Chapter 103: Not as Important as the Animals

Chapter 103: Not as Important as the Animals

Follow? What does she mean? Sebastian gripped the comcry in his hand so tight, his skin had turned white.

Tori? Tori!? He heard Piers voice begin to rise.

Benedict, whats going on? Sebastian nearly barked into the comcry. His chest tightened when no one answered. Is something wrong with Tori? Benedict! Is my sister all right?

Senior, she passed out. Crystal fatigue, Benedict said with barely contained worry. Sebastian let out a light swear. Senior-

Take care of Tori; make sure to put a barrier around her to restore her energy steadily. I dont know how long her energy trail will last, Sebastian said, clenching his jaw. Well follow it as far as we can.

Yes, Senior.

Sebastian held out his right hand and could feel the thick energy lingering in the air like an invisible mist. This was his sisters work and her last word had been to follow it. It was dense now, but it would disperse and fade with time. He didnt know how long before it did.

He couldnt ignore the opportunity Tori risked herself to give them.

We have to act quickly.... He muttered to himself and turned around. Alvarez, Rodriguez! Come with me! He looked towards the remaining two men by the broken carriage. Wait here until Duke Tetri arrives. Were going to continue tracking. I will let Idunn know where were going.

Yes, Lord Guevera. One of the Tetri men saluted him before Sebastian began to carefully make his way further down the ravine.

Sebastian made a quick call to Idunn and told her the general direction they were heading and what they were doing before asking her to follow.

My lord. Sir Alverez followed behind him, watching their footing on the loose soil. Should we not follow the road?

No, my sisters energy is a line; we cant stray from it. We need to follow it and away from the cabin, Sebastian said with a determined look. He reached into his boot and took out a thick knife, then marked a tree before moving forward. We dont have time to wait for the others. Tori exhausted her energy, but it wont linger in the air once its released. If we wait too long, it will disappear, and we wont be able to track it.

How much time do we have, my lord? Rodriguez asked as he slid down part of the ravine in a controlled descent.

Sebastian pursed his lips. Tracing energy signatures was something Master Ramos used to force him to do. Sebastian thought it was useless, as tracing an energy signature meant that not only would he need to be familiar with the energy, but the energy had to be strong enough to sense. He was always very sensitive to it; he knew the delta was special without being told. It was a slight advantage.

However, energy signatures were more like an invisible scent trail, and they did not last. Master Ramos used to have him charge crystals and then hurl them into the forests behind the Fortress or have knights drop them nearby for Sebastian to find, like some sort of crystal bloodhound. If a crystal user were skilled, and familiar enough with the energy signature of another, they would know who charged a crystal when they held it. However, a crystal user could not find crystals charged by others, no matter how familiar, but when the energy was released into the air, it was possible.

For a while, Sebastian was convinced Master Ramos was doing it for entertainment and had even complained to his father about the exercise.

His father had scolded him; how dare he question the instruction of Soleils premier crystal master? Sebastian shouldve been honored to sniff out a crystal.

Sebastian was able to reach a respectable distance away from the Fortress. That was to the very edge of Presidios surrounding farmlands. Once he tracked a crystal, he needed to retrieve it. Connecting to a crystal didnt necessarily mean he knew its exact location. Energy didnt give him a map; he needed to make some sort of physical trail to lead him to it.

He had first tried ice calcite to make a sort of frost trail, but it was difficult in the drier climate of inland Sur. There would end up being large, unmarked tracts and hed have to search for the connecting trail. Then he had tried the much more successful, but destructive terracrystal method and created cracks in the earth as a clear, visible trail.

The problem was that connecting energy was a direct line. It didnt go around buildings. Several homes and businesses had to be repaired at the cost of his allowance.

Finally, he had tried simply releasing his energy and then following it to the crystal. He was most familiar with his own energy, after all, and it was a simple matter to sense and follow the strong stream.

But if he wasnt fast enough, the energy faded. That was the problem they faced now.

An hour at most, Sebastian deduced. We cant wait. Tori was able to connect to a crystal thats on the Prime Ministers son. She said she tried to connect when we first arrived at the cabin, but the distance was too great. His eyes narrowed and he grit his teeth. Tori had been frustrated that she couldnt extend her reach further and he told her it was unnecessary; they could search for the missing teenagers with the traditional method. I didnt think shed keep trying. Or get this far.

