Master of the Sword (Parrt 9)

Chapter 6
I rode quietly astride my horse, the others following silently. I felt icky with the soot that smeared my hands, arms, face, legs and clothes. It clung to every part of me and it was the same for the others. Each time I looked at Deston, I had to look again because she hardly looked like herself. Each time I looked at Carver I wanted to laugh because he just looked goofy with all that soot. At least the men had been unable to follow us as we had taken some of their mounts.1

Steadily, I heard the trickling flow of a stream nearby. I motioned towards its sound and we all went in that direction until we found it. I dismounted and landed smoothly on the ground; Deston dismounted with class, Carver with a rushed thump and Leif with a weary sigh. He was an old man and it must have been a hard ride for him. I ground tied Apple and strode to the stream, splashing water onto my face. I rubbed the soot and grime off, leaving the water mucky and dirty. The others did the same.2

“I think we should stay here for the night.” Deston declared. I lifted my head and saw that her face was now fairly clean, as compared to the rest of her. Blue eyes glimmered as she waited for my response.3

“Alright.” I nodded. She smiled in relief. “It will be good, I think, that way we can all rest and clean in the river.”4

“I suppose I shall set up a campfire then.” Carver said.5

“No.” I said firmly. “You remember what happened last time.” I stated, remembering how the hypnosis spell had been cast upon the fire.6

“Right. So what will we eat?”7

“Well, if I may,” Leif began. “It just so happens that this horse’s saddle bags contain a loaf of bread. Perhaps the owner had just traded at the market.”8

“Excellent!” Deston exclaimed. “I’m starving.”9

“I think I will hold off on that bread,” I told them. “First I would like to bathe.”10

“Not I.” Carver, hands now clean, reached for the loaf that Leif had provided. He ate greedily, taking no heed of anyone or anything around him.11

“I shall go downstream to bathe.” Deston said and immediately disappeared into the woods.12

“Be careful!” I called after her, not sure if she heard me or not. With a sigh I turned and went upstream. When I thought I had gone far enough, I unstrapped my sword and walked right into the cold water. It was like ice, but I could deal with it. In fact, it was better than being covered in soot from the chimney. Taking a deep breath, I dipped under the surface and then came back up. The water was already turning black and I scrubbed at my dirty clothes and skin with sand to help clean it. It was so nice to be clean!13

I stayed in the water, floating on my back until night started to drift in and my bones began to chill. Wading out of the water, I sat down on the rocky bank to dry a little before putting on my boots. My hair dripped and I had to wring out my shirt just to get it a little drier. Finally unable to sit alone any longer and wondering if Deston had made it back to camp safely, I started off, slipping on my boots and strapping my sword around my waist. The night whispered around me as I walked, but I wasn’t bothered. I found our horses, but I appeared to be the only person there.14

Setting my jaw, I looked around. Where would Carver and Leif have gone? I couldn’t know and so I settled down with a piece of bread, chewing small bites. My foot tapped in the grass with slight apprehension. I didn’t like that they had gone. Deston had been downstream, so they couldn’t have gone to bathe there and I had not passed them on my way here so the only place they could have gone was further into the woods. 15

A twig snapped and I jerked around to look behind me. My hand was on my sword hilt though I had no memory once again of ever placing it there. “Deston?” I called. There was no reply but moments later I heard the crunch of leaves underneath a boot. “Carver, if that’s you I swear I’ll kill you!” I threatened.16

“Agh!” A throaty yell sounded and something smacked against my back. I wheeled and unsheathed my sword before suddenly hearing laughter. Someone appeared in the light of the moon a few yards from me. 17

“Deston!” I bellowed. “I could have killed you!” I glanced down and saw the rock that she had thrown at me. She giggled all the more and doubled over. I sighed. “Well I’m glad you find this so amusing.”18

“You should have seen the look on your face!” She said. I frowned. She burst out with more wild laughter, irking me, but still, I could not resist her smile and soon felt a grin touch my lips as well.19

