heda had summoned him so far from home.

"As you know, Clarke has been kidnapped for many days now. We have tried to free her but Azgeda maintained the upper hand and she is still a prisoner within their walls." Lexa explained calmly, confusion still laced in the kindly man's features. It was the same look he maintained until herself and Clarke had explained their intentions for wanting to start a family with his help.

"I have a plan, a far more dangerous approach than the previous one and I'm afraid I have a much-needed favour to ask. I do not make this decision lightly, but in the event myself and Clarke both do not return, I intrust our child in your capable hands." She really had no right to ask, and the only thing that urged her on was the fact that if anyone could protect Akalya as fiercely as her mother's, it was Orik.

The room fell silent as she watched Orik contemplate the Commander's words, not hiding the surprise from his face. Lexa knew he had always been there, acting as a guardian angel of sorts, or at least that's what Clarke had called it. And even though he knew he had given up any rights to raise her, here was her mother asking him of this huge responsibility. His answer to her favour needed no further thought. He stood from the chair and knelt down on one knee before her, his head bowed in respect and honour.

"Yes Commander, I will raise and protect the child."

…

With the first part of Lexa's plan in place, all she had to do now was inform those closest and most trusted warriors and advisers of their next move. Indra was at the top of her list, and as the camp sat around to eat their evening meal she pulled the warrior aside and relayed her strategy. Indra knew better than to object to her Commander's wishes, despite the look of uncertainty in her eyes. She trusted her completely, now more than ever.

Lexa advised two others of their next move, the only two aside from Indra that would be joining them on this dangerous mission. Without hesitation they agreed, very much respectful of her wishes despite the risks involved. All were willing to lay down their lives for their Commander, and to die protecting her would be an honour.

The camp fell entirely into silence as it grew later, the only people awake were those currently on watch. They could slip out of camp easily, and with weapons in tow the four of them slipped out into the night as Orik watched from afar.

Their eyes adjusted quickly to the darkness as they ran soundlessly and sure-footed through the forest, Lexa in the lead of the group. It was a dangerous move, particularly if they were ambushed and picked off one by one, but Lexa had never been afraid to die. If it was to be her time then so be it. The next Commander would be chosen wisely.

As the group approached the border, they began to slow their pace, knowing full well that there could be scouts up ahead. Their steps still quiet like a mouse, Indra now lead them all across the stream and into Azgeda territory.

Lexa's senses were heightened the further they ventured, simply waiting for the Ice Nation to make their presence known. Time seemed to tick by slowly, and with each minute that passed her muscles seemed to become more and more tense.

Lexa's eyes darted to the trees up ahead as she caught sights of movement, but before her mouth could sound a warning two arrows flew through the air and the two warriors flanking Lexa and Indra fell to the ground, a single arrow protruding from each of their chests.

With the momentary distraction, the team of Azgedakru on the ground moved into position, several arrows pointed directly at the two. Lexa swallowed quickly and held up her swords in defense, Indra mimicking her actions. The Commander stiffened when someone moved in behind her and she felt the tip of a knife press directly into her back over her spinal cord.

It wasn't too often the Lexa had been caught off guard in her life, but at the moment she felt the air rush out of her. However, she quickly recovered herself, the weapons still griped in hand.

"Drop your weapons!" The apparent leader of the group shouted from the darkness and after a moment of hesitation Lexa's swords dropped to the ground. Indra soon followed suit neither having ever felt so bare and unprotected in their entire lives.

"Walk." That same man ordered, and Lexa felt herself begin to do so, forcing herself to put one foot in front of the other. Lexa spared a thought for the two fallen warriors, intending on returning to camp and ensuring they receive the warrior burial they were entitled to.

Lexa took a deep breath internally, restoring her thoughts back on the job at hand. If all of them were going to make it out of this, she needed to have a clear mind with no distractions.

Lexa and Indra followed the Azgedakru blindly, the uncertainty of what was to come bubbling to the surface.

AN: I know I say this a lot but thank you all for continuing to read. It's very much appreciated!

~xoUselessLesbianxo~