Chapter Eight

That was embarrassing.

Beca pulled her cloak closer round her as she picked her way back to their camp. She glanced up at Jesse who was walking ten paces ahead and bit her lip. She felt so mortified at what happened just now. She nearly made a fool of herself, for goodness sake; already on her tiptoes ready to kiss him. Why did she even do that? He had done nothing but made her life miserable. And he had just picked her up, put some distance between them and turned away. If that was not rejection, she didn't know what was. He hated her. She should know that by now.

Beca was too busy with her thoughts that she didn't realised they had arrived. She was half expecting Fat Amy to holler at them for being late for breakfast. Except for the sound of the horses snorting, it was silent. Amy was nowhere to be found and now Beca was starting to worry. This was unlike her. Usually she was like Beca's shadow.

"Amy!" Beca called out, hoping that her friend was perhaps hiding somewhere, waiting to surprise her. "Come out, Amy. This is not funny."

"When was the last time you've seen Lady Amelia?"

Beca whirled around to find Jesse right behind her. When was the last time she saw Amy? She didn't see her this morning when she woke up.

"Last night." Beca said, recollecting what happened. "Just before I fell asleep. She had to.. umm.."

It didn't matter that she didn't finish his sentence because Jesse was already turning away, walking across the camp. He seemed to be concentrating hard, his shoulders rigid as he walked out from the immediate camp. Beca was feeling apprehensive now, turning to her belongings and quickly getting dressed. She was just buttoning up her jacket when Jesse came back.

"Come with me."

"Please." Beca said automatically, slightly affronted by his brusque manner.

Jesse stared at her before softening his tone grudgingly . "Come with me...please. We have to look for Lady Amy. If there is any danger, I prefer to have you near me."

Beca nodded in acquiescence, belting her sword onto her waist before following him deeper into the woods. They walked seemingly without purpose. Beca was about to open her mouth when Jesse hushed her even before she could speak. He shook his head once and continued to set his eyes forward, concentrating on a faint trail.

"She came this way." he said softly and trekked on ahead.

Beca tried to keep up but with his long strides, Jesse easily outpaced her and disappeared in between the trees. She carefully followed his tracks. A loud curse punctuated the air before she heard him making his way back, not bothering to be quiet. He appeared in front of her, his face looking grim.

"We have to go back." Jesse said.

A cold tendril of fear ran up Beca's chest. "Amy?" she choked out, almost afraid.

Jesse was already striding past her. "We have to hurry."

He was rushing headalong back to where they came from. Beca was running to catch up with him. "Sir knight! Stop!" Beca shouted, almost out of breath. Jesse slowed down but did not stop. A trace of impatience washed across his face as Beca ran up to him "What is happening? Where is Amy?"

He took a deep breath.

"Lady Amy's has been captured," Jesse said urgently. "She is safe for now. But if we do not hurry, I cannot guarantee that she will be alive for long."

They rode the horses hard.

The anxiety weighed heavy on Beca. She wanted to urge Blaze to go faster but she was handling Fat Amy's palfrey. Jesse was already ahead with Shadow. He seemed to know where he was going; occasionally stopping for a moment to make sure they were going the right direction. The sun was halfway across the sky when Jesse signalled for a stop. He came down from his horse and came up to take the reins out of Beca's hands as she alighted from her horse, securing the horse to a nearby tree.

"We have to make the rest of the way by foot," he said tersely. "It's not very far."

"Where are we heading?" Beca asked.

He seemed to be in no mood to answer any question.

They moved further off the path, threading their way carefully through the trees. The air seemed oddly silent here. Beca was used to hearing bird chirping or animals calling. Even in the quietest woods there be at least the whisper of leaves. It was far too quiet. The branches of the trees ahead knitting heavily above. Hardly any sunlight managed to pierce through the dark canopy. Jesse stopped behind a large tree, turning round to make sure she was still behind him.

"Mi'lady, please. Can I ask you to hold your tongue?" Jesse whispered. "Whatever is going to happen next, I beg of you, please do not say a word."

"What is going to - " Beca started.

Jesse shook his head vehemently. "Please. We have to be very careful if we want to save Lady Amy. Promise me you will not say a word."

Beca swallowed hard and at her nod, Jesse carefully stepped out from behind the tree with Beca right behind him. They were in a clearing. And right ahead, in the middle, was a rustic, wooden house with a thatched roof. At first, it looked a little idyllic - a little house in the woods complete with water pump and a black cat snoozing. Until Beca saw the arrangement of skulls around the door frame. She stifled a gasp, clamping her lips tightly. No, those skulls were far too small to be human. Perhaps they belonged to woodland animals. Still, it did not make that house looked any less eerie.

