Chapter 12: The Great and Terrible: Chapter 12

“

ou can’t do this,” Leona called as Keren led my group into a small room that could easily pass for a torture chamber. The furnishings consisted of a table bearing a stack of folded rags, two crooked wooden chairs, and a blood-stained bucket. Zero windows.

I eased into a chair, fighting a flood of unease. Nugget jumped on my lap, rocking our uneven perch, his glare hot on Keren, who took her place at the other side of the table. She unrolled a velvet cloth that contained a scalpel, sewing scissors, a syringe, four vials of liquid, and what might be a mini cauterizing iron.

Jasher stood behind the blonde, his arms crossed over his chest, biceps straining. And I wasn’t upset by his chosen position. Nope. Not even a little. Sure, I could’ve used a warm, comforting hand upon my shoulder, offering moral support as I braved the unknown. Instead, the guy who’d dropped his guard with me the tiniest bit last night preferred to be near the woman about to carve out a hank of my hand. Fine. No big deal. Except, big deal!

“Explain the process to me,” I invited, unable to mask my tremors.

“Exactly what was done to me when I escaped the witch of the north,” Keren muttered, selecting the syringe, and a vial of liquid.

I blinked. “A literal witch?”

Jasher shook his head. “There’s no magic in Hakeldama.”

But. “The water maiden.” She’d materialized the compass around my neck. Among other things.

In the process of reaching for me, Keren froze. Terror glazed her eyes. “If you led a water maiden to our door, I’ll hang you upside down with your skin inside out.”

“Sounds gruesome,” I quipped, not the least bit afraid as Nugget bared his teeth at her. I flipped my gaze to the executioner, silently asking how to respond. The truth might blow up the deal I’d so expertly negotiated.

“The water maiden isn’t a worry, Keren. Proceed.” To me, he explained, “They use trickery, sleight of hand, and often times mind bending herbs.”

Okay, so, which had Iris used on me? It was a combo of all three, wasn’t it? Foreboding chilled my blood, but I shoved the queries to a shadowed corner of my mind, where a thousand questions about my parents brewed. One disaster at a time, thank you.

“Continue,” Jasher commanded. “And Keren, if you speak to my charge in such a manner again, you’ll die screaming.”

My eyes grew as wide as saucers. Such vehemence. He left no doubt he meant what he said.

A visibly shaken Keren filled the syringe with whatever liquid swam inside the smallest vial, then waved her fingers at me. “Let me see your brand.”

Even though I wanted this, I hesitated, clinging to Nugget, my lifeline, giving my ring time to suss out the threat level. When no burn sparked, I stretched out the palm with the scar somewhat reassured. “Tell me you’ve sterilized your equipment, and I might believe you.”

“Remain still.” Keren jabbed the needle into the tip of my middle finger.

Sharp pain tore through my entire body, a scream rocketing from my lips. My insides heated, quickly boiling. In seconds, sweat sheened my brow and dripped into my eyes. “What did you inject in me?” I screeched between panting breaths. I’d expected a number, but this wasn’t that.

“I killed the signal being broadcasted by the nanoparticles,” Keren replied, exchanging the syringe for the scalpel.

They utilized nanoparticles in this primitive land? Seriously?

Nugget growled his displeasure, and I hunched over to press my cheek against his. He calmed and even helped me fight my budding panic as Keren poured the contents of a vial over my hand. Clear liquid frothed into white foam, spreading to my elbow. Icy cold I felt in every bone invaded, no hint of the heat remaining. My teeth chattered. Breathing required great effort, air suddenly thicker than jelly.

“Look at me,” Jasher ordered, his firm tone brokering zero argument.

I ripped my attention from the butcher responsible for my condition and focused on the executioner. My enemy, ally and only friend in this awful world, all rolled into one.

“Breathe with me,” he commanded. He held my gaze captive, forcing me to obey. To center. In. Out. In, out. “Good. That’s good.”

