Deseray

By Kellene Adams

Deseray Ratona has lived for centuries fighting and protecting the land in which she created; The Three Lands. Following her beliefs, and her experiences throughout the past, she uses her strengths to ensure its survival. Whether it's helping with raiders, or keeping the kingdom running, she is there to protect her home. After finishing an investigation for the Elven Lands, Deseray is surprised to find that Colt's soldiers are not only looking for her, but a mysterious man on the run is searching for her as well. When she finds the runaway, bad things begin to happen to her. Eventually, the truth catches up to reveal that these events are brought to her by an enigmatic man from a foreign land that desires her homeland. With this threat revealed, Deseray has to escort two new allies to the Elven Lands, to speak with Land Ruler Aleen to enlist their help against the foreign invader. Along her journey, she forms an alliance with an improbable ally, the man responsible for her daughter's death.

Many things are told to her during their journey to the Elven Lands, including details pertaining to her daughter's passing. Her past seems to follow her into the Elven Lands when she is reunited with her oldest and dearest friend, Uky. Memories of her past brings clue as to who, or why, a foreign land over the Glaital Mountains and through the Forzer Desert would want to take over her lands; and as to how they got here. With this revelation, the true traitor of The Three Lands is uncovered, and that is when their plan begins to form. Deseray, and her friends, set out to annihilate this new threat; and to restore her beloved one of three lands, the Relika Land, back to its once prestigious and prosperous glory by dethroning its current ruler.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9798886544633

Book preview

cover.jpg

Deseray

Kellene Adams

Copyright © 2022 Kellene Adams

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2022

ISBN 979-8-88654-462-6 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88654-463-3 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

About the Author

Chapter 1

Wake up, Deseray! a mythical voice calls in darkness.

I groan as Gila invades my dream. Her tall frame stands before me and gives me a smirk and a wave. I glare at her heart-shaped face. Her golden eyes are dancing with amusement while she plays with a stray strand of her golden hair. I hate it when she pops into my dreams just because she can, and she knows it.

Give me one good reason, I threaten as I imagine a bucket of water in my hands. It appears in my hands as I get ready to throw it at her.

She holds up her hands in surrender. Because he's coming. Quickly hide.

I bolt upright, sweat clinging to my skin. The fire pops with dying embers as owls hoot the night away. I breathe in the cool air of spring as I take in my made up camp. Remembering Gila's warning, I roll up my blankets and saddle Kezia immediately.

Kezia is my horse that has been with me for over five hundred years. She is a crossbreed between a Yule and Hirsute horse, a rare breed. As far as anyone knows, they cannot die from old age. I'm likely to be the one to find out if that legend is true. Kezia nuzzles me with her nose as I secure the last strap of her saddle. I watch her green eyes sparkle with the idea of an adventure in them. Silently I swing up on her and mutter gilte to her.

Gilte is a word I made up to tell her to go without having to touch her. It comes in handy when I need her to run. She trots until I gently urge her on. She gives me a questioning look but builds herself into a gallop. I feel a light tugging on my consciousness and let her in.

Why up so early? Not dawn yet, she thinks to me, her tone honey-sweet.

I know. Gila says Colt is near, I reply out loud, trying to be quiet and keeping my head down as I answer.

Kezia tosses her head in annoyance. She hates it when I speak out loud since our minds are connected. Next time Kezia kick Gila. Yes?

I laugh but stop once I realize that she's serious. "If it's your dreams she intrudes on next, then yes."

She snorts, pleased. Why run? We not fear Colt.

We don't. Others do. Remember, Jumpy said to stay hidden for a while. Especially after our last encounter with him. I shake my head at that ridiculous memory.

She tosses her head in annoyance. Jumpy is what she likes to call Gerome. He has a tendency to jump at everything, even a shadow.

