Kidnap (9 page)

The four war ships and Artthians in perfect formation waiting for Gaylon’s orders. The Garlandian had their own ships ready for battle facing us. Although, they seem not as advance as the Artthians ships I didn’t want to underestimate them. Larg’s army were along the base of the cliff.

In the skies there were soldiers with weapons in hand riding the winged Eartepas. I tried to locate Larg but could not find him. I ask, “Do you see Larg?” Thinking to myself that the quicker he was taken out the faster the battle would end. Gaylon looks down at me saying, “Larg will wait til he thinks it is safe for him to appear. Most likely when he thinks that he is winning and we have lost all hope. Then he will show himself, Dorothy.” He continues, “Don’t worry I have my people still inside the city walls working to end this war sooner.” I ask, “But how... The elders! We free them then I can tap my ruby slipers and go home. I know lame joke right.” He smiles at me shaking his head saying, “Smart girl. Yes, if we can free them from his control then they can tell the Garlandians to stop. And I’ll put a end to Larg.” A shiver went down my spin at his final words. I quickly reply, “We can’t kill him, Gaylon. It would just put blood on our hands.” Gaylon moves my hair back from my face saying, “Your heart is to kind and forgiving, my love. He would never show you the same mercy.” I reply, “That is why we can’t kill him. We would be no better then him if we did.”

The Garlandians trumpets fill the air. Gaylon smirks saying, “I knew Larg would grow impatient and attack first if we waited long enough. Now they will learn what it is like to fight us on our terms.” Gaylon spoke into a small device tel
ling his men to hold their ground. He order the Nero jet pilots to get ready to deploy. Captain Artoon came to stand at my right side. Gaylon ask, “Any word yet?” Artoon answers, “They are nearing where the elders and their family are being held. They should have them within the hour. Larg was never very smart. I would have never left the city so defenceless within.” Gaylon agreed smiling he says, “That will be his undoing.” A chill runs down my spine as I watch the Garlandian’s fleet quickly aproaching us. The roars of the Earthpas fill the air.

As each ship came face to face with each other, the Garlandian’s ships started firing their canons. I had to hold on to the railing as the first hit shook the ship. I look out at sea watching the Nero pilots attacking the warriors on top of the Earthpas. I gasp as one Earthpas strikes out at a Nero pilot who quickly flies out of the way. He fires his force field gun at the Garlandian causing him to fall into the water below. While another Nero pilot falls into the water having been stabbed by a Garlandian.

“Missile, Captain! Approaching on our right!” A soldier cries from the far side of the ship. Gaylon wraps his arms around me grabing hold of the railing. He shouts, “Prepare for impact!” The blast rocks the ship followed by an erie silence. Gaylon asks “Are you okay?” I nod looking up him. He slowly lets me go, turning around to his men. He yells, “What are the damages?” Before anyone could answer him the ship is shook again. A loud roar fills the air as our ship is pulled quickly towards the Garlandian warship. Captain Artoon shouts to Gaylon, “They have harpoon the ship with a cable. I can’t cut it.” Before Gaylon can give any orders our ship is suddenly pulled tightly along side the Garlandian ship. As the Garlandians board our ship, Gaylon orders saying, “Get Dorothy below, now. Guard the doors.” I was quickly taken down to the second helm room before I could even argue.

I could hear the click of the lock as the guards slide the door shut. I lean against the center table wishing I had paid more attention to how the computers work. I could turn on a screen if I knew how but there hadn’t been enough time to learn about the ship’s computers. The minutes seem to tick slowly by as I wait. Then the shouts came from outside my door. I turn listening to the guards fighting. I quickly move around the table wanting to put as much distance between me and the door. I kneel down behind the table pulling out my gun. I knew the force field gun wouldn’t hold anyone for long on land. But I hope it would slow them down at least enough so I could take them out. I look around the corner of the table as the door slides open. Two Garlandian warriors walk into the room while another waits outside. I fire the gun at the closest man, the field envelops him, flickers then vanish releasing him. I mummble under my breath tossing it at his head. He wabbles on his feet sliding to the floor. I gasp, “Can’t believe that worked.” I stand up looking at the other Garlandian. He had a large knife in one hand. He grimmest saying, “I’m sorry, but I have my orders. I will try to make this as quick and painless as possible, My Lady.” He moves around the table reaching for me. I run to the other side. I start to pull out my dagger but stop noticing a cup of hot liquid on the desk behind me.

