Broken Prince (The Broken Ones) Read online

  "We don’t…have…time," he whispered.

  She pulled away and leaned in to kiss his cheek. "John," she sobbed, her lips trembling so much so she couldn’t speak.

  "I’m sorry, Aro." He kissed her forehead, and then bloody knuckles gently caressed her cheek in goodbye. "Go."

  "Make them hurt," she whispered.

  He nodded and she turned away before tears threatened to destroy her. The horse drew closer, crashing through the corn. Snatching up his pack, she turned and ran, not looking back. She refused to let his sacrifice be in vain by winding up dead from crying.

  Later there would be time. She’d cry a million tears until she dried up and blew away. If she survived.

  Chapter 3:

  Friend in the Fields

  She ran unthinkingly through field after field of corn, each separated by a narrow cart path she quickly darted across. Eventually the corn ran out and she froze at the edge of a field, staring out in despair at the expanse of something else. She wasn't certain what type of crop it was, perhaps potatoes. The problem was the lack of cover. The plants didn't even grow up to her knees.

  Clutching Cain's pack to her chest she sank to the ground sobbing and rocking, finally letting the tears fall again. Cain had died. Why did everyone have to die? Why did she lose them all?

  Pain lanced through her chest. It was a familiar, dark pain. She’d been torn apart when she’d found herself alone in chains on a slave ship, her brothers gone and likely dead. It had opened further when Kendric, the only person she’d known, had not made it to shore when the slave ship crashed into rocks and sank. Avery’s death had opened it again. The long summer months of monotonous travel had allowed it to close somewhat, turning it into a numb, raw wound.

  Cain’s death ripped her heart out again. Blood covered her chest and hands as if the wound in her soul was real. But it wasn’t, it was Cain’s blood covering her. So much blood.

  Frantically grabbing the water-skin, she fumbled to get it open, spilling the precious liquid and wasting more in an attempt to get the blood off her hands. The worst came off, but too much remained. Choking off a whimper she wrapped her arms about her waist and rocked hysterically.

  Chest wracking sobs overcame her. There had been no time for goodbyes. She hadn’t told him how much he meant to her, how he’d become family. She hadn’t told him so many things.

  She cried until no more tears fell and her breath came in little shuddering hiccups. Rubbing at her face and eyes she forced herself to take deep breaths.

  She couldn't stay here. She needed to ignore the pain and darkness and reach the forest. If anyone else survived they would be waiting for her there. She went through John’s pack quickly, stuffing the food he had carried into her own pack before tossing his aside. Numbness replaced her hysteria. She didn’t mind, it was safer, quieter.

  Standing on the edge of the cornfield, she adjusted her pack, touched the dagger on each hip to make sure they were still there, and checked the one in her boot. She looked behind her, but all she could see was corn. In front of her the fields of whatever went on and on until corn had again been planted. She was beginning to love corn. She could just barely see the forest ahead, the mountains looming tall and breathtaking beyond.

  She didn't want to run across the field before her. A rider spotting her would mean her death. She could run fast, but not faster than a horse. She tried not to think about the spears and bows the riders carried. She tried not to think about Cain.

  The low field went on for a good distance in either direction. She wasn't sure what grew beyond to either side. She debated running north or south to see if any cover would present itself. It could end up being a waste of time. She didn't know. Pacing the field’s edge in frustration, she weighed her options.

  "Rot it." She darted out into the field and ran, arms pumping and legs flying, dodging or leaping over plant rows. Her heart hammered loudly in her chest. She glanced quickly to either side of her, saw nothing but fields, and continued to run like her life depended on it, because it did.

  When she finally reached the field of corn she skidded to a stop once safely hidden inside. Raising a hand to her chest she struggled to control her breathing, calm her heart. Her legs and chest burned painfully, but she’d made it. Moving slowly, she returned to the edge of field, peeking between stalks, her gaze searching.

  The valley had begun to rise again. Now she could see the city in the distance. Smoke drifted toward her from it, they had either set it ablaze, or fires had accidentally been started in the panic of the fighting.

