Page 74 of Tashama
The horses rode south, while Tashama took a deep breath. “Pudgy still from the overindulgence of being of the second royal house.”
“Could his sorcerer not see you?”
“I have no idea what powers the old fellow possesses. I only wish Balthazar were here.”
“Or Carissian.”
“I would not want him to be here.” She climbed back down through the maze of branches. Before she could drop from the tree, the prince landed on his feet then held his hands up to catch her. “Oh,” she said as she made the drop. “Thank you.”
“Thank you for saving me back there.”
“I want to make peace with your people and mine, Prince Aleron, do you not realize this?” She hastened toward the creek.
“I couldn’t have turned you over to Loran for any amount of prisoners in exchange, you know.”
“Your honor…”
“I wouldn’t have, Tashama.”
She ran as light-footed as the cheetaur as she hopped over exposed tree roots and ducked beneath low-hanging branches, all the while barely making a sound.He shook his head. You’ll be mine, Tashama. I will not give you up to any other.
The prince followed her lead. When they arrived at the creek, she stopped at the edge of the water as it tickled the tips of her ivory leather shoes. A water sprite darted out of the water. “They come for you, Tashama! Hurry! They’re headed this way. Valmor leads them!”
“What can he see?”
“He doesn’t see what we have in store for him. Quickly cross, royal cousin of the water nymphs. Cross now!”
Tashama grabbed the prince’s arm and splashed across the stream as her long skirts dragged in the water. Midway across, men shouting reverberated from the woods. They turned. Valmor, leading Prince Loran and several of his men, waved his hand at them.
“Stay, Tashama.” The nymph fluttered about her head. “Stay and welcome them.”
“He will kill me,” Tashama whispered back. “He will kill Prince Aleron.”
“Hold still,” the water nymph entreated. The river began to rise inappreciably at first, but as the water flow tugged harder at their legs, Tashama obeyed the nymph.
“We must go,” the prince pleaded as he pulled at Tashama’s arm.
“No, we will be safe here.” She placed her feet farther apart to keep her balance in the swelling stream.
“Wait, Tashama,” the nymph implored. “Wait until we say.”
Loran’s teeth peeled into a wicked grin as he observed the two waiting for him in the stream. “How were we ever so lucky to have come across the two of you like this? Prince Aleron, I see you’re handing over the princess to me after all.”
“She is not Tashama, so you have said.”
“My mistake. Unfortunately, I did not bring your men for an exchange. In fact, I do believe having you as a pawn will be a better deal. Bring them!” he shouted to his men.
“Wait, Tashama.” The nymph wavered with flapping wings just above her head.
Horses’ hooves pounded the water, as the roaring of a mighty waterfall filled the air. Everyone turned as a wall of water descended upon them.
“Cross now,” the nymph urged.
Tashama and Aleron slogged through the river and collapsed on the eastern shore. Before the mounted soldiers reached the halfway mark, the water pulled them under, carrying them without mercy to their watery grave.
“Come.” Tashama glared at Valmor, while Prince Loran pulled his horse back from the torrent overflowing the banks. “I don’t know his powers. It wouldn’t be safe for us to dally here.”
The prince grabbed her arm, then hurried her through the woods as wood nymphs fluttered about. “He looks for a way to catch you, Tashama,” one of the sprites said.
