The Twisting Flame: Rise of the Phoenix Book 2

By Tayvia Pierce

In "The Twisting Flame", Carys must survive unimaginable horrors as she fights the corruption of the enemy. Abducted by a mysterious and brutal stranger, Carys is taken to Azkaelom and pushed to the very limits of her strength and endurance as she longs for freedom and fights for her very survival. As she faces the Lord of Azkaelom, she begins to understand the truth behind her abduction and comprehend the significance of the storm she must endure.
In "A Single Spark", Lady Carys and her family were forced to abandon their aristocratic life in Taurova, creating a new life in the western land of Lund. They quickly became the target of dangerous people, and Carys was finally forced to hire the mysterious Ben to help protect them. As their friendship blossomed into more and her family's circumstances began to spiral, she no longer knew whom she can trust. When the unthinkable occurred and everything she believed was ripped away, it was too late — she had been caught in the dark net of their enemies.

"The Twisting Flame" is a masterful work of fiction and as the sequel in the Rise of the Phoenix Series, it shares an exciting story that readers of fantasy will love.

"I longed to be the woman I had once been, ignorant and foolish, but there is no going back...The spark that had flashed to life had become a flame, twisting my fate into its own form and life as I knew it was over." - Carys

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jul 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098377960

Tayvia Pierce

Never dare Tayvia Pierce to write a book, because she'll do it just to prove she can. This was where Tayvia, the imaginative force behind the captivating Rise of The Phoenix series, got her start. Hailing from Southern Alberta, she spent her early years trying to find her place in this world, starting off with a career in tourism, though soon realized that wasn't where her passion lay. In 2005, a new chapter of her life unfolded as she exchanged vows and relocated to central Alberta where her and her husband settled into their new life together. Welcoming two little bundles of joy, Tayvia embraced the role of a dedicated stay-at-home mother, yet still wrestled with finding her purpose in life. It was during this transformative period that she stumbled upon story-rich MMORPGs, and she reveled in the immersive tapestry of the roleplay community in these virtual worlds. The collaborative art of storytelling resonated deeply, kindling her fascination with immersive storytelling, fanned by the lore and historical intricacies of these worlds. A fateful friendship would alter the course of her creative journey forever. Encouraged by a good friend, he dared her to a race to write a book and publish, and so she embarked on the monumental task of crafting her first book. Though met with heartbreak at the untimely loss of her friend, Tayvia had found her passion and purpose. A year later, inspired by a new Muse, she delved into building the world of Isirion and the enthralling Rise of The Phoenix series. In 2018, a new chapter beckoned as Tayvia embarked on a solo journey, returning to her roots in Southern Alberta with her children. Balancing the responsibilities of a medical assistant and a single parent, she achieved a milestone by self-publishing Book 1, "A Single Spark," in May 2019. Ever the avid learner, Tayvia achieved her certification as an editor in 2020. What began as a quest to enhance her writing skills evolved into a harmonious blend of editing and writing, shaping a career path uniquely her own. In 2023, Tayvia became intrigued by the horror and began dabbling in all things supernatural and creepy and is excited to stretch her writing skills into this new realm of writing. With her talent for storytelling and dedication to the craft, Tayvia Pierce is an author to watch.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

From A Single Spark

His dagger glinted menacingly in the moonlight as it came from its sheath, cold steel pressing to my throat; I didn’t need to understand what he said to decipher its meaning. I could feel the bite of the metal on my skin, the sting of the sharpened edge threatening to pierce the artery that thudded just beneath it. In Sirric, he hissed his threat. If you do not stop, I will kill your sister and everyone else you hold dear in this world.

My chest heaved, trying to gasp any particle of air I could as I stared into the cold brutality glittering in his eyes. His face was mere inches from my own; his mask covering the rest of his face. I didn’t need to see the malicious grin on his lips to know it was there. I finally stopped struggling against him, a lone tear sliding down my cheek as I was forced to give in.

A deep chuckle rumbled in his chest as he shifted his weight, raising his dagger only to bring the hilt down hard on my head. A crack sounded as searing pain split my skull, and the world around me dimmed into a blur as my body went limp in the grass.

Pain. I couldn’t breathe…I couldn’t think…I couldn’t even move.

The world around me was dark. I was vaguely aware of a few dim shapes, and even fewer sounds penetrating the fog in my mind as I tried to make sene of what was happening. The park spun around me as I was picked up and moved, and while I had the vague thought to keep fighting, I couldn’t get my limp body to cooperate.