He knew very well that Toris capacity to gather energy was much less than his. She had started off weak and after training with Master Ramos at the delta, he had no doubt she improved. However, at best, shed have the ability of an average crystal user.

His stomach churned. He couldnt help wondering what madness his sister took part in to extend her reach this far.

Our lady is talented, Sir Alverez said with a satisfied nod. As expected.

Dont encourage her. Sir Rodriguez chided. He was the oldest of the three of them. Lady Tori is still a novice. If she strains her body too much, she will get crystal fatigue.

She already has it, Sebastian said in a dry voice. Lets not let my sisters efforts be in vain.

Can you track it easily, my lord? Sir Alverez asked.

Sebastian doubted most people could sense it. The energy in the air changed, but unless someone had significant training with crystals, it wouldnt be noticeable. The only reason he believed it was Toris was because her energy was similar to his. Hed felt it many times over; they were siblings. Even the charge that Kasen put on his charms was familiar.

I can sense it in the air, but I cant control it or connect to the crystal she found, Sebastian said. I can only connect to the crystals I charged.

For a moment, there was a bitter taste in his mouth. When it came to charging and energy, there likely wasnt another person in Soleil who could match his ability. But when it came to using his talents to find other uses for crystals, like Benedict and his sister, he wouldnt know where to begin.

He doubted that Tori was told how to extend her reach this far. She spent all day in the cabin; what else could she be doing but experimenting, eating, and sleeping? She had a case full of crystals and a bag of charms. He knew she was constantly connecting the two schools. Master Ramos was elated by this.

He called it a lost art and it was one of the reasons he took Tori as a pupil.

Lets hurry. We have a few hours until sunset and it will be difficult to return at night, Sebastian said.

He led the three men to the base of the ravine and crossed the stream. They then climbed up the other side of the ravine. Every so often, one of them would mark a tree at eye level with a cut of a sword or knife. Sebastian wasnt sure what road would lead there, as the small mountain pass where the carriage had fallen from was on the other mountain. The missing teenagers mustve gotten off the carriage and traveled by foot.

He frowned. They still left their belongings in the carriage.

Sebastian didnt like the gnawing feeling in the base of his stomach. He was sure this went beyond a little girl running away.

They continued to trek through dense foliage as the shadow of the mountain darkened their area.

Sebastian lifted his right hand. Toris energy trail was fading. He frowned more so. The density of energy did lessen the further out it reached. He forgot to take that into consideration and quickened his speed.

He began to lift his hand more and more, then finally held it up as they walked with a concentrated look on his face. He ground his teeth together.

My lord?

Its faded. Sebastian lowered his hand and resisted the urge to kick the ground. I cant track it any further.

The two knights looked at each other. What are your orders?

Sebastian took a deep breath. We were moving in that direction, he said, pointing a hand ahead of them.

Sir Alvarez reached into his pocket and took out a compass. Northwest, my lord.

Sebastian nodded. Lets continue northwest. Alvarez, keep us on track. We will continue forward until nightfall and then make camp.

Yes, my lord.

Sir Alvarez moved in front and continued forward, keeping his compass clenched in his left hand.

Sebastian turned towards the west. The light of the sun had sunk beneath the mountains and would disappear in the horizon soon. He tried to calm himself and keep focused. This was the closest theyd come to finding those three missing teenagers yet and his sister had crystal fatigue for her efforts.

Tori would be upset if he ended his search prematurely.

My lord. Sir Rodriguez lifted his head and sniffed the air. Mountain air is usually crisp, but I smell smoke.

Camp fire? Sir Alvarez raised a brow.

Perhaps, Sir Rodriguez said. He sniffed the air once more. Lay low. We dont know who were approaching.

Sir Alvarez and Sebastian both nodded and silenced their earlier march through the forest. It wasnt long before Sebastian could smell the scent of something burning, but it wasnt a campfire.

I smell animals, Sir Rodriguez said. Kept animals...and something rotting.

Sebastian believed him. Sir Rodriguez came from a farming family. Any guard dogs?

I dont hear any, Sir Rodriguez replied. If I can smell the animals, then a dog would be able to smell us.

Living out here without a guard dog is quite brave, Sir Alvarez muttered. As the sky grew darker, lights came on in the distance. Sebastian crept down beside the trees and peered forward.

