.Chapter 11.

Into the Sunlight

"Wake up, Link. The hunting party has just returned."

Nelia's voice was cold in his ears and, grunting awake from an exhausted sleep, Link debated laying there and ignoring the summons. He would at least open his eyes though he continued to lay there on his side, half huddled in a ball for warmth and a glare set towards the stone wall instead of facing the woman behind him. This place was puny and damp; the air stale and the walls lined with evidence that he wasn't the first person to be held prisoner here. He slept alone and was held in confinement here nearly all hours except for brief periods of time when he was let out to use the restroom and to be shown as an example during meals.

On top of that it had been nearly a week since his fight with Darus but his body still hurt badly and even though he was healing faster than normal his wounds were still problematic. His strength was taking its time to return; especially since he refused to eat any of whatever meat scraps they threw at him. However Link didn't have much more time to think about it defying Nelia as another voice announced the arrival of someone he'd learned to hate even more.

"Nelia! Did you get him or what?"

Shane's brisk impatience was nothing new and, seconds after, he'd feel the other brute's claws strike to leave new and angry lines in his skin. Link didn't cry out and he resisted the urge to flinch. Doing so would only give the bastard more pleasure in his self-appointed task of escorting him out to the feeding hall. Instead Link would roll over rather casually so that he could face his tormenter now, his eyes cold on the both of them. He didn't argue, what was the point of doing that? Instead he'd silently get to his feet and move down the narrow tunnel with Shane following right after and Nelia taking up the rear.

He hated this place; this particular tunnel ranked high on list due to all the awkward twists, obstacles, and at times it narrowed down so that it was more of a crawlspace than an actual passageway. It was a rough time for someone who was injured and hungry. The smell of the meat hit him long before they even reached the main cavern and, instantly, his mouth began to water. That didn't smell like the meat they'd brought last hunt; who had been an innocent traveler out and about at the wrong time. It smelled like real food; a deer. Shane would be sure to get right beside him as he stepped onto even ground and, with a hiss, the man would grip his arm tightly.

"None for you, traitor."

There was a malevolent delight in the way Shane said that and, purposefully, he'd even lead him very close so that Link could see the meat properly as the rest of the group began to dig in. Darus was among them, his broad form hard to miss as he muscled his way to the better meats and took them for himself. Link didn't have much longer to glare at him though because Shane would guide him to a group of rocks on the far side of the cave and he'd shove him down there. Link took the rough treatment in stride and, giving Shane a look that promised future retaliation, he emotionlessly recited the words he was to speak at each meal.

"Thank you for sparing my life. I am not worthy. I don't deserve the feast and I am honored to be allowed to sit here to pay for my crimes."

Shane seemed satisfied; likely because he was starting to drool with the promise of food himself. He'd nod to Linda as she silently came up and Shane would waste no time in leaving so as he could take his place at the kill; she was to watch him while the rest ate. Linda would glance over her shoulder to ensure that no one was paying them any mind. They all were occupied so, carefully, she'd kneel down and drop a few berries onto the floor. They were fruit, sweet and tart, and they made him want to gag as soon as they hit his tongue. But they kept the hunger pains away and, when he'd finished, he'd give her a

small nod of thanks.

"Thank you, Linda."

"Don't thank me yet. You're still going to starve to death at this rate."

Despite what she'd said her tone was gentle and, since the night he was drug home and declared a problem for failing at the hunt, she'd become increasingly nicer to him. By now he'd noticed that she, too, didn't eat the meat unless she could see it come off of a deer, bird, or other non-human food source. Hers was by choice and it also brought up a detail in the back of his mind; it nagged at him how she'd refused to eat that very first night he'd been brought here. It made his stomach turn to think that he'd participated in such a dark act of cannibalism, ignorant of it or not, but he didn't dare ask if that kill had, in fact, been a human too.