A beast shifted beneath me…I had been put on a horse. The warmth of my attacker’s body pressed against my back as his iron grip held me firmly against his chest as we rode up the hill toward one of the gates that would usher us out of Lund.

The gatekeeper will stop us…I’ll be saved…My head lolled against his shoulder as I tried to rouse myself, groaning softly as I desperately hoped to catch the attention of the gatekeeper, but the pain erupted in my head once again, and my stomach churned as it threatened to lose its contents.

My abductor’s laughter grated in my ear as he spoke to someone, halting the horse’s walk for a moment. His words were followed by the distinctive clinking of a coin purse being handed over and the gatekeeper’s nasal, uneducated voice which replied to the man who held me firmly. A pleeshure doin’ bidness whitcha, Meester.

The gatekeeper’s silence had been bought, and as my heart sank, and another tear slid down my cheek. My life for only a few coins. I could feel my abductor’s grin grow as he nudged the horse into motion once again, the stone archway passing over our heads as we left Lund and into the darkened countryside where I would find no hope of salvation.

The large stallion traipsed on with no thought to hurry its pace, and as the following hours passed, the world around me gradually began to come into focus as my mind began to clear. The persistent ringing in my ears lessened, though the pain that coursed through my body refused to ebb. I tried to look around without alerting my captor that I was awake.

Our path was lit only by the dim light of the moon that struggled to shine through the thin layer of clouds above us, the woods ominously dark around us as we rode along the narrow road. The thick trunks barred the view of anything around us, so I had no idea where we were. The throbbing in my head even had me uncertain what direction we were heading. The stars that could have provided some guidance were absent, hidden behind the low-hanging clouds which wisped through the treetops.

My breath visibly puffed in front of me as a chill ran up my spine, quickly followed by another that rippled right down to my fingertips. The wintry air was crisp and growing colder as the night went on. There were no sounds in the dark but the shuffle of hooves against the dirt and the distant howl of a wolf, followed by another.

I licked my lips, one feeling three times the size that it should while the metallic taste of blood blanketed my tongue. My blood had crusted in rivulets down my face as it dried, the split skin of my cheekbone and my swollen lip stinging harshly in the cool night air. I shifted slightly, trying to ease the growing pain in my back, the slight movement met with the man’s tightening grip around me and lips pressing to my ear as he crooned, Don’t get any ideas, girl.

Where is he taking me? Why me? Each step that took us further from Lund cultivated more and more fears as I struggled to comprehend the situation I was in. He had recognized Ben’s knife, but how? How did he know that Ben favored me? How long had he been watching my household?

The man shifted, grunting in my ear as his palm pressed to his thigh where I had cut him, a momentary flash of satisfaction that I had at least hurt him, though the sense of achievement turned to a sickening dread as he growled in my ear with audible savagery. You’ll pay dearly for that.

I had no idea just how dearly I would pay.

CHAPTER 1

I’ve been abducted!

Despite my training, my own lack of caution and over-confidence had been my undoing. This man was bigger and stronger, and while I had landed a blow in my defense, it hadn’t prevented harm from coming to me. My head throbbed from the blows I had suffered at my abductor’s hand, and the ache of his rough handling spread though my whole body as the night went on.

The thick knot of dread in my stomach turned to solid stone. I still had my other blade in my boot, my tiny bit of good fortune not lost on me. Was it only this morning that I picked it up from the weapon-smith? It was now my last means to defend myself, but I needed to choose my moment well if I was going to escape this brute.

I had warned Rhian so often about being safe, and for all my nagging, I had found the same fate she had. My captor’s muscled body was firm against my back as he held me in a vise-like grip, ensuring his newly acquired prize wouldn’t be lost.

I gave in to despair…escaping would be almost impossible. I had been completely outmatched; his strength had taken me by surprise in the park, as had many other things. He always did favor you. The man’s comment ran through my mind repeatedly, though my hazy mental capacity could barely make sense of his meaning. He must have meant Ben, as it had been Ben’s gifted dagger that had caught my abductor’s attention. He must have been watching our family for a long time.

As the skies in the east began to lighten with the approaching dawn, we broke free of the woods and into a clearing. In its center sprawled the ruins of some ancient Velynesian settlement. The walls were crumbling in its advanced state of decay, though some structures would manage to provide some shelter from the elements. As my unnamed abductor steered his large, black horse around the broken wall to the interior, I realized he intended to make camp. He drew up at last, looking around the ruins briefly before dismounting.

