Not All Who Wander are Lost (15 page)

Kate slept fitfully. She woke in a cold sweat from yet another nightmare. In the dream, she was back at the morgue. When the coroner pulled back the sheet, Mariah opened hers dead, cloudy eyes and stares at her. “This is your fault!” the copse hissed. Then she woke up. Kate knew Mariah’s problems were not her fault, but she just didn’t know how to let it go.

Kate gave up on sleeping, and got out of bed. She shrugged on her tatty old bathrobe and went down to the kitchen. She made herself a cup of tea, and sat at the table. It was hours yet til sunrise. Crimson and Finn were safe, but would probably not be back for at least a couple of days. The storm was still raging outside. She walked out to the back porch and stared out at the breaking waves. If she were younger, she would take a midnight swim, but the days when she could ride the storm breakers were behind her. She was tired and feeling her age.

She thought back over her long life at all of the things she had done and seen. It was a good life. Even though she had never married or had children of her own, she had no regrets. She made a decision then, that when it was all over, and Crimson and Finn were safe from Amiee, and all was put to right, she would join her old friends at the aquarium. She was ready to embrace her pelt and live out the rest of her life in a quiet and safe place. Some may look at it as giving up, but the way Kate saw it, she had outlived her relevance. Things were changing everywhere. There really wasn’t a place for her anymore. She could leave things to young people like Crimson and Finn and their baby, and know that it would be good. She was ready to rest.

Kate heard a loud crash from the front of the house. Certain that it was just something falling from the wind, she went back in the house and closed the door. Shivering, she picked up her tea. It was cold, so she went to the stove to heat more water. Just as she picked up the kettle, she was grabbed from behind. Dropping the kettle, she struggled but couldn’t get free. Aimee stepped out of the shadows and into the kitchen, flanked by four somber looking Marbendlar soldiers.

“You didn’t think I was going to let it all go that easy did you? Oh, poor thing, you did. Pity. Where is your little sword now, old one?”

“Hurting me will not help you, you crazy bitch. Crimson is so much stronger than you ever were. You are going to lose.”

Amiee waved her hand dismissively. “Such brave words. And I’m not planning to hurt you…much. You are bait, that is all. Make sure she is secure, boys. She’s tougher than she looks.”

The two Marbendlars holding her tied her up tightly with some kind of green rope that smelled strongly of seaweed. Kate kicked back hard and felt her bare feet connect with a shin, she was rewarded with a grunt. She felt a blow to the back of her head, and then everything went black.

“Careful!” Amiee spat viciously. “I need her alive.”

“Sorry, my lady,” the soldier demurred.

“Let’s go, we’ve got a boat to catch.” On her way out the door, Amiee dropped a scroll. “See you soon little girl,” she said to herself.

T
he storm finally broke at dawn on the third day. Crimson had awoken early to the sound of gulls. Quiet, so as not to wake Finn, she had gone outside to watch the sun rise. She had always been a morning person and the calm after the storm was peaceful. They had spent the last three days in bed, waiting out the storm outside, and creating some waves of their own. She wasn’t ready to leave, but she knew it was time. They couldn’t hide here forever.

She went back in to find Finn awake and talking to the coast guard on the radio. He put down the mike and strode over to her, kissing her good morning. “The helicopter will be here in a few hours,” he said. “I guess we should clean up and get ready to go.” Pouting a little, Crimson, agreed and they set about setting the place back in order. They washed the few dishes in the sink, laughing and playfully throwing suds at each other as if they didn’t have a care in the world. Crimson changed the sheets and made the bed and Finn swept and picked up the living area.

Dressed and ready to go, the last thing they did was sign the guest book on the bedside table. They heard the helicopter landing and knew it was time. They headed out and got on board. It seemed like it took no time at all before they arrived at the helipad on the mainland. Finn called Kate to come pick them up, but got no answer. A girl in the office at the heliport offered them a ride, and eager to be home, they took her up on it.

As soon as they pulled into Kate’s driveway, they knew something was wrong. The storm had made a huge mess in the yard, and they would have expected Kate to be out cleaning up the damage, but she was nowhere to be seen. Finn thanked the girl for the ride and they carefully went to the door. “Katie?” He called out. “We’re back. Are you here?” He didn’t get an answer. He went into the house and back to the kitchen. He saw that the tea kettle on the floor and the kitchen chairs were all overturned.

“Finn!” Crimson called out. “Oh no! Finn! Come quick.”

“What is it?” he asked, concerned.

“It’s Amiee, she’s taken Kate.” Crimson handed him the scroll she had found on the floor just inside the door.

My darling daughter,

Kate has done me the honor of becoming my guest. We are getting on famously. She is enjoying the hospitality of Finn’s dear uncle Kieran very much. I’m afraid, she may be coming down with something, though. The cold and damp in his dungeon does not seem to agree with her. I dare say that the situation may become dire if you don’t come soon.

Ever your loving Mother,

Aimee

Finn blanched. “We have to get her, Crimson. I should have known Amiee would use her against us.”

