Chapter 8
While Eugene struggled to comprehend what his wife just told him, Merlin and Amelia fought their way through the forest. They had a long way to go and the wizard's legs felt like they were on fire. He went from barely able to move at all to running for his life.
"We have to slow down," Amelia said, heaving trying to get more oxygen to her lungs.
"I would imagine by now Malik has realized where we've gone and that we're both still alive. He'll be sending men after us," Merlin told her.
"Point," she nodded.
"Place to hide?" He jerked his head toward what looked like a cave opening covered in vines. She shrugged and they aimed their legs for it. Once inside, Amelia slumped to the ground and rubbed her knees.
"Bad joints?" Merlin asked.
"My father had bad knees. I'm afraid I've been cursed with that," she nodded. As she rubbed her skirt moved to reveal scars on her shins. Merlin felt like asking about them but he refrained as he could hear something. He put his finger to his lips and Amelia nodded. There were dogs barking in the distance.
"They've picked up our scent," Merlin shook his head, keeping his tone low.
"Can't you use your magic to throw them off?" She whispered.
"Malik will sense it. It would just put us in more danger," he said.
"Then perhaps it is best we split up. They can't catch both of us," Amelia offered.
"I'm not letting you go. You and I both know what will happen if they catch you first," Merlin shook his head.
"Your mission is more important. You have to leave me and my bad knees behind," she protested.
"I won't do it," he told her. He pulled her to her feet and then to him.
"We're in this together, you and I. We've come too far to not give you the life you deserve," with that he kissed her and then they pushed deeper into the cave. The barking grew louder and Merlin hoped for a way out of the cave but as they moved deeper into the cave the air became stale and the light almost nonexistent.
"Stop here," he whispered as they got behind a large protrusion in the cave wall. They both froze as the sound of the dogs was now followed by hoof beats.
"Where are they?" Malik demanded of his men.
"The dogs lost the scent," one of them said.
"Then they are here somewhere. Spread out and find them," the warlock ordered. The men and dogs fanned out and it was only a matter of time before they found the cave.
"You there! What are you doing in Corona?" An unfamiliar voice demanded an answer from Malik and his men.
"We are hunting. This is a crime?" Malik didn't get very specific with his answer which told Merlin that he'd managed to run into soldiers wearing the colors of Corona.
"It is if you're in this country illegally," came the reply.
"Well then we'll be on our way. Which way to the border?" The fact that Malik was giving up so easily, made Merlin uneasy. There was either a large amount of men out there or there were very few and he intended to kill them and continue on.
"Follow the trail until you reach the two large boulders. There is the border. Be sure to stay on your side of it," it was at that point, Merlin recognized one of the voices. He slowly crawled toward the mouth of the cave and Amelia followed. They watched as Malik and his men headed back toward the border and the massive group of soldiers stayed steady on their mounts.
"This is our chance to catch a ride back to the capital," Merlin said as he slowly emerged from the cave.
"There you are," one of the men dismounted and came over to Merlin, embracing him in a large hug.
"It is good to see you my friend. How exactly did you know we were here?" The wizard asked.
"When I saw Malik, I kind of guessed. Who is this lovely young lady?" The man wondered.
"Amelia, this is my good friend Aldwyn, cousin of Amr, son of Arthur, King of the Britons. Aldwyn, this lady saved my life," Merlin introduced them.
"It is an honor, milady. Now would you like a ride back to the capital? My guess is that the Queen will be most pleased to see you," Aldwyn smiled.
"Lead the way my friend," Merlin smiled.
To Be Continued…