Monty sat next to his mother in the middle of the mess hall, bored out of his mind. Pike had insisted on calling a town meeting to discuss recent findings and happenings. Most of it had to do with things the Grounders had done to antagonize them, though Monty saw through it all. He's controlling them with fear, he thought. Looking around, most of the others were hanging on his every word, buying up every syllable he spoke. His mother was the worst offender, becoming something of a right-hand man to Pike. He also spotted Kane sitting nearby, quietly observing everything happening. He's not very happy right now.
"Now listen up. Jasper, this one's for you," Pike bellowed out, pacing about. "You managed to piss off the Ice Nation with that stunt you pulled. I don't like the Grounders just the same as all of you. They've caused us all suffering. However, there is a right and a wrong way to go about it. If we're wronged we fight, otherwise we keep to our own. Going out and pissing on them, literally, is the wrong way." Laughter erupted around him, though Monty did not partake. He had seen what Jasper did, the look in his eyes. The friend he had known for so long hadn't been there that day, replaced only by a ghost. If it hadn't been for Bellamy acting so quickly, his friend would be dead instead of the punch line of a joke.
"It won't happen again, boss sir man, sir!" Jasper's voice bellowed, slurred and lethargic. He's drunk again, Monty thought, clenching his fists. Monty stared at the floor and tried to calm the wave of anger wanting to burst out of him. I wish he'd stop acting like a damn child and grow up. We've all suffered, yet he decides to act like a dick because of it.
"No, it won't," Pike said, his voice dropping the playful notes from before. A hush came over the room as people realized things were getting serious. "Per the Exodus Charter, I could have you put to death, here and now." Monty's heart dropped a bit and his eyes shot over to Jasper. The crowd began to murmur amongst themselves and Pike held up a silencing hand. "What you did could start a war if those bodies are found, all because you got drunk and went out on a patrol. This has to end, right here, right now."
Pike motioned for two guards in the back of the room to step forward and the rest of the crowd shifted their focus to them. Monty looked to his mom and she was staring directly at Pike, not even concerned about the commotion. She used to consider Jasper a second son to her. What happened to them while they were in Azgeda territory? Jasper's yelling snapped Monty back into focus and he saw the guards lifting Jasper up out of his seat. "Jasper, I hereby sentence you to three months as a prisoner, and forbid you from ever drinking alcohol in the camp indefinitely," Pike boomed, walking towards Jasper. "If you break that order, you will go back to prison for another year. A second time, you'll get lashings with that year. The third will be your last drink ever. Am I clear?"
"Whatever you say, boss," Jasper said, hanging his head in defeat. Look what you've done to yourself, Jasper, Monty thought to himself. With his shaved head, Jasper hardly even looked like the best friend he had known for years. Maybe this is for the best. I may not like Pike, but this may be Jasper's chance for some real help.
"Take him outta here," Pike muttered, turning his back and walking away as Jasper was escorted out of the meeting room. The crowd slowly turned their attention back to their Chancellor and he gave them a minute to calm down. "Now, back to business. Where did I..."
"Abby Griffin calling Arkadia. Arkadia, please come in!"
"What the...?" Monty said aloud, along with most of the others in the room. Her voice... something is off.
The room went completely silent when Pike went to the radio and grabbed it. "This is Pike. Abby, what's the matter?" Pike asked, all his focus directed at the walkie, as if he could physically see who was on the other side of it.
"Trikru," Abby's voice rang out through the speakers, crackling in the air slightly. "Trikru is attacking Mount Weather. I'm shut in medical with Raven, but... Oh my god! No!" Monty looked around and saw everyone else was doing the same, eyes wide and whispering frantically. Looking up at Pike, Monty saw a clear flash of anger on the man's face. It was only there a second, but he knew what he saw. In the next instant, the man's face was collected again.
"Abby, repeat your last. The Trikru are attacking Mount Weather?" Pike spoke into the walkie, eyes looking out over the crowd.
"Yes! They are here. They have weapons and... oh no!" A quick scream sent chills through Monty's spine. "They... they killed them. Charles, they killed them! Why would they do this?"
Pike lowered his head and rubbed his hand over his forehead. When his hand lowered, there was a calm in Pike's eyes that confused Monty. He saw Pike's lips move, but the only word he could definitively make out was 'begins' and that didn't help much. Pike raised his head a moment later and engaged the walkie. "Are you secure in medical? Can they get to you?"