Okay. All right. I could do this. In, out. A flash of common sense. This was this the reason he’d chosen to stand behind Keren. Not to help her but to sooth me. Ooooh.

He didn’t release me from the visual cage as Keren worked, filleting the flesh from my palm, injecting a mystery substance into the pulpy meat, and searing the surface, leaving a charred crust. I felt none of it, thank goodness, until the non-medical professional injected the remaining liquid into my middle finger. Pink returned to my skin, the cold evaporated, and my wondrous numbness vanished.

Only my link to Jasher helped as nerves sang with agony. At least my connection to the Wests had been severed for good.

“Serpens-rosa,” I managed to gasp out. Please! He had one pellet remaining, and it belonged to me. Part of the payment for the compass.

“Do not take any serpens-rosa for twenty-four hours,” Keren instructed, applying thick, clear goop over the wound and wrapping my hand in a bandage. “Or maybe it’s forty-eight hours. Whatever. It will only undo everything I’ve done.”

“Which is it? Twenty-four or forty-eight?” No, it didn’t matter. That serpens-rosa wasn’t for me, anyway, but my father.

“Or maybe seventy-two.” Keren cleaned up, tossing the tools and used rags in the bucket, then wiping her hands together in a job well done.

I closed my eyes for a moment and sagged into my seat, exhausted but relieved.

“Have the mayor at the edge of town in ten minutes.” Jasher strode over and pulled out my chair, allowing me to settle Nugget on the floor and rise. My lack of grace didn’t surprise or embarrass me. I hadn’t toppled; I deserved a reward.

“Who is she to you?” Keren asked Jasher, acting as if I wasn’t in the room. “Why do you protect her with your life?”

“She has my protection, and that’s all anyone needs to know.” He snaked an arm around my waist and ushered me out the door, through the lobby, and outside. Nugget trotted beside us. “We’ll purchase our supplies and go,” he told me softly.

“Yes, please, and thank you.” I just wanted out of here.

We traversed the street, warm sunlight bathing the Wild West strip. The dirt path glinted with a multitude of hues, and when a gust of wind kicked up, I was pretty sure I tasted every color. Grains coated my tongue and tickled my throat. Signs declared the name of each business establishment contained within the buildings.

Hilarine’s Comfort Fashions Susetta’s Sexy Creations Cuts and Styles by Redora Mayor’s Office Eats by Nili Better Eats by Patamia Common Goods And of course, the Buffet of Wrath.

A handful of villagers meandered about, dressed in loose tops and pants. Some stopped to wave and smile at Jasher. Others stared, weary. A few batted their lashes in clear invitation. Anyone who noticed Nugget didn’t hang around for long.

The rabdog wasn’t that unattractive. In fact, he was total cuteness once you got to know him.

“Do any of these women have boyfriends? Husbands?” I asked Jasher.

“None. Non-imprisoned males are only allowed to pass through.”

I shouldn’t ask. No, no, I shouldn’t. “Do you have a romantic thing going with Keren? Or anyone else here?” Dang. I’d asked.

He stared straight ahead. “I’ve had a single romantic thing in my life, but she died.” His deadened tone hid his thoughts. “Nothing lasts in Hakeldama.”

His confession—warning?—bothered me, resounding in my head as he led me onward. “By the way, this new protective thing you’ve got going is nice.” And hot. Very, very hot.

“You are the compass holder, and you set the perimeters of my duties. You told Natalie I protect you, so I do.”

Well. Way to ruin a good thing. “Thanks for the tip. Note to self, tell people Jasher forages me a seven course meal every night.”

We entered Common Goods, an old fashion general store type establishment. Stocked on the shelves alongside jarred vegetables, swathes of fabrics and gardening tools were soaps, pottery, and medicinal herbs.

Shoppers spotted Nugget, who was busy sniffing everything, and fled as if their feet were on fire. Only the old woman behind the counter remained. She studied the rabdog a good long while before clucking her tongue.

