Page 45 of Whispers of the Elderoak

“We’ve waited for you.”

“It’s an honor to be in your presence again.”

Deidamia barely acknowledged them other than a curt nod and Andras looked at them with apathy as they led Ava and her guards to a tent in the center of camp. It was larger than the others; built for royalty. Crimson pennants embellished with their horned insignia flapped in the wind atop the tent.

Creatures occupied the space near the large tents. Terrifying demon-like animals in cages, snarling and lunging as they passed by. Giant wolves with red glowing eyes, black fur and huge paws, drool dripping from their canines as they growled. Winged creatures, bigger than men with claws and teeth, flew overhead, grinning greedily. There were giant insects, black as night with pincers buzzing about the camp and great silver serpents were chained near Deidamia’s tent, hissing and snapping as they walked by, foot long fangs dripping with venom.

If she tried to flee, would they send these beasts after her?

She should have jumped out of the wagon and taken off the moment the door was opened but it was too late. Even if she was able to free herself from her guard’s grip, she would barely make it a few feet before either soldiers or animals were upon her.

Or Andras’ shadows.

Trembling and terrified, knowing any one of these creatures or soldiers could cut her down in one swipe and not think twice about it, she decided against running for now. She would have to wait for a more sensible opportunity.

They stopped before the large tent and Andras turned to Ava and her guards. “Put her with the other prisoners,” he ordered, and they led her toward a smaller tent guarded by two soldiers.

“What do we have here?” one of them crooned as shewalked forward and grasped Ava’s chin, inspecting her. She tried to jerk away but the soldier was too strong and laughed in her face as she released Ava and opened the flap of the tent to allow the party to enter.

It was dark inside, the only light from several braziers with their crackling embers providing a subtle glow. The tent was larger than it had appeared and contained several metal cages, two of them holding other captives. On the side opposite the cages, three metal poles stood, rings welded onto them where one might attach chains or manacles. The tent reeked, a mix between rot, body odor and feces and the prisoners appeared to be asleep as they entered.

They brought her to one of the poles and produced a long chain.

Panicking, she tried to break free and slammed her bound hands against the face of one of the soldiers who wasn’t wearing a helmet.

He snarled as two others shoved her into a seated position on the ground.

She kicked and screamed, trying to break free, as they held her down, back against the metal pole. The soldier she had hit walked up to her and backhanded her across the cheek. Ears ringing, the world spun as they attached her wrists to the metal ring above her. Binding her ankles, they chained them to another ring at the bottom of the pole. Barely enough room to stretch her legs, but not enough to kick or attempt to escape.

They left without saying a word. Why hadn’t they killed her? Why keep her here? Her cheek throbbed and head pounded as she worried about their plans for her.

Laying her head back against the pole, Ava let the tears fall once again.

16

One moment they were gawking at the insect-like creatures, the next the four warriors were in the middle of the battle, weapons out and magic at the ready. Casimir shouted at the monsters, distracting them from the house. “Hey! Over here!”

Two of them took the bait and flew down toward the group with a loud buzzing sound that rang in his ears. To his left, Jorrar used his earth magic to create a golem from the mud. It was large, close to eight feet tall and punched and kicked the air as it ambled toward one of the creatures.

Bright green shoots burst from the ground as Quinn created vines along the roof, reinforcing the house and covering the holes. The tendrils snaked their way along the sides of the house as they wove together, temporarily protecting the family inside from the blood hungry insects.

Raine nocked an arrow, the best archer in the group, and prepared to provide cover as Casimir lunged at the first creature.

It was bigger than he realized, almost as large as he was, and it hovered in front of him with its pincers snapping eagerly.He swiped at the insect with his sword, but the creature dodged it, much faster than he expected.

The beast darted in his direction, slicing the air with its dagger-like arms. Casimir ducked and rolled out of the way at the last second, barely escaping the attack. Jumping to his feet, he ran and slashed with his sword, but his attempt was skirted yet again.

Jorrar’s golem was growing and punching at the other insect, but it was too quick, and it failed to land a single blow. Raine tried with his bow, loosing an arrow directly at its eye, and yet it evaded this attack as well. A couple of guards from town had joined the fight but their blows were deflected every time.

“They’re too quick!” Casimir shouted at his friends as he ducked, avoiding another attack. “We need a new strategy.”

“I’ve got an idea!” shouted Quinn. “Follow my lead.”

The other three readied their magic and weapons as Quinn stalked toward one of the insects, offering herself as bait. Behind her, she was creating a makeshift cage out of roots growing from the soil. The brown roots twisted around each other, making the perfect trap. Understanding her plan, Casimir caught her eye and nodded while the other two occupied the other creature, distracting it.

Quinn stood still, arms outstretched, waiting for the insect to attack. It hovered out of reach of her weapons, buzzing with ire as it decided what to do. “It’s not taking the bait, Quinn,” Casimir growled.

“Let’s see if you wantthis,” she said as she unsheathed one of her many daggers. Slicing along her forearm, she let the blood drip onto the grass. “Hungry, you ugly bastard?”

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