"No, they can't get to us," Abby's voice came in through a little static. "I can't move Raven, she's still recovering from her surgery. Charles, please send help."
"Don't worry," Pike said, his voice steady and calm. "We're going to get you out. Make sure you keep those doors closed and we'll have you out in no time. Pike out." Pike tossed the radio and stood up on a table. "I was afraid this day would come," Pike began, raising his voice to just short of yelling. "We have tried to make peace with the Grounders. They returned that by abandoning you at the battle of Mount Weather. They fought us when we tried to use the Mountain for its resources and make life better for everyone. Now, they crossed the line by actually killing some of our own."
Monty's mom let out a cry that was soon followed by others. "They like to say blood must have blood. Our people have bled, now it's their turn!" Monty tried to grab his mom and pull her down, but it was too late. Most of the room was on their feet now, chanting a mixture of Pike's name and various insults about Grounders. He got what he wanted. They all seem bloodthirsty to kill the Grounders.
Pike held up his hands and the crowd quieted down once again. "Our best doctor and mechanic are trapped inside that Mountain, waiting for us to bring them help. We offered to use the Mountain as a hospital for all to use and to help heal what they could not," Pike pulled out his pistol and the man's once calm demeanor was replaced by a rage-filled man. "And this is our thanks?! No more! Trikru wanted a fight? They've got one. Report to the main gate in fifteen minutes if you want to kick some Grounder ass."
The crowd erupted into a war cry and Monty sunk down as low as he could. Part of himself felt that Pike was right. The Grounders had yet again betrayed them, this time murdering people. How many more times can we trust them? He was against an all out war, but it was looking like that would be the inevitable option. Pike stormed out of the meeting hall, pistol still in hand, and all but a few followed him. His mother had been the first to jump up, and Kane had been right behind her. Knowing his mother would be expecting him, Monty got out of his chair with a sigh and headed for the exit, wondering how bad things were about to get.
"Bellamy?!" Clarke couldn't believe her eyes. He stepped forward and she embraced her friend. After a few seconds, she broke the hug and stepped back. "What are you guys doing here? How did you get in?" How did they even know I was here? Someone at the camp? It felt good to finally be around familiar faces, and she didn't feel the same pain that she felt before.
"Echo let us know where you were, and Niylah helped us get here," Bellamy replied. He jerked his thumb over to Lincoln and Harper and smiled. "These two refused to let me go on my own to come get you."
"Couldn't let you have all the fun, and we get to get away from that asshole Pike," Harper spat out. "It's miserable being in that camp. Everyone constantly on edge about the Grounders and all the people from Farm Station walking around with their heads up Pike's ass."
"It's... been a trying time," Lincoln admitted. She studied the man's face and he looked exhausted, like he had been fighting a war. Perhaps he has, Clarke thought. "Octavia hasn't been pleased either."
If what they're saying is true, I feel terrible for Lincoln. All the work he's done to show the Grounders in a different light, and then Pike? This was all a lot for Clarke, and she didn't understand half of it. She wanted answers, but knew now was not the time. Dusk was setting in and it would be time for her to leave soon. "I have so many questions for all of you, and I'm happy you came, but we need to leave. The sooner I'm away from here, the better," Clarke said, tapping her thigh and pacing about.
"Then you should be on your way," Niylah said. She walked over to the bed and grabbed a black cloak that was laying there, handing it to Clarke. "This should keep you warm, and hide your face from anyone curious enough to look. Just... don't let them stare too long."
"I can't convince you to come?" Clarke asked, turning to face the woman whom she had placed so much trust in over the past few months. She wanted with every ounce of her being for Niylah to agree to come. "What if Nia finds out you helped me?"
Niylah laughed and placed her hands over Clarke's shoulders. "She will not," Niylah replied confidently. "And if she does, she won't harm me. If there is one thing she cares about, it is family. Now, take the cloak and go. You have a long night of riding ahead of you."
Clarke didn't like Niylah's decision one bit, it formed a pit in her stomach thinking about the consequences. By staying, Niylah was putting herself in harm's way because of Clarke. Looking at the woman's face, though, she knew there would be no debating it. Clarke gingerly put on the cloak, wincing as her wound protested to the movement. She reached up and gave Niylah one last hug. "Thank you, for everything," Clarke said, clutching onto Niylah's clothes tightly with her hands. "May we meet again."
