Rogue Rescue: Robin of Larkspur, #4

By Melinda Kucsera

The hunters become the hunted when they're caught in a magical trap.

Robin has a big problem. Her plan to rescue her baby didn't come with an escape plan. Now, she's trapped in a magical valley with the half-human hunters who took her daughter, and the creatures they summoned.

Not even the mage who helped her find her daughter can save them now because he's just as trapped as she is, and the guardian of this valley is out to get her for breaking its rules…

But at least Robin got her daughter back. Keeping her baby alive is another problem, but one Robin is determined to solve. Losing her baby is not an option.

The hunters become the hunted in book 4 of the Robin of Larkspur series. Start Rogue Rescue now to find how far a mother will go to ensure her daughter survives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melinda Kucsera
• Release date: Mar 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224324798

Melinda Kucsera

I write fantasy and science fiction novels and short stories usually at sword point. Everyone should have such eager characters......Hello readers!Yes, this is a fictional character speaking to you. My fellow characters just locked our scribe (Melinda) in a tower. She needs to finish our latest adventure.Want to meet us? Hop on over to get our first adventure for FREE: http://www.mkucsera.com/enchantedWe’re eager to entertain you with our magical mayhem. So go download our book! We're waiting for you.

Book preview

Copyright

Rogue Rescue is © 2024 by Melinda Kucsera

Cover design © 2024 by Melinda Kucsera

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Robin of Larkspur

A high-fantasy action/adventure series full of magic and mayhem, starring a single mother and her friends. Other books in the Robin of Larkspur Series:

(Suggested Reading Order)

HUNTER’S NIGHT

ROGUE NIGHT

ROGUE RANGER*

ROGUE RESCUE

ROGUE GODS

ROGUE GIFT*

*Forthcoming

Table of Contents

Rogue Rescue

Copyright

Robin of Larkspur

Want Free Stuff?

Would You Leave A Review?

Acknowledgments

A Bright Problem

Dice with Fate

Don’t Touch It

Summon Them

Talk To The Angel

Give Me Your Power

Dim Prospects

Old Gods, New Problems

Crashing Into Spells

The Scent of Trouble

Into the Circle

Roll the Dice

Godly Advice

Save My Angel

Scent of Trouble

The Bloodcrow

Doomed to Repeat

Escape The Time Loop

Kicked Out

Time Slips

A Visit And An Offer

Strange Tidings

Falling Short

The Die’s Cast

Run Away

A Hard Place

Change of Plans

Escape Into The Wild

Summon Her

The Fault In Your Plan

Echoes of Trouble

Choices

What The Heart Wants

Shadows Strike

A Meal & A Heart

No Respite

Where There’s A Will

Empty Cloaks & Promises

Chased By A Question

A Chilly Reception

Where Is He?

Stall For Me

Late Arrival

Don’t Tell Him

Interview With The Commander

Confronting Robin

Now or Never

How’d This Book Go Off The Rails?

Notes For Chapters

The Fault in Your Plan

Give Me Your Power

Crashing Into Spells

The Scent of Trouble

Roll The Dice

Godly Advice

Save My Angel

Scent of Trouble

Doomed to Repeat

Escape the Time Loop

Kicked Out

Time Slips

Strange Tidings

What the Heart Wants

Would You Leave A Review?

Want Free Stuff?

Memoriam

About The Author

I’d Love To Hear From You!

Robin of Larkspur

The Curse Breaker Series

Curse Breaker Boxed Sets

His Angelic Keeper Series

Curse Breaker’s Companion

Divergent Heroes

Want Free Stuff?

So do we! Who are we? We’re the stars of the Curse Breaker series. Subscribe to our newsletter to get exclusive content, advanced access to extended previews, and our weekly adventure series delivered safely to your inbox by our digital dragon. Go to www.mkucsera.com/welcomecharacters now to sign up.

—The cast of the Curse Breaker Series

Would You Leave A Review?

As fictional characters, we appreciate the feedback we receive. Reviews also help readers choose our book. Since we exist only when someone’s reading our stories, reviews are very important to us. So, if you’re enjoying the magical mayhem in this book, please consider letting everyone know by leaving a review. And tell everyone you meet about us.

