Chapter Twenty-Four

“Are you coming or not?” whispered Ryder.

Through blinding tears, Alexia answered in a hushed voice, “I’m not backing out now. Let’s do this!”

They snuck through the woods to get a better look at Grishma, who had just dropped a body on top of one of the royal carriages, and then fled the scene.

Ryder and Alexia watched as two screaming girls fled the damaged carriage containing the body.

“There’s Brianna!” exclaimed Ryder.

Should I go after her? No, I have to kill Grishma first!

Algid rushed out of a nearby carriage with one of his guards at his heels. They raced toward the girls and the damaged carriage.

Ryder kept his eyes glued to Grishma, who stood back and patiently observed the scene unfold.

“They’re going to turn around,” mouthed Alexia.

Suddenly, a concerned looking Brooklyn emerged.

Ryder kept his eyes glued to Brianna and Brooklyn. He struggled to hear what they were saying, but he didn’t dare move any closer.

Thank Necoh they’re all right! Wow, Brooklyn looks so different!

After a short conversation, the girls turned and went back to Brooklyn’s carriage, while Algid and the guard got to work turning the carriages around. Luckily, the road was wide and unhitching and moving the horses didn’t take too much time. A few moments later, they were off.

“What are we going to do?” whispered Alexia.

Ryder’s mind raced. “I think we should follow Grishma. I don’t think she’s done with Brooklyn and Prince Algid.”

“Agreed,” said Alexia.

Sure enough, almost immediately after the carriage took off, Grishma followed at a safe distance.

Ryder and Alexia ducked behind trees and stepped through prickly bushes, all while trying to remain silent.

At one point, Grishma began to sprint. Ryder and Alexia broke into a brisk run, attempting to keep up.

They watched the vile monster approach Algid and one of his guards. Once again, the carriage came to a halt and Algid got off his horse to speak with Grishma.

Without warning, Grishma snuck a dart out and jabbed it into Algid’s neck. The prince stumbled and then regained his composure.

“What did Grishma just inject in Prince Algid’s neck?” asked Alexia.

“And why does he have that strange smile on his face?” added Ryder.

Walking up to his carriage with the dart still sticking out of his neck, he reached in and helped Brooklyn to the forest floor.

In the mean time, Grishma disappeared into the thick brush.

“I don’t like the looks of this,” said Alexia.

Ryder nodded. “Look, I’m going to finish Grishma once and for all tonight. Can you help get Brooklyn and Brianna to safety?”

“Yes, I can.”

Ryder looked solemnly at Alexia. “Good luck.”

“Same to you,” she replied.

Going their separate ways, Ryder followed Grishma and Alexia followed Brooklyn and Price Algid.

Grishma finally stopped near a swiftly flowing stream and waited.

That’s when it dawned on Ryder. Grishma is going to kill them and then send their bodies downstream. They’ll be in the Milant Sea by morning and no one will ever see them again.

His thoughts were interrupted by Grishma’s deep rumbling voice greeting Brooklyn.

Ryder inched closer on his stomach, his father’s sword in hand. Adrenaline coursed through his body. I’m so ready to kill you!

Grishma appeared to be making small talk with Prince Algid and Brooklyn. Ryder crept closer to the action when suddenly, Grishma roared. Ryder’s hands couldn’t get to his ears quick enough and his head felt like it was about to explode.

Brooklyn ran in the opposite direction, screaming.

Laughing, Grishma said, “Prince Algid, stay here while I retrieve your wife.” Then the foul beast turned and began stalking her prey.

Ryder overheard Grishma shout, “There’s no use hiding, I’ll find you and kill you, my dear!”

He was so close that the smell overwhelmed his senses and he almost vomited. If he reached out his hand, he could have touched the beast’s leathery hide.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are!” snarled the beast.

Ryder sprang out from behind a large shrub. “Leave her alone!”

Grishma spun around. “Ryder? Have you come to die, too?”

“You’re the only one who’s going to die tonight!”

Racing toward Grishma, he held his father’s sword high above his head.

Grishma stepped to the side, narrowly missing being impaled. “Is that the best you’ve got?” she roared.

Ryder charged again. This time, Grishma reached down and picked up a sword.

The metal clashed violently and the loud clanging rang throughout the woods.