Eventually, I let her settle into a trot as we enter Bushberry. A town named after all of the berry bushes that invade everywhere. The town builds its houses out of tree logs. They use mud, and something else, to help seal off the rain and cover the holes in their houses. It's a small town with two sides. One side of the street is for the shops and hotels. On the other side are houses and a school. On the east side of town is the combined farm where they harvest, you guessed it, berries. Bushberry is the only place known to grow many varieties of them. My particular favorite is the blueberry, while Kezia favors humeri berries.

Wagons and horses trot by as people avoid them at all costs. Riders automatically size me up to see if I am trouble. Dogs circle Kezia once they recognize her from our last visit.

Deseray! someone calls off the street. I turn to see a blue-eyed blond boy jumping up and down in the crowd. His short stature gives his burly appearance a comical edge while he waves his arms in the air to catch my attention.

A smile starts to form on my face once I register him. Roland! I call back as I swing off Kezia in one quick movement. She trots off to find something to eat and drink.

I wait for him to catch up and give him a hug in greeting. He sinks into my waist with a smile as he relaxes and then suddenly stiffens. I pull back to look at him. His eyes are wide with fright. His hands shake a bit, but his eyes remain fixated. I turn to see two men standing side by side. Their grim expressions are hardened by their unshaven faces and wrinkled traveling clothes. They're some of Colt's men. Great.

Well, Deseray, it's good to see that you made it through another year unscathed, Oyle says with a smile while he looks me over.

It'll be a cold day in Elven Lands when I'm dead, I reply with a grin on my face as we shake hands. I've missed my old friend. How is old Colt doing since our last encounter? I ask with an innocent smile.

Mad as a Kirkana. As always. You truly are one of surprises, Deseray, Gilo says as he holds out his hand in greeting. I clasp his hand and shake it quickly since he does not like to be touched. Because of that, it is rare for him to extend his hand; it is a sign of respect on his part. Out of all Colt's men, Oyle and Gilo are one of the rare ones I'm on civil terms with.

Hello, Gilo. How's the wife and kids? I ask for the sake of our civil friendship.

He grins. Great. Mirrum wants you to come over for dinner in two nights. Think you can fit that into your schedule?

I can. See you then. Will you be joining us, Oyle? I shoot him a quick smile.

He nods. Aye. I'm bringing my roasted pork.

My stomach growls audibly just thinking about the pork. He needs to give me that recipe. See you then.

They turn with a curt nod to Roland and vanish into the market crowd.

Chapter 2

How can you be friends with them? Roland demands when they are out of hearing range.

Oyle and Gilo have saved my horse countless times. In turn, I have saved them countless times. Over that time, we became friends, I explain in a bored tone.

He rolls his eyes, then grabs my hand. Come. Papa wants you to come to supper.

How did he know I was coming? I ask as I follow him closely behind. I must admit, I am worried about him being trampled by the crowd. He's just so small.

Gila told us. I can't believe she's Gilo's sister. She seems too nice. Roland laughs at his own joke while I just roll my eyes. If only he knew the real her.

I really must be going soon, I say as I glance over my shoulder. I'm sure Colt's not far behind.

He stops and spins around. He sniffs me. You camped on the ground near the fire. You let it die and kicked dirt on it to make sure it was out. You've been on the road for four days. You have nowhere to go. You're just laying low like Gerome told you to.

Damn, he's good. In response, I roll my eyes.

Roland grins triumphantly. Mama made you some new clothes, travel ones included this time. She also made you a new cloak and blanket. Papa bought you a new mat to sleep on as well. I bought you some more flint so you could start a fire. Jacob managed to get ahold of two new pairs of boots for you. He pulls me along again, ignoring my shocked expression.

Even though I am not their child, Tilda and Miro treat me like one. It might have something to do with the fact that I look so young and have no parents. Or it might be from when I saved their oldest, Roland, from being considered from recruitment into Colt's Cause when he was five.

He leads me down the busy street to the third house from the end on the south side. The house is like any of the others. The only difference is that it's one story higher and has McClorny carved into the wood.

