Disclaimer: Lost Girl belongs to Showcase or SYFY and I am only playing in their universe.
The morning was beautiful and deceivingly peaceful. Lauren carefully moved herself out from under Bo's possessive arm that had draped itself around her during the night. Rubbing her eyes to clear the fog from the night away, the doctor stepped from the tent. She did a quick check on the horses and found them grazing and only giving her half a minutes notice before they returned to their breakfast. It had become second nature for Lauren to check her surroundings with all her senses and even though her fae nature was gone she still stretched herself and gathered what information she could find.
It was one of a hundred or more little pleasures she missed already as she was forced back to her limited human form. Being fae had been terrifying at first as her inability to control what was happening to her body threatened to overwhelm her but with her gathered control, the change had been beyond wonderful. Only a few days after the attack and she missed what she had become. Lauren gave herself a shake, knowing that this was what it felt to be human but unable to lose the unsettled sensation trapped inside.
Walking to the rocks where they had thrown the drip spell Lauren was a little disappointed but not surprised to see the water was no longer running. That was as far as she dared move away from Bo so she stopped her motion and turned back to the camp. They needed to get moving as soon as they finished breakfast.
Restarting the small fire, Lauren pulled a water skin out from a saddle bag and one of the pouches of food too. As she knelt by the fire waiting for it to get hot enough to toss in the food for breakfast she thought of last night with Bo and she shook her head. They had been ready to reconfirm their connection in the face of this crisis. Bo was rubbing her shoulders and they were sharing soft kisses and loving touches. It had been so damn relaxing and to her dismay she had fallen asleep. "Crap," Lauren thought to herself and she worried if Bo would be upset or read something into the unintentional action. Were things with her partner going to be this touchy from now on? With a sigh she decided maybe for a little while until a new normal could be established.
There was a sound behind the doctor and then she felt strong arms encircle her waist. "Good Morning," the husky whisper in her ear made the doctor shiver as did the knowing chuckle that followed. "Did you sleep well?" Lauren swung around and was relieved to see a tender smile on Bo's face. Starting to try to explain how she hadn't meant to drift off last night, Bo stopped her with a gentle kiss, "Baby, it's okay. You are still recovering. We have the rest of our lives to be together, it was nice just to hold you last night." Lauren raised an eyebrow and Bo laughed and added, "I didn't say it was better, just nice." Then they both laughed and reassured each other with another kiss.
Pulling apart, Lauren motioned towards the fire and she moved to drop the food pouch into the heat. Bo asked, "Did you look around?" The doctor nodded that she had but as expected the succubus moved to check out the area anyway. Approaching the rocks, Bo climbed to look around. There was really not much of a view but she made out a much as she could. The check of the area was buying her time as she thought of holding Lauren last night. It would have been enough just having Lauren close but the succubus was still trying to tamp down her excitement at what she had witnessed.
As they had moved into each other's arms last night, Bo felt the tightness in Lauren's body. It wasn't stress or concern, Bo recognizing the signs of battle fatigue and the thoughts of what her lover had been through hit her hard. As the doctor moved in for an embrace, Bo said, "Turn around." Lauren didn't really want to as she was enjoying the kisses and touches they were sharing but when she complied she felt the strong hands on her shoulders and neck begin to work her tight muscles. Lauren let out a groan as good as any sexual response. "Well, I don't have to ask if that feels good." Bo said as she placed a kiss on the base of the doctor's lovely neck and then started to work her way down the muscles of her back.
Bo took in the aura that surrounded Lauren. It was something the succubus had done since they day they met. Holding back a gasp she saw the normal brilliant white that surrounded the doctor but this time tiny bursts of green, blue and yellow randomly appearing then fading way. What the hell did it mean, those were the colors that Lauren's fae forms took in the doctor's eyes. Trying to gather her thoughts, Bo kept her hands working and considered if she should let Lauren know. The last thing she wanted to do was give the doctor false hope. "Baby how are you feeling?" Bo asked carefully but all she got in return was the soft sound of even breaths. Leaning back and taking Lauren with her Bo watched the subtle colors in the aura come and go as she fell asleep holding the doctor tight.