  She could vaguely make out bodies scattered along the open stretch around the keep. Hopefully no more of her boys were amongst them. She turned her eyes to the corn and other fields. She could make out movement here and there, people hiding or running. She could also see horsemen spread out through the fields, tracking the people who tried to seek shelter and safety within.

  A scream cut through the air. Turning toward it she could see a horseman in the distance off to her left. Relief she couldn't actually see what was happening rushed through her as the heart wrenching screams went on and on. Watching quietly for a while longer she finally grimaced. It appeared the enemy enjoyed hunting down those who had tried to escape.

  Continuing through the corn, she struggled to move both quickly and quietly. She ignored the occasional screams of others dying until one suddenly sounded close to her right.

  She froze mid-step. Carefully she turned, searching through the corn rows, wishing she could see above them. The sun had begun to set though it would still be light for a good while yet. Crouching down, she listened carefully.

  Yes, there, something moving through the corn.

  Nervously running her fingers through her hair, she shifted, trying to see through the corn in front of her, wondering how much farther remained until she reached the forest.

  "Aren't you going to run?"

  She spun around and looked up. A man on horseback laughed at her above the corn.

  Springing to her feet she bolted, ignoring the laughter behind her. Not bothering to try to hide, she simply ran, even knowing she wouldn't be able to outrun him in the fields. He followed, yelling taunts at her back.

  Too quickly she grew tired and her sprint slowed. She pushed on, fighting the pains in her muscles and chest, struggling to breathe. Sweat ran down her face and stung her eyes.

  The sound of the horse and rider persisted behind her. She didn’t dare to look. He played with her and she knew it. There was nothing she could do but run. Panic and fear gave way to frustration and anger.

  She thought of Prince and tried to send her thoughts out to him, screaming them in her head, knowing he wouldn't hear, yet hoping somehow he would. Where are you? Find me...Please! I can't get away...

  Bursting suddenly out of the corn she stumbled, found her footing, and then lost it again in the freshly turned earth. Pain shot up her leg when her ankle twisted and she cursed out loud. Stumbling to her feet, she paused. Tears of frustration came to her eyes at the sight of the wide empty field before her. Something had recently been harvested, the earth loose and uneven. It would be impossible to run across.

  Beyond it was a narrow stretch of weeds and low brush and then...the forest. A stone marker rose not far to her left at its edge. She only had to get into the trees. She would certainly be able to lose the horseman within it, if he even followed.

  "You're a pretty little thing aren't you?"

  She started off quickly and nearly fell again. Clenching her teeth against the pain in her ankle, she set her eyes upon the trees ahead and pushed herself forward at a limping slow jog.

  "I think there’s time to play. Would you like to play, love?"

  She didn't look at him, merely pressed her lips together and kept moving. His horse walked beside her now; out of the corner of her eye she could see his leg. Her daggers would be nearly useless against a mounted man, especially with her current injury. Still, she moved a hand to clench one at
her side. He wanted to play with her first, to do so he would have to get off the blighting horse.

  Her heart continued to hammer in her chest, though at least her breathing began to calm. Every step caused pain to shoot through her twisted ankle. She wasn't going to make it. Soon he would tire of taunting her and get off the horse, they would fight, and then...

  Prince! Kei! Where are you?

  No one answered her silent screams. It didn't surprise her. She knew they couldn't even hear her, yet it still hurt. She wasn't used to being alone. She didn't want to die alone. She didn't–

  Get down!

  She dropped to the ground, too surprised at the strange voice in her mind and the urgency of its tone to argue.

  Something large and dark passed over her as she pressed herself into the dirt. Ducking her head instinctively, she heard the rider scream and the horse let out a strange piercing whistle. She rolled away when it suddenly went berserk with legs flying everywhere as it tried to bolt and the rider fought for control. The last thing she needed was to get trampled.

  Rolling further away she drew daggers as she rose to her feet, ready to help or make her escape. The horse bolted toward the forest. The rider...