He pulled me roughly from the horse, barely letting me set my feet on the ground before giving me a violent shove toward the corner of the crumbling building. I barely got my hands up as I stumbled, slamming against the wall hard to send a shock through my arms, blooming into yet another wave of pain through my body. I dropped to my knees in the grass with a grunt, arms wobbling painfully as I started to push myself up. Every instinct in me screamed to run, but my body couldn’t cooperate.

His eyes remained on mine as he rifled through his saddlebag, producing a grin along with a coil of rope, swinging it with a dramatic flourish before making his way toward me. I scrambled to get my feet under me, trying to get past him to flee, but his large frame quickly blocked my path. He loomed over me as he stepped forward, crowding me into the corner and cutting off any avenue of escape.

My kidnapper chortled as he caught my arm, quickly twisting it to catch my wrists and push me roughly back against the wall. The rough stone bit into my back as I began to twist and squirm, my fight useless against the strength of his arm though I did the best I could. One look into his dark eyes forced me to stop cold…his gaze was fixed on mine, brimming with triumphant amusement as though daring me to keep struggling.

He bound the first wrist and then grabbed the other, binding them together so tightly that the ropes dug hard into my flesh. I tried flexing my fingers and my wrists against the ropes, hoping to loosen them just a little, though before I could, his fingers gripped my hair on the top of my head and pushed down, my knees buckling as I was forced to sit with a stifled cry.

Tears sprung to my eyes as I landed on the cold ground and slumped against the wall, a mantra whispering in the darkest corners of my mind as I stubbornly refused to give this man the satisfaction of seeing my fear. I will not cry out…I will not give in… I will be strong.

He slowly knelt before me, his lips curling into a smile as he spoke softly. Now… are you hiding anything else? Let’s have a look. His hand firmly gripped my foot, pulling my boot off as his other hand wrapped tightly around my calf. My heart thudded harder in my chest, eyes trailing after my boot as he tossed it away where it was quickly lost in the tall grass.

He chuckled in amusement as he pulled my other boot free, my new blade slipping free and into his hand. You are full of surprises, girl. He turned the slender blade over briefly in his hand as he inspected it, soon tossing it over his shoulder and out of my reach. Not one of his at least. My first dagger, now lost to the thick grass of the park in Lund, had been Ben’s. He knew because he watched you and Ben training in the early hours and knew a noblewoman would never own a dagger like that, the little voice in my head chided me.

My abductor’s dark eyes glinted, the man shifting his weight as he moved closer. Shall we see what else you are hiding? He lilted suggestively, grinning as his hand skimmed up the inside of my leg. Raw terror and fury instantly blossomed in my chest as I grasped his dark intentions, and my whole body stiffened, trying to press itself back through the stone wall in the hopes I might magically pass through it and be free.

My foot shot out and I kicked him hard in the stomach with a growl. There is nothing up there for you! My intention to hurt him, or at least knock him over, was short-lived as he caught my foot, a cruel laugh erupting from him with my pathetic attempt to fight against him.

The back of his hand struck my face a second later, splitting the skin over my cheek bone as stars exploded in my vision. He hissed. You will pay for that too, girl. His large hand palmed the side of my face, turning my head to hold my face against the rough rock of the wall.

The blood from my split cheek left a streak of crimson on the cold, rough stone as his other hand gripped the neckline of my coat, ripping it open and sending its buttons flying. His knuckles were rough against my skin as he took hold of the neckline of my dress and chemize, pausing only for a moment as though giving me that brief second of hope…a hope lost with the tearing sound as he bared me to the waist with a cruel smirk. The rush of cold night air against my skin quickly flooded my body with the chill of cold and horror, knowing what was about to happen and praying for a swift rescue. Somebody…please! Help me! I wanted to scream, but nothing came out.

With a growing panic I tried to twist myself from beneath his grip, though his fingers only tightened on my head before he pulled me from the wall by my hair. My scalp was on fire as he threw me into the dirt, his hand swiftly finding my neck and squeezing as his knee planted hard on my thigh, pinning me to the ground, leaving me unable to move.

I froze as he leaned over me, my heart nearly stopping its violent hammering entirely at the glint of lust in my abductor’s eyes. He crooned softly. Yes…you should fear me, girl. His thumb caressed my neck lightly before his hand squeezed again, choking me briefly as I struggled for air. I am going to enjoy you immensely. His other hand moved against my abdomen as he fumbled with his pants.

