Mysterious Warriors: Alone (11 page)

~ Chapter 24 ~

              Cabaya struggled against the weight of the man pinning her to the side of the armorer’s shop in Lower City. She kicked the man, and he cried out. She shifted to the side, and he slipped against the wall, breaking through some of the rotted wood. Cabaya made a face as she kicked the man through the decay.

              She turned and rushed to help Galdut. He knelt and reached out to grab her hands. Cabaya used his knees and his help to spring over Galdut and kick the attacker’s face.

              “Have I ever told you why I hate Mysterious Warriors?” Someone said from behind them.

              Cabaya and Galdut spun. She frowned as she noticed the wicked blade licking Sacrifice’s throat.

              The man holding the Mysterious Warrior was tall with oily, black hair. His dark eyes were furious. “Release him.” Her left hand found the end of her arrows. She grabbed the fletching and pulled an arrow free through the bottom of her quiver with slight movement.

              “Why?” The man shook with laughter. “Sacrifice is your name, right? I’ll be the man to make your name come true.”

              “I took my name because of the sacrifice I already made.” He explained. “You work for Black Hood.”

              Cabaya moved faster than she knew she could. She brought the arrow around and to her string. Releasing the arrow, it flew true and struck through Bounty Hunter’s neck. He dropped, and Sacrifice fell forward.

              Cabaya ran to Sacrifice. He knelt in the street, hands in the filthy dirt, and his head moved up, as if he was looking her in the eye.

              “Are you alright?” Cabaya gasped. She touched the red line of blood on his throat.

              “You saved my life.” He whispered and touched her shoulder. “Thank you Cabaya.”

              “You’re welcome.” She paused. “I figured I should save your life after I tried so hard to take it.”

              He chuckled and stood. “That wasn’t you.”

              “Are you going to tell me it wasn’t you who kissed me?”

              He bent and grabbed his sword, sheathing it. “No. I wouldn’t have been so bold, but I’ve wanted to kiss you for a long time.” He paused. “Longer than you know.”

              Tara couldn’t explain her joy as she walked through the streets with Stefan. The bright sun shone on his dark brown hair, and his brown eyes were full of curiosity and joy as they moved through the streets.

              “Look at the Mountain Hawk-Eagle.” Stefan gestured to the brown, grey, white, and black feathered bird flying above the city. It looked strong and powerful.

              “It’s magnificent.” Tara looked up into his brown eyes.

              “I’ll admit I’m surprised to see my sister so happy with someone.” Rachel stated.

              Tara looked back to glare at Rachel.

              “I was definitely surprised when she told me you were courting.” Rachel added.

              Gary unsuccessfully hid his smile, and Tara glanced at Stefan. He didn’t seem uncomfortable. She was embarrassed enough for the both of them.

              “Your sister is incredible.” Stefan took her hand and entwined their fingers. “She’s strong, beautiful, brave, and passionate. She knows what she wants to do with her power, and she always wants to protect and defend her people. It takes a special person to be such a princess. She’s my precious Little Hummingbird.”

              His words always made her want to love him. She suddenly understood how Rachel felt when she was falling for Bonfire, really liking Rodger, and betrothed to Gary. The pull on the heart was strong, and Tara found herself torn between the strong feelings she already had for Stefan and the budding romance with Sacrifice. It would be easier if Stefan was Sacrifice, as Gary had been Bonfire. Tara took a deep breath. The thought of Sacrifice made her heart ache for the man she’d never truly seen. Would her heart ache like this about Stefan when she was Cabaya? It hadn’t.

              Tara paused. “I wanted to stop in here.” She looked up. “I wanted to look at the hairnets.”

              Rachel nodded.

              “We’ll be in the carpenter’s.” Gary stated.

              “Sounds good.” Stefan went with Gary.

              “You aright?” Rachel looked at her sister as they entered the hatter’s.

              Tara always thought the white walls and clean counters made the place seem sterile, unartistic, and lacking the imagination. Tobie’s dress shop in Whitehaven reflected her warm personality and brought something bright into the mundane store. Tara preferred that.

              Tara knew she liked Stefan, nearly loved him. When she was around him, he brought her joy, laughter, and assurance. He made her feel special, in a way she had never felt before. But apart from him, Tara found herself falling for the Mysterious Warrior who wanted to hate her. Their kiss had broken through her own anger and rage, and she wasn’t sure what pull they had together.

              “How did you choose Bonfire?” Tara whispered as they moved to the decorated hairnets.

              “What?” Rachel’s deep blue eyes widened in surprise, and her hand went to the glass dagger charm on her necklace.

              “You liked Rodger, and you were falling in love with Bonfire.” Tara kept her voice down. “What made you choose Bonfire over everything you knew?”

              “Are you falling in love with a Mysterious Warrior?” Rachel’s voice was just as quiet.

              “I don’t know.”

              “Galdut or Sacrifice?”

              “Sacrifice.”

              “Wow.”