Smelling the food, Bo returned to the fire and saw her half of the meal laid out on a small plate. Lauren was working with the horses and as Bo ate she watched. There was this calmness to Lauren as she put her efforts towards caring for someone or something else. Bo focused on the aura that surrounded her partner and grinned. The colors were still there but brighter than in her relaxed state. There was still a lack of pattern to the colors but the remnants of her fae nature had definitely reappeared. Bo decided that the doctor needed to know. The breakfast meal dishes were cleaned up by Bo as she waited. Finally Lauren turned finished with her check of their animals and walked back to the fire.
"What?" the doctor asked seeing the expression on Bo's face. The succubus held her hand out and was about to answer when the horses started to move around, stomping their feet, snorting loudly and shaking their heads in agitation. Lauren recognized the same behaviors she had seen before riding to face the wind assassins. They had sensed some danger or battle close by and were eager to get involved. Not needing to take time to discuss what was happening, the women quickly began to break camp. Lauren securing the fire and then seeing to their rides, while Bo broke down the tent and packed their other belongings all the while keeping an eye out for danger.
Running to add the last of their gear to the back of her horse, Bo mounted her ride more quickly than she ever had and looked to Lauren. "I don't detect any chi signs near us." She tried to reassure the doctor. "We are heading northeast," Bo showed Lauren the map and the doctor agreed. The horses were still uneasy. "Do you want to lead the way?" the succubus asked watching her mount with concern. She wanted Lauren to feel the faith she had in her and Bo didn't want to lose the trust they had started to build back. It was also a fact that the doctor was much better on a horse than she was and if they needed to move fast she was the best choice to lead.
"Okay," replied Lauren more concerned with what might be hiding in the trees around them. The look on her face spoke of her fear, "If you keep an eye out for bad guys." The doctor swallowed hard as she saw Bo's eyes flash a bright blue.
"Always, my lady." Growled the two toned voice the champion, she smiled a hard grin and nodded. Lauren felt the protective love of Bo to her core. With a knowing look, the succubus gestured for the doctor to take the lead. Just as Lauren moved to pass close by her, Bo added, "My love." she pushed just a little succubus power into the words. Stopping the forward motion of her horse, Lauren turned and the women shared a look for a few moments. The next time they shared each other's touch things would be much more intense no matter how relaxed or tired they were. Lauren put heels to her horse and moved out faster than Bo had expected. She laughed out loud with joy at her lover's response. It was something Bo had been afraid she might have lost forever.
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Stifling a groan, Hilde shifted her position in the cage. It was large enough for her to lay down but her limbs were stiff from inactivity and the tiny jerky motions she used to remain balanced and out of the bars of the cage as it was pulled along the uneven ground. It was early but Hilde was making a habit of waking before the others. The snoring coming from her brother could be heard for miles. "He is a beast in more ways than one," She mumbled and turned her focus back to rolling and moving all her joints as best she could.
There was the sounds of footsteps and then Hyde appeared beside the cage. "Good Morning." The Stoneling said in his quiet voice. Hilde smiled and returned his greeting. He had turned out to be something of a surprise. First finding a way to feed Hilde then not long after that working out a way to get her water. Besides seeing to her basic needs, Hilde was pleased to see the young man had no love for her brother. This morning the Stoneling looked particularly pleased with himself.
"I have an idea if you're up for it." His youthful nature sparkled in his eyes. He had taken a shine to the hag and enjoyed the sarcastic comments she shot at her brother but he could never show it. "I think we can block the bars with stone and get you out of the cage." As the Stoneling had worked to replace the runners that allowed the cage to move, he found the rock in this area incredibly dense. Using the same technique of slow movements he felt he could block the energy of the bars long enough for the hag to exit the cage.
Hearing Hyde's idea, a thrill of excitement shot through the hag. She had no idea what her abilities would be like outside the cage. All of her power had been poured into the protective framework, it took time to recover from such use of one's fae gifts. Looking at her young friend she smiled and nodded, if he was wrong she might be donating a finger to the experiment but if she didn't have a chance to move soon she might go crazy.
Motioning for quiet they listened to the earth shaking snorts of her brother. Agreeing they were in the clear, Hyde called a huge amount of stone from the ground. A jagged outcropping shot out of the Earth. Hilde had to wonder at this fae's strength. The actions of the young man told her that he had no idea that he was specially gifted. With a grunt, he snapped the stone at its thickest part and then letting Hilde know to get ready with a look he slowly pushed the stone into the path of several of the bars. The cage reacted by slowly burning its way through the material instead of blowing it to bits. Hyde knew if he made any sudden motions the rock would be instantly destroyed and he would be injured by the blast. He held the heavy stone still and watched the captive make her move.