“Yes, you got me.” I admitted. She fought to control herself. “Where are-”20

“Leif went downstream. Carver went…well, to take care of some things.” She motioned to the woods. 21

“Right.” I sat back down on the grass. She approached and was about to sit beside me when we heard a screech. I was on my feet again in an instant. Deston leaped closer to me. “What was that?!” I gasped. 22

“Mountain lion.” She said and before I could take another breath we heard a shout. “Carver!” Deston looked at me in horror.23

She stepped forwards but I grabbed her arm. “No.” I said firmly. 24

She glared at me, but then in the distance we heard: “Daeryk! Daeryk, help!” Carver’s plead stung my heart. I couldn’t leave him out there. Without another thought I ran forwards toward the sound of his voice. Deston was right on my heels and it didn’t take long before we found Carver. The only thing was, he wasn’t being attacked by a mountain lion as we thought, he was being CHASED by a mountain lion.25

“Oh-”I shut my mouth. I had nearly cursed in front of Deston and I knew better than that. “Carver run!” I shouted but the beast was nearly on top of him. I didn’t know what to do but suddenly the animal slid to a halt and screeched once again. I heard a low whooshing noise and the lion roared in pain. Movement caught my eye and I saw someone move from the shadows, a bow in hand. The archer lifted his bow once more and released an arrow that flew invisibly in the night, but it found its target and the animal turned and fled.26

Carver reached Deston and I just then and I had to hold him to keep him from running. “It’s gone, Carver.” He turned and saw that it was gone and saw the archer as well. Relief spun across his face and he sighed.27

“Thank you stranger.” He said raggedly.28

“You are most welcome; I suspect that brute will not be back.” The archer had a deep voice. “Are you youngsters alright?” At that moment, Leif came running through the trees.29

“Is everyone alright?!”He questioned.30

“We’re fine, thanks to this man.” I said.31

“Sir, I could not thank you enough.” Leif started.32

“Do not worry about it; you don’t have to thank me.” He said.33

“Are you alone?” Deston asked. “If you are we would be very much obliged if you came and camped with us.”34

“Sorry, but I must pass the offer. I must be on my way.” He stated. I tilted my head to the side, trying to see him clearly. Why was he in such a rush this late in the night? “Good bye.”35

“Wait, sir.” Deston, begged sweetly, being ever so lady like. “Won’t you please stay? It is really no trouble at all.” The man said nothing for a moment, considering.36

“Well, I could use the company.” He sighed and stepped our way. As he came closer, I felt my heart quicken. This man was largely built, but it was his face that caught me off guard.37

“J.R.?!” I gasped and stepped back. He froze in surprise and gaped at me.38

“J.R.? Do you know this man?” Deston queried. J.R. stepped away from us and I stepped forward this time. I was about to demand the information he had deprived me of during our first meeting when another shout went up into the air. 39

“Don’t move!” I glanced around and J.R. lifted his bow back into the air. “Hold! There are archers on all of you!” J.R. grimaced and glared at me. I had no idea why he should glare at me, it wasn’t my fault. “Put your weapons on the ground!” I gulped and looked at the others who were just as shocked as I. “Now or we shoot!”40

I shook my head and slowly loosened my belt and let my sword drop to my feet. J.R. set his bow on the ground in disgust. “Why did I have to stop?” I heard him murmur to himself and realized that these men had been following HIM. That was why he seemed in such a rush. Men appeared from the shadows of the woods, approaching slowly.41

“How could I have had such good fortune?” One of them said. “J.R. and Daeryk captured on the same night.” I guessed it was the leader of this bounty hunting band. My suspicions were confirmed with his next words. “For your excellent tracking, I shall reward you all with a round at the local Inn!” He declared to his partners. The men cheered, still keeping their bows on us. “Daeryk, if you would be so kind as to kick your sword this way.” I clenched my teeth together harder and stared maliciously at them. “Now or I shoot the girl.” One of the archers turned their bows to Deston. It took seconds and the sword was flying their way from a heavy kick from me. I would never risk Deston’s safety. The man laughed. “You always had a soft spot for women.”42