Mama! Papa! I found her! She tried making her escape, but she couldn't shake me! Roland calls in a wicked tone. They all know there had been no escape attempt, but this is his usual way of saying I have arrived with some flare.

Tilda appears from under the stairs and gathers me into a vise-tight hug. My back aches since I have to stoop to allow her to do this. She is five foot three and has a delicate build. Her blue eyes are the exact shade of Roland's. She tucks a loose strand of her sandy hair behind her ear as she releases me. She looks to be in her late twenties but is really in her early thirties.

She places her hands on her hips, Deseray, what have I told you about keeping your hair down when you travel?

It gets more tangled than it needs to be and attracts a mess of leaves, I finish for her and grin. Good to see you too, Ma. She has asked me to call her that for the last eight years, and every time I do, her eyes well in prideful tears. She is impossible to figure out sometimes.

Where are Papa and Jacob? I ask as I hear the back door open. A man with blond hair and whiskers walk in. He looks to be in his late thirties but is the same age as his wife. Tired eyes and dark circles are to blame for that. His tanned face crinkles as he smiles, giving his rough appearance a tame air.

What's this? Deseray has returned at last? I turn to see a black-haired boy standing at the door frame. His gray eyes sparkle with amusement as his sun-kissed skin contrasts with the dark house.

Yes, Jacob. I still see you go sunning every chance you get. I nod toward his tan body.

He grins as he gives me a hug.

I catch the scent of pinewood and smoke as I let him go. Still smitten with Kelsea, I see. He hasn't smelled this clean until after the cold season.

He gives me a playful smack on the arm, signaling for me to keep it under my hat.

Do I get a hug? Miro asks as he toys with a curled lock of hair.

I laugh and walk over to him, having to bend down as well to allow him to hug me.

You should shower, Tilda says as she hands me scented soap and a change of clothes. She is, no doubt, going to track down Kezia and burn all of my old clothes. I swear this is becoming a routine. She booted me out of the house after giving me one last hug.

The local bathhouse is located in the inn. Mr. Gamesly, the innkeeper, smiles at me. With some bribery, I get him to wait and hide my clothes. He promised to wash them for me and give them back to me in the morning. There is going to be at least one pair of clothes that will survive my trip here.

I soak in the bath, while a bathing attendant brushes my hair, trying to rid it of the leaves and twigs entwined into it. She asked me to tell her tales of my recent adventure, like she always does, while attacking my matted hair. While she completes her tiring task of taming my hair, I tell them the tale with an exciting air; the others in the room are listening intently as my voice carries. After that I dry my hair and put on the new clothes Tilda has made for me.

I look in a full-length mirror to check my reflection. My sharp face holds my deep emerald eyes with great care. A small scar marks my right eyebrow, only noticeable when up close. My raven-colored hair flourishes in waves as it descends to the middle of my back. The peasant blouse traces the outline of my hourglass-shaped body, leaving only hints of built muscle. Vines dance across the collar and travel to where my neckline plummets, coming up in a sharp U just above my breasts, showing off my tanned skin, built from traveling so much. I sigh, glancing at a pale patch from a tan line just by my shoulder. There is a small speckled patch of freckles there that have always been an insecurity of mine.

I fix my black leggings that hug my skin, and look at my tall height as I straighten. I am a good five foot nine. Tall girls are not attractive to most men since they find it daunting. My staggering beauty—from good genes—intimidates men already, and some women. When you add height into the picture, you get a powerful presence radiating off you, bringing anyone second thoughts about talking to you. When you add my reputation into the equation, you have to have some nerve if you want to talk to me in a flirtatious way. I pull on the skintight boots that are great for blocking out cold and snow. I run the brush through my hair one more time before taking a calming breath. Time to face Tilda. I swear my old clothes will survive the night.

Chapter 3

It's not long after leaving the bathhouse that I hear people talking in stunned voices that are echoing from the main room of the inn. I have only one guess what is going on in there. This is not going to be fun.