With the block of stone being held in place an opening was created, it wasn't big, but neither was Hilde. She pushed her hand through the opening and there was no damage so she made her move and to her shock found herself outside the cage and for the moment free. She slowly got to her feet and then smiled broadly.
As if just realizing what he had done, a panicked look crossed Hyde's face. He was so eager to try his idea, the Stoneling hadn't given a thought to what the captive might do when she got outside. He slowly pulled the stone away and when it was clear dropped it hard to the ground. Swinging around he made a tentative grab for the hag.
"Easy," whispered Hilde, "I'm not going anywhere." As she avoided the beefy hand that reached for her. The relieved look on her friend's face was almost comical. Patting his arm she said, "We need to work on your planning skills, young one." The ancient fae smiled and then groaned as she stretched and started to walk off her pain.
Truth was that Hilde would have attacked immediately if she could have, but she had no power. She was still fae and had the species' natural strength. As a royal she was probably stronger than most of her opponents even now but her individual powers existed as mere flickers of her full strength. She could escape but would have nothing to fight with if caught, the cage was her only true protection. Her biggest worry was that the Stoneling would share how to break through her defenses with Roldan if he was pressured. The hag was a bit put out that her massive spell had such a glaring weakness, but it was formed in the heat of battle and to protect others besides herself so maybe she could cut herself some slack.
There was a creek near their camp site and Hyde motioned to the water, "Take advantage of the water. I will keep watch and make us something to eat." The hag did not argue and she moved to bathe. Not rushing herself but being very mindful of the sounds of the area, Hilde enjoyed the chill of the cold water and the feel of the land around her. She was not a true nature fae but had her ways with the Earth. The land was wild and powerful. Smiling she imagined what Lauren would do with such untapped energy. She smelled the food and then reminded herself of her predicament. Rubbing her belly, Hilde spoke softly to her unborn son as she approached the fire where Hyde was cooking.
"Hyde," called a harsh voice. "Bring me some of that food I smell." The sound was muffled by the small tent that Roldan slept in.
"Damn it," said Hype who had paled at the sound of his companion. "Let me get this too him, and then I will get you back in the cage okay. If he catches you out here he will kill you and then punish me, so please don't run for both our sakes." Hilde who had also jumped at the sound of her brother's voice, nodded her agreement. Watching the young man rush to serve Roldan, there was almost a desperation to his actions. What was her brother holding over his head? While she waited Hilde ate quickly and walked around trying to make the most of her last moments of freedom. The fast footsteps told her of Hyde's return, and she moved towards the cage.
"We have to do this fast. He is up and feeling better today. He has even fashioned a patch of sorts to cover his injury." The young fae said as he called the stone and in a steady motion had the bars of the cage blocked. With a sigh Hilde reluctantly crawled back inside. Hyde had just pulled the stone away from the cage and dropped it to the ground by the fire when Roldan rounded the edge of the tent. Moving to place another food pouch in the fire, the Stoneling kept his worried expression away from the approaching fae.
Roldan sneered as he passed by the cage, a leather strap had been tied around his head and held a cloth patch in place. The wound still oozed but at least it was covered now. Hilde kept her head down as he passed and hope he wouldn't notice her wet hair.
Taking a seat on the stone that Hyde had dropped, Roldan reached to refill his plate and then started barking out orders. "The horses need to be tended to and then we need to pack and break camp." There was no motion from the young fae. "Well, what is your problem? Get to it."
In a voice that was void of emotion the Stoneling said, "Sir, the horses are ready. The runners for the cage have been reformed and are in place. Except for your tent and supplies the rest of camp has been broken down." Just now looking around to take in the situation Roldan grunted seeing the truth in the young man's words.
"Well I'm out of my tent now. Snap to solider, go pack it away we need to get a move on. I can feel something in the air. We are being trailed. I believe the court hunters might have found us." Roldan said with a sharp tone. Hyde nodded and took what was left of the food pouch with him to finish his morning meal as he did the other fae's work. The Stoneling also had to try to think out a defense of some sort or he was as good as dead.
