Elf Sight (10 page)

They travelled less than an hour before reaching the edge of the forest. Shadow looked across the wide open area between them and the fortress. It was exactly as she had seen in her vision, even down to the archers on guard.

“Now what?” Shadow asked.

Carson shook his head. He looked around. “Anything magic hid?”

“No.”

“At least that’s a start,” Carson said.

“How are we going to cross that?” Shadow pointed towards the open space still between them and their goal.

“Come.” Carson turned his horse to follow the edge of the forest.

“Great.” Shadow reluctantly followed. She was beginning to get sick of hearing that word.

When they were nearly half way around to the other side of the fortress, Carson stopped and dismounted. He cleared some snow from the ground near a tree so his horse could find the meagre frostbitten grass. Shadow did the same.

She watched as Carson pulled a white cloak from his saddlebags. This was much thinner than the one Carson had given her to wear.

“I don’t suppose you’ve got a second one of those?” Shadow asked.

Carson shook his head and drew the cloak around him. It trailed on the ground. He pulled up the hood, took a few more items from his saddlebags and put them into his belt pouch. “Grab some food,” Carson said, his back to her. “Leave your cloak with your horse.”

Shadow frowned but did as she was ordered. “Now what?” Shivering, she crossed her arms over her chest to try and fight back the cold, but it didn’t help.

Carson turned to look at her and grinned. “Now for some cuddling.”

“What?” Shadow stomped after him as he made his way to the edge of the forest. Cuddling. Sure. Like that was going to happen. Or if it did, he’d soon pull away like every other time. “Be serious.”

“I am.” Carson lay in the snow on his stomach. “Lay along my back under the cloak. Make sure the cloak completely covers us.”

“No way!” Shadow backed away from him as she realised his plan. “It’s too far.”

“That was an order. You have two options. Follow orders or be left behind.”

There was steel in his voice and Shadow knew he was serious. She looked across the open area they had to cover. It seemed an extremely long distance. She stared at Carson lying in the snow. Unless you were right on top of him, you couldn’t tell he was there. She took a deep calming breath and slowly let it out. Them or us, she reminded herself, and they’ve got my brother. Shadow felt the anger build again. There was no room for fear when the anger was there.

Lowering herself to the ground Shadow shivered as the snow chilled her body. She lifted the cloak and wriggled under to lie along the length of Carson’s back, rearranging the cloak to cover them. Her legs hung between his and she held onto his shoulders. She only hoped he had the strength to get them to the fortress. Chin ups and push ups had seemed effortless to him. She had no idea if this would be more difficult.

“Ready?” Carson asked.

“And if I’m not?” Shadow replied.

“Too bad. Hold on and stay still.”

Carson started to manoeuvre forward, using his arms to pull them, pushing with his feet. It was slow going. Every inch seemed to take forever.

“We should have waited for dark.” Shadow’s cheek rested on Carson’s back.

He didn’t answer.

“Surely we could have waited until dark. It’ll be nearly dark when we get there,” Shadow tried again.

“Shut up,” Carson muttered.

“Humph.” Shadow hung on. The warmth of Carson’s back seeped through her, finally warming her body. She watched his shoulder bunch and relax as he pulled them along. Then a bright patch on the snow caught her attention.

“Stop! You’re bleeding on the snow,” Shadow hissed.

“How bad?” Carson asked.

Shadow peered carefully behind them. There was no blood. She looked along the side of Carson. There was a bright red spot near his hip and one just past his shoulder. As she watched, another one fell onto the white snow.

“Well?” Carson asked impatiently.

“You’ve probably torn it open again or something,” Shadow said.

“Have we left a trail?” Carson asked.

“Not yet. Just three places under the cloak,” Shadow said.

“Cover them. Then bind my cut better,” Carson said.

“With what?” Shadow said as she covered two of the bloodstains with snow. There was no point in covering the third, as Carson’s blood still dripped onto it.

“Be creative,” Carson grumbled.

Shadow frowned. She thought of the binding she’d wrapped around her breasts before leaving home. Sighing, she started to wriggle so she could get to it.

“What are you doing?” Carson growled.