The walls of the ruins swam in my vision as I barely held to consciousness against the tightening of his hand around my throat, the growing light of dawn dimming into gray as I struggled against his rough handling. He was merciless as he took what he wanted, and after an eternity, I was spared further anguish with my descent into the sweet relief of oblivion.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

There was no part of my body or soul left unscathed as the deep ache settled in my heart, sluggishly rousing hours later and rolling to my side where he left me. The harsh light of midday filtered through the leafless trees, but there was no warmth in it.

I forced my eyes to open slightly, the layer of crusted blood over my cheek where my skin had bruised and split crackling and stinging, though it paled in comparison to the soreness I felt between my legs and through my abdomen.

Hot tears stung my eyes with the memories of what atrocities my abductor had inflicted on me only a few hours earlier. I’m ruined. The stinging of the salty water over my tender flesh forced my eyes to open to blink them away; only then did I think to look around for my captor.

He was off to the side, naked and standing next to his massive horse pulling a fresh set of trousers from his saddlebags. Clean, white bandages gleamed in the pale sunlight, wrapped around his leg where I had stabbed him the night before as I struggled to get away. Was that truly only yesterday? He hobbled slightly as he pulled his pants on, then his shirt, paying me no mind as he dressed.

A small fire crackled nearby, though it was too far and too small for its warmth to reach where I lay. I started to move, wanting to get closer to soak up what little warmth it offered, but the relentless ache only worsened and was joined by an unnatural queasiness. I will not cry out…I will not give in… I will be strong. I didn’t feel very strong as a chill rippled up my spine, and the cold air on my bare flesh caused my teeth to start chattering. I clenched my jaw against it and tried to pull the tattered remnants of my dress and coat back around me to salvage whatever shred of decency I could find.

Footsteps crunched through the stiff grass as the man returned, now fully dressed. His dark eyes roamed openly over my entire length as a cruel smile curled on his lips. My stomach lurched, praying to the gods that he didn’t want more from me, but as he took a seat next to the fire and pressed his back to the wall, my tension eased slightly.

What do you want with me? My voice cracked as I tried to speak past my swollen lip, unable to manage more than a hoarse whisper. I slowly managed to push myself up to sit; a grueling process with my hands still bound. Every fiber of my being crying out against moving, but I couldn’t lay there a moment more. I pushed my matted, dirty hair away from my face as I looked at him.

His eyes were hooded, nearly closed, and he wore the smirk of a man well-sated. His smile slowly grew as his eyes opened with my question, gaze sliding from the fire to me as he spoke. I just took it, girl. Don’t worry, it will not be the last time you serve me before the end. He teased suggestively. My throat closed in tightly with the thought of his ruthless treatment again. The end of what?

He studied me for another minute while his lips curled more, enjoying whatever dark thoughts filled his mind. He didn’t indulge in those fantasies long before he dug into his pack to pull out a parcel of food. Taking the loaf of bread and breaking off a chunk, he tossed it carelessly over to the dirt in front of me, much like a man might toss his dog a bone.

My stomach growled loudly with the very idea of food, reminding me less-than-kindly that I hadn’t eaten since lunchtime the day before. As much as I wanted to devour the bread, I wasn’t sure I could keep much down, but took the loaf anyways. You don’t know when you will be fed next; eat when you can.

I dusted the dirt from it as best I could before tearing off a bite, earning myself an approving look from my captor. Good girl. He crooned before eating the rest of the food in the parcel. You will need your strength again soon. He flashed a wicked smile to me before relaxing back against the wall. His eyes nearly closed as he began to murmur in another language, sounding strangely like those parishioners who prayed aloud in the temples of Perinthas, though in his case, what he was praying for was a mystery.

I couldn’t understand the words he spoke, but the linguistic ebb and flow I did recognize — Rhian’s abductors had spoken this same language. I tried to pay attention to the nuances of Azkaelic, trying to match them to anything that Owain had translated for me. Anything that might give me some kind of advantage. I had no idea how I could use this to escape, but at least I felt like I was doing something.

I nibbled on the bread, hoping my family would have known something was amiss when I didn’t return to the Pipe & Fiddle. I was certain that my guards would be out looking for me, but how long would it take them to rescue me? If all this man wanted was my body to use, would he even bother with a ransom? Or would he just keep me until he grew bored, then kill me?