"May we meet again," Niylah repeated, releasing from the hug and stepping back. "The guards in the castle should be at Nia's side for the execution, so you shouldn't have any problems leaving. Keep to the shadows and don't stop until you're out of Azgeda territory."
"Clarke, take this," Bellamy said, handing a bandana to her. She grabbed it out of his hands and looked at him, eyebrows raised. "Use it to cover your face. It'll make you less noticeable."
Clarke did as she was told and tied the cloth behind her head and raised it up over her nose. She felt a bit ridiculous and restricted, but if it helped their chances of escaping she was all for it. Lincoln and Harper were waiting by the door and she gave them a nod. "Okay, let's do this," she said, and the group walked out the door, leaving Niylah behind. Clarke had a feeling she wouldn't be sleeping for a while after this.
The main corridor was empty, as expected. The four of them walked down towards the exit without interruption and exited out to the cold. Night was taking over fast, though the fires in the town below burned brightly. Clarke could hear screaming off in the distance and assumed it was the man who tried to kill her. Part of her felt sympathy for the man, having seen firsthand what he was going through when the Commander tried to kill Raven. He did try to kill me. He's not innocent. At least he will be a distraction for my escape.
"This way," Bellamy said, motioning towards the tree line off to their left. "We left the horses over there. We take it slow until we get to them, then ride like hell. Lincoln will take point from then on."
"Niylah told us you were injured," Lincoln chimed in. "If you need to rest, you will ride with me and we'll do our best to be gentle." Lincoln clenched and released his hands multiple times, shuddering a bit as the group made their way to the trees. "We will need to cover as much ground as we can. We'll only have so long before they realize you're gone. We want to be clear of Azgeda territory by then." He glanced over at her and took notice of the sword on her back. "It's good you have those. If we run into trouble we can't use guns. Too much noise."
"It's a good thing we brought you, then," Harper chimed in. "I feel sorry for the guy that gets in your way." Harper moved to Clarke's side and wrapped her arm around Clarke's shoulder. "It's good to have you back."
Clarke nodded and returned the gesture. Her heart raced with every step they took, and it took quite a bit of focus to stop herself from breaking into a run for the horses. I was so blind, the whole time, she thought. I'll only be safe at Camp Jaha. Any Grounder I run into could try to kill me because I'm Wanheda, even the Commander. Clarke clenched her fist and pressed on, counting the seconds until they reached the trees.
The horses came into view after a few more minutes of walking and the group jogged the rest of the way. Lincoln helped Clarke up onto hers while Bellamy and Harper mounted the others. Once she was secure, Lincoln leapt onto his own and yanked the reins. "Easy part is over," he said, his voice deep and gravely serious. "Stay close and ride fast. It's going to be a long night."
Clarke nodded and then Lincoln rode off, and she spurred her horse into action. Bellamy and Harper flanked her on either side and her heart was thudding in her chest. She had experienced fear multiple times since being sent down to the Earth, but somehow nothing compared to what she was going through right now. Perhaps it was the cold, or the darkening sky, or the fact that she was in a hostile environment where any person could kill her on sight. Nevertheless, adrenaline was coursing through Clarke's veins and she gripped them with all of her strength. She was finally going home.
They all had ridden for what felt like hours, and all of them save Lincoln looked exhausted. Bellamy took a look over at Clarke and saw that she was drooping a bit and seemed to be falling behind everyone else. "Lincoln!" Bellamy called out, trying to keep his voice low while still being heard. "We need to stop."
Lincoln reared up his horse and turned around. He took one look at Clarke and nodded to Bellamy. "We're at the edge of Azgeda territory. We can afford a small rest," Lincoln said, dismounting from his horse. "Clarke will ride with me the rest of the way."
Bellamy nodded and jumped down from his horse and made his way over to Clarke. "Here, let me help you," he said, holding out his arms for Clarke to support herself with. Her squinted eyes and the frown on her face let him know that Clarke was in pain, lots of it. Once Clarke was off the horse, Bellamy eased her down to the ground and pulled out his water canteen. "Drink," he said, offering the container to his friend.
"Thanks," she said as she unscrewed the cap and brought the canteen to her mouth. She took a couple of deep gulps before handing it back to him. He noticed her wince when she did and wondered how long Clarke had been suffering.
"I'm going to check if you're bleeding, is that okay?" Bellamy asked. It was too cold and they were wearing too many layers for him to check the wound itself. He would have to feel for it to be sure. When Clarke nodded he took off his glove and moved behind her. Reaching down from the neck of her clothes, he felt for the bandage that currently covered her wound. Niylah had told him she was taken care of the best that they could, but the riding could have undone some of that. He felt the soft material of the bandage and it felt a little damp.