Thank you for reading Rogue Rescue.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to all our supporters on Patreon especially:

Glenda Andre

Without your generous support, this book might not have happened. Thank you so much for being a part of this journey.

If you would like to support the series you love and help me get the books out faster, then head over to Patreon to join us. Read my books before anyone else. Get thanked in the next book along with whatever else Ran dreams up.

--Melinda Kucsera

About Rogue Rescue

Robin has a big problem. Her plan to rescue her baby didn’t come with an escape plan. Now, she’s trapped in a magical valley with the half-human hunters who took her daughter, and the creatures they summoned.

Not even the mage who helped her find her daughter can save them now because he’s just as trapped as she is.

Robin got her daughter back. Keeping her alive is another problem, but losing her baby is not an option. The hunters become the hunted in book 4 of the Robin of Larkspur series.

Start Rogue Rescue now to find how far a mother will go to ensure her daughter survives.

A Tale of Two Versions

As the chapter title suggests, there are two versions of Rogue Rescue. What are the two versions?

You’re reading the retailers’ version.

Why are there two versions?

I explain that in the chapter, How’d This Book Go Off The Rails? But to sum up, the events in this book collided with the events in the Rogue Gods Trilogy because the characters decided it must do that.

That note explains how that went down, and there’s more in a note in Summon the Gods, book 2 of the Rogue Gods Trilogy. I just want it on record that it wasn’t my idea. I fought hard against it, but I lost since you’re reading this note.

Okay, back to the two versions. Sorry for that digression.

What is the difference between the two versions?

About 5000 words. No, seriously. The realtors’ version is only 4000 words shorter than the author’s final cut version. But I had to add some things, so the cuts weren’t obvious.

What was cut?

For the retailers’ version, I trimmed down the dialogue and cut a scene where Robin interacts with characters in Summon the Gods. So there’s very little of what’s going on with the ex-gods and the woman who’s trying to help them since their stories are told in the Rogue Gods Trilogy along with two other plotlines. So the retailers’ version is more streamlined and keeps the story focused on Robin’s quest to save her daughter.

Why did I make this change?

Because my beta reader read the author’s final cut version and found it too confusing since it wove in dialogue and scenes from Summon the Gods but from Robin, Hynra, and Rugira’s point of view so you could read the scenes side by side with the companion scenes in Summon the Gods and get as close to a 360-degree view of the action from both storylines as they collide then diverge. Only you can judge if I succeeded in that.

My beta reader didn't have Summon the Gods to read since the book wasn’t finished yet. The characters in it were taking a page from Ran and fighting all efforts to end the book. So she only had Rogue Rescue and no one in Rogue Rescue has the full context for what’s happening.

So yeah. There are two versions. That’s the main point, and you’re reading the retailers’ version which was edited to stand on its own so you don’t need to read Summon the Gods unless you want to see what the ex-gods are doing.

If you read Summon the Gods after reading this version, you won’t be lost. I kept enough things in here that sync up with that story, so you still get the full picture. Besides, the part that crosses over with this book is at the end. There’s a lot of magical mayhem before it that doesn’t mention anything in here. 

Where can I get the Author’s Cut Version?

It originally published on my Patreon, one chapter at a time, while I was writing the end of Summon the Gods and publishing that book one chapter at a time. I wrote the chapters for both books where the stories collided/crossed over together and posted them in sequence. So that version is only available to Patrons (new or old) because it captures the struggle to figure out where the story was going and why the characters forced the two stories to collide.

Meanwhile, the Retailer’s Version has all those rough edges smoothed away and the story is streamlined to show you only what you need for the story in Rogue Rescue. It cut out everything extra to focus on only what’s needed.

If you’d like to become a Patron and get the Author’s Cut version and read my books before anyone else, sign up now.

A Bright Problem

Light slammed into Robin as she hit the golden dome that hopefully covered the Haven. Please let this be where my daughter is. A terrible desperation filled her, and she clawed at the light surrounding her. It was in her way, and she couldn’t deal with any more delays. Let me pass.

