Page 92 of The Thief
Elsa nodded as he spoke. “I see. Was Brigid having trouble making some? I believe that is what Owyn said.”
Alastair nodded. “I did ask her to make it, and she was having trouble with the formula mixing correctly; she did not have any of the original formula. It is easier to replicate if you have the original. I sent her some a few days ago, but I can make it faster if I have the Jaspenite.”
“I see.”
She smiled at the pride in his voice.
Their conversation was interrupted by the driver calling out that they had arrived at their destination. They all jolted as the carriage stopped, the door opening and Ragan standing there, a concerned look on his face.
“I feel like we were followed,” he said, halting Alastair’s attempt to get out.
Alastair looked back at Scarlett, her face so pale, her breathing becoming more labored with each breath she took.
Alastair looked at her for a moment more before turning back to Ragan. “I need the Jaspenite. Just stay in the carriage with her and Elsa. Owyn and I will take care of the Jaspenite. We also can take care of ourselves.”
Ragan nodded reluctantly, stepping back so that Alastair and Owyn could descend from the carriage. Once they were out, Elsa moved over to sit next to Scarlett, letting her lean on her, trying to make her more comfortable. She adjusted the blanket around her so that she would be warmer, and Scarlett looked up at her with a grateful smile.
Ragan got into the carriage with the ladies, leaving the door open so that he would have a better sight line to the mine from where the carriage was parked. He held tightly to the hilt of the dagger he had tucked into his jacket.
Scarlett sighed roughly and rested her head on Elsa’s shoulder. She had been so tired as of late, the poison sapping her strength. She was just glad that the vomiting had stopped. Both ladies looked over at the carriage door when Owyn appeared there, a reluctant look on his face.
“We are in need of your assistance. We are having a bit of trouble getting the Jaspenite out of the mine. Alastair said to have the ladies come sit next to the mine. They should be safe there.”
Ragan looked over at Scarlett and she nodded weakly. “Just help me out of the carriage.”
He slipped out of the carriage, waiting until Elsa had stepped out. He reached in and held out his hands to Scarlett, waiting as she scooted slowly across the seat and grabbed his hands. She stood slowly, making her way out the door.
When she got close enough, Ragan grabbed her about the waist and swung her into his arms, carrying her over to the entrance of the mine, settling her on a large flat rock near the mouth.
The driver and the two other soldiers stayed with the carriage, lingering there and watching out for people.
She adjusted in her new seat and fixed her skirts, Elsa tucking the blankets tightly around her to keep her warm. Elsa stood next to her, making sure there was no one else around. When she didn’t see anyone, she took a few steps toward the mine, looking down into it, wanting to see what they were doing.
Scarlett closed her eyes for a brief moment, her eyes snapping open when she heard a small gasp. She felt her blood boil when she saw Rhys standing there, holding a knife to Elsa’s throat.
He looked at her, his eyes crazy and wild.
“Get up,” he snarled. “Get up or I will dispose of your friend here.”
“No, My Lady; run,” Elsa said, struggling as he tightened his arm on her.
“You don’t want to do that, I promise you.”
Scarlett looked at Elsa and then struggled to stand up, leaning against the nearest rock. By this time, the scene had gained the attention of the driver and the soldiers, all three of them standing by the carriage, waiting for a moment to intervene. Scarlett turned to look at them and shook her head, warning them not to interfere. They lowered their weapons and stepped back against the carriage, knowing better to disobey.
She turned back to face Rhys.
“I’m up, now what?” she asked, her legs shaking as she struggled to keep herself standing.
He flicked the knife to the side, indicating that she should move to the left. Taking a deep breath, she did as he asked, moving slowly. Elsa sent a panicked look down the mine entrance when Owyn, Alastair, and Ragan’s voices got louder.
Rhys dragged Elsa over to stand next to Scarlett, shoving her away from him and grabbing Scarlett, the cold metal blade a shock against Scarlett’s bare throat.
“Owyn!” Elsa shouted, the three men rushing out of the mine at her cry.
They halted roughly at the scene before them, Owyn quickly going to Elsa.
“Let her go, Rhys. You won’t get out of here alive,” Owyn growled.