Grishma easily blocked Ryder’s attempts, and in response, delivered an endless supply of crushing blows.

Dropping to the ground, Ryder rolled and managed to slash open a gaping wound in Grishma’s right ankle. The beast screamed out in pain.

Ryder sprinted to a nearby tree and climbed onto a low-hanging branch. He jumped off and caught the charging beast around the neck.

Grishma roared loudly, dropping her own sword and desperately clawing at Ryder to dislodge him from her back. Her jagged nails ripped apart his clothing and cut deep into his skin.

Blood shot through the air as Ryder stabbed Grishma wherever he could. He inflicted serious damage to her chest and a few deep gashes to her desperately clawing hands.

Finally, the monster managed to fling Ryder off her back and slammed his body to the cold forest floor.

Ryder gasped for air, but he soon realized his lungs would not cooperate.

His fingers frantically searched for his sword.

“Looking for this?” sneered Grishma. Ryder’s eyes focused on the blade, dwarfed by Grishma’s enormous hands.

“You know, you look just like your father did before I killed him.”

Ryder shook with rage. Using his last breath, he asked, “Why did you spare me that night?”

“Simple, I thought you might be of some use to me, like your mother and sister. I never realized you would become such a pain in the ass!”

Ryder’s lungs finally allowed him to inhale.

“Do you have any last words?”

All of a sudden, a strange look crossed Grishma’s face and blood began to dribble out of her mouth.

Ryder’s eyes widened. “What just happened?”

Alexia stepped out from behind Grishma. “Bet you didn’t see that one coming!” She smiled as Grishma stiffened and began to convulse.

“Alexia! Watch out!” shouted Ryder.

Before she could move out of the way, Grishma expelled her final ounce of energy and lashed out violently, catching Alexia just below her neck with her razor sharp claws.

Alexia’s smile turned to a look of pure horror as blood squirted out from the deep gash in her chest.

Grishma began to stumble away into the woods and Ryder raced to catch Alexia as she fell to the ground.

“I’m so sorry, Ryder,” she managed to sputter.

Ryder stripped off his shirt and applied pressure to her wound. “It’s okay, just relax.”

Tears welled up in her eyes. “Your sister and Brooklyn rode away on horseback. I couldn’t catch them.”

He frantically tried to keep his face from displaying any hint of disappointment. “Shhh, just rest, try not to talk.”

Before she lost consciousness, she smiled weakly and handed Ryder a vial with a few drops of inky black liquid. “I got her with the paralyzing potion.”

Her eyes closed softly and she looked like she was asleep. Ryder cautiously lifted his shirt to inspect her injury. He quickly placed it back on to quell any further bleeding.

“Damn it!” he screamed. Grishma was getting away, and even worse, she was about to take the life of someone else he cared about.

Ryder refused to leave Alexia’s side. She miraculously survived the night and was still evading death’s reach the following morning.

His eyes felt heavy and he was struggling to stay awake when he heard something approaching. He picked up his sword and stood protectively over Alexia’s injured body.

Without warning, a shaggy animal burst through the bushes.

“Whoa!” exclaimed Ryder. He had never seen such a strange looking beast.

Upon closer inspection, he realized the creature was dragging his pack of supplies. He couldn’t believe it!

He dropped his sword and called, “Here, boy.” The animal appeared cautious and kept its distance. “It’s okay,” said Ryder softly, “I won’t hurt you.”

The creature approached Ryder until he was close enough to touch.

Ryder held out his hand and the animal sniffed it. Taking a chance, Ryder reached out a bit further and stroked his chest. The animal dropped Ryder’s bag at his feet and rubbed against his legs. Ryder reached around its neck and felt a ribbon and a small bit of metal. “What’s this?” He squinted. “Boonum. Is that your name, buddy?”

Boonum responded by emitting a purring sound and licking Ryder’s face.

Smiling for the first time in hours, he said, “Perhaps you’re a royal pet? You don’t seem vicious enough to be a guard dog.”

Boonum flopped down next to Ryder’s feet and rolled on his back, exposing his stomach. Ryder sat down next to the animal and scratched his belly. Boonum swooned and the purring sound got much louder.

“I bet you’re hungry,” said Ryder. “I know I am.”