A pale glint in the grass caught my eye as the tall stalks bent and twisted in the wind, and I saw my first shred of hope — the dagger my captor had pulled from my boot was near the fire, mostly hidden by the grass. I glanced over toward him, wondering if he even recalled tossing it there? His eyes were closed now that his prayers had ended, though I doubted he was sleeping.

I let my teeth chatter a little harder to provide the proof of my need, M-may I warm up at the f-fire? I’m c-cold. I didn’t have to try very hard to shiver; gooseflesh was already rising on my skin as I tried to pull my torn clothing more tightly around me.

His eyes opened as I spoke and he shot me an irritated frown, grunting. If it will make you shut your mouth. He huffed as his eyes all but shut again, leaning his head back against the wall as he watched me through narrowed slits.

I slowly moved closer to the fire, gritting my teeth and refusing to give him the satisfaction of hearing me groan in pain. My mind was firmly fixed on my blade while my eyes stayed on the fire, finally settling myself down, practically on top of my weapon. The dark fantasy of leaping over and plunging the dagger straight into his black heart blossomed in my mind, but this was a second chance to save myself, and I needed to use it wisely. Patience and planning were needed to find an opportune moment.

I shifted myself a little, pretending to get more comfortable, but working my blade from the grass. It was painstaking work to move it through the grass with bound hands, but finally, the cold steel hilt pressed into my palm. Success!

I stilled as if I had finally gotten comfortable, eyes flicking up to my captor who appeared asleep. I slowly flipped the knife, working the narrow blade into the deep pocket of my coat. With an inward sigh of relief at this good fortune, I settled on my backside, turning my attention to the warmth of the fire.

After the various injuries he had inflicted over the night, I wouldn’t get far if I tried to run. I mentally berated myself for my lack of knowledge when it came to Lundham and its landscape…even if I could flee, how far would I get before I was hopelessly lost in the woods? Or worse, captured all over again? It was wishful thinking, the reality of my dire circumstance keeping me right where I was until a better opportunity presented itself. I will only get one chance; I have to make it count.

While I kept my hands in my lap, I felt the chill of the blade’s steel through the fabric of my dress, the cold radiating down my leg. Ben’s last instruction during our first lesson ran through my head over and over again...Strike hard, angle up, kill swift. I glanced over to my captor, studying the dozing man as I tried to think. Ben’s lesson on stabbing the boar had opened my eyes to the difficulty of piercing thick hide, and I now doubted my narrow blade could pierce this man’s thick leather coat to strike a killing blow. I would have to find another way…or adequately disable him instead. I just need to be faster than he is.

Low laughter rumbled in his chest, startling me as I focused on his face again, realizing he had woken while I had been deep in thought. He gave me a slow grin, teasing. Not yet, girl. I will give it to you again, but not here. Get up. His lips turned into a thin, hard line as he gave the order and rose to his feet. Looming over me, he dusted off his pants before grabbing his pack and heading to his horse.

My stomach twisted tightly at the thought of him forcing himself on me again, and as much as I wanted to stubbornly refuse his command and plunge my dagger into his black heart, I already ached too badly to suffer further at the end of his fist when I inevitably failed.

I twisted my body around, struggling to get to my feet, but my tied wrists and aching body left me moving much slower than he liked. He growled deeply as he gave me a dark look. Here. Now. His sharp tone forced my stomach to twist tighter, but I couldn’t have moved much faster even if I wanted to. In foolish defiance, I didn’t even try.

My captor took a few steps toward me when I didn’t pick up my pace, seizing my arm roughly and yanking me up to my feet and toward his horse. He paid no mind to where his hands fell on my body as he picked me up, setting me down hard in the saddle before swinging up behind me. Where are we going now?

He let out a husky groan as he settled into the saddle behind me, pressing himself firmly against my backside. The bile surged hotly into my throat as I shut my eyes and mind against his deliberate torment, though the arm he slipped around my waist and through the torn fabric of my coat and dress to fondle me roughly brought me sharply back to the moment.

His whisper was hot against my ear as he teased, That’s better. Are you warm enough now? His lips nipped at my neck as he picked up the reins with his freehand, giving the beast a rough kick to move him forward.

I ground my teeth against a retort, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of provoking my anger and revealing my humiliation. I will not cry out, I will not give in, I will be strong…I couldn’t bring myself to answer his question at all, though he didn’t seem to be waiting for one as he steered the huge beast out of the ruins.