They should go.

Why did they need to be here for? Beca was poised to turn back but Jesse was already marching up to the door and rapping sharply on the door. He turned to beckon to Beca and she felt a little safer once she was standing behind him.

The door creaked open.

It did not look like anyone opened the door and they both hesitated on the threshold until a querulous voice called out "Come in." Every fibre of Beca's being was screaming telling her to run but Jesse was already stepping into the darkness within; and with a deep intake of breath, Beca followed suit.

"Come in! Don't be rude." the voice beckoned. "Don't be shy, travellers. Please come in." Strangely, the voice changed the timbre changing from a quavering crone to someone much younger.

The interior was dark but as soon as her eyes adjusted to the darkness, Beca noted that the the room looked much larger than what she perceived outside. It was filled to the brim with many things. Odd things. Bottles, of varying colour and sizes, chests on top of other chests, boxy, heavy and wooden. Skulls, skins and feathers. Beca shuddered at the sight of stuffed birds, beady eyes staring down at her. There were a pile of cauldrons, stacked higgledy piggledy. There were cages, from a tiny one that could fit onto her palm to ones as large as a box and when she focused on one, Beca saw movement. She buttoned down that exclamation that threatened to leap out of her mouth, remembering what Jesse had cautioned just now.

"Oh my! I was not expecting visitors. Especially such a handsome one."

A lady in her late forties was standing in the middle of the room. She was dressed in black robes, her hands folded in front of her. Her blonde hair was piled on top of her head and she was smiling at both of them. A smile of a predator.

"It is so lovely to have visitors," the lady spoke up. "May I offer you a refreshment? Some tea perhaps? Or juice?"

Beca keep her mouth shut, waiting for Jesse to make his first move.

"Mistress." Jesse said politely tipping his head forward. "It's very kind of you to welcome us. We think you might have something that belongs to us."

"Call me Gail," the lady said, sounding almost friendly. "Are you sure I have something of yours? Mistress Gail is not a thief. What I have are usually found."

"Of course, I didn't mean it that way," Jesse quickly answered. "We are just tired travellers. And very thirsty."

The lady laughed gaily and clapped her hands. "Let me get you that tea. Please have a seat."

Both of them gingerly sat down as the woman busied herself with getting tea ready. She poured out two mugs, hot and steaming, and watched them like a hawk as they both picked up the mugs. Beca was wondering whether it was safe to drink. Jesse was making a big show of blowing it, taking the smallest sip possible before setting the mug down. "It's hot," he said, smiling charmingly up at the lady. She was smiling back in return, temporarily distracted and Beca quickly put the mug back down without drinking.

"Now how can I help you?" the lady was asking.

"I hear you are a procurer of many things, Mistress," Jesse said.

"I am."

"Some say you are the best."

"You have a silver tongue, young man." the lady simpered, pretending to fan herself.

"We heard you may have caught something of interest last night," Jesse said. "And if the price is right, we would like to buy it off you."

The lady's green eyes hardened.

"News travel fast," she answered.

Jesse's mouth was curving up into that charming smile again. "We would like a quick sale. Before the others came to your doors. I am willing to pay a very good price."

The lady looked like she was thinking hard, propping her chin on her hand. "It is a very rare thing."

"Yes, we know."

"It was very troublesome to catch. That infernal thing did not come willingly. Look, I still got scratches on my arms." She drew her sleeves up showing red lacerations along both arms. "Very nasty thing. Kept swearing at me."

"We will make it worth your while."

"Hmm...why are you interested?" the woman said. "It's a tethered being. It would be no good without its mistress."

"I am to visit my mother. And once trained, I thought it would be a nice plaything." Jesse lied smoothly. Beca kept silent, totally bewildered by the exchange. The lady turned her gaze to Beca.

"What's your name, little child?" she said, her stare penetrating through the half darkness. "Speak up."

"She's mute." Jesse answered. Beca opened her mouth and a rough sound came out of her throat. She actually couldn't speak. She just looked down, hiding her face behind her curtain of hair, her heart beating so fast she was sure everyone in that room could hear it.