The light didn’t. Robin reached into it, but there was nothing to grab. The gold light stood before her, barring her way as if it were a wall. Robin pounded on it as the delays of the past two days flashed through her mind.

Some were unavoidable, like the trek to Mount Eredren to get help for Kat. Robin stilled as she recalled her companions. Were Kat and Strella still at Mount Eredren, or did they leave and continue on their way? She couldn’t recall where they headed before the Wild Hunt attacked their camp and took her daughter. If you leave, then take my wishes for a safe journey with you.

Robin blinked as tears blurred her eyes. She’d lost Kat and Strella and the other allies she’d picked up on this quest. I shouldn’t have left Rugira behind. But I had to take the chance that Shade would take me to my daughter if only to save their beloved. She lost Sarn too. But he was never mine to begin with and if that green blaze I saw before Shade’s demonic passenger teleported us is any indication, then Sarn is somewhere in the Haven or near it.

She must get past this light to find out. Why won’t you let me pass? Robin punched it, but her fist hit nothing at all. Nor could she do anything but float around and remember her chilly reception at Mount Eredren, and the many delays she encountered there when no one would help her.

None of that matters now. I’m here, and I must find a way past this shield. Robin stopped fighting it since that was getting her nowhere. Nor could she float in this liminal space forever. What do you want?

The shield didn’t reply, so it probably didn’t have a golem to manage it like the rings of standing stones around Mount Eredren. Did that help her case?

Power, unlike anything she’d encountered, encircled her, and the light surrounding her dimmed as brighter patterns cascaded down the shield. Some symbols rotated or shot like stars from one cluster of symbols to another.

I wish I could read them. Robin extended her hand to touch them. They weren’t written in any language she recognized. Well, there was always the Litany of Allies, Enemies, and Other Folk. Everything one might encounter while hiking around Shayari should be in there, and it included this Haven. But that epic poem floated just out of reach, like her daughter. Rosalie was somewhere on the other side of this shield.

But she must cross this golden barrier to reach her. The longer Robin remained in this place of light and magic, the more her heart beat like a drum in her ears. Fear for her daughter made her cold and shaky, and she’d have collapsed if she wasn’t floating.

What if Shade betrayed me? The question repeated in her head until she remembered the pain in Shade’s dark eyes when they shoved her into the shield. No, Shade didn’t betray me this time. They brought me to the Haven, where my daughter is. They didn’t drop me off anywhere else.

Robin clung to that certainty as the shield strobed and dizzied her as she fell through an endless column of golden light. Was the shield rejecting her? Oh hell no. No shield, however powerful, would keep her from her daughter. No way.

Let me pass. My daughter is inside the Haven. I promise to follow your rules. Just tell me what they are and let me enter. Robin hoped that would convince the entity that controlled the shield because she couldn’t stay like this forever, not when she had no idea what was happening to her daughter. I’m coming, Rosalie, just hang on a little longer.

Promise accepted, a man said, and his voice was familiar.

Where have I heard his voice? Robin couldn’t place it before strong hands seized her arms and pulled her backward. She fell out of the light and blinked to adjust her eyes as blue afterimages blotted out the world.

Sit while you acclimate. Not everyone handles the transition well, said the owner of the hands holding her up. He guided her down until her rump touched a hard surface.

Grass crunched under her butt as she sat, but Robin still couldn’t see anything. The afterimages bouncing around her vision only dizzied her more when she tried, making it hard to keep from falling over onto her side. Finally, some afterimages faded, leaving her staring at the glowing gold strings littering the ground. They rained down from the shield arching over this place, but they didn’t stay on the ground. The gold strings rose and rejoined the shield.

It’s a cycle. Did the same threads rise and become part of the shield, then fall, or did the strings combine to form new threads? Robin forgot why she came for a moment as curiosity seized her.

What are you doing? asked the man who pulled her through the shield.

Robin ignored him. He wasn’t as interesting as those threads. What power will they give me if I grab some? Would it be enough to save her daughter and hold off the Wild Hunt?