“We have to go now. She could have been gone for days!”

“I’ll get the bags she packed for us. Can you open a portal?”

“Yeah, it will take a minute, though. Don’t forget Kate’s swords. Amiee is afraid of them.”

Crimson got started opening the portal as Finn disappeared upstairs. By the time he came back down, there was a shimmering wall in the center of the living room. “Have you ever done this before?” she asked Finn.

“No.” he answered.

“You may feel a little dizzy. Hold my hand tight.” They stepped through. Finn fell to his knees as they reached the other side. He turned and wretched. He wiped his mouth and Crimson helped him up. “You get used to it,” Crimson shrugged.

“Where are we?” Finn asked, looking around at the lush green forest.

“Welcome to Black Thorn Forest,” Crimson said with a dramatic flourish. “We are about a half a mile from the High Court gates. We should get going. The Guardians will be monitoring any unauthorized portals in the area and I’m sure that someone will be along soon to welcome us.” They started walking and hadn’t gone far when the met a small group of heavily armed Guardians.

“Guardian Thorn,” a regal looking Elf with long golden hair addressed her and bowed his head for a moment in deference.

“Guardian Frost, it’s good to see you. I would like you to meet Riordan Finn. We have come to see my father. Can you take us to him?”

Guardian Frost and the others bowed their heads to Finn as well. “Your Majesty, we’ve been expecting you.”

“Huh?” Finn said, confused.

“The Elder Guardian Thorn has informed us of your uncle’s treachery. The High Council of Elves recognizes you as the true King of the Finn Folk. I will take you both to him immediately. Follow me.”

As they followed the Guardians, Finn looked at Crimson questioningly. “Don’t ask me, ‘Your Majesty,’” she smirked.

“Shit!” Finn said under his breath.

Finn’s first glimpse of the Royal Hall caused him to catch his breath in awe. The nearly blindingly white walls and columns were startling and other worldly, but the elaborate ceiling was so beautiful, it was almost hard to take in. It didn’t seem real. It felt like a dream world.

The last time Crimson had been in the Royal Hall, it had been just her and Illiana. This time, all of the seats were filled, and her father sat in Illiana’s seat. While she was proud that her father had taken over the High Council, she was saddened by Illiana’s absence. She had always admired her strength and poise, and had somehow felt connected to her. Now that she knew Illiana was actually her aunt, her sense of loss was even greater.

High Guardian Thorn stood up. “Welcome! We are glad you finally made it. I hope that all is well, despite your recent troubles.”

“No, My Lord, they are not.” Crimson replied. “Amiee and Kieran Finn have taken Kate captive. According to the scroll she left us, they are keeping Kate in Kieran’s Dungeon.”

“That’s preposterous!” shouted a stout Elf that Crimson did not recognize. “The Finn Folk would never commit an egregious act such as that against a friend of the Elvin Court!” There was much whispering among the members. This new High Council consisted of a few Elves Crimson knew and respected, but there were also quite a few faces she did not know. Tabor banged his fist on the table.

“Quiet! All of you. This is quite a disturbing turn of events. We had feared that because of Crimson’s association with the rightful king of the Finn Folk that Amiee might approach Kieran for assistance. It seems, this has happened with disastrous consequences. Katherine Morgan has long been a friend of the High Council and her abduction is not something we can take lying down. I will hear suggestions from the High Council on how to proceed.”

An elderly looking woman stood up. “High Guardian Thorn, I move that a team of Guardians be dispatched immediately to rescue Katherine Morgan.” There was another wave of whispering. Again, Tabor slammed his fist on the table. More agitated now.

“Do we have other suggestions?” He asked.

The portly gentleman stood up. “I move that this matter be investigated further before any action is taken. How can we take the word of one Guardian in such a dire matter? Guardian Thorn has been shown to be unreliable in the past. How do we know she is not just being dramatic?”

Tabor glared at the man. “Fergus, your judgment on this matter is clouded. As a member of the Black family, it is obvious that you would be upset that Guardian Thorn apprehended your nephew and that he is being held on very serious charges.”

“Poppycock. My nephew will be cleared of those charges. “

“Honestly Fergus, everyone knows you nephew is a rotter except you” said a middle aged Elf with startling red hair.

“Guardian Black’s nephew is hardly the issue right now,” said the elderly woman again, that Crimson finally recognized as Illiana’s cousin Elaine. “The issue is that Katherine Morgan has been taken captive. Again, I feel the only course of action is to effect her rescue as soon as possible. She is not a young woman. Who knows what horrors she is being put through.”

“I agree with guardian Oak,” Tabor said with authority. “Shall we call a vote?” There was a general nodding of heads. “All in favor?” Quite a few hands went up, but not as many as Crimson had hoped. It appeared that this new High Council was not as decisive as the old. “All opposed?” Fergus Black was not the only one opposed, but there were not enough to sway the vote and there were quite a few who abstained altogether.

“Alright then,” Tabor said with authority. “We will send a group to rescue Katherine Morgan. Guardian Thorn, I assume you are wanting to lead this group?”