"Coming back to our business, can we have a look?" Jesse smoothly said, bringing the lady's attention back to hm. The lady thought for a while longer before rising up to her feet and leading them towards into another room. She swept the heavy curtain aside. It was as full as the previous room except the cages were much bigger. Much, much bigger and one of them -

Beca nearly threw herself forward but she was blocked by Jesse standing right in front of her like a brick wall. She tried to scream but the sound died in her throat. Amy. Amy was chained inside the cage, like an animal. A silver shackle was at her ankle and another round her neck. That was not the most upsetting thing. Amy usually looked jolly, pink and healthy but this Amy looked miserable, like a husk of her former self. Her blonde hair looked grey than gold, hanging limply and that usual Amy smile was gone. She was sniffling softly like she was cried out.

"She doesn't look very healthy," Jesse spoke up. His hand was firmly holding on to Beca, shielding her behind his back. "I am not sure she would survive the journey."

"I just caught it last night. It's still fresh!" the lady said. She rapped the cage with a stick and shouted. "Look lively you!"

Jesse sighed heavily like he could not believe he was doing this. "Fine. Let's talk prices."

For the next few minutes, they bargained and bartered, the woman not moving an inch from the asking price. Then Jesse started to take out gold coins out of his pouch and started counting them out. The lady looked at them with derision.

"Not enough! You are wasting my time." She sounded impatient now.

"Wait. I can offer you something more." Jesse said. "A trade."

"You don't have anything that interest me." she huffed, straightening up. "I have to ask you to leave."

"Mistress, look at me," Jesse said. His voice was soft yet persistent. "Look at me properly."

The lady narrowed her eyes and then widened them just as quickly. "Oh. OH! This is very interesting. What are you offering me, halfling?"

Beca heard the sneer in that woman's voice and she bristled at the implied insult. Jesse seemed completely unaffected by it.

"A phial of my blood."

Beca's mouth opened in surprise. What the hell was happening now? She wanted to speak up but something in the way Jesse was standing, staring down at the woman and holding her behind him was telling her to keep still.

The woman cackled loudly. "I need more than a phial. And how do I know what they say about your blood is true?"

"I'll give you a demonstration. On those scratches on your arms." Jesse replied. "Give me a moment." He turned and hustled Beca out of the room, pushing her hard so that she moved quickly. They were in the outer room and he walked her backwards until she was forced to sit down on a chair next to the forgotten tea. With a hard stare, Jesse whispered quickly. "Stay here. Don't move but be ready to run when I tell you to. Give me your dagger." Beca was immobile, too surprised to even move. He rifled under her cloak and drew out her dagger before going back into the other room.

Beca sat at the edge of her seat. She could not comprehend what was happening. The sight of Amy chained in that cage was enough to shock her to silence. And now Jesse was involved in some sort of trade for Amy with gold coins and his blood? She stood up, wanting to pace but too afraid to make any noise. This was all so strange to her. This was so far removed from the comfortable existence she knew at her castle.

She heard a loud gasp and Beca nearly run to that curtain separating the rooms. Then there was a cackle; the lady now speaking in what sounded like a satisfied voice before she heard a wooden creak and the sound of metal shackles falling. She was backing towards the exit when Jesse came through the door, pushing Amy in front of her. He came barrelling out and pushed Amy straight into Beca's arms.

"Go! Quickly! Back to the horses," he whispered fiercely. Beca held on to Amy. She still looked very ill but a little colour was coming to her cheeks. She was staring at Beca, opening her mouth wordlessly, trying to say something and Beca hugged her close.

"Now!" Jesse barked, pushing them out of the door as the witch came out from the other room. She was holding out her arms, looking at them happily. Not a scratch. Her arms were white and pale with no sign of the deep lacerations Beca saw just now. Beca quickly wrapped a hand around Amy's arm, tugging her forward. As they tumbled out of that witch's house, Beca heard the witch shrieking, "Wait! Come back. That girl! Who is she? Come back!"

Beca hurried Amy on as quick as she could. They had to get out of there. And as she managed to push Amy along, she heard Jesse saying very firmly, "Mistress, we had a deal."

t was not until the next day before she felt able to speak.

They rode as fast as they could away from that place and once Jesse felt it was safe, they slowed down to a stop. Their rest that night was uncomfortable. He insisted they both stayed close to him and he was watching over them as they fell asleep. The second night in, Beca was cradling Amy in her arms. She was burning up, tossing and mumbling with her eyes closed. Beca was carefully nursing her back but she could not feeling helpless, only able to mop Amy's hot forehead with a cool wet towel.