Deseray, come quickly! the innkeeper calls. I start to run quickly, hoping I am wrong. There are a group of girls that I run by near the entrance that are giggling, making me annoyed.

Tilda is holding Mr. Greasily at knifepoint. Tell me what she did with them! she demands with some tenacity in her tone.

Tilda, what are you doing? I ask, ignoring staring eyes.

She looks at me with fire in her eyes. He won't tell me what he did with your old clothes!

That's because I asked him not to. Now put the knife away or I'm spending the night here. I fold my arms as I wait. Grudgingly she lowers the knife and mumbles an apology before disappearing out the door.

I drop my arms with a sigh. Sorry about that, Mr. G. I just don't know what comes over her sometimes.

He starts laughing. That's quite all right. Frankly, I'm surprised those clothes lasted as long as they did. How long did they make it this time? Three seasons?

I smile proudly as I shake my head. I managed eight and a quarter this time.

He let out a low whistle and translated for the listeners. Two years and three months. Though the translation is clearly for everyone, he looks directly at a confused elderly man.

The old man frowns at me. That's not how people talk these days, young lady. Tell me, are you elven?

I laugh and shake my head in delighted annoyance. What did he care? I wish. It's just how I was raised to speak. I bid him and Mr. Greasily good night.

Murmurs are filling the air as I walk out onto the street. Soldiers are racing through the crowded neighborhood. Their colors are blue and amber, meaning that they are Colt's soldiers. I duck behind a barrel once I realize this. To find out what the reason is for their presence, I listen to people's chatter, praying I'm not the cause.

What's going on? a lady asks as she's brought to a halt by a passing soldier.

Didn't you hear? Colt lost a recruit that showed promise. The recruit is rumored to be heading toward Elven Lands, a man's voice answered. I recognize that voice. Gilo!

Oh my. I better head home before the recruit finds my husband and asks for help. I hear her feet scurry away to signal that she is gone.

All clear, Des. They are not here for you, though Colt would enjoy knowing where you are, Gilo chuckles to himself.

I stand up and dust off my leggings. Thanks, Gilo. Is he looking for me? I ask as I stare at another swarm of soldiers.

No. He figures if he can't find you, then you won't know what is going on.

That's flawed logic at best. Is what you said about the recruit true? I ask curiously.

Yes. He's trying to find you though. But then again, so are a lot of people. He winks at me.

I grimace. I knew it was something like that. It seems like there is never a time when I'm not needed. Even back when everyone hated me, this was the case.

He bows and says good night.

Quickly I dash across the street into Mama and Papa's house. After a meal of roasted duck, I excuse myself, claiming tiredness from travel. What I was planning on doing was climbing out the window and finding the recruit before dawn. Unfortunately, someone beat me to it.

As I climb the stairs, I hear loud banging on the door. Tilda shoves me up the stairs, out of sight, before heading to open the door. Miro stands at the foot of the stairs, blocking me. Jacob and Roland stay in their places at the table.

Tilda opens the door slowly, barely opening it. Can I help you? she asks in her breezy voice, tone light. That means it's a traveler.

I need to speak with Deseray Ratona. Her friend, Smith, said that if she were in town, I would more than likely find her here, the traveler explains in a weary voice.

I'm sorry, sir— She's cut off.

Please, you have to help me, the traveler begs. Soldiers are after me and are out for my head. Ah, so this is the missing recruit. I straighten with interest.

Miro takes in my posture and smiles. Tilda, don't be rude, Miro admonishes with a low tone.

Tilda gives her full on look at him. It's terrifyingly stern. Miro, he hasn't given us a name. We can't trust if he is telling us the truth. Miro lets me move at that point.

Mama, what's wrong? I ask as I sweep into the room with a sweet note in my voice. Appearing innocent has saved my hide many times.

A man with curly black hair stares at me in astonishment. He is a little taller than me by about three inches. He has a strong build and a sharp face. He is unshaven and dirty, signaling days of hard travel. His eyes are shockingly black and set against snow-white skin, bringing a forbidding aura. He is from the Jules Land, which is rare here.