“Yes, sir,” Crimson answered. “I’d like to take ten Guardians, if they can be spared.”

“I believe we can make that happen. Now, in addition to the abduction, it has been brought to the attention of the High Council that Riordan Finn left an heir, this young man before us today. As such, he is the rightful King of the Finn Folk. At this point, I’m certain that Kieran is aware of young Finn’s existence and has yet to relinquish the throne or welcome him home. While the High Council does not have any authority over such matter, I feel it is imperative that we ally ourselves with the rightful king. Would anyone like to say anything in regards to this important matter?”

“Actually, sir. I would like to say something.” Finn said sheepishly.

“Of course, please, go on.”

“While I understand that my uncle needs to answer for his crimes, not the least of which is the death of my parents, and now his role in Katie’s kidnapping, I don’t really want to be king. I was raised in the Human world. I don’t know anything about ruling. I would much prefer to settle this and then return to the Human world and the life I have there.”

Suddenly, a loud explosion tore through the side of the Royal Hall. The room was thrown instantly into chaos. There was dust and smoke everywhere, the High Council ran for cover. Finn grabbed Crimson and pulled her out of the way of a falling column. Dozens of guardians rushed in to protect the High Council. As the dust settled, they could see that the entire front side of the Royal Hall had collapsed. Guardians were working quickly to free people who had been trapped by the falling rubble. The source of the explosion was not immediately evident.

Things were starting to settle down, when another large explosion rocked the hall. It was coming from somewhere outside. This time, flames were visible. The roof of the barracks was on fire. There were Guardians running everywhere. Without a thought, Crimson urged Finn to follow the High Council down to the basement safe room. His first thought was to protest, to stay and protect Crimson and their unborn child, but seeing her there, a warrior, a Guardian, in her element, he was reminded that she could take care of herself. He didn’t have to like it, but it was true. As he went, she turned back and into the fray, to find her father.

She found him leading the fire brigade. “What’s happening?” Crimson shouted over the noise of the fire and confusion.

“It looks like some sort of incendiary device was planted in the hedge outside the Royal Hall, and another in the barracks. We have to get this fire out before it spreads.”

“What can I do?” Crimson asked.

“Take three men and scout the perimeter. If there is more to come, we need to know about it.”

“Right away, sir!” She answered, motioning to three Guardians to follow her. As they approached the lookout station at the north Gate, Crimson motioned for them to be silent. She crept up to the tower, careful that she wouldn’t be seen by anyone outside the gate. The sentry was dead. He appeared to have been shot by a gun from the Human world. Peering out through the lower arrow slits, Crimson could see several Dark Hunters, armed with guns. She quietly climbed back down and dispatched one of her men to apprise her father of the situation.

The situation was the same at all four gates. The Dark Hunters did not look like they were getting ready to storm the walls. They seemed to be waiting for something. The largest concentration was at the West Gate, which was closest to the Royal Hall. Crimson was at a loss. The Dark Hunters had never used guns before. If they attacked, it would be a slaughter. Even full plate armor was no defense against bullets. Crimson looked at the gate, trying to think of a way that they could defend it. That’s when it hit her, the gate.

All of the gates at Court were made of cold iron. The Dark Hunters couldn’t touch cold iron. The gates were meant to keep them out. That’s why they were waiting for something. Then she remembered something else, guns were made of steel, which contains iron. How could the Dark Hunters be using guns? It didn’t make sense. Either the men outside the gates were not really Dark Hunters, or their guns were a sham. There was only one way to test her theory, and it would be dangerous.

She sent a runner to her father for reinforcements and to let him know her plan. Within minutes, he was back with ten more Guardians. She’d hoped for more, but they would have to do. A few hundred feet from the main gate, was a hidden door, a sort of escape hatch. Silently the Guardians moved through the gate and into the forest. They surrounded them from behind. Crimson counted at least 30, but knew there could be more. This would take precision. Using all the stealth they were trained to use, the Guardians climbed into the trees.

Crimson gave the signal, and the aerial attack began. Using their bows, they blanketed the Dark Hunters with arrows. There were screams of pain and the group erupted in chaos. Just as Crimson suspected, there was no gun fire. Instead, the Dark Hunters dropped their guns and reached for silver swords, taking cover from the arrow storm. With exacting precision, Crimson and the Guardians came down from the trees and descended on the confused and wounded Dark Hunters. They were able to subdue them and herd them towards the main gate. A waiting Guardian opened the gates and the Dark hunters were pushed inside and the gates closed securely. A runner had already gone to get Tabor.

Word was sent to send Guardians to capture the groups at the other three gates. The prisoners were taken to the brig and locked up securely to await interrogation. They were soon joined by the rest of their company. Tabor arrived soon after.

“Congratulations, Guardian Thorn. Well done. It seems all of the Dark Hunters have been captured. Would you like to stay for the interrogation?”

“No, sir, I’m not really feeling well,” Crimson said, as all of a sudden, this was true. She did not feel well at all. “Do I have your leave?”

“By all means, go and rest. You have had a very long day.”