"Well, what's the verdict," Clarke said as she shivered slightly.
"You're bleeding a little, but not too much." Bellamy removed his hand and wiped his fingers off on his pants before putting his glove back on. "Mount Weather is closer than Arkadia. I say we go there. We've opened it as a hospital and we'd be safe there until your mom arrives." Bellamy could see the pain in Clarke's eyes when the words left his mouth. I know, Clarke.
"Okay," Clarke replied blandly. Bellamy was surprised when she didn't offer any resistance, but perhaps she agreed it was the best plan. "Not named Camp Jaha anymore?" she asked, trying to change the subject.
"Yea, we de-"
"Hush!" Lincoln hissed, lowering into a crouch. "We're not alone."
Bellamy's heart sunk as he mirrored Lincoln's movements, moving in front of Clarke. They couldn't have followed us that quickly. We made sure we weren't being followed! His heart rate started to increase as he looked in every direction, trying to identify where whatever noise Lincoln heard was coming from.
"Do you see anything?" Harper whispered, moving to Lincoln's side and drawing out her machete. Her voice sounded shaky and Bellamy couldn't blame her. The hair on the back of his neck was perfectly straight as he listened for any signs of movement.
His fears became reality in the next moment. Footsteps sounded behind him and he barely was able to dive out of the way from a flash of silver that slashed into the ground where he was moments before. "Lincoln!" he called out, drawing out his own machete while moving between himself and Clarke.
Their attacker swirled around and lunged at Bellamy. He heard the blade slicing through the air and barely got his own machete up in time to deflect the hit. Heat covered his cheek and soon he felt wetness pouring down it. God damn, he's fast, Bellamy thought. Harper and Lincoln joined in the fight seconds later to gang up on him.
Lincoln was the first to attack, lunging with his sword. The man parried easily, but Harper was right on him with another attack to prevent any counters. Her attack looked like it was going to land, but a quick flick of the man's wrist blocked it and a kick to the chest sent her sprawling onto the ground. Bellamy jumped onto him next, striking out but being countered yet again. Who the hell is this guy?
Back and forth they went, every attack they sent at him was easily blocked and countered. Lincoln managed to hold his own, but Bellamy could tell it was a losing battle. He lunged a clumsy attack at the mystery man and was met with a swift punch to the face. Sprawling back down to the ground, Bellamy began to panic. We can only keep this up so long, he thought. He looked to Clarke and saw that she was reaching for the swords on her back. "Stay down, Clarke!" he called out. She's in no condition to fight.
That caught the man's attention and he made his way over to Clarke. No! Bellamy sprang to his feet and charged, swinging his machete violently. Their attacker tried to step out of the way but was a hair too slow and he managed to clip the man's leg with the end of the blade. The thrust sent Bellamy too off balance and he face planted into the ground. Rolling over, the man was standing over him raising the sword to attack. Shit, was the only thing that came to Bellamy's mind.
"Roan!"
The man halted and turned his head at the call, and all action stopped. Bellamy's heart was pounding against his chest and he scooted out from under the man while he was distracted. He heard their attacker respond in Trigedasleng, though he didn't understand what was being said. What is going on here?
"Come now, Roan," the voice from before said. Bellamy looked behind him and walking towards them was a middle-aged man dressed in all black. While the momentary relief from battle was a good one, as he was exhausted, Bellamy didn't know whether or not to be scared of this newcomer as well. "You know their tongue. Let us speak so they can hear."
"Orion," the man who Bellamy figured was Roan spat out. "I thought you were dead."
Orion laughed and drew his own sword and stepped closer to the group. "No, no. Not dead. Not me. It has tried, though. Death. That it has." Great, we have someone trying to kill us and now an insane person trying to stop him. "Surprised to see you, that I am. What do you want with these Skaikru?" he asked, waving his sword in their direction.
"None of your business, coward," Roan spat. Bellamy watched him circle around the newcomer. At least it looks like they're enemies. Has to count for something.
"The traitor calls out the coward, how fitting," Orion laughed. "Poor little Roan, left out in the cold. Prey on the weak to find some heat, how far the prince has fallen."
Roan growled and tightened his grip on his sword. "Why are we even talking? It's clear you've gone insane. Do you even remember who you are?"
