Page 26 of A Bolt of Magic

We take off at a slow jog. My rear is starting to chafe when one of the lead horses neighs. It is met with a responding neigh from another beast in the distance. I think we might be at the rendezvous point soon.

“We’ll stay in the Jacartas Caves tonight,” Japhet says.

Sensing we are almost there, our horses speed up into a gentle lope. I do my best to hold on to the saddle horn, but it is difficult with tied hands. There is more neighing from both sides as we get closer.

Minutes later, we pull up at a rocky outcrop.

“Llayda and Nyx, do a sweep of the perimeter,” Japhet says, swinging in his saddle to look back at the fae in question. “Be quick about it. Night will be upon us soon, and there are hywolves in these parts. They like to hunt in the dark, so do yourselves a favor and get back soon.”

“Understood,” Nyx says. They kick their horses’ flanks, loping away, mud splashing in their wake.

“Arwin, get the witch into the cave,” Japhet instructs, looking in the direction of the gaping mouth. There are horses tethered together just outside.

Before he can act on the instruction, a tall, lean fae walks from the cave. “No sign of them?” he says in a booming voice. His whole demeanor speaks of authority. From how his shoulders are set to the tightness in his jaw. He walks like he owns the whole realm.

“I’m afraid not, my Lord, but we did capture the witch. She doesn’t know where the fae is, since they parted ways almost as soon as they escaped.”

“And you believe her?” The leader looks at me, dismissing me almost immediately.

“I do.”

“We need to find that fae,” he practically growls. “Or the queen will have our balls.”

“Understood, my Lord. I sent two guards to sweep the area. We will hunt him down as soon as dark lifts.”

“Not soon enough, but it will have to do,” the lord grumbles as he turns and walks back into the cave.

The scent of woodsmoke wafts in the air. That and the usual smell of rot and decay.

Arwin grabs me, yanking me from the saddle. My hands are still bound in front of me, making it difficult to move freely.

“Let’s go, witch,” he says as he drags me toward the mouth of the cave. Thankfully, I won’t have to be alone with him. I hear several voices from inside and breathe a little easier.

How did I get myself into this mess?

Perhaps I shouldn’t have escaped in the first place.

No, I had to try.

Perhaps I should have stuck with the fae.

I refuse to berate myself for leaving Alaric. I had to make a decision, and at the time, I thought it was the right one. I amnot too proud to admit – even to myself – that it may have been the wrong decision. But these things are always easier to gauge in hindsight. Who knows what would have happened if I had left with the fae. Perhaps I would have been worse off. Those words don’t ring true.

Inside, the air is cool and damp, the smell of earth mixed with the tang of smoke. The fire crackles in the center of the chamber, warming the space. It looks comfortable enough, except for the fae guards scattered about inside.

Several of them sit around the fire. They grunt a welcome, quickly going back to their meal of what looks like cheese and bread. My stomach growls, reminding me that it has been an age since I last ate.

“I think I’ll keep you close to me, witch. How would you like that?” Arwin wraps an arm around me. “Nice and cozy. We could keep each other warm tonight.” His meaty hand clasps my waist.

“I’m plenty warm enough.” I try to worm from his grasp, revulsion making my skin crawl.

He doesn’t let me go. “I think you’ll keep me company, little one. I think you’ll do nicely.”

“Let me go!” I pull away, panic rising in me. No one is trying to stop him. No one is saying anything. They continue to eat as if nothing is happening.

Arwin starts walking deeper into the cave, dragging me along with him.

“Leave me be!” I start pummeling him, but it’s no use. I’m like a butterfly in a snowstorm.

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