They carefully made their way closer, keeping close to the trees and their shadows. Sebastian motioned for the two knights to place the light blue crystal with white lace patterns into their ears. They were specially tumbled and shaped to fit neatly in the ear canal and would not fall out easily.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

It would activate and function as a miniature comcry once put in their ears, though its range was greatly limited, and it could only connect with sister-crystals.

Alvarez, remain here. Im going to go left. Rodriguez, do a sweep of the right. Listen for any additional orders, Sebastian said in a low voice.

The other two men nodded rather than gave a verbal confirmation. Sebastian began to round the perimeter of the wide clearing nestled in the mountain.

There were several worn looking tents, a ramshackle house, and what looked to be a long, wide building made of wood. The surrounding land was cleared, and the ground had an array of kicked up dirt from horses and deep, crisscrossing grooves where wagon or carriage wheels had come over.

Gorseg and the others went to check on the traps one last time, another person reported as Sebastian managed to get closer and hide in the shadow of the tents. As soon as they return, we can start loading the animals and the girl.

What about the two boys?

Separate them and get them away from here, the man said with a sneer. Tetris knights have been searching the lakes for three teenagers: a girl and two boys. He looked down at the Hart girl. I dont know who they are, but theyre of importance if Tetri got involved.

Sebastian lifted his hand to his ear. Theyre going to take the girl and some animals tonight. We cant let them leave.

Understood. We should move in before their companions return, Sir Rodriguez said.

The girl is surrounded. She can be taken as a hostage. Sebastian frowned. He suddenly wished he had his sisters crystal carrying case with its assortment of crystals. In the interest of moving swiftly, he had some obsidian and carnelian. He slid his sword back into the scabbard. Im going to create a distraction to get them away from the girl. Alvarez, sneak in and isolate the girl. Bring her to the forest and have her hide-

Theyre coming back! Alvarezs voice was sharp. Theyve only been gone for a few minutes, what are they doing back so soon?

So soon? Are the traps empty? the burly man whom Sebastian thought was the leader stepped forward and scowled as a wagon seemed to race back from the dirty path.

There are knights coming! one of the men said. Over the ridge! Theyll be here soon!

How many of them?

It looked like three. Led by a woman.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. It was likely Idunn and the two Tetri knights searching with her.

Get the animals ready to move! the burly man shouted. Quickly! Move! He grabbed some people who were eating and lifted them off their benches, tossing them to them side. If theyre over the ridge, theyll be here in a matter of minutes! Knights dont travel alone; if theres one, there are more nearby!

What about the children?

Theyre not as important as the animals! Kill them-

No! Alessa dropped her spoon and her face paled. She screamed and shot up, looking towards the large building. She ran forward and Sebastian squinted, watching her trip over her own, tied feet. He shook his head. He saw someone approaching her, lifting a large knife.

Alessa! A boys voice shouted from the forest and Sebastian swore, but didnt break his stride as he rushed forward and reached back to his sword.

Rodriguez, disable as many as you can now! he ordered. Alvarez, grab the children!

A figure shot out of the bushes as Sebastians sword came down and cut across the man with the knife. He placed himself in between Alessa and the assailant. The cut was shallow, but a streak of red immediately appeared across the mans torso. He let out a cry and Sebastian stepped forward and slammed his pommel into the mans face.

My lord, Im taking her!

Quickly! Guard them! Rodriguez and I will disable the rest of them!

Killing them was the last option, but it wasnt something he was against. If he couldnt get in a blow to render them unconscious or unable to fight, then death would simply come for them. He focused on the row of people coming towards him and took a deep breath before grabbing his sword and taking a step forward.

The movements were smooth and steady, like a dance.

His feet moved in a particular way to keep his balance and give him the position he needed. His arms maintained a fluid motion and he rarely paused. His strikes and guards transitioned from one to the other to always keep his sword between him and another.

Two people. Four people. Seven people rushed towards him.

He was not considered one of the best swordsmen in Soleil for nothing.

My lord, someone is opening the cages within! A wolf just came out of the large building! Alvarezs panicked voice reached him.

Sebastian brought his sword down against a mans shoulder. An audible crack was heard before he fell to the ground, screaming about his arm as his sword fell at his feet. Sebastian turned and ran towards the large building.

Rodriguez was further away, locked in combat. Loud banging and yelling were coming from within the large building and Sebastian shuddered.

Whoever was inside was driving the animals out. Large predatory animals that were abused and starving. His green eyes moved towards the tree line. The first living creatures in their line of sight would be Sir Alvarez and the three teenagers.