“You let her keep the runt?” she asked Jasher. With her silver hair anchored in a tight bun, her weathered features were on full display. Hooded brown eyes, a bulbous nose, and lips on the thin side.

“I doubt anyone could have stopped her, ma’am.” He braced, as if expecting the worst. “Greta, meet Moriah. Moriah, Greta.”

What was everyone’s problem with runts? “Nugget deserves the same chance to live a wonderful, fulfilling life as his siblings,” I informed her, crouching to stroke the darling’s fur. He licked my cheek, and I fell deeper in love with him.

Other clucks came. “I stocked you up with everything on your list, soldier, plus a few extra must haves.” Greta hefted his now straining pack on the counter. “I also asked around, and no one has had contact with Anders.”

He stiffened but said, “Thank you for checking. And for the extras.” The two were obviously well acquainted and on friendly terms.

“He’s a sweet boy, that Anders. I hope you find him.” Finally, she regarded me fully, examining me with the kind of wisdom acquired only after decades of experience. “Come here, girl. Let me get a decent look at you.”

Out of respect for Jasher, I made my way over, not sure why a looky-loo bore any importance on our situation. Of course, Nugget remained close, growling when the old woman grabbed my hands and studied them in the light.

“Well, well. I’ll be. The princess in the flesh.” Those dark eyes pierced deep. “Stories of your mother’s kindness and your father’s great sacrifice are still whispered about in my family. They were not the monsters so many considered them.”

“You told her?” I swung to Jasher, though Greta maintained a tight hold on me.

His expression revealed nothing. “I did not.”

That meant… I rocked back on my heels and refocused on the other woman. “What makes you think the former royals are my parents?”

“You resemble them,” Greta said, releasing me at last. “Her hair and eyes and yet still his image.”

His image. The king’s. Can’t process. Don’t try. Not here, not now. “Did you meet the royals?”

“Only saw them once when they passed through my former village, but it was enough. A regal sight I will never forget.” She patted my cheek. “If you are interested in learning more about them, ask Leona about the prophecy.”

I perked up. Prophecy? “What prophecy?”

“Go on now.” Greta shooed us toward the door. “I’ve got a living to make.”

Jasher collected his pack and once again wound an arm around my waist, forcing me toward to the exit. Nugget followed. I dragged my feet until we passed the door, my mind repeating the same phrases over and over. Can’t process. Don’t try. Not here, not now.

We strode down the dirt path, heading in the opposite direction that we’d come. I didn’t mean to, but I leaned on Jasher, seeking comfort. He allowed it, even welcomed it, running his fingers up and down my side.

Inviting trouble…

We came the edge of the clearing, where women hurled insults at each other.

“You can’t do this.” Leona’s bellow rose above the others. “It’s not my fault my name was drawn again and again.”

Keren and Natalie stood among the throng. The first caught sight of Jasher and me and nudged the other. The remaining villagers noticed us and parted, revealing the mayor. They’d tied her wrists with rope. Honeyed mane in tangles, clothes streaked with dirt, she struggled for freedom without success.

“She’s all yours,” Keren said, tossing a pouch full of clinking coins at Jasher. He caught it with ease and stuffed in his pack.

“Half of that money is mine,” I reminded the executioner. I’d negotiated for it, and I expected my cut.

“Don’t ever come back,” Natalie warned the mayor.

“Oh, I’ll be back,” Leona snarled, throwing the words at everyone. “I’ll be back, and I’ll punish you all.” She flipped her mane over one shoulder, making me wonder if the cowardly lion was about to join my quest.

“First you have to survive the forest,” the clerk retorted, causing the mayor to pale. “And the royal guard.”

Jasher pursed his lips, saying nothing to anyone. He didn’t even slow his steps as he passed Leona, leaving her behind. Guess I’d have to handle this.