As Robin reached for the nearest thread, she recalled what happened earlier with the black threads, then dismissed it because she’d just claimed these gold threads too. Surely, that would counteract any negative effect they might have on her.

Don’t touch what you don’t understand, that man said, but he wasn’t fast enough.

Dice with Fate

Earlier inside the Haven

Hyntra had that giddy feeling, like everything was spinning out of control, and she fought the urge to laugh and spin around until dizziness made her collapse. But she didn’t because she had a reputation to uphold. Besides, now was the time for a good gloat because her chaotic nature had provided the key to unlocking the spell, and she never passed up a chance to lord it over the others when her hunches panned out.

You’re lucky I got bored with finding the last brat and cashed in a favor instead. Hyntra laughed as she elbowed a slack-jawed Brasayus.

How did you know he could replace the fourth child? Brasayus pointed at the glowing design Reshi spent hours drawing in the dirt, and her finger shook.

I didn’t, but it’s always good to have a mage on hand, and I was right. Hyntra ran her claws along her chain mail shirt to make the rings jingle, but the spell circle dragged her attention back to it when a shape appeared in the green light shooting skywards. What was that?

The spell circle dimmed, revealing the mage lying inside it, cradling a baby in his arms while a puppy licked his face. Another baby reclined in a bassinet on a flat-topped boulder next to him, and that bothered her.

Hyntra had no motherly instinct, just a feeling that this was wrong, not for moral reasons, though. But she couldn’t put her finger on the reason either. The Wild Hunt doesn’t deal with children unless they’re our own. That was the only reason that came to mind to explain her unease, but naming it didn’t dispel it.

Above the flat-topped boulder that looked more like an ancient altar the more she stared at it, a cloud of green light coalesced, and a man-shaped shadow appeared within it. Hopefully, that was their leader, and this spell business would end, and they could return to their usual pursuits.

What was the fourth child, anyway? Reshi tapped her on the shoulder when she didn’t reply.

It shouldn’t matter anymore since the spell already activated, but what were the odds that Sarn was exactly what the spell called for?

We were supposed to fetch someone born under a curse, a potential curse breaker, or something similar. Hyntra waved off that question since it was moot now. She squinted at the floating sphere of magic above the spell circle and the altar stone as it divided.

Why were there two now? We only have one leader. Reshi must have messed up the spell. Hyntra shook her head. I shouldn’t have left her in charge of it. But it was too late to worry about that now.

So he’s a curse breaker? Reshi pressed. Didn’t she see the two floating clouds of magic? Both had human-shaped silhouettes inside them now.

I don’t know. Why do you ask? Hyntra couldn’t tear her gaze away from the spell circle. Was the second floating sphere of magic dividing too?

Because he triggered the spell. We didn’t do it. Reshi stepped in front of her, blocking her view as a third magic sphere split off the second one.

That would have bothered Hyntra if the spell wasn’t behaving differently than she’d assumed. Maybe this is how the spell works. Hyntra shoved Reshi aside as the third cloud of magic shook and pulsed.

Don’t overreact. You need your former leader back so you can give back this mantle of power you never wanted. Hyntra reminded herself when the urge to run into the spell tried to master her. Just wait a bit. See how things shake out. After all, you’re not a mage. You don’t know how this spell works. But oh my god, she hated waiting above all things.

Of course, the pep talk didn’t help. Hyntra dug her toe claws into the ground to keep from running toward the spell. If she interrupted it now, there was no guarantee they could cast it again later. This must work. I can’t take this damned mantle anymore. The responsibility was a physical weight bearing down on her shoulders.

Did you hear what I said? Reshi grabbed her arm and turned Hyntra to face her. The spell wasn’t complete when he activated it.

What do you mean by complete? Hyntra finally glanced at her.

There’s a bit more to it, Reshi said as her voice depended, and her body shimmered as she cast off the illusion of a woman who was part goat melted away like snow in the sunlight, revealing the smooth-skinned and all too human Oracle at Dalphina.

Three other women shimmered as their illusions fell, revealing their armor and their human appearances too.

