Chapter 2 Captured

• There was no time to think, only move.
• Rhaeven ran towards the eastern gates, forcing herself to ignore the grief that threatened to break her down as the smell of burnt flesh filled her nostrils and the sounds of battle became deafening.
• As she got closer to the walls, Rhaeven gasped, unable to believe her eyes. The defenses her people had taken weeks to build had begun to crumble. The silver balls the men had hidden in the ground to weaken the Aveik had been uprooted and scattered like mere dust.
• The Aveik had found their way around the balls, becoming immune to them. It was like they learned their defenses and turned them all into strengths.
• They always adapted, no matter their effort, always.
• Even now, she could see those hideous creatures of destruction scattered everywhere, tearing down anyone they could lay hands on.
• Dark smoke covered the field and screams filled the air. She tried to find her way, dodging fallen bodies and coughing through the thick smoke.
• In the darkness, it was impossible to tell who was friend or enemy.
• She needed to get to the cliffs. It was what her Father would instruct.
• Because there was no winning over the Aveik.
• Only surviving.
• Her father had ordered that she flee far into the lush lands, with the women and children, but she’d turned him down.
• How could she hide while he fought to the death?
• It wasn't fair.
• Rhaeven’s heart was heavy with grief, but she forced herself to keep moving, for to wait a moment longer was to toy with death.
• And then she saw him.
• Kalil.
• Swinging his sword like he had all of the gods behind him. She wondered how he’d gotten here so fast. But that was the thing about him, he was always two steps ahead. His tunic was covered in blood but he appeared unbothered by it. It was one of the things she admired about him, his strength and pride even in the face of trouble.
• Rhaeven screamed when she saw an Aveik soldier move towards him, its form shifting but still weirdly human, no monstrous fangs or claws, just speed.
• But Kalil was quicker. In one swift move, he cut down the Aveik so hard, she didn't hear a sound.
• Relieved, she stopped for a moment, watching him. Then she turned without thinking and made to move past him but he pulled her back.
• Grabbing her arm, he threw her to the side, dragging her behind a collapsed wall. The sound of battle was not clear here.
• She sighed, wondering where his guard was and why she had to deal with his incompetence.
• “Rhaeven, he whispered, his voice unsteady. “ You shouldn’t be here.”
• “What is this?” She asked, shocked by his audacity. One minute he was fornicating and the next he was playing protector.
• “Some failed attempt at playing knight in shining armor? You lost that right the instant I caught you with Sigrid, now let go of me.”
• She screamed, trying to break free. But he wasn’t having it, instead, he held onto her tightly.
• “Stubborn as always.” But I won't let you die here. Your father would never forgive me.”
• He looked so noble, so pure, almost innocent that she laughed, nearly choking on her spit.
• Kalil rolled his eyes.
• “Funny, huh? You think you can outrun them?” He asked, gesturing towards the field.”
• “I’d rather they kill me than follow you!” She said, pushing him with all her strength.
• “I loved you Rhaeven!”
• She gasped, stunned by his words.
• “Ha! Love. Do you even know what the word means?”
• He sighed.
• “I was foolish, I let Sigrid use me.” He maintained, still holding onto her.
• “Well, I do not give a damn about…."
• An arrow split the sky in that instant, striking Kalil in the chest and stopping her midway. He staggered backwards before collapsing into her arms with a heavy thud.
• “No!” She screamed, catching him, as blood spread through her hands and shirt.
• “Rhaeven, I’m sorry. I….” He began, his breath was unusual now, coming in short ragged bursts.
• “Shh, don't.”
• She put a hand to his lips, willing him not to speak while pressing on his chest with her other hand.
• ”I’m sorry.” He stammered, his words breaking. “I never stopped loving you.” Forgive….
• “I forgive you, Kalil, I do.” She said stiffening, as she fought back tears.
• He raised a hand and caressed her cheek, weakly.
• “If I could choose again, it’ll be you, always. No one else.” He said weakly, as the light left his eyes, so she held him tightly as hot tears blinded her.
• He rolled his eyes then, shutting them. He lay unmoving.
• Lifeless.
• Rhaeven screamed as renewed hatred for the Aveik ravaged her body.
• And then, a gust of wind.
• Still, in heart-wrenching pain, Rhaeven heard no one approach.
• The world had gone quiet, too quiet and that's when she heard it.
• “Rhaevena.” A voice behind her called calmly and she froze.
• That voice was one she would recognize even in hell. How did he find her?
• Turning, she stared at him.
• The left side of his face, cloak, sword, and both his hands were covered in blood and he looked like he’d aged more than the last time she’d seen him, which was a day ago.
• “Father?”
• “You must let him go now.” He said, as his eyes roamed Kalil’s lifeless body. He dropped his sword to the side and dragged her upwards, helping her to her feet.
• She tried to speak but her lips refused to move. Her throat felt dry.
• “The lines have fallen apart, Rhaeven. The cliffs, you cannot go there, it is too late.”
• He looked at her softly before reaching into his cloak, pulling out a small glass vial, and handing it to her. “Hide this. You know what it is you must do if there’s no way out.”
• She nodded in understanding, hands trembling as she took it from him.
• “But what about you, father?”
• “Forget about me Rhaeven, for I’ve chosen my path,”
• She stared at him, confused.
• “Path? What path? I thought…”
• “Go now, Child!” He said, then turned, vanishing into thin air.
• She staggered after him.
• “No! Take me with you Father, please!” She screamed.
• “There, he is over there!” A soldier shouted, cutting through the air.
• She heard the shuffling of boots and quickly shoved the vial into her shift, holding it down with her belt and made to run but it was too late.
• The Aveik soldiers had already surrounded her.
• “There!” Another Aveik shouted, “It’s the Jackal’s son!”
• She froze. Her cry had drawn them. There was no one to blame but herself. She was always foolish when it came to something important.
• “He called him Father, right before he vanished.” A short soldier said.
• “Aye, we saw it happen. Right when we were closing in on him!” Another soldier nodded, right before he pulled her by her collar, dragging her towards himself.
• “No, let go of me!” Rhaeven screamed.
• A boot smashed into her ribs, and she groaned in agony.
• “You do not get to say a word, boy!”
• Boy? Where….gods! Her clothes. She’d had no time for a change.
• One soldier slapped her across the face and she staggered, dropping to the ground.
• Another eyed her suspiciously before clearing his throat,
• “We should kill him. One less problem for the High Lord!” He said, pointing at her with the hilt of his sword.
• “I’m not….”
• “Silence boy! Your father is the traitor here.”
• “No one touches him.” came a cold but commanding voice and the men paved the way without a word as a tall figure approached. He looked calm but his bloodied body told Rhaeven otherwise.
• “He’s the Jackal’s son?” He asked, his voice low now.
• The soldier who had struck her nodded. “ Yes my Lord, we heard him call him so, before he disappeared.”
• He turned to stare at her, from head to toe, right before he wrinkled his nose.
• “Good, keep him chained, but alive. No harm must come to him. He doesn't die unless, of course, Sinjun gives the order.”
• They grabbed her, chaining her wrists with iron that felt too rough against her delicate skin.
• She wanted to cry but knew she couldn't.
• Because right now, she was a boy.
• To cry was to show weakness and boys do not cry.
• She stared at the sky as they pushed her forward to walk faster. But she didn't resist.
• Instead, she stared at the skies and swore.
• That if she ever survived this….
• No.
• When she survived this.
• She wouldn't go back to who she was.
• Because that girl was gone.
• And something worse would awaken in her place.