With nothing to concentrate on but the fire and the hag, Roldan turned to his sister. "Good Morning hag." He snarled and then looked at his sister more carefully. Surprised to see Hilde looking better than she should, Roldan growled. This was the beginning of day four and she should be suffering from lack of food and water. By all rights the hag should be miserable but instead she looked the same, calm and strangely powerful. "God you disgust me." He said trying to but failing to hide his jealousy of her power and then threw his plate at the cage. The bars flared at the fast attack and destroyed the item in a flash. "I cannot wait to hand you over to father and be done with this."
"Your eye looks to be healing." Hilde said quietly and did not react as her brother jerked at the comment and reached for his face. "I would offer you some advice..."
"I will take nothing from you." Roldan hissed. "I will kill you the first chance I get, don't forget that." Standing he walked away fast.
"I won't dear brother, I won't forget." Hilde sighed and then readied herself for another long day of slow travel.
xxxxXXXXxxxx
The Bugbear and his group had caught the trail of the prize in no time but Roldan had been too far ahead of them to make a run on the camp during the night. This morning was a different story and the leader of this group was ready to get his hands on the Grand Lord's wayward daughter. "Get your asses up boys, let's go get us a hag." The Hobgoblin walked to the Trolls that were still sleeping and gave then both a boot in the butt to make his point.
"Kick me again little man and I will snap you in half," snorted the biggest of the Trolls who simply rolled over and shot a hate filled look at his so called leader, "What is the hurry anyway, Roldan and the boy are not going anywhere fast. The runner trails are deep and broken up. Whatever they are hauling is causing them nothing but trouble. It will be a simple thing to catch them so let us sleep until the sun is at a decent level at least." There was a mumbled agreement from the second Troll who had not even bother to roll over.
"You don't think the other teams are sleeping in? As you sleep, those wind women will take the prize and steal your money. You want that, you giant lump of a fae. I'm leaving and you can lay here and rot for all I care." The snap in the Bugbear's voice cracked in the morning air. As a parting shot the leader yelled back, "I am sure the Grand Lord will be very impressed that members of his own guard chose sleep over victory. Please go back to your napping, relax some more, don't mind me." The group leader found his horse, as he was the only one that needed one, and started to ride off.
"I hate that little bastard," mumbled the smaller of the Trolls. He pulled himself into a sitting position. "Do you think he is really riding off?"
There was a loud sniff and then a grunt, "The horse flesh is fading, so yes he is riding off but not quickly. Rock, paper, scissors to see if we let him go. I win, to hell with him. You win, we follow the little king." The motions were done and the mumbled curse was followed by the Trolls standing and gathering their meager belongings. "Next time choose scissors and not rock." The big Troll rumbled as he started to chase down their leader. When they caught up with Roldan, both of the large fae would be more than ready to hit something hard.
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"How many fae are traveling with Hilde?" asked Bo as she walked around what remained of a camp site. Lauren was near the creek, watering their horses as the succubus did her thing. She had noticed the number of footprints as well.
"Two," said Lauren. "Hilde's brother and one other."
With a furrowed brow Bo walked down to the stream bank and said, "There are at least six sets of prints around here. There are still the deep tracks we have been following. The runners from the cage I would image but I would guess the group that sacked the house are right behind the group with Hilde." The shady area felt good as Bo stood by the doctor. Wiping her brow, the succubus was happy for the moment of rest as they had been moving fast since they broke camp.
For being in the mountains both women were warm. Seeing Bo's flushed features gave Lauren an idea. "Hey Bo, look at this." The doctor leaned over the running water and looked hard at a rock near the edge. The succubus rushed to her side and then let out a squeak of surprise as Lauren bent down fast and splashed her with a huge amount of ice cold water from the stream.
"That is so cold." Shouted Bo as she pulled back, her upper body was drenched. "Oh Doctor, you are in so much trouble." Grinning the brunette started after the now laughing doctor who is quickly backing away. The succubus was dripping down into her leather top. She growled as she started to undo the buckles and laces to pull away the thick covering.
"Bo, I was just worried about you overheating," Lauren was giggling as she was backing up, throwing her hands up in front of her like that was really going to help her defense. Her eyes were watching the leather top of her partner open. Grinning, Lauren said, "You needed to cool…" The doctor stopped and got a funny look on her face.
Moving up so she was just out of reach of the doctor, Bo said, "I needed to cool…my face, my chest…"
"What are those?" Lauren pointed towards the succubus's chest.