Seeing his one weapon, a long sword, I speak, Don't be rude and invite the man in. He looks hungry. I'm surprised at you, Mama. I've never seen you turn a stranger out before.

She looks at me as the man looks at her.

I wink with a quick smile.

Reassured, she steps aside. I smile as he follows her in. He studies my fluid movements with vital interest as I move to the kitchen. Jacob stands up and offers him his chair, probably using the opportunity to sneak off and see Kelsea.

Miro grabs my arm as I get closer to the traveler. Go rub down and brush your horse, Pet.

I roll my eyes but follow his instructions. I find Kezia in the barn, eating from a bowl filled with grains. Mentally I ask Kezia if she senses anything bad in the air.

Only soldiers. There is a strange one in this town who is looking for us. Find him? she asks as I comb the knots from her mane and tail.

More like he found us. Can you sense anything bad coming from him?

No. He just scared. His horse find me. That how he find Deseray.

His horse?

She flicks her tail to a black horse two feet away. By his height and strength, he is a Jules horse. This is definitely our boy's horse.

What is his name? I ask as I rub her down, ignoring when the horse looks over.

Vital. Weird name.

Very weird name, I agree while I move on to another task.

In silence, I use the metal pick to clean her hooves of rocks and clumps of grass and dirt. Since she doesn't wear shoes—her choice—I check on how her hooves are holding up. No cracks or anything, so she's fine. I smack her butt. Gilte. Stable.

She nickers and swats me with her tail as she leaves.

I felt eyes on me the whole time I worked on Kezia, but I couldn't locate the source. After she's safely inside her stall, I sit on the gate outside and let my eyes wander, trying to find the cause once again. Roland runs out of the house to pull me inside after reporting that the stranger has turned in at the inn. He helps me carry Kezia's saddle and grooming supplies to my room. I clean her saddle in my room and place it next to my traveling equipment. I set my bow and arrow on the chair, my sword next to my bed. Tomorrow is going to be a fun day. I can feel it.

Chapter 4

I wake the next morning with yelling in the streets. Roland bursts into my room before I have time to sit up. Get dressed, Deseray. Colt is ten minutes from town. Gila says you need to leave. Colt thinks you have that new recruit.

What? I ask, still groggy. Everything was warm and calm a minute ago.

He pulls off my blankets and tosses me a new set of clothes in response.

After I am dressed, I fasten my bright-blue traveling cloak around my neck. I strap my sword on my waist, letting it hang loose. Tilda has pinned the front portion of my hair behind my head, holding it in place with my lockpicks. I place two bags of gold on the table while no one is looking. More than enough for the stuff they made and bought me. Jacob tells me Kezia is saddled and ready to go. My bow and arrows are rolled into my mat and blankets.

Before I can even whistle for Kezia, chaos breaks out in the early-morning neighborhood. The recruit bolts from the inn, soldiers emerging only seconds later. I take action immediately. I walk over casually as he is trying to pretend to window-shop. This kid obviously doesn't know much about this town. We don't window shop. We know what we need and buy what is needed. If we saw something we liked and had the money, we bought it on impulse.

I link his arm in mine, ignoring his surprised jerk. Trust me. You'll get caught standing around here, I mutter as we pass Gilo. I keep my head down to keep him from recognizing me.

I lead the recruit to the end of the path on the house side of the street, where it has less of a concentration of soldiers. I give two short sharp whistles and connect mentally to Kezia to tell her to bring Vital. Kezia trots over to me with Vital on her heels, without anyone paying her much mind. The recruit looks at me in surprise as he realizes I've got the right horse.

Seeing that Vital is already ready to go, I swing onto Kezia's back. Gilte, I shout. She takes off with precipitous speed. I lean forward and shift my weight with her as she turns without really thinking about it. About ten miles from town, I slow. I'm surprised to see that the recruit and Vital had kept up. I thought they'd go their separate ways. I pull her to a stop.