She would settle beside him and, frowning, she watched the others eat. She looked thoughtful and she'd settle her gaze on Veshte at the edge of the group as he ate with Nelia, her lips lightly pursed together in silent debate. "You know I have heard Veshte arguing with Darus about you lately. I think he's getting close to getting Darus to see reason and allow you back into the pack. Mind you he still isn't very happy with how he is half blind right now; his sight is taking its time to return to that left eye of his."

Her smile was a smug one and, nudging his arm, she'd even give a dark chuckle. "I wish you would have taken that eye out, honestly. I can't stand that beast."

"That makes two of us." Right now he was very grateful for her friendship and support even if she was but a shadow to the rest of the group. She was ignored by just about everyone, even Darus, and he suspected that had something to do with Shane and her marriage to him. How else could she get away with refusing to eat human flesh or participate in a hunt?

"Look. Veshte is coming over."

There was a sense of anticipation in her words and, as Link glanced towards the brute, he'd notice the other male was treading carefully and walking a bit awkwardly. His arms were closer to his body and, when he got closer, Link would see why. He'd tucked meat against him and, after a quick glance around, he'd hold out the slab of deer for Link to take. He wouldn't delay with his stomach angry and empty and he barely had time to nod in gratitude before his appetite took over. He'd wolf down the offering and he'd even go so far as to lick his fingers afterward. Part of it was to rid himself of all evidence and the rest was more to savor the lingering flavor.

"Darus is still pretty upset, Link."

Veshte didn't sound very optimistic and, grunting, he'd sit down beside Link even as Linda gave the other man a dark look. She may have gotten on better terms with Link but she still didn't seem overtly fond of any of the others. However she'd back off a bit and, as the male nodded to her, she'd give a stiff nod back before leaving to go get some of the meat for herself. Poor woman. It was the only time she ever even tried to approach a carcass and Link could tell by the rigid way she held her shoulders that she hated this newfound diet; animal flesh or human. It was a rough thing to grow accustomed to.

"So, Link; how is your side? Is it healing?"

Veshte would carefully glance to the torn cloth there, the remains of Link's tunic tattered and bloody from the fight but it was still enough to cover most of the evidence of his injuries. Link would snort; he couldn't help it. While he understood why Veshte had failed to help him it didn't make him feel any better that this man, so like Rusl, could willingly murder and consume humans. It twisted his stomach in more ways than one.

"I will recover soon enough. But at this rate I may as well starve to death; I take it you risk a lot to bring me the small bits that you do. What do you think Darus will do to you when he catches you helping a traitor?" Blunt and a bit bitter but at least it was too the point. Link's mood was frayed enough as it was.

"He is strict but he isn't that cruel. He'll eventually let you try the hunt again and prove that you're worthy. He gave me a second chance."

Link would feel himself perk up at that last sentence. "He gave you a second chance? Does that mean you also tried to save someone while on a hunt?"

"Well in a way." Veshte would avert his gaze and pretend to be very interested in a pebble on the floor. "It wasn't quite as heroic as trying to stop Darus; the opposite really. I tried to run away."

"You did? Why didn't Darus just let you leave?" It was hard to keep the surprise out of his voice but, inwardly, he felt he already knew why Darus wouldn't have let him leave. There was a sense of arrogance about him, pride in his power. He wouldn't let anyone defy him even in the form of cowardice.

Veshte would only shrug. "He said I had too much worth to waste it in fear."

"Veshte! Stop feeling sorry for the traitor, would you? Get everyone back to the sleeping chambers while I get him back to the stone room."

Shane's curt voice was as unwelcome as it was intrusive. There would only be a sigh from the other male and, as he got up, he'd mumble under his breath so as not to be overheard. "Honestly Link, I wish I had your courage sometimes. This is no way to live." And, with that, he would move towards the group where Nelia and Linda waited for him to begin their trek to the nice and comfortable den.

As for Link he'd get up and stretch, pretending not to notice the impatient growl that came from Shane as the male stalked even closer. Before he could earn himself a shove Link would begin to walk, his mind already churning with the possibilities of what he'd have to do to 'earn his place back'. Kill a human in the hunt, probably. It seemed to be a crucial test Darus ran for his newest faces and, since he'd failed before, he suspected it would be ultimate show of surrender if he was the one to kill a non-infected.