With a laugh, Bo said, "I think you are the one with heat stroke. I am fairly sure you are well aware of what these are." Motioning to her breasts, "You are a doctor and I believe you have examined them quite thoroughly more than once." She laughed again but she had noticed the look on Lauren's face. "What?"
"I haven't seen that necklace before, are those rings?" asked Lauren. Bo froze on the spot and looked down. The rings that held her stored power were swinging freely without the leather armor. This time the funny look was on Bo's face and the doctor saw the skin of her lover turn red. The succubus turned quickly away and started to walk towards her horse to pull out a rag to dry off. "Bo?" called Lauren as she watched her partner walk away fast.
"Uh...yeah, I just picked this up a while back." Bo was fighting to keep her breath steady and her voice calm. "I thought the necklace went with the outfit." Mentally Bo slapped her forehead at the stupid response. Explaining the rings was something Bo had hoped to avoid. The last thing she wanted to do was remind Lauren that she could no longer safely feed from her. Bo knew that Lauren felt useless when she relied on someone else for food. It was a major stumbling block in their relationship. For the last year, it had not been a problem but now the elephant had stumbled back into the room. No matter what Bo said to her, Lauren would be hurt at the reminder.
"Damn," Bo muttered, things seemed to relax between them, last night had been an example of it. This was just going to stir everything up again. Deep down Bo had other reasons to worry. The rings were something special to the succubus beyond a source of power. She had purchased them long ago and now wasn't the time to talk to Lauren about what they were and all they represented. The doctor was not supposed to see the rings until everything was perfect, till the time was perfect.
Lauren had a smile on her face as she watched the obvious discomfort of her partner. "Bo, are you okay?" The strip of leather held two very different rings, it was obvious that they had not started as a single piece of jewelry. "Are they special to you?" she asked carefully. Internally her mind raced, "Oh hell, rings?" thought the doctor and butterflies bounced in her stomach. Looking up to find Bo's eyes, the smile dropped from her face as Bo pulled away with a closed down expression and started to hide the jewelry again. Lauren stiffened as she did not receive an answer to her question. "Get a grip Lauren," the doctor told herself then out loud said casually almost coolly, "I didn't mean to upset you." The succubus's head snapped up. She had been so caught up in her own thoughts that she had missed what Lauren had been saying.
"What… No, I'm not upset. The necklace is just an old thing that… it's nothing okay." Bo smiled and stepped forward. She cringed as Lauren bypassed her quickly avoiding any contact. "Lauren, I….god look." She took in a deep breath. "Look I am using…"
"Don't worry about it." Said Lauren fast as she mounted her horse. Making her voice as light as possible though her heart was breaking inside at the distance that was still between Bo and herself. "Let's get going. We were making good time." The doctor smiled but started her horse forward to put a little distance between them.
"Lauren, hey wait," Bo was cursing to herself as she quickly mounted up as she buckled and laced up the well-worn leather. She urged her ride forward to catch up with Lauren who was not moving quickly but had still put a good distance between them. Bo was about to say something when the splashes of blood caught her eye. "Hold up." She yelled and the tone in her voice let Lauren know that this was not about them but something else. Watching to see that Lauren had heard her, Bo jumping from her mount. Dragging her foot across the red patches, Bo watched them smear. The blood was fresh.
As her she bent to look over the patch of ground a drip of crimson liquid fell on her boot. Rolling backward fast she had her chi blades at the ready as she looked up. A Troll was hanging over a large branch high up in a tree and was obviously dead. He appeared to be missing a portion of his arm, but he had other injuries too. There had to be a pretty good fight to take out a Troll and then something else to launch that much mass into the air. The sound of Lauren approaching caught Bo's attention. "Watch it." warned the succubus as she motioned up the tree.
Taking in the scene the doctor shivered, "God poor Hilde," knowing this was part of a team that had made a play to steal the hag away from her current captors. "Bo we have to get to her." Lauren said and the succubus watched as the doctor visibly paled as various scenarios passed through the beautiful woman's mind. Taking another look around Bo nodded and then mounted up.
"Keep your eyes open." The two toned voice of Bo's power rumbled, "and stay close." This time it didn't matter if Lauren was the better rider. The succubus took the lead and they moved out fast.
xxxxXXXXxxxx
Roldan was still laughing as he moved out in front of the cage and his four companions trailing behind. "Hyde," he yelled, "Bet you are reconsidering your reservations of joining me on this little hunt." The pompous little prince didn't even bother to listen for a response. The Stoneling was barely conscious as he fought to remain in the saddle. His stone armor was still in place as a form of protection in his weakened condition.
