Betrayals of Spring (Forever Fae #2)(51)
Aki is running with great speed while the rest of us follow closely on his heels. The farther I go in this journey the more my stomach twinges in fear. The first stop with the leprechauns is going to be but a taste of what the dark sorcerer has in store for me. I fear for Kalen’s safety and I believe with all my heart that I can save him, but I also fear for my own safety and the safety of my friends.
This twisted game the dark sorcerer has conjured is only going to get tougher. I had thought the dark sorcerer would lead us to the Black Forest, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. The path we are taking is moving us away from the Black Forest, and it’s looking as if we’re headed in circles. I’m determined to remain strong, but leave it to the dark sorcerer to screw around with me any chance he gets.
We’re riding hard and swift, and thankfully, Prince Ashe doesn’t appear to be tired at all as we make our way through the forest. I worry that I may be pushing him too hard. I know what I’m doing is putting everyone through hell, but they have to understand that I refuse to give up.
“Don’t be mad at me, Ashur,” I plea silently.
He glances over at me and his expression softens.
“I am not mad at you, just worried. You will kill yourself trying to save everyone and everything, Meliantha. You need to take care of yourself for a change.”
He does have a point, but it’s in my nature to want to protect the people I care about. It is my duty to protect all fae creatures of the land. If I have the power to help them, then I need to help them.
“I know, Ashur, and I promise to take care of myself. I just want you to understand that I will do anything to save Kalen. I’m sure you would do the same for Elissa if the situation were switched.”
He sighs.
“You’re right, I would. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for her, but I am your Guardian and it is my job to protect you. I am going to repeat what I said earlier…NO MORE! Do we have an understanding?”
“Yes, Guardian,” I reply sullenly.
“Thank you.”
I know he worries about me, but I know how to take care of myself. I tell him that constantly, but he never listens to me. Ashur is an amazing guardian and I am honored to have him by my side. Truthfully, I don’t know if I can keep my end of the bargain, but at least I didn’t make a promise. Promises are sacred and all I agreed to with Ashur was just an understanding. I’m hoping he doesn’t pick up on his mistake.
I notice the land beginning to change and I can see an opening where a huge lake lies up ahead. There are several different types of fae creatures that inhabit the waters in the Land of the Fae and most of them are ones to steer clear of. I don’t want my warriors to be swept away by sirens or water nymphs.
“Stay away from the water!” I yell.
Ashur and Finn look amused, but I don’t think they would have those smiles if they met a watery grave. Aki skirts alongside the water banks and stops when he reaches the bridge. The bridge expands across the water to the land beyond where a dense fog has taken over. The fog makes it to where we can’t see the end of the bridge or what might be waiting there when we cross.
“Are you sure you want to cross here, Meliantha? I don’t think it’s a good idea if we can’t see what we are heading into,” Ashur points out.
“I agree with him, Mel. I don’t like the way it looks around here at all,” Finn agrees.
If we don’t follow the dark sorcerer, I will lose Kalen forever. I have to go across this bridge. What lies ahead is going to be a challenge, but I am ready for it.
“I have to go,” I say to both of them, pleading. “I have no choice.”
They both sigh and shake their heads.
“Well, at least let me go first,” Ashur snaps. He trots along not waiting for a reply, and I quickly follow him while Finn trails along behind me. The bridge is wide enough for us all to ride side by side, but I know Ashur doesn’t want me in front in case there is an attack. We are edging towards the end of the bridge and Aki impulsively jumps through the fog. He starts to growl menacingly and that can only mean one thing…danger lies ahead. I’m not leaving here without him.
I nudge Prince Ashe firmly in the ribs and he bounds past Ashur into the fog ahead. I hear his protests behind me, but that is the least of my worries right now. Once the fog clears I am abruptly aware of why the dark sorcerer led me here; unfortunately, it is not to use my healing abilities. I’m slowly being surrounded by a dozen men and they are closing in fast. Chills spread throughout my body and the realization of why I am here fills me with dread. I can hear Ashur and Finn yelling as they come through the fog behind me.
“Meliantha! Close your eyes!” Ashur demands silently.
Finn’s response is just as fast. “What the hell?” he screams. Our situation just became monumentally bad, and I fear that our chances to get out of this one are undeniably slim. What am I going to do? I close my eyes tightly while gripping onto Prince Ashe’s reigns with all my strength. Keeping my eyes closed makes me feel vulnerable, but I don’t have a choice. If I look at these men in the eyes my life will be forfeit.
“Whatever you do, do not open your eyes. That bastard led you right into the hands of the Tyvar,” Ashur says desperately in my mind.
I knew who these men were, but deep down I was hoping it wouldn’t be so. My palms begin to sweat and my heart is beating out of my chest. If I don’t stop my erratic breathing I am going to pass out on my horse, and passing out around the Tyvar is a very bad idea for a woman. The Tyvar are extremely handsome faerie men and are very enticing to the female eye. They admire the pleasantries of the female body and will lure women away from their homes with their powers of seduction. Their powers are strong and can turn any woman into a sex slave just by a simple glance. Also, the women they take never survive long.