"Get her to drink this." Beca looked up to find Jesse offering a wooden mug, filled with a warm brew. "It would help with the fever."

He had been boiling some leaves just now and had decanted the concoction, waiting for it to cool down before offering it to Beca. She took it and persuaded Amy to sip it slowly and within an hour, Amy looked more restful. Beca let her sleep, wiping her friend's sweaty brow and tucking her blanket more securely. After she was sure Amy was sleeping, Beca got up, rubbing her face in weariness.

Jesse was siting near their small camp fire, banking it down and Beca went over, standing a few feet away from him.

"Thank you." Beca said solemnly. "For saving Amy."

He didn't look up, just grunted in reply. Beca stared at the side of his head, feeling that frustration mounting up again. Could he not speak civilly to her? She had questions, for goodness sake.

"I would like some answers now." she said, swallowing down her anger. Beca knew she would not make any headway if she were to shout at him. "Please."

He stopped poking the campfire and with a sigh, Jesse answered,"What would mi'lady like to know?"

Beca came nearer and after a moment hesitation, she sat down next to him. He budged from his seat, giving her room, leaving a respectable amount of space between them.

"What happened?" Beca asked.

Jesse kept his eyes on the fire. That question was easy enough to answer.

"Lady Amelia unwittingly walked into a trap that night. I found the remains of the trap," he replied. "It is partly my fault. I should have been more vigilant. Usually crones don't hunt very far. They tend to keep close to their homes."

"Mistress Gail is a...witch?" Beca said, her forehead wrinkling slightly. She had heard about witches, of course. Nanny told her enough stories about them. "But why was she laying traps? I thought -"

"Some witches trade spells. Others magical things. Whatever sells," Jesse shrugged. "The rarer, the more potent the magic, the higher the price."

Beca thought about the bottles of potion, the boxes and the cages. A shudder went through her recollecting what she saw in the cages. And Amy. Amy caged and shackled.

"But why did she do that to Amy? Amy's human! What would that witch do to her?" Beca's voice was full of outrage. "And the way she talked about Amy; like she was some kind of animal!"

"Do you remember how you met Lady Amelia?"

Beca was a little dumbfounded by that question. Of course she did. Amy had been like a sister to her. They were scarcely apart since she came to the castle all those years ago.

"I knew Amy since I was six. She came to the castle and Father said she was to be my companion," Beca answered, thinking back. "I remember that day very well. It was...it was a week after my mother died."

She stared at the banked fire, concentrating hard on the embers. That day was very clear to her. As clear as the day her mother passed.

It was a long moment before Jesse spoke up. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to bring up any sad memories."

Beca looked up to find him gazing at her. She also realised that her cheeks were wet and she had been silently crying. Beca impatiently rubbed her cheeks dry.

"No, it's fine. It was a long time ago," she replied. "I was six. All I remember there was a huge fire. I bade my mother goodnight and the next moment, I was woken up. Everyone was running out, shouting. It was chaos. And..and they told me..."

She couldn't continue. Beca kept quiet, all her effort being put into stifling these stupid sobs that threatened to erupt any second now. And then she felt a warm arm around her shoulders. It drew her closer until she was enveloped in this warm, comforting hug.

She shouldn't. It was not proper.

But the events of the couple of weeks fell heavily on her. Missing her father, one strange thing happening after another, rushing headalong into this marriage. It all came crashing down and Beca turned her face into that hard chest and sobbed her eyes out. It took her a few minutes to recollect herself and once she had her sobs under control, Beca straightened up, withdrawing herself from Jesse's warm embrace. She smiled shakily, dashing her tears again win the back of her hand.

"I am sorry for that," Beca said, apologising for her moment of weakness. "I can assure you that will not happen again."

"Don't apologise, mi'lady. I am here to be of service to you," Jesse replied gently. "And for all it's worth, I missed my mother too."

She saw the same sadness reflected in his brown eyes.

"You lost your mother too?"

Jesse nodded, his mouth twisting into a sad smile. "Yes, when I was fifteen."

"I'm sorry." She didn't exactly know what to say. Beca felt all they did was to apologise to each other. Jesse must have thought the same because now he was still smiling.

"Don't be. She died doing what she loved best. She rode into battle with my father and died protecting the ones she loved."

"Tell me about your mother."

Jesse's gaze turned to the fire as memories of his mother came swarming back.