"Your sister will be so proud of her little brother. Your agreement to help me will set her free but I just might take her out of prison and wed her as my gift to you. Make a respectable woman out of her in the eyes of my father's court." The only response from the young solider was in his eyes as they hardened to obsidian. Answering for the young soldier was the Hobgoblin that was trudging along behind the horses. "It would be an honor to his family Roldan. If I only had a sister for you to consider."
"Shut up." Snapped the executioner. "You are defeated and if you wish to remain alive I would suggest that you and your pet stay quiet." The Bugbear swallowed hard and looked at the still form of the Troll that was being dragged behind one of the horses and looked to have died along the trail.
In silence Hilde had watch the battle that had occurred. Her only consolation was that Hyde was still alive. She had caught the scent of the Trolls just as their group had begun to pull away from their camp site. Using the remains of the stone Hyde had used to get her some water, she tossed it against the cage and the small explosion caught her captor's attention.
"What happened," snapped Roldan as he rode back quickly towards his sister. "Did you lose a limb? Burn off a toe?" He frowned to find her uninjured.
Quickly Hyde said, "Sir, A branch fell on the cage and was burned away." He rolled his eyes at the hag hoping that Roldan would buy the lie.
"Had to be a damn big branch," sighed the fae with reservation but lacking a better explanation accepted the story. "Move on. Your rails have not worn thin today but who knows when your subpar work will fail." Putting hard heels to his ride he moved off to scout the trail.
"Hilde, what is it?" the Stoneling knew that the hag would not have caused such a commotion without a good reason.
She swallowed and then said, "We have company. When the wind comes out of the south I smell Troll. It is getting stronger. You don't have much time. Harden your skin, boy." Without another word of encouragement the skin of the fae outside the cage flowed and he was encased in small overlapping tiles of stone protection. Hilde watched the panic in his eyes, they both knew that Roldan would be little to no help in the fight. "Listen Hyde," as he moved close she listed off a quick plan of defense. The young soldier nodded his understanding. He was a good guard and knew how to follow orders, given time he would develop the skills to lead, Hilde was sure of that but right now he was just young and scared.
They rode on, the scraping of the rails loud against the rest of the forest sounds. Moving forward, Hyde joined Roldan to express his concerns but was waved away with assurances that there was nothing to worry about. The executioner was more than a match for any attack. The Stoneling had then positioned himself where Hilde had told him next to the cage and waited crossing his fingers the hag's plan was a good one.
As expected the attack occurred no more than a half hour later. The trial was going uphill and they had slowed to a crawl. With a quick whistle Hilde warned the young soldier that the enemy was on them. With a roar the Trolls and Bugbear had charged from the deep cover of the trees. Roldan who was far ahead of the cage, pulled his horse up hard and turned to charge back. The smaller of the Trolls, leapt to land in the horse's path and then just stepped aside as Roldan made a wild swipe with his sword. Catching the outstretched arm he easily pulled the man from his mount and then tossed him almost softly to the ground. The fae was a royal and to kill him would be foolish beyond words.
The others focused on the Stoneling, but Hyde was ready and in short order he had the Bugbear trapped in a crisscross of three pillars of jagged stone. The worry was the huge Troll that had followed the Hobgoblin, the Stoneling knew him from the Grand Lord's guard and was totally intimidated. "Hyde, my boy, looks like it is you that will be paying the price in this battle. Roldan is useless in a fight that's why his father holds him out till the very end and only lets him use that deadly touch when no one can fight back." The Troll said and then shot a look at Hilde and smiled. "No offence to your brother, ma'am."
When the hag did not comment he shrugged his huge shoulders, "I hate to end your life young one but that puts Roldan in our pocket. He will just exchange you for us and we get more of the recovery reward. Its business my boy nothing more." The murderous gleam in the large face was more than enough for Hilde and Hyde to know the Troll was serious about his threat.
"Move," yelled Hilde and Hyde was in motion. He ducked the blows and was moving fast to stay alive. The second troll pointed to Roldan in a warning to stay put and he ran to help his teammate. "Pull on the stone, Hyde." Yelled Hilde and fought the urge to grab the bars in her distress as the danger to the young man was doubled and the Trolls were getting in too many hard shots. "Use the cage," she yelled.