He reached into his pack and pulled out some dried meat. He gave a tough strip to Boonum and then began chewing on one himself.

After they finished their snack, Ryder took a swig of water out of a flask and then poured some in his cupped hand for Boonum to drink.

“Boonum, what are we going to do?”

Ryder looked back at Alexia. Her pale skin and shallow breathing caused his anxiety to rise.

He and Boonum kept a vigilant watch over Alexia throughout the day and into the early evening. After the sun had set, Boonum’s ears perked up and Ryder heard the sounds of galloping horses. He unsheathed his sword and once again stood guard over Alexia’s body.

A few moments passed, then four soldiers burst into the clearing.

“Stay back!” warned Ryder.

“What are you doing here?” shouted one of the guards.

“We’ve been attacked by Grishma and my friend is seriously injured,” Ryder said, motioning to Alexia’s limp body on the forest floor.

The guards looked at one another and shared a few terse words.

“Why in all of Necoh would you challenge Grishma?” asked another guard.

Ryder crossed his arms, “Revenge.”

“Revenge?”

“Yes, Grishma killed my father and kidnapped my mother and sister.”

“So what happened?” asked the fourth guard.

“I attacked Grishma and managed to inflict some injuries before she threw me to the ground. I was out of breath and about to die when my friend,” he motioned to Alexia’s still body, “stabbed her with a paralyzing potion. Before she could back away, Grishma slashed her open and managed to escape.”

The guards conferred amongst themselves. “Which way did Grishma go?” asked the third guard.

“If I tell you, will you please help my friend?” asked Ryder.

“Yes, two of the guards will take you and your friend to Dratun. Our healer will be able to fix your friend if she survives the journey.”

Dratun! That must mean Brooklyn and Price Algid made it there safely!

Ryder motioned toward the swiftly flowing creek. “Grishma went that way. The paralyzing potion was only temporary. It may have worn off by now, I can’t be sure.”

Two of the guards jumped on their horses and raced off in the direction Ryder had indicated.

The other two guards helped Alexia up. One of the men swung himself onto his horse and reached out for Alexia’s body.

“Please be careful!” urged Ryder.

The other guard nodded and then slapped the horse’s flank. The horse whinnied and took off racing through the woods.

“Son, I’m going to need to take your sword and tie your hands together,” said the last guard.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” Ryder replied.

“I can’t risk it.”

Ryder dropped his sword and held out his hands.

The guard picked up his sword, secured it to his waist, and then tied Ryder’s hands behind his back.

Boonum yelped.

Ryder looked over at the animal. “Can Boonum come with us?”

“If he can keep up,” replied the soldier gruffly.

The soldier whistled and a fifth horse trotted out of the woods. He secured the horse’s reins with a long rope tied to his own horse’s saddle.

“Don’t try anything stupid, this horse follows my command and my command only! Understood?” barked the solider.

Ryder nodded.

The man mounted his horse and then pulled Ryder up on to the other.

Ryder looked down at Boonum. “Come, boy! You’ve got to follow us!”

As they approached Dratun, the air became remarkably colder and Ryder shivered as his horse trotted dutifully onward. He looked over his shoulder. Boonum was still within an arm’s reach of the horse’s massive hooves as they pounded the frigid earth.

Alexia hadn’t regained consciousness, but she had managed to survive the trip so far. Ryder prayed they would make it to Dratun’s healer in time.

They had only stopped twice since starting the journey and exhaustion set in. Ryder found himself nodding off into restless sleep, jarred by the cantering horses.

“Wake up!” shouted a guard, “We’re almost to Dratun.”

Looking up, the icy gates of Dratun loomed in the distance. Relief and fear spread through Ryder’s body like wildfire.

Several guards greeted them before they were allowed to pass into the city.

Ryder only heard snippets of their conversations.

“They were attacked by Grishma. The girl is near death, we must get her to the healer immediately if she is to have any chance of survival,” said the guard carrying Alexia.

“What were they doing in the middle of the woods? And so close to where we found the royal carriages?” asked another guard.

“We shall let the King sort this out. We have taken the boy’s sword. They carry nothing else but food and water,” replied the guard closest to Ryder.

“Very well. Come, we better get these two inside before they freeze to death,” said the guard, pointing to Ryder and Alexia.