Who are you? the recruit demands when Vital comes to a stop as well.

I smirk as I get off Kezia.

He gets off Vital right when my feet hit the ground. Who are you? he demands again, voice trembling. The recruit is on the verge of breaking. He must have been through a lot to do this to him.

I am someone, I answer as Kezia tries to smack me with her tail. That's her way of telling me to play nice. I can tell that he is close to losing his forced calm, so that is only encouraging me. People are more honest when they're mistakenly spouting things out.

Name! Give me a name! he shouts.

Vital swats him with his tail. I guess my horse isn't the only one that tells their charges to behave that way.

He draws his sword. I'll hurt you if you don't tell!

I roll my eyes at his shaky threat. As I said, I am someone.

That did it. He launches into an attack. I pull out my sword and stop him easily. His hips give away his intentions, so it's easy to block. The only problem is that this kid is quick. He's almost as quick as me. He cut my arm before I disarmed him. Impressive.

I place my blade to his throat. Tell me your name first. I saved your life, so it's only right that I know. Then I will choose if I should tell you mine.

He doesn't answer immediately. His wide eyes are confused. He's watching the skin around my injury flow like water, merging seamlessly together to close my cut. He looks at me with fearful eyes. Tray, he spits out quickly.

I release him out of shock. The Jules king's son? I ask. What is he doing here?

He stands tall. The same. I was looking into something, when I was attacked by a few soldiers I had never seen before. I escaped, but just barely. I'm looking for the Elven Lands and Deseray Ratona. If you please, may I ask what are you?

I look at him in surprise as I smirk. I am rare.

Kezia snorts in annoyance.

Oh, all right, Kezia, I sigh as she slaps me with her tail. I am half elf and half human.

His jaw drops in surprise. I thought none existed.

One does. That is me. ‘The perfect balance between both races,' I quote with a little bit of annoyance. I'd rather be one race than both. It would have saved me a lot of pain and heartache.

But it is rumored that if we were to crossbreed the species, the parents would die, leaving the child an unwanted orphan. The child would be unable to die in any way.

Who do you think started the rumors, kid? The rumors have proven correct. My father liked to experiment and figured out how to crossbreed so my mother could have a child. I don't know how. He died. The secret remains just that, a rumor.

Kezia gives me a quick swat with her tail. She knows I'm lying. Though they did die, their memories were imprinted into my mind. That is how I survived when my grandparents died when I was six. When they died, I was on my own. No one wanted an immortal orphan.

Jelt, I bark at Kezia.

Jelt? he asks.

It means stop, I supply.

Vital stomps his foot impatiently.

Oh, all right, Vital. Do you know… he trails off as realization hits him. You're Deseray Ratona!

I touch my nose with a smirk.

Why didn't you tell me? he demands.

You never asked. I pull off my cloak since the day has heated up, and the need for cover is not required right now.

I asked your name, he points out.

You asked for a name, I sigh as I study him. It looks like he's trying to figure out how to locate his lungs. Like I said, with beauty, height, and my reputation, you need stones to talk to me. I pull out my waterskin to take a drink. In his stunned silence, I hear a tree branch snap. Kezia throws her head back, wide-eyed.

Get on Vital. Now, I whisper as I slowly place the water back in my pack.

He does what I request. When he realizes that I'm not going to join, he gets back down.

I try to push him back on. Tray, we don't have time to argue. Soldiers are on their way. If I run with you, it will look like you're with me. That will only make Colt strengthen his pursuit.

Stubbornly he shakes his head.

I groan heavily. I address Vital this time. Vital, do you remember my two sharp bursts from earlier today?

He stomps his foot three times.

Tray stares at us wide-eyed.

Good. When you hear those whistled bursts, I want you to come back. Three miles to the east is a cool creek. Go and get a drink. I give him a sugar cube from my pocket.

He ate it and gave me a head bump before leaving.

He understood you? Tray asks in complete surprise.

Of course. He's a Jules horse. He was bred to be intelligent.