Grabbing it I toss the contints at the man across the table. He wipes at his face swearing. I jump up on the table running towards him kicking the knife from his hand. He turns just as fast and knocks my legs out from under me. I fall hard on the table but manage to kick him in the face. I quickly roll off the table moving towards him. I punch him in the stomach causing him to bend forward. I then grab him by the hair and slam his face into the table, knocking him unconscious. The third guard moves into the room as he crumbles to the floor. Before we could attack each other a Artthian voice comes onto the radio. “We’ve freed the elders. I repeat the elders are free. Does anyone hear me?” We stand facing each other as the Artthian franticly repeats his message then stops. The Garlandian stands with knife in hand staring at me. I could see the indecision in his eyes. I say, “I am the rightful ruler of your people. Not Larg, you know that! The elders are free now. Who do you think they would wish as the new ruler of the Garlandians? Me or Larg.” He slowly lowers his knife. “Forgive me.”

He says bowing towards me. I look at him saying, “There’s no need. You were just following orders.”

He slowly puts away his knife and starts checking on the other men. Looking up at me from where he kneeled he exclaims, “You are a fine warrior. I am glad I did not have to harm you.” I smile back at him saying, “Same here.” I move towards the panel speaking into the radio. I say, “This is
Dorothy...Princess Dorothy. Are the elders in position on the mountain?” I anxiously wait for a response. The man responses, “We will be there in five.” I turn thinking that now I just had to get everyones attention. I look at the three Garlandians.

I ask, “Are you able to walk?” They both nod as I continue, “Then it’s time for us to put on a little show for eveyone.” They look at me questionly as I explain my plan to them. I stand in the middle of two of the Garlandian warriors while the third one walks infront of us. They each held a weapon in there hands. We come to a stop, standing in the middle of the deck. The Garlandian yells towards Gaylon, “Tell your men to put down there weapons now, your highness.” Gaylon raised an ebrow saying, “Why should I?” The Garlandian moves revealing me to him. Gaylon growled, starting towards us. “Gaylon, don’t. Ruby slippers, remember.” I said hoping he’ld read between the lines. He slowly stops eyeing me, then nods saying, “Put your weapons down!” All the Artthians reluctantly lower their weapons as the Garlandian soldiers push them all in one group. Everything came to a stand still as the Garlandian gave the orders to take Gaylon and his men onto their ship.

He look at Gaylon saying, “Order your fleet to return home.” I gave him a little nod. The Garlandian ships returned to the mountain side as the Artthians fleet left. Larg rode out towards us from the mountain on a huge Earthpas. He shouted “Why is she still alive?” The Garlandian bowed saying, “I thought you might want to see her die with your own eyes, sire.” Larg smiles nodding he says, “Finish her.” The Garlandian turns to me. As he approaches with knife in hand he whispers to me, “Where are they?” I reply, “I don’t know.” I glance at the cave to the back of the moutain. The elders should have been there by now. The Garlandians push me down on my knees. They argue about what weapon to use trying to kill time and not me.

“You have to move her hair out of the way!” One of them says fossing with my hair. Another replies, “We need a sword not a knife.” Larg suddenly cries, “For all that is holy...Just do it already!” All three of them answer, “Yes, your highness.”

I kept

my head bowed bitting my lower lip to keep from grinning. One of the warriors yells, “Does anyone have a sword?” Someone approaches us, I could hear something metal being past around. Another one grumbles, “This won’t do, it’s not sharp enough.” Larg interrupts their argument saying, “If I have to come down there, more then one head will be rolling today.” But the men didn’t get a chance to respond to Larg. I look up at what had caused everyone to go silent. At the mouth of the cave stood the Garlandian elders. The oldest of the group moves forward saying, “Garlandians stand down! Release Princess Nashiay at once, as well as the Artthians!” Larg quickly spun around to face the elders saying, “What is this? You have no right.

