A/N – Thanks for the comments! The battle continues.
Chapter 19
Jason had Johnny prepare a room that could be sealed and protect Elizabeth in case something went wrong. Georgie led them inside and lit a few candles. There is a pipe that leads to the surface to get air into the room and a tunnel that has been there for a long time which will lead them away from the castle to safety.
Stavros sealed off the main door and looked around. There are several cots, some drinks, food, two buckets, blankets, and materials to use if someone gets hurt. On a few of the walls, swords and large knives hung and there was a crossbow in the corner. The room was large enough that they had room to breathe.
Elizabeth smiled when she saw the drawing materials on the bed. "He thought of everything."
Francis and Georgie hung a curtain in the corner to provide privacy should they need to relieve themselves.
Georgie focused on Elizabeth. "He also had a few paintings, and keepsakes from your family put away in case of fire."
Liz's hand went to her heart. "I will be forever grateful."
After the first hour, Elizabeth sighed heavily. "I hate that we can't see what is going on."
"Aye," Georgie said.
"When the castle shakes, then we worry," Stavros said. He's not comfortable in this space. He's used to leading and defending, not sitting around while others fight. He hates that they were forced into this situation. No one had seen Manny coming and that is gravely concerning.
Francis joined him. "What are you thinking?"
"We have a betrayer in our mist."
"I agree. He got in too easily."
"It could have been anyone."
"Her staff is very loyal, but you are right, a few gold coins could easily sway someone."
Stavros shifted his weight. "I'll give it another hour and then I'm returning."
Francis nodded. In some ways not knowing is dangerous.
"Don't let anyone else in here. The code word is Helena. If that is not uttered upon request, go to the tunnel with her. I don't want to take any chances."
"Aye."
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Silas and the priest waited until a wall of fire sprung into the air, using it as a shield as they dragged Jason's body until they were behind the hill.
The men are breathing heavily as Karen tends to Jason.
"Is anything else wrong with him?" the priest whispered.
"He has a cut on his torso that needs to be treated. The back of his head is large and bleeding."
Some of the barbarians had drawn closer and kicked dirt at the fire. That is when they spotted a body and advanced.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
The barbarians had fought ferociously, but with men coming from all sides, they realized that Sonny's guidance had led to this trap, and it would be a miracle if they could escape.
While Guildenhall and the other kingdoms that had joined him, lost many in battle, they still fought with vigor because failure was not an option.
Jaggar slowly started to make his way toward the area when he heard Micah's yell. Taking out as many men as possible, he headed in that direction.
On the hillside, Silas had managed to wrangle a few horses and with great difficulty, they managed to get Jason on one and Karen sat behind him.
Jaggar had seen a glimpse of them but assumed it was the Salinians fleeing. That is when he heard someone yell that Sonny was dead. The other Salinians seemed to give up, allowing their enemy to push them backward. Sonny's body was retrieved and when several retreated, trying to run, they were even taken out or luckily enough to escape.
Dust rose making it difficult to see and in all the melee, Jaggar yelled, "King Jason?"
When there was no response, several men started yelling for him and searching, wondering if they had lost their King again.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Stavros left the confines of the room and headed upstairs. Upon arrival, several of their injured were transported into the main hall. Quickly he pulled someone aside. "What is going on?"
"They fled, but we don't know where King Jason is and fear he is dead."
Stavros cursed under his breath and then made his way outside. The air stunk of burning tar and death. He instructed those who were able, to search the dead for signs of their King and the men made haste. He was relieved to see Jaggar gallop toward him.
"Is she safe?"
"Aye."
He slipped off the horse. "There was no sight of him where I last saw him."
"Do you think he's dead?"
"It's possible, but hopefully he is still with us. Sonny is dead. Micah said Jason had disposed of him." It had been the last time Micah had gazed upon him.
An exhausted, dirty, and mildly injured Johnny joined him.
"There is no sign of him." It killed him to say it, especially since it could have been at Sonny's hand.
"We will search every corner until we find him," Jaggar said knowing that Elizabeth would need the closure if he is truly gone.
Stavros gazed at the sky. "You're exhausted. Get a few hours of sleep and then we'll head out." Hunting is one of his specialties and he won't let Jason down.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Helena fretted as she waited for word. It had been an hour and there was still no message. When a pigeon landed on her window ledge, she hurried to detach the message, relieved that the battle was over but unprepared for the news of Jason.
"I want to go to her," she said as Stefan groaned.