"She was the most fearless woman I know. Everytime, my father rode out to war, she would be by his side. I think the only time she did not go was when my brothers and I were little. Those were the best years. But once I was old enough, she went back be with my father. I missed her very much when she was away, of course, but I always look forward to her coming back. She would tell all these wonderful, gory tales. The type that boys just lap up. Until one day...she didn't come back."

Jesse stopped, embarrassed that he had prattled on too much.

"She sounds amazing." Beca said softly.

Jesse nodded. He heaved a sad sigh, deep in thought. "My only regret was not riding out to send her off that day. I was being stubborn and didn't say goodbye. Fifteen was a difficult age for me."

"Did your father remarry?"

"No, my mother was his mate." Jesse replied, still gazing into the fire. He then cleared his throat uncomfortably. "What I meant is...My family - we believe we have only one partner for life. There was no one else for my Father."

"That is...rather romantic." Beca said slowly. She was a little surprised at that thought and stared down at her hands in confusion. "Your parents were very lucky."

"They were. They were meant for each other," he replied, smiling in the half darkness. "Don't you believe that perhaps someday, you will meet someone? Someone so wondrous, so perfect that you could not help but fall so desperately and so hopelessly in love?"

She didn't immediately answer him. The only sound between them was the fire crackling faintly.

"That could happen,'" Beca replied, sounding a little wistful. She shook her head a little sadly. "But there is no place for love in my world."

"You...do not have...feelings for Lord de Lessops?"

Beca scoffed at the thought. "I am to marry for an alliance; not for love. I don't even know how Lord de Lessops looks like."

"But - ," Jesse stuttered. "Why do you agree to do this?"

Beca ran one hand over her face before her lips curved into a reluctant smile.

"Because it is my duty, sir knight" she replied wearily. "If my marriage means one less war, one less father or brother or son dying, how could I refuse? My best hope is my husband will treat me kindly after we are married."

At that moment, Jesse realised perhaps he had been exceptionally hard on her. And how incredibly brave and selfless she was being.

"Lord de Lessops is a fair man," he said, hoping to allay her fears. It was not uncommon for old wives to be ignored and set aside when new alliances were forged. Or when a new mistress came to the husband's bed.

"Let's hope so," Beca replied. Her fingers were restless, twisting a ring on her hand almost savagely. "Because if I had not thought about my duty, if I had just followed my heart, I wouldn't even be here."

Beca seemed to realise she was speaking out loud and stopped suddenly. Jesse's ears pricked up. He was about to question her when Beca abruptly got up to her feet and mumbled hurriedly, "I have to check on Amy."

Jesse was very careful.

He was careful to keep his face neutral and not to stare at Beca. She had got up so suddenly and left, on the pretense that she was checking on Fat Amy who was fast asleep. He was very careful in keeping his instinct down because right at this moment, all he wanted to do was to get up, march over to where she was and demand an explanation on what she had said just now.

What is it?

Wolf had picked up on Jesse's anxiety.

Something's wrong, Wolf. Something doesn't add up - Jesse replied - She is hiding something.

Wolf sifted through Jesse's thoughts. He had been with him since Jesse was born; always bordering at the edge of his consciousness when he was younger, only coming to the fore when Jesse hit puberty. They were essentially of one mind but Jesse could not help being a little embarrassed at what Wolf could pick up from his thoughts. Right at this moment, his cheeks were turning pink at the images of Beca he had inadvertently stored in his mind. Beca sitting close. The wave of her hair from her right temple. The sweet pinkness of her lips. The way she had fitted so perfectly in his arms as she buried her face into his chest. And her long, slim fingers twisting that ring.

She mentioned about following her heart and not being here - Wolf said.

Jesse stifled his sigh at that. He heard what she said quite clearly.

Her heart is not here, Wolf. It is with someone else and I think I know who he is.

An image of a tall, blonde man flashed before his eyes. Hair like gold, pale skin, dressed in black and red. The way he was smiling at her, the way she was smiling back at him, the way he was holding her close, hands on her waist and arms. Wolf emitted a low, menacing growl.

It does not change anything, Jesse. She is still what she is. She is your mate. You knew this since the first time you saw her.

Jesse kept quiet, knowing it was useless to argue when Wolf was being stubborn like this. He idly scratched patterns into the ground with a stick, trying to work something out. He still have to bring her to safety and with Amy being so ill, it would be doubly difficult. Jesse glanced over and could picked up that both Beca and Amy were now asleep. He slowly stood up, now certain on what he had to do.

Wolf, we are going to need reinforcements