Massive snowflakes began to fall from the ominous gray sky as they entered Dratun. Ryder had never seen anything like it. He looked around in amazement, watching people scurry around outside, covered in thick fur coats and warm wooly mittens.

The guards halted the horses and everyone climbed off. The guard escorting Alexia carried her in his arms and disappeared into a doorway.

The castle, which had been carved out of an enormous mountainside, was absolutely stunning. Precise stonework had turned the once dull rock into an intricate masterpiece, filled with striking columns, statues of past royalty, and delicate archways.

Large icicles hung overhead in the main hall. Ryder thought back to his own humble home in the caves beneath the Kadin forest. His heart instantly filled with pain and sorrow. I hope everyone made it there safely.

“Are they taking her to the healer?” asked Ryder.

“Yes, they will try to save your friend. In the meantime, you will need to explain yourself to King Zandel. He will not take it lightly that you were following so close to the royal carriages.”

The guard turned and pulled the rope tied to Ryder’s wrists.

They wound their way through several hallways before they found their way into a vast room. At the far end sat the King, on a large golden throne, surrounded by guards, a jester, and several beautiful women. As soon as King Zandel saw Ryder and the others approaching, he clapped three times and everyone scattered.

“So this is the young man who challenged Grishma?” boomed the King’s voice through the open room.

“Yes, Sire,” replied Ryder in a shaky voice.

“What is your name, boy?”

“My name is Ryder, Your Highness.”

“Ryder, I hear you saved my son and daughter-in-law’s life. You are very brave.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” said Ryder.

He inspected Ryder with wary eyes and took a long gulp from a jeweled goblet. “I will forever be in your debt.” He paused. “But I must know, why were you following the royal carriages so closely? Did you wish to steal from my son?”

Ryder hands shook. “No, Your Grace. I have been hunting Grishma since she murdered my father and kidnapped my sister and mother. My friend and I followed her from Sumner into the woods. We attacked when we realized she was about to kill again,” said Ryder.

The King’s eyes narrowed and his voice was filled with suspicion. “You wouldn’t dare lie to me, boy, would you?”

“No, never, Your Majesty,” responded Ryder solemnly.

His face broke out into a smile. “Well then, the people of Dratun owe you and your friend many thanks. You may stay here as long as you please and we shall celebrate your bravery!”

Ryder bowed. “Thank you, Sire.”

The King’s smile faded and he looked into Ryder’s eyes. “We shall see that your friend makes a full recovery from her injuries. We have the best healer in all of Necoh right here in our castle.”

Ryder sighed. “Thank you, Sire.”

“I shall arrange a feast in your honor tomorrow night. I presume tonight you would like to rest and get cleaned up?”

Ryder smiled. “Yes, nothing would please me more. Oh, Your Highness, I have one favor to ask of you.”

King Zandel looked surprised. “Yes?”

“An animal followed us here, his name is Boonum. May he please accompany me to my quarters?”

The King looked amused. “I don’t see why not. Guards, bring the boy his animal at once. Anything else?”

Ryder shook his head, “No, Your Grace.”

Two large doors behind Ryder opened and Boonum bolted into the room, making his way directly to Ryder.

Ryder patted the furry animal’s head and smiled.

King Zandel clapped twice and two women instantly appeared. “Yes, Your Highness?”

“Sazian and Julisa, please escort Ryder to the east wing. He may have any room he pleases.”

Ryder bowed one last time. “Thank you, Your Grace.” He followed the two women out of the room.

Feeling like he was almost in some sort of trance, Ryder and Boonum followed the women through the castle until they reached the east wing.

“Which room would you like?” asked Sazian.

The empty hall stretching out in front of him was lined with doors on each side. He looked at the door closest to him and said, “This one will do just fine, thank you.”

Julisa opened the door and walked into the opulent bedroom. “The washroom is right through that door,” she said, pointing across the room. “I shall have someone fetch you something to eat and some clean clothes.”

“Do you need anything else?” asked Sazian.

“Yes, I would like to visit my friend. She’s with the healer. Could you please bring me to see her later tonight?” asked Ryder.

“Of course,” replied Sazian.

The women excused themselves and exited the room.