"You know it's not safe. The barbarians probably fled in all directions."
She eyed him sternly. "I am going. I've already packed."
"Then I'm coming too."
Irina stepped inside. "Me too…"
Helena rolled her eyes. "Fine. We leave in a few minutes." She eyed one of the guards. "Find Prince Nikolas." He will have to be in charge while they are gone.
Irina rushed off and Stefan alerted the guards and then went to his room.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Jaggar yelled the code word and Francis quickly got the door open.
When he immediately looked down, Elizabeth gasped and then rushed toward him.
"Tell me he's okay," she pleaded, her eyes filled with tears, "Tell me!"
Jaggar grabbed her arms. "He's missing."
"No! Did you look?" While she could spot the tiredness in his eyes, she was frantic about Jason's safety.
"Aye. We'll leave in a few hours."
She understands the delay but is devastated that he may be gone. "He's still alive, I can feel it."
"May I?"
She nodded and Jaggar hugged her. He motions with his head and the others leave.
Georgie rushes to find Johnny, hoping that he's alright.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Once, they came to an opening, Silas spotted a small village and then galloped towards it. No one was there, so he looked around as Karen and the priest headed toward him.
After perusing several ransacked houses, he managed to find some blankets and other items that would come in handy. When he steps outside, Karen is dismounting.
He handed her the clothes and went to retrieve Jason.
"The barbarians may have come through here. There is no one. That house over there is probably the best since there are windows on all sides."
She noted where he had pointed. "Okay."
She hurried there and when she threw open the door she muttered, "Hells bells." Broken furniture was everywhere, so she put the blankets aside and grabbed some things to make a bed for Jason.
The men hauled him inside and laid him down.
"He's bleeding."
Karen clucked her tongue. "Tear off his shirt."
The priest pulled out a knife and carefully did so and then gasped when he saw the wound. "It's infected. See if there is vinegar and water."
When no vinegar was found, Silas went to a few other homes and finally found a bottle encased. He hurried back, stopping at a well to get water, and then handed the items to her. Gently, she cleaned the wound the best she could. When Jason didn't stir, the priest took his pulse.
"He's still with us."
"Good."
Silas sat against the wall. "What is the plan?"
"We wait and then try to get him back to the castle."
It won't be an easy task, but the longer Jason is without proper medical care, the worse chance he has. They hadn't gone too far, so the journey could be made quickly.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Georgie helped Johnny clean up and tended to his cuts before helping him to bed. "I'm worried about her. I can tell she is worried sick."
"Jason is resilient. If anyone can make it, it will be him."
"He has a chance as long as the barbarians don't take him." With them fleeing, he is unsure whether they would bother dragging Jason along. He would slow them down if he's injured.
"Aye." He winced when she put vinegar on a deeper cut.
"You'll be fine," she said finishing up. "We just have to keep them clean." Infection killed more than anything else aside from plagues.
"Thank you for taking care of me."
A smile edged onto her face. "Always, if you'll let me."
He grinned. "I think that can be arranged."
She practically glowed as he kissed her passionately.
"Sleep, I will wake you in a few hours."
When his eyes closed, and his breathing evened out, she rushed to Elizabeth's room.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Stavros rolled his eyes when he got a message that his mother was on the way. "She is getting predictable," he muttered.
"Aye."
He spun on his heel, stunned to see her advancing. "What are you doing here?"
When anger flashed in his eyes she froze. "I wasn't far and wanted to know if everyone survived."
His shoulders sagged. "For the most part, but Jason is missing."
Gia swallowed hard. "When are you leaving?" She can already see where this is going.
"In a few hours." He removed his armor and then went into the bathroom to wash up.
She patiently waits and is surprised when he enters the room shirtless. "You are bruised.
"Aye. It's probably the armor."
She tentatively moved closer before circling him. "Get into bed."
His brow raised, making her grin.
"You need rest."
He laid on the covers and got comfortable.
She sat on the edge on the other side and watched as his eyes fluttered shut, saying a prayer that Jason would be found and unhurt.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
When Georgie entered Jason's room, she heard Elizabeth's cries and rushed toward her.
"You mustn't make yourself sick," she said before grasping Liz's hand.
"I can't stop. I just—he could be gravely injured, and I can't do a thing from here."
Georgie's eyes narrowed. "You are not riding along. I know you, and the people have fought too hard to have your safety compromised."
Elizabeth cried harder, so Georgie climbed on the bed and held her.