Kezia shifts her weight uneasily.

Get into those trees now. Climb to the top, and do your best to stay hidden, I instruct, forcing my tone to stay calm.

He nods and scurries up the tree like a squirrel.

I'm only slightly amazed at his speed. I hide any trace of Tray and Vital, then grab a pick from my bag. Time to play dumb.

A few minutes after I pretend to be cleaning Kezia's foot, four soldiers come into my area. You there, stop what you are doing, the high-ranking one orders.

I look over my shoulder and smile at them to answer, Just after I get this annoying pebble out. I return my attention to her hoof.

Deciding that I've wasted a sufficient amount of time a moment later, I stand up and look at them as I place the pick in the saddle. Now how can I help you? I ask with politeness oozing out of my voice.

We want to know if you have seen another traveler, the high-ranking one barks.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. I have seen many. I met one not two hours ago. He was heading to Milta. Wanted to know if I knew someone named Deseray. I pull out my waterskin and offer them some. They decline.

What did he look like?

He had sandy hair with a cut on his right eye. Had a limp he did. I take a sip of my water.

Kezia snorts a warning at me.

They seem to realize that I am toying with them at this point. The higher-ranking one seems to be losing his patience. Lady, if you don't tell us, we shall be forced to take you into Commander Colt.

I'd like to see that. I roll my eyes. That old bird? From what I hear, he couldn't catch Deseray if she was five feet from him. I know that one from experience.

Why you little…whore. Take her, boys. He snaps his fingers and gives me a hard stare, almost daring me to move. His men are coming up from behind Kezia.

Plight, I whisper. Kezia kicks one of them, sending him into the trees with a hard smack as I draw my sword. The leader and two of his buddies are still standing.

Give it up, and we won't be forced to hurt you, the leader warns while drawing his sword.

I should say the same to you, I retort.

He launches into an attack. I disarm him as his buddies close in with a sword twist. I kick him in the chest and send him sailing. I maneuver them so Kezia can kick one. Her targeted kick launches a soldier, and he joins his buddy in the tree. I block the last one's attack as the leader stands up.

Stop! Tray calls up from the trees.

Everyone looks up at him as he descends. I'll go quietly. Don't hurt her, he promises when he is on the ground.

Stupid kid, I hiss under my breath.

The leader smirks as he looks at me. Deseray, I presume.

In response, I curse and blow two sharp whistles. We engaged in battle again. The leader pulls out a dagger with a silver coating. I spin, angling my sword, and clear the remaining foot soldier's head right off. The leader took the opportunity while I completed that maneuver—to slice through his companion's neck—and stabs me with the glazed dagger in my shoulder. I howl as I drop my sword automatically, pain shooting down my arm.

The leader steps forward with a wicked edge in his eyes. Give up, Deseray. Colt will be glad to see you. He grabs my arm. I grab my switchblade from my shirt and hit the trigger. I stab him in the gut before he can take his eyes off the blade.

He grunts as he crumples. He slumps into me, blood coming out of his mouth. Die, he chokes out as his last breath leaves his body.

Chapter 5

After I push his lifeless body off me, I yank out my blade and wipe it clean with a leaf. Once it's cleaned, I place it back in the hidden pocket Tilda had sewn into the shirt. Her stitching skills are why I allow her to keep making me clothes.

Deseray, I'm so sorry, Tray says, holding his hands out, trying to figure out what he can do.

Why didn't you stay hidden? I demand as I toss the dirty leaf to the ground. I yelp as pain races up my arm. I look at the wound. It's deep. Blood is staining a large portion of my shirt. My body is trying to rid itself of the poison that had coated the blade. Damn it.

Deseray, are you all right? Tray asks, looking slightly queasy.

Far from it. I glare at him as I try to remain civil. I am, no thanks to you. You should have listened to me. Because of your stupid action, I wasn't able to figure out how close Colt is. I grimace as pain races through my arm.

Kezia bumps me with her head.

"Are you going to be all right?