“You’re a pig.” I snarled.43

“Shut up and get on your belly.” He ordered. I sucked in a breath angrily and did as he said. They soon made the others do the same after making J.R. kick his bow to them. “Don’t move.” They cautioned with laughs. I felt a blade touch the back of my neck as someone crouched over me to tie my hands behind my back. Two men came and lifted me to my feet. I grunted in anger and glanced at Deston and the others. Carver looked as ticked as I did and J.R. kept a blank expression.44

“Where are you taking us?” I demanded as we began walking. The leader faced me, coming so close that I could feel his breath.45

“No questions please.” He said and punched me square in the gut. I gasped and heard the others begin yelling. My anger at his action was almost too much to bear; so much so that even without my sword I was beginning to feel the magic stir in me, but it wasn’t enough without the sword.46

“Stop! Leave him alone!” Carver shouted.47

“Don’t hurt him!” Deston begged. All of them laughed in mockery of their pleas. I kept my eyes shut as I settled my breathing, but that was short lived as I suddenly heard Deston scream. “Stop!” I stood straight and wheeled, despite the hold of the two men and saw one of the men holding her roughly by the hair.48

“You’re pretty aren’t you?” He laughed as she squirmed. I didn’t even yell at him to leave her alone, I just broke the grasp of the men holding me with a burst of strength and barreled into him so hard that we both tumbled to the ground and rolled several feet. “You little-!”49

“Hey!” I interrupted him. “No cursing in front of the lady!” I kicked him in the jaw. Before I could make another move, the others had reached us and began kicking me. Their blows were hard and hurt, but I never made a sound. I couldn’t even cover my face and had to endure those hits too. I tasted the metallic taste of blood in my mouth, my heart was pounding, and my body alight with pain.50

“STOP!” A loud shout boomed. Everyone froze to look at J.R. Even though he was a captive, he still held a demeanor of authority about himself. “This is no proper treatment of a captive nor is it your place. Your job is to take us and turn us into the nearest outpost and receive your reward. If this is how you do business, then you too should be punished and I shall make sure you do. I still have friends in high places that would support me, despite my fall out of favor.” The air was deadly quiet as they stared at him.51

Finally the leader spoke. “Get him to his feet.” He ordered and I was lifted. “Let’s find a place to camp; we will leave at first light.”52

“Our camp is not far off.” Leif said. “Our horses are there and it would be a waste to leave good mounts behind.” The leader studied him for a moment before nodding. “Lead the way old man.” Leif looked relieved and I knew what he was thinking. If they allowed him to ride on his horse, then he would be better off. Walking to wherever they were taking us could quite possibly kill one of old age like he. 53

I was shoved into the midst of the others as Leif was forced to the front to lead the way. Deston and Carver were immediately in my face. “Are you okay?” Deston asked.54

“Yeah, I’ll be fine.” I sighed and looked at J.R. “Thank you.”55

“You wouldn’t be thanking me if you knew the truth.” J.R. said in a cold voice. “It was one small payback for the wrong I have done.” I studied him and was about to say more when a man told us to shut up. With a sigh I shut my mouth and walked beside Deston and Carver quietly.56

57

The next day I could feel the ache in my muscles where the men had kicked me. Purple bruises covered my arms and I knew there would be some on my face as well as everywhere else. My ribs ached something awful, but I didn’t believe they were cracked. On top of that, my wrists were already raw from the twine holding them together. The men woke us up early for travel. Apparently there were many bounty hunters out to catch my hide because the ones that had caught us were constantly weary of someone finding us. If we stumbled across anyone, they might try and steal me from them to get the reward themselves.58

I walked along behind the horse that the leader rode. It was a big black horse and my hands were securely tied to a long rope connected to the saddle horn. I felt like a miserable slave as I marched along. J.R. was also connected to the same horse and to my great dissatisfaction, Deston was not. The sun was beating down on us by now and my thirst was high, but I could do nothing about it.59