The sun was already low on the horizon as we set out, my captor following some unknown path through the trees as we made our way into the growing dark. I had no idea where we were…north of Lund and heading northeast now. I spared a glance up to the faint stars as they lit up the skies, trying to remember what I had learned of navigation, though the constellations here seemed completely different from those in Taurova.

The moon slowly rose as the night went on, the silvery light from the skies finding its way through the webbing of bare branches to light our way. My abductor began to hum softly as a small pond came into view and without warning, he tugged the reins to steer the horse up the hill that rose to our left and away from the water’s edge. He followed some invisible trail through the trees and rocks, our path so narrow the branches constantly caught my coat sleeves.

We continued the climb through the rocky foothills, eventually rounding a corner to begin a winding descent down the other side. It wasn’t long before we broke through the trees, greeted by the view of a large encampment with several roaring bonfires amid a sea of tents and crude wooden structures. Several lanterns illuminated an old stone tower on the far side that had remained intact from the days of Velynese, though the other stone buildings throughout the camp hadn’t fared as well.

My lips parted in shock. Crimson robed figures made their way throughout the camp, and many others were clad as Rhian’s Azkaelomin abductors had been. There are so many of them…how have they stayed hidden? My eyes scanned the entirety of the camp as a knot tightened in my belly.

I could hear the smile in my abductor’s voice as his body stiffened with pride. I do hope you enjoy your stay here as much as your sister did. Perhaps I should bring her back to join you? His cheek pressed into my matted hair, my blood running cold at the thought of him going anywhere near Rhian.

As bad as that thought was, it was even more terrifying to consider another thought; his words confirmed that he had been one of my sister’s captors. As he had desired so long ago at Rhian’s ransom exchange, he had finally acted on his wish to take me as well.

I stared down at the camp, knowing that somewhere down in that mass of crimson-clad enemies was Rhian’s other abductor, Barak. He hadn’t let my abductor harm her then, and refused to allow me to be taken at the exchange, though had he changed his mind? Or did he even know I was here? It was ironic…Barak was either my best hope or my greatest danger, and I wouldn’t know which until it was too late.

CHAPTER 2

The large stallion followed the narrow path down into the fortress, several of the Azkaelomin stopping to watch our winding progression through the rocks and trees until it became a parade through the camp like my captor was a conquering hero returning with his prize.

At last, my abductor steered the beast to the doorway of a tower in the far corner of the valley; my eyes swept up to the windows at the top. Is Barak in there, watching our approach? My captor drew up as a small, red-robed figure came to stand in the doorway wearing a nervous frown as he looked from my abductor to me, the frown growing as he saw my disheveled state.

My abductor’s hand finally pulled from my waist only to shove me off the horse. My sudden fright became a strangled gasp while I dropped to the ground, my bound wrists leaving me unable to break my fall. A sharp pain shot up my arm as the limb snapped loudly beneath my own weight, and I let out a strangled whimper as tears instantly pricked and spilled over my cheeks.

The small, red-robed figure moved swiftly toward me as he shot my captor a dark look and snapped. Do you mean to kill the girl, Eilam? The man called Eilam gave a derisive snort as he slid down from his horse, reaching down to grasp my elbow and pull me roughly up to my feet. I clenched my jaw against the searing pain and the wave of nausea, finally letting out a pitiful cry, which brought a wide smile to Eilam’s lips.

He flashed the red-robed figure a toothy smile, responding in Azkaelic with words that I didn’t understand, though the derisive tone was enough to guess what he might have said. The red-robed figure shook his head and responded softly in Sirric; tone filled with mild warning. Barak will not be pleased you brought this girl here. He huffed softly, moving to help me with a pitying look.

Eilam responded loftily, his amusement obvious though he rolled his eyes dismissively. Barak has fallen. What he likes and dislikes are no longer my concern. He looked down at me with a lusty look and added with a dark smile. Clean my new pet up. I am not through with her yet. My stomach churned at the thought of Eilam ever touching me again, though I was distracted by another thought. Barak has fallen? If that was true, then it seemed to give my abductor permission to do what he wished. I’m in so much trouble…

The red-robed figure gently took my arm as shock began to set in, the man pulling me toward the doorway as he spoke softly. Come, my dear. Let me tend to you. I looked over at him, a little surprised by the care he showed. He was older, smaller, and not sharing the coloring or features of the other Azkaelomin in the camp. In fact, he looked more like most of the Lundhamers I had seen. What is he doing with these people?