They tricked us! someone shouted.

Hyntra bared her teeth and her claws, but she was laughing inside because this unexpected twist made things interesting, and she craved distraction right now while the spell took its sweet time to do whatever it was doing. Besides, the Haven had rules, and she shouldn’t break them, not until she knew what the Oracle’s plan was and if she could profit from it.

Hyntra fought a grin and tried not to run her hands together in anticipation. The Oracle must want something important, or she and her retinue wouldn’t have traveled here in winter. What does that spell do?

The Oracle squeezed her arm. It’s a summoning spell. I didn’t lie about that. Nor was she dressed for a fight, not with those full skirts and bell sleeves. Her dark hair hung in loose ringlets down her back, and her eyes glowed as red as a sunset, casting rosy light on her tanned face.

I noticed that, but your spell is summoning more people than we asked for. Who else are you summoning? Hyntra licked her lips.

This Oracle was the kind of woman she wouldn’t mind playing with in other circumstances. But she must keep her mind on the prize, getting their leader back. Then she could throw the Oracle over her shoulder and carry her off or slash her open from neck to knee, depending on how the next few minutes played out. Either would be fun for a while.

Yes. I didn’t think you’d mind if I added onto your spell. The Oracle batted her long lashes and simpered a little, but not enough to hide the calculation in her eyes. It’ll still summon your old leader, but it’ll also summon a couple of people I need. The Oracle stepped forward until they were almost touching.

Who else are you summoning? Hyntra liked her boldness and her attempt at seduction. But she was more interested in the Oracle’s plans, especially since the Oracle was trying to dodge that question, and that sent a delicious shiver of anticipation through her.

Why are you listening to her? Dressen asked from somewhere behind her. She tricked us, and you’re just standing there like an amused cat. You’re not even mad.

Because I’m curious. And Hyntra had been so bored for so long. Leading the Wild Hunt came with all kinds of responsibilities, and she hated every one of them. But she was bound by a stupid oath she’d made without really understanding what it meant to lead, and now she was stuck with that mantle forever until she could get someone else to take it from her.

No one wanted it, except the person who gave it to her. He wanted it so badly; he’d saddled her with it because he knew she wouldn’t rest until she handed it back. She was his insurance policy. But I’m owed some fun, and I’m long overdue for it.

There was still the issue of the double cross. The rest of the Wild Hunt wouldn’t let it go, not unless there was some way for them to profit from it.

I didn’t want to trick you, but I knew they wouldn’t understand. They lack your perspective, the Oracle whispered almost in her ear. You bear a heavy mantle. I promised to help you lift it, and that’s what I’m doing. Nothing has changed except I’ll get something too. We’ll all win in the end. The Oracle turned her away from Dressen and the outraged faces of the Wild Hunt. Even She-Anne looked appalled.

Maybe it was the Oracle’s magic working on her, but Hyntra felt like she had the world in her hands. It was multi-sided, like the dice she’d seen a traveler roll across the ground once. He’d let the shapes on the topmost face decide his course.

When she’d crept out of hiding to ask him why, she’d never forgotten his reason. ‘Sometimes you need to play dice with Fate to find your way,’ he’d said. That giddy feeling returned as the chaotic side of her nature took over.

Hyntra felt those dice in her hand now. After all, why not dice with Fate?

Hyntra turned to face the gathered members of the Wild Hunt. Their anger struck her like a physical blow, but it just made her want to laugh in their faces all the more and cast all her responsibilities aside. To the victor went the spoils, and right now, there were no spoils, but she had a feeling the Oracle planned to summon some.

Listen up. I am your leader, and what I say goes. Hyntra turned, so she caught everyone’s eyes.

Most of her people dropped their gaze at her intense glare, but some didn’t. Well, that was fine. They could come at her if they wished. But the angel who guarded this place would have to throw them out if the bonds between the members even allowed them to attack her.

Hyntra grinned at them. I hope they’ll try. I’d love to find out what would happen.

What is your will? Dressen almost spat the words as he curled his lip in disgust. Well, everyone had their own opinion, but she didn’t have to care about it.