Or have you forgotten what I promised.” The elder stood her ground saying, “Your words have no more weight, child. Our new friends, the Artthians have freed us and our families, from your evil rule. Seize him, now!” Larg’s eerie laugh fills the air, he declares, “This is not over.” With that he raced towards the forest. I gasp realizing that the Earthpas he rode wasn’t as tired as the others, which gave him more speed. I cried, “He’s going to get away.” Gaylon wraps his arms around me saying, “It’s okay, he won’t get far.” I watch him disappear into the forest with the Garlandian soldiers following far behind him. Several weeks later I stood in the study of the Garlandian castle waiting for Nerissa to arrive. My study, I thought to myself.

I walk over to the window looking out of it. A gust of wind carried the smell of the honeysuckle like flowers from the gardens below. I sigh, everything had turn out better then I had expected. Although many had been badly wounded, no one had died during the battle. I jump at the knock at the door. I exclaim, “Come in.” Turning to face Captain Artoon as he enters the room. He bows to me saying, “Goodmorning, My Lady.” I sigh, “I wish people would stop doing that.” Artoon cheerfully replies, “What? Saying goodmorning.” I glare at him saying, “You know what I mean. All this bowing. Maybe I should make it a rule or something.” Artoon smiles, “Well, you could if that is what you wish.” I look up at him as I sat down in a chair. I ask, “Could I?” He walks over to the other chair taking a set. He says, “You are our Queen now. You can make or change whatever rules you wish. Well, with the elders approval, of course.” I groan, “Of course.” Captain Artoon chuckles. I ask, “Any word yet about Larg.”

Artoon shakes his head, “That worm has still managed to evaded capture. But, he will be found.

With both my men and Gaylon’s men searching for him, well, it’s just a matter of time.” I pick at the arm of the chair noding. Gaylon, I thought to myself. In the past three weeks I had not seen or heard from him. Not a single word from him. I ask, “How is Gaylon...and his people?” Captain Artoon smiles saying, “They are all well. Gaylon sends his regards as well.” Looking at him I reply, “Good.” Artoon continues, “My wife wishes to know if you would to dine with us tonight.” I nod saying, “Of course. I would love too.” He stands bowing as he says, “Then, we shall see you tonight.” That night Sara and Zara helped me prepare for dinner. They seem to be especially happy tonight. They moved quickly around the room laughing and joking. I try to appear happy as well. Instead of feeling miserable because of missing Gaylon. I didn’t even put up a fight over what dress they picked out for me to wear for the night. After dressing I slowly walk out to the dining room saying goodnight to them. The castle was so quiet, too quiet I thought. Usually the servants were making some noise or another. I would have been afraid if it wasn’t for the two guards that followed close behind me. I stop at the door to the dinning room waving my hand over the panel. I hesitant for a moment seeing the dining room was almost pitch black except for a few floating globes of light over the table. I step inside, the doors closing behind me. My guards remaining outside. All the lights come on as I start towards the table. Gaylon stands in the center of the room. Behind him were all the people I had grown to know and love since arriving on Isseare. They all happily cheer surprise. Gaylon smiles at me, pointing up. I look up at a white yard of cloth hanging in between the orbs. Embroidered onto it was the words, will you marry me? I look from it to him in shock. He smiles, “I did some more research.” I just stare at him unable to speak.

He clears his throat slowly coming towards me. I ask, “You... You do know what that means, right?”

He smiles, “I wouldn’t be asking if I didn’t. You still haven’t given me an answer.” I whisper looking up at him, “Yes.” He leans closer asking, “What was that?” I giggle saying, “Yes!” His hands cups my face as he leans closer to kiss me saying, “One more time.” He kisses me as I whisper against his lips, “Yes, I will marry you.”

Gaylon laughs throwing me up into his arms as he spins us around in a circle. “I was worried there for a moment. I thought you would say no.” I reply holding on to him, “Never.” I ask, “What would you have done if I had?” He smiles back at me saying, “I would have dragged you back to my home kicking and screaming.” I laugh, “No, you wouldn’t!” He brushes his nose against mine replying, “That has been my peoples way for generations. We take what we wan
t.” I smile at him as I sigh, “Well, Artthian, are you going to kiss me or what?” He chuckles as he lowers his lips to mine.