  She gasped. The rider was being smacked around like a toy by a giant wolf.

  Not a wolf, a Were. She'd heard him, like the last time she’d met one in the forest to the north. Had he come to help her? Why? Certainly he wasn’t the same wolf, the voice had sounded different. Why were they talking to her?

  She straightened slowly, debated sheathing her daggers, and decided better safe than sorry. "I think he's dead."

  The wolf stopped playing, sniffed the body and turned toward her.

  A quiet, strangled sound escaped her lips. He was huge. On all fours his head came to her chest. She struggled to stand her ground and not run away screaming. Clenching her daggers tightly she forced a small smile. "You helped me."

  I heard you. He replied in her mind.

  Her eyebrows went up. He'd heard... "Oh. Well, thank you."

  He walked toward her, ears perked forward. I will not hurt you. You can put those away.

  Aro looked down at her hands. Her fingers clutched the daggers so tightly her knuckles turned white. Cheeks flushing, she sheathed them quickly. "Sorry. Today hasn't been the best day."

  The wolf looked toward the burning city. No. It seems not. His gaze returned to her. I am Garen.

  She smiled again, relaxing slightly. "Aro. Thanks again." She looked around. They stood nearly in the middle of the field. Out in the open. She started limping toward the forest again. Looking over her shoulder at the Were, she forced a small smile. "Coming?"

  Ears flicked again before he trotted up to walk beside her.

  "I've never really met a Were before. Sorry if I don't do something right. Please let me know if I do." Hopefully that covered any mistakes she might make. The last thing she needed was a Were as an enemy.

  His mental chuckle surprised her, but she didn't say anything else. They moved slowly across the rest of the field and through the short stretch of weeds. Entering the shadows of the trees, tension immediately drained out of her.

  Stopping to lean against a tree, she raised a hand to her forehead. It shook. She lowered it again.

  "I suppose you have to get back to your…" She paused, searching for the word, "to your pack."

  No.

  His simple answer caught her off guard. "Oh. Well, feel free to stay if you like." With a grimace she rubbed her sore ankle against the side of her leg.

  There is a spring not far. You could soak it there.

  "How far?" The sun had nearly gone down. She didn't want to get lost in the forest; not at night, not alone. Besides, she still had to find the others.

  It is close by.

  Though her ankle throbbed painfully, and the thought of soaking it in cold water would be wonderful, she still hesitated. "I need to find my friends," she finally admitted. "We became separated. If that happened we were supposed to meet along the boundary."

  Very well.

  She waited a moment, wondering if he was going to say anything else. When he merely sat and stared at her she turned and headed slowly back to the tree line. Concealing herself behind a tree she peered out, eyes searching the fields and the empty strips of land to either side of her. She saw at least two dozen riders, most scouring the fields. Four of them rode up and down the boundary line. There was no sight of any of her friends.

  "Where are you?" She moved back into the shadow of the trees. Closing her eyes, she tried to calm the panic and fear swirling within her. Sucking in a very slow breathe, she clenched her fists so tightly it hurt. She hadn’t lost everyone again. They were alive. They had to be. They likely hid from the horsemen, probably waiting until dark to move. She let out a deep breath. Yes, certainly they would find her later.

  She turned to look at Garen. "Where is this spring?"

  He regarded her for a moment before turning and heading further into the trees. This way.

  She followed, relieved to see he moved slowly, always staying within sight. They did not walk far before he stopped beside a thicket. In here.

  Moving carefully to avoid a few thorny bushes, she found a small depression filled with water. The plants had been trampled around it; apparently the wildlife used it often. Sitting at the edge she removed her boot and sock, wincing at the swelling already visible.

  Sticking her foot in the water she gasped at the sudden cold. Immediately the throbbing dulled. Closing her eyes she tried to empty her mind. She had to calm down and think more clearly. She needed to figure out what to do now.

  All she could see was Cain with an arrow through his chest. With a gasp her eyes snapped open again.