Ryder’s knees felt weak and he had to steady himself with the help of a nearby wardrobe. He wanted desperately to crawl into the cozy bed sitting in the middle of the room, but he was covered in Alexia’s blood and he smelled like a horse.

He pushed through the washroom door, peeled off his filthy clothing, and threw it in a basket in the corner. Next, he turned on the taps and ran himself a piping hot bath. Once the tub was filled to the brim, Ryder carefully lowered his aching body into the heavenly water.

Laying his head back, he closed his eyes and stretched out his arms and legs. Every muscle felt like it had been pushed to its breaking point.

The edge of the tub was cluttered with jars containing colorful bath salts and satiny substances used for bathing. Ryder grabbed a bar of soap that smelled like almonds and oatmeal and began to scrub the blood and dirt caked on his skin.

After he felt sufficiently clean, Ryder pulled his weary body out of the bathtub and wrapped himself in a plush white towel.

He walked back through the door leading to his bedroom and was pleasantly surprised to see that while he had been in the bathtub, someone had lit a roaring fire in a fireplace in the corner of the room. He smiled when he spotted Boonum curled up on a comfy blanket basking in the warmth.

I wonder if Brianna and Brooklyn are comfortable here in Dratun? I hope my mother and the others made it home safely to the caves.

Several trays of food and a large selection of warm clothing had been laid out on his bed.

Ryder selected a black pair of pants and a grey wool sweater. After getting dressed, he picked up the rest of the clothing and placed it in the wardrobe.

His stomach growled as he approached the mouthwatering spread. He picked up a large white plate and began filling it with Dratun’s finest delicacies. He placed his plate on his bedside table and poured himself a large glass of cranberry-colored juice.

Ryder managed to eat three full plates of food and drink two glasses of the refreshingly sweet liquid before passing out in the divinely comfortable bed.

He slept throughout the remainder of the night and well into the next day before he awoke to Sazian calling his name.

“Ryder,” she whispered, “Ryder, your friend is awake and is calling for you.”

Ryder rubbed his eyes and looked around the room with a confused expression on his face.

“Huh? Where am I?” he asked.

“You are in Dratun. You arrived yesterday, remember?” pressed Sazian.

Images of Grishma’s attack flashed through his mind, followed by memories of the horseback ride to Dratun.

Ryder shook his head, attempting to clear out the morning fog. “Yes, sorry. I was just confused for a moment.” He looked at Sazian. “Did you say my friend is awake?”

Sazian smiled. “Yes, she is. She has asked for you.”

“Can you take me to see her?” he asked.

“Of course. Would you like a moment to get ready?”

Ryder shook his head and hopped out of bed. He was still dressed in the black pants and wool sweater from the previous night.

Sazian stifled a laugh. “Did you sleep in your clothes?”

Ryder smiled. “It appears I did.”

Giggling, Sazian motioned to Ryder. “This way.”

The healer’s room was only a short distance from his own chambers.

“Your friend is very beautiful,” said Sazian. “Will she soon be your wife?”

The question totally caught Ryder off guard. “No!” he stammered. “No, I mean, yes, she is very beautiful. But no, she is not to become my wife.”

“The women of Dratun will be pleased to hear the news,” said Sazian with a mischievous smile.

Before he could respond, they arrived in front of an old wooden door covered in ice. Sazian knocked and waited. After several moments, a woman missing several teeth opened the door and smiled warmly. “Ryder, I presume?”

“Yes,” he responded.

She reached out for his arm and held it tightly. “My name is Bressa, I am the royal healer. The guards brought me your friend, Alexia.”

“How is she?”

“She was on death’s doorstep when they brought her to me. I got to work immediately and luckily, I was able to save her life.”

Ryder sighed. “Thank goodness.”

“She has a long recovery ahead, but she will get better.”

“May I please see her?” asked Ryder.

Bressa released his arm and turned around. They walked down several stairs and stepped into a brightly lit room.

“She’s just through here,” said Bressa, pointing at a curtained off section of the room. “I’ll give you two some privacy.” She turned around and retreated back toward the steps.

Pushing the curtains aside, Ryder broke out into a huge smile. “Alexia!” He rushed to her side and embraced her, not wanting to cause her any pain.

“Ryder!”

She was covered in bandages and her leg was in a splint.