Remembering the plan and working hard to get himself into position Hyde did as he was told. A blow slammed the ground beside him as fleshly fists hit the ground. Dropping to the ground to avoid a high follow-up punch from the other side, Hyde called the stone and a mass flew from the ground slamming into the bigger fae. The force of the encounter pushed the Troll off balance and he went head first at the cage. Putting his hands out in reflex, the muscled arm crashed into the corners of the cage. With a scream the limb was severed and fell to the ground. The smell of the burnt flesh was sickening.
The remaining Troll whirled to see what had happened, Hyde recalling Hilde's advice and did not let up. He used stone and his own reinforced flesh to deliver massive blows. As that smaller Troll fell to the ground, his injured kin roared and charged. With a massive pull on the stone, a pillar of stone shot up from the Earth and catapulted the thick bodied fae into the air. The big Troll slammed hard into the side of a huge tree and then got caught in the branches. He did not move as the force of the impact of the stone had caused so much damage to his chest, the Troll would not survive.
There was a barking laugh and Hyde turned to see Roldan striding up to the site of the battle. He had his sword out and pushed the exhausted young fae aside as he approached the Bugbear and Troll. The smaller Troll punch drunk from the fight with Hyde lashed out blindly. "You dare strike at me." Roldan voice was almost shrill with anger and excitement. He used the flat of his sword to beat the Troll back down to the ground and then grabbed his injured victim in a strong grip and pulled his fae nature with a vicious snarl. When the Troll was drained Roldan dropped him to the ground and began to beat him again.
"Enough," yelled Hilde, "He could have easily killed you but didn't. You have won."
Rage filled Roldan's face, "I was never in danger of being killed. I am the son of the Grand Lord, his blood runs in me." Whipping around he landed five more hard hits with the flat of his sword. Smiling he turned back to Hilde, "There sister, see how merciful I can be." He kicked the still body of the Troll on the ground and then walked to the Bugbear. "Bow to me."
"Yes sir. I am yours to command." The fae was pinned to the ground by three jagged stone masses and could not move. To say anything else would mean his death.
"Hyde release this good man." Roldan said in a haughty tone as he sheathed his sword and looked up at the dead Troll hanging in the tree. "When we return to court consider your debt to me is fulfilled and we will see to your sister's release." The princely fae could not ignore the Stoneling's role in the victory but he would give him no more than what Hyde had asked for as payment for joining Roldan on this hunt. Besides his father would never let the girl out of prison, the young man was stupid if he ever though it was a possibility. She was attractive perhaps he could keep his word in a different way. Roldan smiled as he mounted his horse and rode victoriously back towards the castle of his father.
Too please with himself and his defeat of at least one team, Roldan called back various comments to his companions but never really expected a response. The Bugbear had even offered up his sister if he had one. Disgust at the thought of touching such flesh angered him and he had threatened the imp for his impermanence. They had moved over a hill and were now making their way down a steep, crumbly downhill slope.
"Hyde, let's free the cage and roll it down the hill. Bounce the hag into the bars and slice her to pieces." Roldan shouted as his horse struggled for footing a third time. "This is more dangerous than I wish to deal with."
Hyde recovered enough at least speak said, "Sir, You wanted to bring her captured to your father. I believe that is still the best course."
"Like I give a damn what you think." Snarled Roldan who wheeled his horse around and then fought to hold on as the big animal struggled for balance on the shifting rock. "I think…."
With no warning a herald of hunting horns sounded and out of the trees at the bottom of the slope appeared a mass of fae riders. In front was a grizzled man that oozed power. Cursing Roldan said, "It appears my father has chosen to join the hunt."
Moving faster than was wise, Roldan urged the others down the slope. In a vain attempt to look more darning than he was, he rode fast to meet his father. More than once Hilde thought the cage was going over due to her brother's stupidity. They pulled to a stop as the mass of troops and their leader approached. Watching her father's approach, Hilde felt emotions overwhelmed her, none of them good, and she fought for some type of inner balance.