Stay with them and dont move! Sebastian ran forward and gathered energy in his sword. He didnt want to have to do this, but those animals were too dangerous. Forgive me. I will make this quick!

The blood of a wolf splattered on his clothes. Another whined and Sebastian rushed forward to slay it before it could close the distance between them and the forest. He needed to stop them before they disappeared into the woods. His mother told him that wild animals wanted to be left alone, but they also got desperate and did desperate things.

An emaciated spotted wild cat fell at his feet. A limping gray wolf fell to the side. It was the same color as Toris Alexander who liked to sit on peoples shoulders.

My lord, the other doors are also open!

Any animals? Before Rodriguez could answer, Sebastian saw a large cat slip into the forest. No....

Seb! A womans voice cried out and Sebastian shouted.

Idunn, finish with the people here! Send Tetris knights to close the doors! I have to stop- A voice screamed from the tree line and Sebastians head snapped to the side. Are you kidding me?

Seb! Go! He heard Idunn shout and saw her atop a horse, rushing to one of the doors to close it and contain whatever else was inside.

Sebastian ran into the forest, towards where the scream had come from. Sir Alvarez was trying desperately to keep back two boys, who were fighting against him, without hurting. Whats going on? he yelled.

The girl ran into the forest when she saw the wolf! Sir Alvarez pulled back the boys. Behind him was a wolf covered in blood and on its last breath. Stop moving! Youll get in the way!

We have to save her! Montan shouted.

Alessa! Dimitri screamed into the forest. Sebastian gritted his teeth.

Knock them out and end that creatures suffering! Ill get the girl! Sebastian said before turning around and running into the forest. He found her not too far away, backed up against a tree. Finally, a little luck!

The girls eyes were fixed in the bush in front of her, wide and terrified as her hands reached back and grasped the bark of the tree. Her knees were bent, and she was almost sliding to the ground. Sebastian slowed to a stop and felt something was wrong. He tried to keep his breathing even as he turned his eyes towards the bush.

Two reflective eyes were fixed on the girl.

Dont move, Sebastian said as he approached. He began to lift his sword and moved to get between her and the large striped cat.

Alessa's breathy voice trembled. Please...help me....

Dont move. He was firmer this time.

She turned her head towards him, taking her eyes off the animal. Help-

He drove forward and shoved her to the side as the cat lunged out of the bushes and took a swipe at where her head was. Sebastian managed to take a step back, but his back hit the tree. The cat snarled and he pushed his pommel down and thrusted it forward.

Seb! He heard Idunn scream before a dagger lodged itself into the side of the animals neck. Sebastian used its surprise to pull his sword back and thrust forward again, through the softer area below its jaw.

The large cat fell to the ground, thrashing and struggling to breathe as a messy death took over. Idunn reached him and pulled him back, standing between him and the dying animal with a sword.

The others? Sebastian said as he watched the blood pour out of the open wounds.

There are still animals in the building, but weve locked it up. Alvarez has dragged the two boys to the camp and is helping Rodriguez collect and tie up the offenders, Idunn said, refusing to take her eyes off the animal. This poor tiger....

You know what it is? Sebastian asked. His heart was still racing. Idunn nodded.

Its not native to Soleil, but Ive seen pictures of it in fauna books from abroad, she said. How did it get here?

Never mind that, Sebastian said. He turned towards the blonde girl on the ground, with animal blood across her face. She was laying on her side and not moving. She passed out.

Ill carry her back, Idunn told him. She moved closer to the tiger and checked to make sure it was dead. Once she was convinced, she looked towards him. Are you all right?

Im fine, Sebastian said. I can carry her.

No. Idunn frowned. I dont know if youre injured. Lets not risk anything until we can check.

He looked over at her and grinned. Jealous?

Her blue eyes gave him a dull look. You smell of blood.

Its not mine. He kept a lopsided grin on his face as his eyes sparkled, watching his gorgeous future wife bend down and heave the blonde girl over her shoulder like a sack of grain. She urged him forward and he cocked his head. His voice was teasing. Honey...are you sure youre not jealous?

Idunn kept walking. A little.

Sebastian chuckled and felt a slight sting on his stomach. He furrowed his brows as he walked behind her and lowered his hand to the front of his shirt. Several large rips went across his abdomen, and something hot and wet was soaking the fabric.