He knelt down beside her. “I’m so sorry, Alexia! I never should have asked you to join me. I almost got you killed!”

She placed her hand on his. “It was my choice to join you. Plus, we almost did it Ryder, we almost killed Grishma.”

“We came very close,” he admitted.

Alexia leaned forward, which caused her to wince in pain.

Ryder inhaled quickly. “Please be careful!”

She leaned back and whispered, “What did you tell them?”

He stood up and peeked around the curtains. Bressa was nowhere to be seen. Turning back, he sat down and leaned close to Alexia. “I told them we were hunting Grishma and that we stepped in just in time to save Price Algid and his new wife.”

Alexia nodded her head. “Okay.”

“They’re calling us heroes. There’s a feast in our honor tonight.”

She bit her lower lip. “They’ll recognize me.”

Ryder nodded in agreement. “Perhaps it would be best for you to stay here for awhile.”

“I think you’re right,” said Alexia. “I’ll tell Bressa I’m not ready for any other visitors yet. At least until we can come up with some sort of plan.”

They both froze when they heard something clatter on the ground in the next room.

Ryder looked around the curtain for a second time. This time, he saw Bressa leaning over a canister of spilled herbs. “Oh drat!” she mumbled to herself.

Ryder turned back to Alexia and kissed her on the head. “I will come back to see you later tonight.”

She was running out of energy quickly. “Thank you, Ryder,” Alexia replied as her eyes fluttered shut.

Ryder turned and stepped into the main room. Swooping down to help Bressa pick up the spilled contents of the canister, he was flooded by memories of helping his mother prepare herbal remedies when he was just a small boy.

Bressa stood and examined his face. “That’s a strange look. What are you thinking about?”

“Oh, I was actually thinking of my family,” answered Ryder.

“Are they back in Sumner?”

“I believe so,” he answered. “I just hope they’re
safe.”

Bressa finished cleaning up the remaining dry herbs. “I hope so, too, dear boy.”

Ryder decided to change the subject. “Is it all right if I come back to visit Alexia later tonight?”

“Of course.”

“I should get going. I believe they’re preparing a dinner in my honor and I need to get ready.”

“Have fun,” replied the toothless old woman.

Ryder ascended the stairs and found Sazian waiting outside the door for him.

“How is your friend?” she asked.

“Bressa saved her life and she’s on the mend,” said Ryder.

“That’s wonderful news.”

Walking down the hall, she turned to speak with Ryder. “The King has asked me to inform you the feast is being prepared and will be ready shortly. His Majesty would like you to join them as soon as you’re ready.”

Ryder looked down at his clothing. “I take it that I need to change?”

“Yes, I would advise you do so. Julisa dropped off a number of choices in your room while you visited with Alexia.”

As they approached his room, Sazian excused herself and left Ryder to get ready.

In front of him lay at least twenty different outfits. Some of the shirts were covered in hideous ruffles, while others remained plain. The pants ranged from tight leather to loose cotton trousers.

After riffling through the selections, Ryder chose a pressed white shirt with a pair of tan pants. Next, he picked out a burgundy robe, which he fastened around his waist. Lastly, he slipped on a pair of brown leather shoes.

He walked over to a large mirror situated in the corner of his room. Giving himself the once over, he smiled. Eh, not too bad.

There was a loud knock at the door, followed by giggling.

“Ryder? Are you ready?”

All right, time to play the part of the hero. He strode across the room and opened the door. On the other side stood four gorgeous women, all dressed in colorful, tight-fitting corset dresses.

“Ladies, you look stunning,” said Ryder with a sly grin. They practically swooned as he kissed their outstretched hands.

More giggling. “We’re ready to escort you to the feast.”

Ryder held out both elbows, which two of the women quickly grabbed.

“Not fair,” pouted one.

Ryder flashed her a debonair smile, which caused her to squeal in delight, and followed them out the door.

------------------------------------------------

***To pick up your FREE copy of Grishma from Amazon, visit this website: 

http://www.amazon.com/Grishma-Necoh-Saga-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00BSG4XG2

***To get your copy of the sequel, visit this website: 

http://www.amazon.com/Ayla-Necoh-Saga-Book-2-ebook/dp/B00FKH35MS