He led me through the door into what appeared to be a small healing house, cots in one half of the room while the other side boasted walls lined with bookshelves and a couple of tables covered in vials, books, and supplies. A narrow stairway led to the upper floors, though he led me to the nearest cot and helped me sit, his touch surprisingly gentle for one of the enemy. We must set your arm. It will hurt but I will do for you what I can. He cast an annoyed look back toward the door where Eilam stood, my captor rolling his eyes in boredom and turning his back to talk with one of the others that entered.

I eased down onto the cot as my teeth began an involuntary chatter, my body trembling as a strange chill set in. I watched the healer warily as he selected a few things from a nearby cupboard before taking his place on a small stool in front of me. He carefully began pulling my coat from my shoulders and over my broken arm with as much gentleness as he could manage; a small kindness for which I was grateful.

The older man frowned as he assessed my physical state, his eyes moving over me as he took stock of all that needed tending. He took my elbow and hand gently as he prepared to set my arm. Steady now. Without any other warning, he pulled the bones swiftly back into alignment. I gasped at the sharp pain that moved through my arm and torso, tears springing unbidden to my eyes as my jaw clenched tightly. I will not cry out…I will be strong.

With surprising quickness that boasted of years of experience, he braced the arm and began to tightly bandage it. Easy now. That was the worst of it, he quietly reassured me, though my head was swimming and I wanted nothing more than to lay down or throw up…or both. The healer didn’t stop with just my arm, though, wringing a cloth out into a basin of water before gently washing the crusted blood from my face.

The salve he dabbed onto my cuts stung, and it took all my willpower to let him finish when all I wanted was to curl up into a little ball and pretend I was home in bed. His voice was barely above a whisper when he finally spoke again, Do not fight him, child. You will only make it worse.

I swallowed hard against his kindness, but I was too stubborn to follow his advice. I cannot give in, was all I managed to say as I met the older man’s eyes. How might things have been different if I had heeded the man’s advice?

His were filled with compassion as he met my gaze, patting my hand lightly before rising to return to the cupboard, the distinctive clink of glass echoed in the otherwise silent room as he searched. He returned with a vial of a clear amber liquid, holding it out for me to take. For the pain. He said quietly before adding, But it will make you sleep.

I took the vial and stared at it for a long moment, weighing my very few options. Relief from the pain, and sleep as my only escape? Or is this poison to put me out of my misery? Looking up to the old man to see only kindness, my voice was weak. You are not like them…Why are you here?

The old man stared down at me, puzzled for a moment. Them? You mean Eilam? There are…few men like him. He frowned, his jaw working lightly as he returned to the table with the basin, the water now tinted red.

At the name of my captor, I glanced toward the door where he still stood with his back to us, my thoughts turning back to Rhian’s exchange in the Bone Yard with him and the man called Barak. We still had more to give. What do you people want with me? I asked bleakly, not really expecting an answer, but I felt so lost. Didn’t you get enough when you took my sister? We have nothing left to pay another ransom.

The robed man looked at me over his shoulder, brows lifted in surprise. Child, we want nothing with you.

I blinked, uncertain as to whether to feel relief or terror as I stared at the healer. Then…why am I here? I had assumed my abduction was part of some master plan with the enemy…they wanted our gold as they had with Rhian, or they wanted to use our family name, or influence…there had to be some reason they continued to assault our family.

The old man shook his head slightly and murmured. Eilam… His brow furrowed deeply, and he moved around behind me, taking my shoulders to help me lay down on the cot. It is best if you do as I say. Do not fight him.

I had already suffered gravely for my struggling against him; the memories were all too vivid as I agonizingly lifted my legs up onto the cot. I barked a short laugh, frighteningly close to hysterics as I popped the stopper from the vial to drink the vial in one shot, welcoming whatever relief it might bring me, be it sleep or death.

Eilam glared at me over his shoulder, narrowing his eyes as I lay down on the cot. Much to my relief, he disappeared out the door with the others, leaving me to the gentle hands of the healer. The small healer took a blanket from the cupboard as I shifted carefully on the bed, draping it over me.

My eyelids were already growing heavy, despite my belief that I would not be able to sleep. Whatever was in that vial worked quickly and now I struggled to stay awake. Protectively tucking my splinted arm against my chest, I let the healer pull the blanket up over my shoulder. Where is my family? Are they out searching for me? Coming up with a plan to rescue me?

The thoughts of my family that I had finally afforded myself tumbled like an avalanche in my mind, only beginning to slow as I began to sink into the blackness of the Void.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The sounds of the Azkaelomin camp filtered into my mind even before I woke. My dreams had been filled with the crimson-clad armies of the enemy as they chased me through the woodlands of Lundham, and as they closed in around me with swords bared, I finally woke with a start, sweat trickling down my forehead.