“So,” I began quietly so no one would hear except J.R. “How do I know you-or should know you or once did.” He remained silent. “Who are you?” I persisted, still to get only the blank stare of his eyes. “What did I do to the king?” I questioned and suddenly he stopped walking. When the rope snapped tight, forcing him to move with the horse once more, he spoke.60

“You treasoned.”61

“Right.” I said skeptically. “What am I wanted for?”62

“Treason.”63

“Stop playing games with me, J.R.” I grumbled angrily. He smiled slightly.64

“Alright, Daeryk,” He couldn’t hide his smile. “You slept with the king’s wife.”65

I stared in disbelief at him. I knew it wasn’t true and I could see it in his eyes. “You’re really not going to tell me what I did?”66

He laughed a little louder, but then became serious. “No one knows for sure except the king’s advisor declared you an enemy of the king. He claims you tried to kill him.”67

“I don’t believe I did.”I stated. J.R. gave me a look that I constantly got from people when I said that. “I know I can’t remember anything but I still don’t believe I did it. It doesn’t feel like I did.” J.R. nodded. “Well?” I inquired but he didn’t speak. “How did we know each other?”68

“Well, that’s for me to know.” He said smartly.69

“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” I asked and at his smile I grimaced. “Why are YOU on the run?”70

“Why are you?” He shot back at me. If my hands were not tied I think I would have attacked him right at that moment.71

“Stop playing coy with me!” I said in a loud whisper.72

J.R. cackled despicably at me and I wished more than before that I could wrap my hands around his throat. “I let you escape that night. It was my job as part of the Royal Guard to catch you.”73

“You were part of the Royal Guard?!”74

“Yes.”75

“What was my position?”76

“You were a Sword Master.”77

“Obviously but what was my job?” I snapped.78

“Whatever you were told to do; your mentor usually sent you on errands of grave importance because he knew you could get the job done.” J.R. looked into my eyes. “You were the best of all the 26th Regiment.”79

“The 26th Regiment?”80

“Yes; all of the men that were found with the same gift at approximately the same time as you.” J.R. informed. “That is how they place you, in regiments according to when your gift was discovered. Then they choose a mentor for each of you who will teach you about your power and how to use it, and also about the ways of the Sword Masters; their laws and creeds, for example.”81

“So I was in the 26th regiment…Who was my mentor?” I inquired.82

“His name was Marsden, Master Marsden to you.” J.R. told me with raised eyebrows. “He was one of the best as well. He was assigned to mentor you because of your…control issues.”83

“You mean because I had an uncontrollable power.” I stated.84

“Well, that old dog found a way to get you to control it.” J.R. chuckled. 85

“Where is he?” I questioned, already knowing the answer by J.R.’s past tense verbs.86

“Dead.” He stated and fell silent. I did too. I could not remember Marsden, but it felt like he was once very important to me and my heart ached because of that. We remained quiet for awhile after that. There were a million questions I could ask, but I suddenly wasn’t sure if I wanted to know. What if I discovered there were more people I had known who were dead and I couldn’t even grieve because I couldn’t remember them? 87

I glanced over my shoulder to see Deston ambling along behind a horse. She was a little dusty and she looked tired. Carver was further back than she was with his head hung low to keep the sun and dust from his face. Leif was a little ways to my left and I had to look around J.R.’s large bulk to see him as he stumbled along. I wasn’t sure if he would be able to take very many days of this and hoped that the next outpost was near, though that may mean my own demise. 88

Mid afternoon was approaching when the men finally decided to stop for a quick break. The leader pulled his horse to a stop and then dismounted, watching out for me and J.R. The others did the same and we were untied and then led to a tree. J.R. and I were tethered like horses to the tree and Deston, Carver, and Leif were put back to back. I grumbled under my breath, still dissatisfied to be away from Deston.89

When the men walked away, I spoke, “Deston, how are you holding up?”90

She looked up at me with her stunning blue eyes. “Tired of being dragged behind a horse, but other than that, I’m fine.” She said sharply with anger.91