We let things continue for now. Hyntra folded her arms because there was no fight in the offing.

The tension remained, but not at a fever pitch anymore. Maybe they couldn’t cross her any more than she could throw off this invisible mantle of leadership. At least the Haven had plenty of food, water, and shelter, so that oath didn’t force her to seek out those things for the group. That was a relief, at least.

You won’t regret it. The Oracle smiled like she’d won this round.

I don’t regret much. Well, except for agreeing to that stupid oath. But Hyntra didn’t fault herself for that. She couldn’t have known how that would constrain her life, and she chafed at those shackles.

Who are you summoning? Hyntra waved to the four spheres of green light floating over the glowing green sigils and circles in the dirt.

No one yet. I must speak that part of the spell. You can’t inscribe it. The Oracle sashayed past her, then stopped a few feet from the spell circle and raised her arms. I need to concentrate on this part, so you’d better not interrupt me, or you won’t get your old leader back. Is that clear?

As clear as a mountain stream. Hyntra backed off and stood a few feet away to let the Oracle’s three acolytes surround her.

The four women raised their arms and chanted softly. Hyntra hoped the summoning wouldn’t take long, but she feared it would. Hyntra stifled a yawn, then examined her claws when they caught the spell light. She was already bored with waiting. That better end soon or I’ll get stabby and to Hell with the rules. I’m so tired of following them. Hyntra imagined shoving her claws through the Oracle’s backless red dress until the Oracle’s promise repeated in her head. I’d better get him back.

Don’t Touch It

Robin touched the gold thread, but it curled like a snake, then snapped back and slapped her hand away. Ouch. That’s it. I’m not touching another thread no matter what happens. Robin rubbed her hand. The spot where the thread hit her stung, and sweat ran down her face. I can’t lose focus like that again. I must save my daughter.

But she also needed to know if she just broke the rules. I’m not leaving without my daughter and to hell with any rules. I’m sick of dealing with them. Robin clenched her fists. Desperation burned inside her like a flame, and it scorched her insides the longer she sat there.

I told you not to touch it. You only have yourself to blame for that, said the man who’d pulled her through the shield.

Why’s it so warm in here? Robin squinted when a green light blinded her, but the man was just a silhouette because of all the light shining from above and somewhere in front of her.

The constant renewing of the shield generates heat, and that keeps this place warm despite the weather outside. He shrugged like that should have been obvious, and it would have been if she’d stopped to think about it.

Robin had used a red lumir crystal all her life for heat. But Sarn’s shields hadn’t generated any heat, so perhaps the link wasn’t obvious after all.

Voices chanted somewhere ahead, where all the green light came from. It was hard to tell anything more than that while her eyes were so dazzled from all the light. Magenta afterimages obscured everything until she closed her eyes and stopped trying to peer through that light to its source. Sarn must be generating it. His magic was insanely bright, and he made no effort to dim it or hide it.

Something zinged around inside her too, probably a gift from that shield. That was Shade’s fault since they pushed her into it. I thought we were on the same side. Robin rubbed her chest since that’s where the sensation originated.

Sometimes you have to trust others to do what you can’t, Shade said before pushing her into the shield.

A lump formed in her throat. I’ll get Sarn out. Even If that meant giving him back to Shade. She hoped someday someone out there would feel that kind of devotion for her. Rosalie’s father hadn’t, but she pushed away all thoughts of him because he wasn’t representative of all men. Sarn was proof that loving, kind men existed.

I just haven’t had any luck finding them. Robin blinked to clear her sight, then groaned. Gold coins appeared on the ground as the voice of Sarn’s magic made promises it couldn’t keep again.

You can make a good living with a mage on your arm.

Shut up. I told Shade I’d return their love to them, and that’s what I’ll do. Robin didn’t answer that voice aloud because it was inside her mind, and she didn’t need to give the man who saved her from the shield any more reasons to regret his decision.

Besides, everything Sarn’s magic offered would put her at odds with Shade again, and she didn’t want that drama in her life. No, her plan would stay