By the time he was settled in his small chamber Shane was already grumbling about taking too long. Link would shut his eyes and, grateful to have something in his belly other than dried berries, Link would slowly begin to slip back into sleep.

"Link! Link wake up!"

The urgency in the words had Link flinch awake and he'd roll over, rapidly blinking his drowsiness away. He was aware of how his voice was still thick with sleep upon answering. "What?"

He'd make out the shape in the tunnel as Linda and, as she got to him, he'd notice that her face was bloody. Her eyes were wild and, as she gripped his arm and tugged, he'd frown and sit up properly. "Linda! Linda what's happened?"

She'd shake her head, pulling on him. "There isn't time. Shane will be waking up any minute. We have to go."

Frowning, Link would rise and start to follow after her, his eyes narrowed on her back as she lead him awkwardly along the tunnel. She had a bit of a limp too. He felt anger rise in him as his mind jumped from one conclusion to another and, hissing to keep quieter, he'd grip her arm to help her from stumbling again.

"Did Shane do this to you?"

"Yes. But Link there isn't time if we're to escape. We have to leave. Now." Her breath hitched in her throat as she spoke, pain making her eyes glassy, but beyond her injuries was the sheer determination to live. What had happened for Shane to do this to her? He was appalling and not much better than Darus in his book; was he lowly enough to beat his wife into submission?

The struggle down the tunnel seemed to take ages and, every now and again, she'd have to stop to catch her breath. In those moments they would listen for any signs that Shane was coming but, for now, all was silent save her panting breaths and his own pounding heart. They finally reached that open cavern which lay empty for right now and, after a quick glance, Linda would lead towards the entrance. However Link would grip her arm as he squinted towards the falls, noticing something horribly wrong with this already.

"Linda what time of day is it?"

It looked far too close to sunrise and, shaking her head, she'd pull free and continue on. "It's getting close to noon. But it's cloudy out; it has been raining all day."

Nearly noon? He'd squint towards the falls and the first hints of pain were already lacing through his eyes. It still looked so bright out there even if it was overcast. Due to the falls it was hard to tell if it was really raining at the moment or not. How had she known?

Urging him forward they both had to narrow their eyes to mere slits as they got to the opening to the world beyond. She'd whine a little with dismay though and, baring her teeth, she'd lean hard against him in a combination of support and comfort. "Oh no…Link. The clouds are already thinning."

He'd look out the gap towards the sky and he'd growl a little as he forced his eyes to stay open. They sky did look bright even with the cloud cover and it was certainly not raining anymore. So now what? He'd pull back with Linda still against him and, as she held even tighter by turning into him, she'd bury her face against his shoulder and clench his tunic in her fists. Her trembling was hard to ignore and out of habit he'd hold her in a comforting embrace, feeling the wetness of her tears as they began to soak the cloths. He was at a bit of a loss as to what to do but he'd turn his attention back towards the cavern, eyes narrowed. Damn Shane to hell and back!

"He'll kill me; I'm as good as dead here if I stay here."

"Linda what happened? Why did he do this to you?" It was hard to keep the anger out of his tone but he managed it. He felt her grow tense but, as she turned her face a little, her tone was strangely even and cold.

"He found a few of the berries. He knew I refused to eat other humans but he said that he'd let that slide because I was his wife. But the berries…" She'd trail off a moment in memory of the event, still so raw in her mind. But when she'd resume there was the bite of hate in her tone. "Shane has decided that if I am so weak that he'll have to speak to Darus about it. He said he'd tried to be kind and keep me safe but there is only so much he could do. He says I'll have to run and prove myself in a hunt and that's all…if I am lucky."

"You'll have to pray for mercy now, my dear."

Shane's voice was ice cold and Linda would recoil at the sound of it, pushing harder into Link as she bared her teeth in fear. Link would turn an even stare back to Shane now, locking his gaze with the other brute, and he only held Linda a little closer.