"Do you?" Orion fired right back, a fit of laughter coming from the man. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Let me compose myself." Orion took a deep breath and waved his hand over his face. "There, better," he said, then he waved his sword in Roan's direction. "Leave the Skaikru and you will live."
Roan shook his head and lunged for Clarke, grabbing her up and pressing the sword to her throat. "No!" Bellamy called out rising to his feet only to be met with Roan pressing the blade hard enough against Clarke's throat to cause it to bleed. Damnit, he thought as he backed off. I can't risk hurting Clarke.
"Here's how this is gonna work," Roan said, keeping his sword at Clarke's throat. "I'm taking her with me, and you're not going to follow. Do anything else and she dies, understood?"
Harper moved closer to Roan and held her sword out. "There's four of us and only one of you. What makes you think we won't just kill you here and now?"
Bellamy watched in horror as in one swift motion Roan flashed his sword out and cut off Harper's extended hand. She dropped to the ground, screaming, and soon Clarke and himself were joining in. Roan backed away and slashed one of the horse's throat and tossed Clarke up onto another one, jumping up behind her shortly afterward. "That was your warning. Next time you die," Roan said coldly, staring straight at Orion as he yanked the reins and took off on his horse.
Once he took off, Bellamy rushed over to Harper who was rolling around in agony. He tore off his jacket and wrapped it around her wound the best he could. "We've got to get you back to Mount Weather," he said. Lincoln joined him and helped apply some pressure to Harper's wound. Bellamy let him take over and he stood up to face Orion. "Who the hell are you? Who is he? Why didn't you do anything?"
"Apologies, Skaikru," Orion replied, sheathing his sword. "Your friend is safe, so long as we follow what he says. Roan wants something, that he does."
"And what is that?" Bellamy asked harshly, stepping forward as he put away his machete. "That's easy for you to say, you don't know her. We risked our lives coming here to get her, searched for months to find her, and now she's gone."
"Redemption," Orion said, laughing. "Mommy banished him and now he wants to fix it."
Bellamy went cold as he thought of what that meant. "If he's taking her back to the Ice Queen we need to head back. She'll kill Clarke."
"Noooo, no, no, no, my Skaikru friend," Orion replied. "Your friend here is missing a hand, terrible injury that is. You can stop it, for a while. Not too long, though." Bellamy hated the way the man talked, but knew he was right. If Harper didn't get help soon, she was going to die.
"We need to get her to Mount Weather," Bellamy replied. "We can get her help there." He was caught off guard when Orion suddenly started freaking out.
"No, not the Mountain. Can't go to the Mountain," Orion said. "Mountain of death, Mountain of lies. They all go in, just to die." Orion went quiet a moment and Bellamy thought he had lost the man, but he composed himself right after that. "I'll escort you close enough to the Mountain, no further."
"Thank you," Bellamy said, taking what he could get. It was dark and they'd have hell trying to navigate on their own while having to deal with an injured Harper. "What about Clarke?" He wasn't just going to come this close only to lose her again.
"We will let Roan believe he won," Orion said. "Roan was always easy to understand. Why follow something when you know where it will be?"
"You know where he is taking her?" Bellamy asked, hope filling his voice. If he's not taking her to the Ice Queen, where then?
"The traitor runs from Mommy to Heda," Orion laughed. "In Polis you will find your friend. We must ride now, before your other friend dies. When we part I will head for Polis."
Bellamy looked over and Lincoln was helping Harper to her feet, keeping pressure on her open wound and hoisting her up onto his horse. Bellamy walked over to Harper's severed hand and picked it up, wrapping it in a spare piece of his now ripped shirt. This is my fault, he thought. She came here because of me. Blood beginning to boil, he grabbed the reins of his horse and jumped on. Orion slid on behind him and Bellamy tore off with Lincoln, racing to save Harper's life. Save Harper, then find Clarke. The four raced off in the direction of the Mountain, fighting against time and praying Harper would last until they made it.
A/N: Thanks so much for reading. For all of you who have been patiently waiting, payoff is about to come. Next chapter will finally have the reunion between Clarke and Lexa. They almost ran into each other a couple of chapters ago, but this time there will be no avoiding it for Clarke. I know it's been a long journey and you've stuck through it thus far, so I'm happy to tell you what you want is coming in the next update! Thanks again for all the follows/favorites/views/reviews. I'm glad so many people are enjoying this story, it's really motivating.