“Carver?” I looked toward him, his blonde hair wet with sweat.92

“Ha, being dragged behind a horse isn’t so bad; it’s looking at its butt that bothers me.” He attempted to lighten the mood. I offered a smile though I wasn’t in the mood for banter. 93

“Leif?”94

Leif picked his head up to look at me with a weary sigh. “I’m trying my best.” Deston glanced over her shoulder at her friend and I could see tears glimmering in her eyes.95

“I have already lost my family and everyone I cared about, I am NOT losing you either!” She said as positively as she could. Leif sighed again and hung his head. I shifted around to watch the men. They were guzzling from their water skins greedily, not even offering us anything to drink. Angrily I snatched on the ropes seizing me. 96

“Hey!” J.R. grunted. I hadn’t realized his ropes were connected to mine.97

“Sorry.” I mumbled with a sigh. Moments later the leader called out that it was time to move out and we were on our way once again. I attempted briefly to talk the leader into allowing Leif to ride a horse, but he simply stated, “It’s not my problem.” Then laughed in my face and spat on my boots. I decided that I really did not like this guy and if I got the chance I was going to kill him.98

Later that day as night approached, we made camp and the next day we were on our way once more. We still had not been given any water, but we had managed to get what we could from the dew on the morning grass. It was the only way we could have survived. We finally reached a settlement where there was an Assad outpost. The soldiers of the king wore the maroon outfits that were the colors of the king and the symbol of a lion’s head, roaring with its mouth wide to consume enemy.99

The bounty hunters towed us straight through the mass of people to the outpost and summoned the Assad lieutenant. The lieutenant appeared from a nearby doorway. “What is it, bounty hunter?” He asked, but then his eyes alighted upon us, the captives. “In the name of the king-what…” He was speechless.100

“Luck shined upon us, Lieutenant. My men and I have captured J.R., as well as Daeryk, most wanted in the entire kingdom.” The leader declared proudly. I felt awkward with all the citizens of the town staring at us and waiting for the Lieutenant to speak. 101

“Is this a trick?” The Lieutenant suddenly demanded.102

“Uh-what?”103

“You would bring them here as “Prisoners” and then let them free to wreck havoc?” The lieutenant said.104

“No, sir, I swear I would never do such a thing!”105

“I wish that’s what was happening.” I mumbled.106

“Yeah.” Carver half chuckled. Then my attention was turned back to the conversation at hand.107

“If you are lying, then I shall have your head.” The lieutenant threatened. “Now hand over the prisoners.”108

“What about our reward?”109

“NOW!” The lieutenant bellowed and the leader jerked on my and J.R.’s ropes. I stumbled forwards and was met by the Assad soldiers. They forced me to my knees, not taking any chances with my skill. “Where is his sword?”110

“Here, sir.” The leader fearfully handed it over to a soldier who passed my sword to the lieutenant. He studied it and grinned down at me. His eyes then went to J.R. who was shoved to his knees as well. The others were ushered forwards and stopped behind us.111

“Sergeant, put them in the stockade. I shall discuss the reward with you men.” He motioned to the bounty hunters and then disappeared into the room he had come from. Someone yelled at me to get to my feet and I hurried to stand and then they walked us through some buildings and into a dungeon. My hands were still tied as I was pushed into the cell. Deston, Carver and Leif were in the one next to me and J.R. on the other side.112

“Ugh, are you all okay?” I asked them. Deston nodded and looked to Leif. I shook my head. “Can one of you help me untie my hands?”113

“Yes, come over here and I will see what I can do.” Carver said and I leaned against the cage. Carver reached his hands through the bars and swiftly undid my bonds. 114

“Thanks.”115

“Don’t mention it. You saved my life a few times, it’s the least I can do.” Carver replied.116

“Yeah well I saved your life, too, but since you can’t reach me, Daeryk would you be so kind as to untie my hands!” J.R. demanded. I rolled my eyes and walked over to him. I reached through the bars as Carver had and untied the knots. He rubbed his wrists for a brief second, then wheeled and grabbed me by the shirt.117