The royal's face was pinched with disappointment as he acknowledged his son with hard look and then a rough grab of his chin to take in the damage to his face. He grunted and pushed the fae away hard, riding towards the cage he stopped by Hyde who did his best to straighten. Seeing the bruising on the young man's body as a result of a fight and the boy's quiet attempts to be presentable before his ruler pleased the Grand Lord. The young one was a good soldier. The older fae smiled, "Hyde you did a fine job keeping this fool alive and mostly in one piece. Ride ahead and have yourself tended to."
"Thank you sir." The Stoneling said and did his best to bow in the saddle which was not much of a bend but the Lord looked at him with approval. As Hyde rode off he fought the urge to look at Hilde. The hag had saved his life and he could do nothing to help her anymore.
The Grand Lord's horse walked steadily around the cage. The man raised an eyebrow. "Daughter, my Sorrow, you've looked better."
"Reach in for a hug, Father." She said coldly. The man burst out laughing but his eyes told of his appreciation of the spell that surrounded his most powerful child. He loved the power she had, he ached to have her strength at his command. It had been so long since they had been this close. The fact that she sat there alive in front of him had possibilities. Perhaps he would not kill her or her child. No perhaps the child, if powerful like his mother would be the one he could have at his command and provide the key to control over his mother.
"You are my greatest disappointment." He said with no emotion. "Yet you show more gumption and grit than your oaf of a brother by just sitting in a cage not lifting a finger. You make him and all the others that pursued you look like fools. Like your mother you still fight me and it only has brought shame to both your names. After all these years you should know better." Hilde did not react and sat motionless. She had no idea who her mother was and as a child he had tormented her by withholding that knowledge. Seeing his daughter go stone-faced he laughed again. "Call the birds to carry the cage to the castle." He ordered his men and then said, "Roldan you stay with your sister until they get here. I want no harm to come to her or the child. You heard the hunting horns signaling the end of the game. Now follow your new orders." Riding close the Grand Lord added dangerously, "Or I will see to your punishment personally."
The Grand Lord was about to say more when his men started shouting. "My Lord, there are riders on the hill. They are not of the court." The group, including Hilde turned to look. Bo and Lauren crested the hill and were moving fast in their direction.
"No matter," the Grand Lord held out his hand and was presented with a large bow. Getting the weapon's balance he then received a large arrow, blowing power into the tip it glowed red. Then nocking the arrow, he released an arching shot that burst into a fire ball as it flew and then slammed into the shale like slope just below the riders. The whole side hillside began to give way with a heavy rumble, the horses reared up, tossing at least one of the riders. There was too much dust after that as the roar of falling stone echoed into the atmosphere.
xxxxXXXXxxxx
The sound of a horn drift over the air and Bo and Lauren pulled up fast, as the horn played again. Lauren said steadily as if she was concentrating on her voice. "It is a different pattern than we heard before we were attacked." Bo nodded remembering the sound before the she battled the demon fae. The doctor said with more of a tremor to her voice, "Are more people going to be after Hilde?"
"I don't know. It could be that the game is over." Bo said quietly. Hearing the small gasp that Lauren made but reassured her quickly. "She is in the cage and it hasn't been that long. Hilde is alive, but we need to get to her. Come on." They urged their horses into a run.
The trail had been blatant and even at a run the women had no problems following the path. The horses sensing the urgency were at a full gallop. They reached the bottom of a steep hill and without pausing took the most direct route. They crested the hill and Lauren and Bo yelled and pointed at the same time. Lauren cried out, "That's the cage. Bo, that's the cage." Both women urged the horses forward, Bo called her armor and readied herself for battle.
"Cross the top to that path, we can make it down faster over at that point." Lauren shouted back at Bo as she was looking for the best way to manage the treacherous slope, taking in the loose rock as she moved. They raced along the ridge. Bo was watching the group with concern. There were many more fae at the base of the hill than expected. They had no advantage of surprise but they had to risk it because a rescue in the castle would be near impossible, both Lauren and Bo knew it.
Taking a moment to look back and check on Lauren. Bo blood froze as she saw the terror in her eyes and heard the doctor scream. Jerking hard on her horse's reins to change direction, the doctor's ride reared up. Turning to take in what had scared Lauren, Bo saw the fire ball racing right at them. Pulling hard on the reins as well, Bo felt her horse rear up but unlike Lauren she lost her balance and felt herself falling as the blazing attack struck the ground just below them. Looking back as she fell she couldn't see Lauren then she was lost to the rolling rock and pain.
A/N: Bit of a cliffy – thanks for reading – gt