The sudden jerk sent a spike of pain shooting up my broken arm, and my stomach lurched in fear of my nightmarish demise. Whatever was in that vial made me groggy, and I spent a few frantic moments trying to recall where I was. It wasn’t until I caught sight of the small, older man, still clad in the same red robe as the day before that my racing heart slowed, remembering every horrifying detail of how I came to be here.

His back was to me as he restocked his cupboards, and there was a new dress and warm cloak laid on the stool next to my cot. They were both simple in design and craftsmanship, but they would cover me far better than the torn remains of my gown that Eilam had destroyed. Thank you. I whispered hoarsely.

He looked over his shoulder and offered a little nod, responding. I will let you dress. He busied himself with gathering up the books from one of the tables. I pulled the dress into my lap with my good arm, staring at it for a moment before eyeing the healer, ensuring his attention was sufficiently diverted before carefully shrugging out of my torn and soiled dress.

My body was already mottled in several shades of blue and purple bruises, still painfully tender from the rough treatment that began when Eilam first pulled me into the park. I moved a little faster to pull the clothing on to hide my shame.

The dress was a little big, but the linen was soft and comfortable and for that I was grateful. My torn coat was still next to the bed, and after a quick glance to the healer to ensure he was still engaged in his task, I quickly pulled the coat into my lap and removed the narrow dagger from the deep pocket. My eyes constantly flicked up to the healer while I tried to find a place to hide the thin blade in my new clothing.

Eilam had thrown my boots away, and to my dismay, they had not been replaced. It would be difficult to make an escape without any footwear, but I would have to make do without…I had no choice. The thought of my feet freezing in the winter’s cold occurred to me only a moment later, leaving me increasingly desperate. One problem at a time, Carys.

At last, to my overwhelming relief, my searching revealed a pocket sewn into the side of the dress’s skirt, and I slid the blade into it. The blade was too long, but I gave it a more forceful push and the blade point pierced the fabric, allowing the hilt to rest in the pocket and out of sight.

A loud laugh echoed from outside as the door swung open, Eilam striding through it with an arrogant saunter. A smirk curled on his lips as his eyes swept over me in an all too familiar fashion, blatantly ignoring the healer as he swaggered toward me while tucking his thumbs loosely in his belt.

The healer did not ignore Eilam, however, and stepped between my captor and myself as the healer took to my defense. He spoke with the firmness of a healer in Azkaelic, though whatever he said was not met with approval. Eilam’s smirk faded as he stepped closer to the old man. She can rest on the horse, old man. Out of my way. He sneered, though the red-robed man did not budge. Wait…we are leaving? I had assumed this was our destination, like it had been Rhian’s.

Eilam’s eyes darkened with the healer’s refusal to move, looming intimidatingly over the older man who looked comically small next to Eilam’s large frame. The message I carry cannot wait! He growled at the old man, his large hand reaching out to grab the thin arm of the red-robed healer.

Then leave the girl here-… The healer barely managed to answer before Eilam roughly shoved him aside. The old man staggered and tripped, hitting the nearby table and sending two of the jars toppling over the edge to shatter on the floor.

I watched in horror as the healer crashed into the table, cringing and trying to jump to my feet while clutching my coat to my chest. He slowly steadied himself, giving me a grim look before hanging his head. My stomach dropped further as I realized the truth… he was shutting his eyes because he couldn’t bear watching me leave with Eilam.

Eilam, his jovial mood now soured, growled as he stalked toward me, grabbing my good arm. It’s time to go, girl. He pulled me with him as he exited the infirmary, my shorter legs struggling to keep up with his longer stride.

I gritted my teeth, body protesting the movements they weren’t prepared, or able, to make. I did what I could to defy him, trying to move a little slower as if to say ‘You-cannot-break-me’…I only earned myself a harder yank and rougher handling as he lifted me onto his large, black horse. I couldn’t help but flash him a fiery glare, which brought the smirk back to his lips.

He pulled himself up onto the horse behind me, drawing me back firmly against his chest. He pressed forward to whisper into my ear, I will enjoy bringing you to heel, girl. A soft, cruel chuckle reverberated against my ear, sending an icy chill down my spine. I will not cry out…I will not give in… I will be strong…

He nudged his horse forward, steering us through the camp with