"You just have no bottom, do you? You just have to keep taking advantage of my status with Darus and ruining my good image." Shane's nostrils would flare with anger as, behind him, shadows of other Infected began to line the cavern walls. "Well you've now been deemed a threat to the survival of the pack; you and that filthy prisoner you're clinging to."

"You'll pay for your sins, Shane." Link's voice was calm as he straightened up, his gaze level with Shane's even as others began to form a line behind Shane and blocked their way to any of the tunnels. They were trapped with their backs to the falls but Link would only stand taller, helping Linda stand with him as he met Shane's challenge.

The other man snorted, a smug smile tugging at his thin muzzle. "I'm not the one betraying my own kind. I'm not the one who is pretending to be something I'm not. We are evolved! We are superior to the lowly human scum that walk in the daylight and we will right all the wrongs done to us." His smile turned nasty now. "Starting right now with the two of you. Goodbye, Linda. Goodbye, Link."

The battle cry that followed would shatter the tension into a flow of energy as a mass of Infected surged forward with the intent to kill. Linda would whine in terror as she held onto Link so tight his ribs ached. They were hopelessly outmatched; even if he was healthy it was doubtful that he could fight all of them off and protect Linda at the same time. They had only one option and, gripping her shoulders, he'd push Linda away and make her meet his gaze.

"We have to jump."

She would blink back at him as if she hadn't understood and her expression one of blank horror and defeat. Deciding there wasn't time to gain her insight he'd pull her back against him and, hoisting her up off her feet, he heard her yelp as he began to run. The Infected's snarls behind him were furious and he distinctly heard Shane yelling orders over the din.

"Don't let them escape. Get them. GET THEM!"

Link didn't dare turn to see how close the mob was behind him and, holding Linda tight, he'd briefly close his eyes as he reached the falls. Goddesses please let them live. He didn't pause as he neared the edge and he'd squeeze his eyes shut even tighter as he felt the spray of water against his face. The water hit them both with amazing force and the next thing Link knew they were both underwater. He felt dizzy and disoriented; which way was up?

Linda wasn't struggling in his grasp anymore and he feared the worst for her but, finally, he broke the surface and was able to suck in a lungful of air. The light was unbearable and he'd barely manage to see anything around him. It was getting brighter out here; the sun could come out at any minute if he stopped to think about how thin the clouds had looked. He'd get Linda's head above water too and, as she coughed and sputtered, her shock wore off as she began to struggle against the fierce current.

"Link!" She'd gasp, flailing as the water frothed around them and they were pulled rapidly downstream. "Link I can't swim."

He barely have time to register that as the rapids shoved them both back under the water and, with alarm, he felt Linda struggle away from him. No! He desperately tried to keep his hold on her and get his head back above water, managing only to suck in water when he tried to get his nose clear. The truth was one that broke Link's heart and inwardly he didn't know if he had it in him to do it. Linda was panicking, drowning, and pulling him down. If he didn't let her go they'd both die.

Still he couldn't just abandon her now; he'd been the one to haul her into this river in the first place. He'd give her a harsh tug, just one more try, and by some miracle he'd find himself able to breathe again. The break in the rapids was brief but it was enough for him to haul Linda's head back above water as well and, as she gasped and hacked, he struggled to keep them both afloat as she tried to climb on top of him.

"Stop Linda! You have to calm down. I can't swim for the both of us like-"

However he didn't get a chance to finish his thought as the clouds finally broke and the first rays of sunlight finally graced the world again. Pain erupted through Link's body unlike anything he'd ever felt before and he could hear Linda screaming beside him. He was blind; even with his eyes slammed shut it was far too bright and his skin burned like he'd been lit on fire. He didn't have to worry about the river killing him now; the sun was proving his theory right about his body not being able to cope with light anymore.

He was dimly aware of screams outside of his and Linda's but they didn't matter right now. It was all he could do to hold onto the woman in his charge as they helplessly drifted and spun in the river before both going under again. The last thing Link felt was Linda's claws dig deep into his shoulders and, then, the world went black.