"You've been through so much and are very strong. Jason will need you when he returns. Please rest. I know it is difficult to quiet your mind but do it for him." Everyone is spent and the Queen fired a lot of arrows.
"How is it possible, that my heart has grown so big in such a short time?"
Georgie smiled. "Love has no bounds and is not predicated on time."
"Aye." She sighed as her eyes flickered shut.
It took a while, but Elizabeth finally dozed off and Georgie stayed until it was time to wake her man.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Helena growled under her breath. "What is taking so long?"
"It's not taking any longer than usual," Stefan said.
"She needs me."
A slight smile appears on Irina's face. It's still otherworldly that her mother is so protective of the young Queen. While she will fight to the death for her children, she has never done that for anyone else. It was a testament to the purity of Elizabeth's spirit. She reached over to touch her mother's hand. "I know this is not the comfort you seek, but she is strong and well-loved. Have faith in her, mother."
Helena glanced at her beautiful daughter. While some spoiled royalty might be jealous of Helena's fondness for Elizabeth, Irina didn't mind. Sometimes, she isn't sure how such a beautiful soul came from her. She patted the top of Irina's hand and then stilled. "I know she is, but tragedy has visited her door far too much. I only wish happiness for her and Jason is a part of that now."
Irina nodded. "I'm tired of constant war. Too many have been injured. When we arrive, I will change and help those who have fallen."
"I know they will appreciate it. Prepare yourself. Many have been lost as well. The smell is always unbearable."
They had brought more men with them who were well-rested and would help bury the dead.
Irina pressed her eyes shut. One doesn't forget that smell. It follows you and adheres to your skin for weeks, but that will never stop her from helping.
Stefan eyed them fondly. Irina has grown into a wonderful woman and his mother while fierce, has surprised him with her compassion. He almost laughed aloud. His father is probably rolling in his grave.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Gia gently shook Stavros who groaned. She smiled. "It is time to find the King."
"I feel like I just closed my eyes." They still hadn't opened, but when he felt her lips briefly pressing against his, they snapped open.
She winked and then slid off the bed. "Get dressed. I will get you some food to take. You'll need to keep your strength up."
He smiled. "Damn, I'm a lucky man," he said before sitting up. It's time to hunt for the King and he won't stop until he is found.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
Georgie and Johnny feverishly kissed before he took leave. "Be safe."
"I will. Watch her."
"Aye." She would give her life for Elizabeth's.
She hurried to Jason's room, but Liz wasn't there so she went downstairs.
IiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiIiI
In the courtyard, Liz thanked everyone in the group for being willing to find her husband. She stopped at Johnny and hugged him. "Your Majesty, don't you think this is rather inappropriate?"
Stavros chuckled.
"I don't care you. I think you needed one."
Seeing Stavros's grin, her eyes narrowed before embracing him. "Have you ever been hugged before?" she quipped making Gia laugh.
"By another Queen? No."
She retreated but gripped his arms. "Please be careful. Your mother loves you very much."
"And I, her. I know what you're doing," he whispered, making her eyes prick with tears. "Humor is a good distraction, but it's okay to cry. After all, despite the rumors, you are human."
She hugged him again, surprising him, and then wiped her face. "Thank you."
Jaggar is the last one to receive a royal hug and he greatly appreciates it. "We'll find him."
"I know you will try, and I love you for it."
He blew out a harsh breath. "Are you trying to ruin my reputation?"
"Aye."
"Brat," he whispered.
"Be safe."
"Aye."
A carriage rapidly approached, shifting their attention.
"What the…." Stavros muttered watching as it abruptly stopped. The door was flung open and a guard assisted his mother and sister out. When Stefan appeared, he was baffled. "Who is running things while you jaunt all over the countryside?"
Helena scowled and then perused him.
"I'm fine."
She hugged him and Irina did the same.
"We're about to take leave."
Stefan shook his hand. "Be careful, brother, and to answer your question, Prince Nikolas is in charge."
Stavros rolled his eyes. "He's probably wearing a crown and robes and asked the staff to call him King Nicky."
Irina laughed. "He's not that bad."
As he muttered, Helena eyed the men about to take leave and handed Johnny a satchel. "It is full of remedies. He may be hurt."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Johnny said before accepting it.
"Are you taking a carriage?"
Jagger stepped forward. "Yes, but it will follow so it doesn't slow us."
She nodded and then spotted Georgie. "Take me to Elizabeth."
"Aye."
Irina followed as the men prepared to leave.