“Being creative,” Shadow snapped.

“Be careful.”

Shadow managed to pull the binding out from the neck of her tunic. She looked at the thin cloth and frowned again. The blood would soak through it too quickly.

“We haven’t got all day,” Carson complained.

Shadow’s hand went to the worn felt hat she wore. Taking it off, she folded it twice. Happy with the thickness, she held it against Carson’s arm. “Lift up a little,” Shadow said as she tried to bind his arm. Carson shifted and she was able to wrap the wound. “That should hold.” Shadow covered the bloodstained snow with clean snow.

“Let’s hope,” Carson said. “Are you ready?”

Shadow wriggled into place and took hold of Carson’s shoulders. When Carson breathed in sharply, Shadow asked, “Are you all right?”

“Stay still,” he muttered before he moved again.

“Humph!” Shadow snorted irritably. She lay her head on his back and watched his shoulder as it bunched and relaxed. Her feet felt cold where they dragged through the snow, the leather of her boots not thick enough to keep them warm. Her legs were cold too, the rest of her warm. She snuggled in a little closer and her eyes closed as she got comfortable.

“Damn it! Stay still,” Carson hissed.

“Fine,” Shadow muttered.

They covered the rest of the ground in silence.

When they reached the wall of the fortress, Carson stopped. “Get off. Stay close to the wall.”

Shadow wriggled off Carson’s back and leaned up against the wall. The cold air made her shiver. Carson pulled off the white cloak and gave it to Shadow to wrap around her. It was too long for her to wear it properly.

“What now?” Shadow asked.

“Shh.” Carson looked around. “See anything?”

Shadow glanced around. “Yes!” she exclaimed. “The snow there has a bit of glitter to it.”

Carson quickly dug the snow away from the place Shadow pointed at.

“There’s a door in the wall,” Shadow said.

“Can you see the lock yet?” Carson asked.

Shadow shook her head. A moment later, she said, “Now I can.”

“Good.” Carson reached into his belt pouch and pulled out a small cloth bag. “Put a couple of pinches of this onto the lock.”

“What is it?” Shadow asked.

“You’re going to have to stop with all the questions if you want to make a career of the army.”

Shadow opened the bag and pulled out a pinch of the powder that seemed to cling to her fingers and wiped it against the lock. “I don’t want to make a career of the army. I’m going to live in a quiet little town where nothing ever happens,” Shadow said automatically. She wiped another pinch against the lock. “It doesn’t look sticky. It looks as dry as dirt until you try to pick it up.” She peered into the bag.

Carson took the bag from her and tucked it into his belt pouch. “Clean your fingers off in the snow.” As soon as Shadow had cleaned her fingers, Carson said, “Look away. Stand so your back’s to the lock.”

“Why?” Shadow asked as she stood in the place Carson wanted her in. He moved to stand beside her.

Putting an arm around her shoulders, Carson said, “Don’t you dare look back.” He muttered a couple of words under his breath. There was a pop behind them and Carson dropped his arm and turned around.

“What was that?” Shadow asked when she turned to see the magic spell had been broken and the lock was a streak of melted metal down the front of the door.

“Never mind.” Carson swung the door open, his sword in his hand.

“Why couldn’t I look?” Shadow asked.

“Because it’d temporarily blind you.”

“What would happen if I hadn’t cleaned it off my fingers?”

“Extreme pain. It wouldn’t mark you. It only melts metal. Now shut up. How can I listen for guards if you don’t shut up? And to think I encouraged you to talk.”

Shadow stepped inside with Carson and glanced around in the completely black corridor. Very little light penetrated the darkness and what did, barely made it a foot inside.

Carson unwrapped the bulky bandage around his arm. He dropped the bloody felt hat onto the floor and held out the material to Shadow. “Rebind it for me.” When Shadow took the material, Carson asked, “Where’d it come from?”

Shadow was glad it was dark enough Carson couldn’t see the blush staining her cheeks. “From around my chest,” she mumbled.

Carson chuckled. “You’re nothing if not resourceful.” As soon as Shadow finished, Carson shut the door behind them.

Shadow jumped slightly. “It’s pitch black. I can’t see anything.”