I approached her, unsure how to force someone to travel with me, while protecting an injured hand. Especially when I needed that someone to answer questions about a prophecy. Then Nugget solved the problem for me, growling at Miss Three Time Lottery Winner. With a yelp, Leona ran to catch up with Jasher and use him as a meat shield.

“Good boy,” I praised as I caught up with them. The precious fur-baby preened at me.

“By the way,” Leona said. “You’ll divide the take three ways. If not for me, you wouldn’t have a single coin.”

“You’ll get nothing and be grateful my dog doesn’t use you as a chew toy.”

“Hardly.” Leona lifted her nose. “I’ve been told I’m too bitter to eat.”

Nugget bounded ahead, disappearing here and there, occasionally stopping to tug on a winding root. “Be careful, my sweet.”

“Stay away from me, creature,” the mayor snapped when he neared her, chasing a bug.

“Or what?” I gave her a sugar sweet smile.

She raised her nose higher but said nothing else. Better to wait until she’d calmed down to ask about the prophecy.

The farther we traveled, the taller the trees, the thicker the shadows, and the more Nugget darted off. Those four-eyed birds perched on branches and peeked from between leaves, watching us with undisguised interest.

Eventually my curiosity peaked, and I forgot about waiting. “Tell me about the prophecy.”

Leona’s color drained. “Why would you…I can’t…we aren’t to speak of it,” she finally articulated. “To do so is to invite death.”

Why? “To not speak of it is to invite my wrath, a far worse choice.”

Jasher made a choking sound, as if—no. No way he’d just cut off a laugh.

“What? I have wrath,” I threw the words at him, and he held up his hands, palms out, in a gesture of innocence. “If you aren’t careful, it’s gonna erupt all over both of you!”

“Fine, fine. I’ll tell you.” The ex-mayor extended her bound wrists and smiled coolly. “If you untie me.”

“I can’t untie you with only one working hand. If you tell me, I promise I’ll ask Jasher to do the deed. He always agrees to do what I request sometimes.” Hopefully, he’d say no in this particular instance.

“Untie me,” Leona insisted.

Jasher unsheathed a dagger and slapped the hilt into my unbandaged palm, leaving the decision up to me.

Fine. I sliced the blade through the rope, a far easier task than expected. “Talk.” Rather than give the weapon back, I anchored it to my side. He didn’t complain.

The other woman sighed with relief but missed the fallen branch in front of her and stumbled. Quickly righting, she blew a lock of hair from her brow and said, “A few months ago, a man blazed through town claiming the ultimate sacrifice had been or would be made, providing a way to live uncursed and without requiring an execution whenever an infraction is committed. He didn’t state how or why.”

I waited for her to say more. She didn’t. “So the prophecy involves bypassing the crimen and therefore the storm through this ultimate sacrifice?”

“It must. Days later, two royal guards arrived from Lux City, hunting the guy. They told us anyone who mentioned the prophecy—their words, not mine—would be put to death by order of the Guardian.”

I didn’t have to wonder why the Guardian had gone straight to death. To prevent people from foregoing the sacrifices, thereby bringing the storms and the monstra. Obviously, the great and terrible Guardian acted as the Wizard. But was he a fraud only able to intimidate?

My gaze slid to Jasher. “Do you know anything about this?”

“The same whispers resurge every few years and nothing but chaos and confusion ever comes from it,” he responded, palming the axes crisscrossed over his back. “Now, if you’ll both excuse me, I’ll go kill the trappers on our tail.” The full force of his intensity on display, he swung his gaze in Leona’s direction. “She had better be in good condition when I return.”

She sputtered for a moment. “I’m not going to harm your woman, soldier.”

“I wasn’t talking to you,” he said as he stalked off.

I sputtered, too. He’d spoken to me? As if I would actually harm the mayor! Then I noticed the mass number of birds taking flight from the branches around us. Hold up. Jasher had spoken to them?

And they’d listened?