“Hey!” I shouted. J.R. jerked me as close as the cage would allow.118

“Don’t ever roll your eyes at me again.” He growled.119

“Let go, J.R.” I responded, anger barely kept in check. He stared into my eyes with his deep brown ones. Finally, he released me and it caused me to stumble back. I brushed myself off as J.R. began pacing around his cell. 120

“How does this always happen?” J.R. mumbled to himself.121

“How does what always happen?” I questioned.122

“Even with your memory erased, you still manage to get me into situations like THIS.”123

“What are you talking about?” I demanded. 124

J.R. ceased his pacing. “Nothing.” He finally muttered. I shook my head and turned to the others who were watching with intrigue. I glanced down at the ground and then sat. 125

“Daeryk, what’s going to happen now?” Carver asked me.126

“Let me think.” I told him.127

“You got us out of the situation with the house fire; can’t you get us out of this?” Carver plead.128

“Carver, let me think!” I exasperated. Carver fell silent and I sighed. No one else spoke and so I sat, reviewing in my head the way we had come in, what I had seen and what the best possible escapes could be. The key question was HOW to escape. My stomach growled ominously in the dark cell which reminded me that I had not eaten in a few days. I glanced over at Leif who I knew would be far hungrier and exhausted than I. He was laying in the corner of the cell with Deston sitting beside him, keeping watch over him. I feared that he might die soon. I looked back at J.R. who was staring out a window he was lucky enough to have in his cell and then I turned my attention back to my thoughts.129

The damp dungeon stank with mildew which irked me and made it harder to think, but I didn’t have much longer to think. “Daeryk!” Leif abruptly jack knifed to a sitting position. 130

I leapt in surprise and then realized it was Leif. I crawled to the bars that separated our cells. “What, what is it?” He didn’t say anything, just stared.131

“Leif, did you see something?” Deston asked.132

“See something?” J.R. said. “He’s a Seer?!”133

“Leif?” I reached my arm through the bars to grasp his shoulder. At my touch he suddenly snapped out of his trance and stared into my eyes. What I saw in their hollow depths frightened me. They looked haunted and worried and terrified and that sent a shiver down my spine.134

“My boy…”He shook his head sadly.135

“What is it?” I tried not to show any fear.136

“It’s Xaun…He’s coming here for you.” Leif said and I felt my heart stop beating if only for a brief second. I tore my eyes from his gaze and looked around.137

“Leif are you sure?” I heard Deston ask.138

“Xaun is coming here?” J.R. questioned.139

“We have to get out. Now.” I stated and walked to my cell door.140

“This isn’t good at all.” J.R. chuckled.141

“What?” I glanced his way.142

“Well, Xaun hates your guts, kid. If he’s coming here he’s probably coming for blood.”143

“Thanks for the catch up, but I already had a run in with him and I don’t plan on doing that again.” I said.144

“You-no way. You would have never survived if you encountered him.” J.R. laughed.145

“Believe it.” Deston stood up. “I saw him with my own eyes. But you are right, Daeryk shouldn’t have survived but I healed him after he was stabbed with his own sword.”146

J.R. suddenly burst out laughing. “Well, he’s certainly a conniving man, isn’t he? Your own sword, huh? I bet that hurt your pride more than it hurt you physically.”147

“Oh and this must be so funny.” I grumbled.148

“Yes, quite funny.” He responded. I grimaced, but ignored him as I pushed and jerked on a few bars, testing for weaknesses. I grunted as I pulled with all my might on one that seemed loose, but to no avail. I yelled in frustration, getting more worried by the second.149

“Daeryk,” Leif said softly, “It’s no use. He’s already here.” Leif’s words stung me and I paused to look at him. A wind blew into the dungeons all around us, including our own, and I knew that he WAS here, as Leif had said. I gulped and turned to see the sorcerer standing at the doorway.
“Hello Daeryk, long time no see.” Xaun grinned at me. I felt a shiver run up my back as he started my way. I heard Deston whisper ‘God protect him’ and thought I heard Carver say the same. With a gulp, I awaited him for it was the only thing I could do.150

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