“Any magic?”

“No.”

“Good,” Carson started to move forward.

“We’ll trip over and break our necks.”

“Shut. Up.” Carson drew the words out through clenched teeth.

“I can’t find you,” Shadow whispered.

She felt a hand on her face and nearly screeched until she realised it must be Carson. His hand dropped to her shoulder and then travelled along her arm. Shadow shivered, and not from the cold.

“Hold onto my belt.” Carson took her hand and placed it there.

Shadow’s fingers tightened around the leather and she moved forward as Carson did. Shortly, they turned a corner. Shadow breathed a sigh of relief when she could see more clearly. Part way along the stone corridor magic glowed on the wall. This soft glow was enough to give Shadow some light to see by.

“There’s magic ahead. I can see a bit better now,” Shadow said. “Do you want me to go ahead?”

“Careful,” Carson warned.

“There’s nothing here.”

“What’s magic hid?”

“I don’t know. I’m not close enough. I can’t see how far this corridor goes. There doesn’t seem to be any doors or passages leading off it,” Shadow said as they walked towards the glow.

“Are we at it yet?” Carson asked.

“Nearly. It looks like a passageway.” Shadow took a few more steps and stopped. She took a step into the corridor and yelped as Carson slammed her against the corridor wall. A sudden hiss passed by and several thuds sounded against the wall from the trap she’d set off. “That… I… arrows,” Shadow stuttered.

“Don’t you ever do that again,” Carson growled before his lips descended on hers. “I told you to be careful.” The words were said against her lips before he pulled back slightly.

Shadow stared up at Carson. Dazed. “Why?”

Carson pushed away from the wall. “Enough questions.”

Shadow grabbed his arm. “Why?”

Carson remained silent. He blindly reached out to her and his hand found her shoulder. His fingers lightly skimmed her skin until they reached the back of her head and he drew her close. “Twice in one day I’ve feared for your life. Do you know how much effort it took to send Wardell and not go myself when you screamed?”

Shadow shook her head, his fingers still threaded through her hair.

“I’ve been trained to put duty first. I’ve never before come so close to forgetting that training.”

Shadow hesitantly reached out to press her hand against his chest, his heartbeat rapid under her palm. “Captain-” she broke off when he smiled.

“Captain? Really? Isn’t that a bit formal for someone you’ve just kissed?”

Shadow grinned even though she knew he couldn’t see it. “Carson-”

This time his lips interrupted her. Shadow’s hand was crushed between them, the other going around his waist. All sense of cold vanished as she lost herself in the kiss. She clung to him when he tried to pull away.

“You’re a distraction. Even as a boy. I couldn’t figure you out. Nothing added up. You couldn’t completely hide yourself and flashes of you came through. Especially your tenacity. I’ve always admired that about you.” Carson’s arms tightened on her before he let her go. “We need to find everyone before the guards realise we’re here.” He looked back into the corridor they’d come from. “What’s out there?”

“Nothing. I can’t see anything from here. Just empty corridors.” Shadow watched Carson, knowing he couldn’t see her. In the dark his face was less guarded. He put out his hand before he stepped towards her, trying to find his way. Shadow took his hand.

Carson reached forward with his other hand, his sword having been sheathed not long after they’d entered the dark corridors. He ran his fingers through her jagged hair. “How long was it?”

“Why?”

Carson sighed. “Come. Back to the main corridor.” He turned and moved cautiously forward, one hand still held Shadow’s the other outstretched to prevent himself from running into a wall.

“To my waist,” Shadow said softly.

Carson paused and looked back at her, a slight smile, his words soft. “Grow it again.” He turned and moved along the corridor.

“Yes, sir,” Shadow snapped.

Carson chuckled. “Please.”

The light from the magic hid passage began to drop behind them and Shadow started to walk hesitantly, afraid she’d run into a wall. Another sharp corner and light shone from openings halfway along the passage. They hurried forward and peered cautiously down the left and right passages that intersected with the one they were on.

“Intruders!” A guard yelled to their right and ran towards them. They heard the sound of footsteps.