  Are you well?

  She nodded and blinked back tears. "One of my friends died," she told him quietly.

  Are you hurt? I smell so much blood on you, is any yours?

  She looked down at herself. Blood spattered her clothes and stained her arms and hands. Some of it belonged to Cain. Clenching her teeth, she fought the choking despair building in her chest. She had to stop thinking about it. Now was not the time to break.

  Looking up she saw the wolf staring at her, head cocked slightly to the side.

  "No. None of it is mine." She didn't want to talk any more.

  Her foot had begun to tingle from the cold water and she pulled it out. She crawled forward to the head of the pool where the water flowed quickly and refilled her water skin. More tears threatened as she washed her face and watered down blood dripped from her hands. She’d washed away Cain’s bloody kiss.

  Fighting rising hysteria she pushed herself forward and dunked her whole head in the freezing water a few times. It shocked her enough the numbness returned. Numb she could deal with.

  Garen circled before lying down and resting his head on his paws to watch her. You are a strange girl.

  She raised her eyebrows and dug out some food and forced herself to eat a little.

  "Have you met many humans?"

  Some. Are you human?

  Choking on a bite of food she stared at him incredulously. "Of course I am!"

  You smell strange. For a human.

  Just what she wanted to hear. She scowled at him. "I assure you, I am." She wondered suddenly what he looked like in human form. Had he not changed because it wasn't safe? Or perhaps he didn't want to be naked in front of her. Or did they change with clothes? She had no idea. "I'm sorry we don't have any extra clothes. If you wanted to change I mean." She grimaced at her floundering.

  It doesn't matter. He stood suddenly and circled the pool. We should go. Animals will want to drink and they will not come with me here.

  "I’m almost done." Drawing her daggers she cleaned them quickly, but well. After drying them on a mostly clean edge of her shirt, she sheathed them again.

  Biting her lip, her swollen ankle captured her attention. It should be wrapped but she had nothing to wrap it with. Prince had all
the bandages in his pack. She packed up her sock and forced her foot back into her boot. It hurt, but she didn't have any other options.

  She rose and donned her pack. Limping along carefully, she followed Garen out of the thicket and through the trees. He moved very slowly. Darkness had fallen. The branches overhead hid the stars and moon, severely limiting her sight. She cursed under her breath at the pain in her ankle. She could hardly put any weight on it. Perhaps if she could find a large stick to use as a crutch, it wouldn't be so bad.

  Garen stopped suddenly. Rest here. You will be safe. There is nothing dangerous in the area.

  She bit her lip in dismay. "You're going?"

  You cannot walk. I will search for the horse. He walked up and pressed his nose to her hand. I will return soon.

  She smiled in relief and resisted the urge to pet him. "Be careful."

  His laughter filled her mind. I am a Were. Very little will harm me. He turned, his laugh still echoing in her mind while he disappeared into the night.

  Positioning herself with her back to a large tree and facing the fields she tried to make herself comfortable. It didn't feel safe enough to sleep, even though she felt dreadfully tired. The fear of someone or something finding her asleep kept her awake and skittish. So did the fear of the nightmares which would certainly come if she closed her eyes.

  Staring off into the darkness she concentrated on identifying what created each little sound; the wind, bugs, an owl.

  Something suddenly brushed her shoulder and she screamed, fingers scrambling for a dagger.

  A hand covered her mouth as she turned her head…and saw a pair of orange glowing eyes. The scream died abruptly and she swatted the hand away. "Rot! You scared the life out of me!"

  Kei chuckled.

  Pulling him close, she buried her face in his neck and hugged him tightly. "I was worried about you."

  His arms tightened around her. "Me, too. About you." He leaned back slightly. "Where's Cain?"

  She drew back and looked away. Words caught in her throat. She didn’t want to tell him, didn’t want to say the words. "He didn’t…" She shook her head and drew in a deep breath. Her hands started shaking again. Tears filled her eyes and slid down her cheeks. Very quietly she told him what had happened.