Carson pushed Shadow back into the main corridor. He fumbled in his belt pouch. “Your cloak. Quickly.” He handed Shadow the small cloth bag and took the cloak she gave him. He spoke two strange words softly but clearly. “Activation words. Hide. Come back to this guarded door. I’ll draw them away.” He pressed a quick kiss against her lips and then turned her and pushed her back the way they’d come.

Shadow stumbled. Hearing a roar behind her, she turned to see Carson throw the cloak at a guard as he came into the corridor. He pulled his sword from his scabbard and thrust it into the guard in one smooth movement. The white cloak was instantly stained red, the patch growing larger.

“Go!” Carson ordered.

Shadow turned back the way they’d come. She ran down the corridor and stopped only when she reached the magic hid passage. Crouching, she ducked inside, not wanting to risk being impaled by an arrow. There was no sound. She hovered at the start of the passage, still hunched over. She wasn’t taking a chance.

She could hear the sounds of swords clashing and guards yelling. She heard Carson as he tormented the guards attacking him and then heard the sound of running feet.

“Coward,” a guard called out.

“Catch me if you can, clod,” Carson mocked.

Shadow moved further along the passage, the sounds from the fight growing softer until she could no longer hear them. She came to a door. It was locked. Light from behind it shone around the edges.

“Who’s there?” someone demanded from inside. “Answer me.”

“Who are you?” Shadow risked standing up straight. Nothing happened.

“I believe I asked first,” the voice answered.

“You’re the one locked in,” Shadow pointed out.

There was a chuckle from inside. “You win. Thornton.”

“As if that helps any,” Shadow complained.

“Thornton, Prince of Relthon.”

“Typical. He tells me everything but a name,” Shadow complained.

“Who tells you everything but a name?”

“The Captain.” Shadow wasn’t sure if she should give any more information than that. She didn’t know if it was the prince locked up. It could be a trap.

“Captain? You don’t mean Carson?”

“You know him?”

Thornton laughed. “Know him she asks! Of course I know him. I shared a womb with him. If only he could have done me the courtesy of being born first.”

“What! Carson? Are we talking about the same Carson? Captain Carson Relth?” Shadow asked uncertainly.

“Let me out. And what’s your name? I can’t call you girl. My mother would be appalled at the rudeness of it. And what are you doing here? Where’s the army? Surely my family didn’t send a single female with my brother. Although I’m sure he wouldn’t have complained.”

Shadow stared at the door and worried at her lip with her teeth.

“Are you still there?” Thornton asked.

“Yes.”

“Can you let me out?”

“How do I know you’re the prince?”

“Guess you’ll have to chance it. Come on. I don’t have a single weapon in here. I’m sure you’re armed to the teeth. You’d have to be to get this far.”

Shadow frowned. She only had a knife in her boot and a dagger hanging from her belt.

“You still haven’t told me your name.”

“Shadow.”

“Unusual.”

“Isn’t it just,” Shadow said bitterly.

“Ah. Sounds like there could be a story there. But how about we wait till we’re out of here to discuss it. Be a good girl Shadow and let me out.”

Shadow gritted her teeth, annoyed by his condescending tone. “I don’t think I like you.”

“Fine! Just let me out,” Thornton said impatiently.

“No.”

“Oh for crying out loud. Shadow!”

Shadow started to laugh. “All right. Don’t be so impatient.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. One minute you want me to spend the rest of my life in here and the next you’re laughing at me and planning to open the door. What gives?”

Shadow started to smear the powder on the lock. “You sounded like Carson. The exact words and everything. Don’t look for a minute.”

“Ah, the metal melter?”

“Yes.” Shadow turned her back. She remembered the smears on her fingers and opening the bag she tried to wipe them off against the material in the top. Hoping it was all off, she emptied her mind and tried to remember the words.

“Are you going to activate it?” Thornton asked.

“If you’re so anxious to get out, why don’t you?”

“I will,” Thornton said before he spoke the activation words.

There was a pop behind Shadow and she turned to see the lock was a streak of melted metal marring the door. The door swung open and Shadow stared at Thornton.

“Anything you want, my lady, it’s yours.” Thornton made a flourishing bow.