              “He kissed me while we were being emotionally manipulated by Black Hood.” Tara explained. “But she can’t put emotions into her victims. I was trying to kill him, and he kissed me. He later told me that he normally wouldn’t have been so bold, but he’s wanted to kiss me longer than I know.”

              “What?” Rachel’s mouth dropped.

              Tara sighed. “But I really like Stefan.”

              “Even though he calls you ‘his Little Humming-bird?’”

              Tara bit her lip. “He loves birds, and it’s his way of showing me his feelings. It’s his term of endearment.”

              “If you’re as lucky as me, they’ll be the same man.”

              Tara rolled her eyes. “I’m not counting on it.”

              “What does Alex think about you courting Stefan? Is he jealous?”

              “Alex is my friend and guard.” Tara answered. “He doesn’t love me.”

              “I wouldn’t bet on that.”

              Tara shook her head. She didn’t want Alex to love her. Hopefully Rachel and Terena were wrong. “I only want to choose between two men.”

              “As did I.” Rachel shrugged. “Turns out I did only have to choose between two men: two brothers.”

              “You chose the right one.” Tara answered. “Only a dimwitted fool would choose Prince Rodger. He’s an evil killer with no soul.”

              “I’ll never forgive him for killing Janie, but now I can at least understand him a little.” Rachel paused. “He thought she killed his cousin. If someone killed you, I don’t know what I would do.”

              Tara couldn’t believe her ears. She had to be hearing wrong. “Did you really just say what I think you did?”

              “I still hate him.”

              “Good.”

~ Chapter 25 ~

              Sacrifice stabbed the man with his blade as Cabaya aimed her bow. She shot and took the second man out.

              “It feels so ridiculous here.” Sacrifice shook his head as he tied the robbers. “The royal family doesn’t care about Lower City, and we’re just letting the vermin run loose after we catch them.”

              “We need to set up some kind of jailing system for them.” Cabaya suggested. “Perhaps someone in Lower City can help us build a jail?”

              “There is a retired warden who lives here.” Sacrifice shrugged. “We should speak with him.”

              Cabaya followed as he led her through the winding streets. They passed a painter’s studio, money lender’s house, and someplace that looked to be hosting an illegal poker game before Sacrifice knocked on a door.

              A grey haired man answered. “What can I do fer ya? Oh, I see.”

              “I’m Sacrifice.” He introduced. “This is Cabaya. We came here to ask you for some help.”

              “Come in.” He opened the door. “My name is Haskel Worthing. What can I help ya fer?”

              “I became a Mysterious Warrior in Whitehaven.” Cabaya started. “In Whitehaven, there’s a sheriff who works with the Mysterious Warriors. We were thinking about how nice it would be for some kind of system like that here in Lower City.”

              “We catch criminals, tie them up, but they don’t get prosecuted.” Sacrifice paced. “It isn’t fair. Criminals get fair trials in Whitehaven.”

              “Even murderers.” Cabaya scoffed.

              Sacrifice glanced at her, and she wondered what color his eyes were. She only knew he was tan, and his lips held a secret strength to them. She wondered if he had a straight nose, colorful eyes, long lashes?

              “You want to build a jail?” Haskel looked between them. “The king and queen will never allow the resources.”

              “They don’t have to know.” Cabaya stated. “We can’t help the people of Lower City to the best of our abilities if we can’t punish criminals. If we can somehow get the resources to build a jail, will you come out of retirement and man the jail for us?”

              “Will it be a secret jail? Will I have guards to help me?” Haskel asked. “I’m an old man. I can’t fight, and I won’t be able to keep criminals there without some help.”

              “We’ll hash out details once we get the jail set up.” Cabaya promised. “But if this works, we need to know if you will help us.”

              “I will.” Haskel smiled. “I hate feeling inadequate and old. I remember when I was useful and helped people. If you can build a jail and provide guards, I will run the jailhouse.”

              “Thank you.” Sacrifice shook the man’s hand.

              Cabaya knew someone who could help, and she was excited to add another change to her list for when she became queen. She would be better than her parents because she knew what the people needed.

              “You have such a pure heart.” Sacrifice gently touched Cabaya’s shoulder and turned her to face him. “I haven’t wanted to love you, but I’m falling.”

              Cabaya’s breath caught, and she stared at him. When she finally found her voice, it was soft. “Why don’t you want to love me?”

              “It’s a long story.” He took her hand.

              Sacrifice gently pulled her to the rooftops behind him. He sat, and she sat beside him. His head was tilted back, like he was looking at the night. She looked up and stared at the stars. The bright moon was their main source of light in Lower City, and the sky sparkled and winked at them. Cabaya inched closer to Sacrifice, and she wondered who he really was. What would he say if he knew who she truly was? Would he be excited that she was the princess or would he hate her position and parents? His arm warmed her shoulders, and she leaned into him.

              “Are you going to be bold again?” She whispered.

              He turned and kissed her, and Cabaya’s heart burst with something she’d never experienced before. Her fingers played with the end of his dark hair, just visible from under his dark mask.

              He released her and groaned. “You make me want to forget everything I need to remember and be with you.”

              “What?”

              He stood and turned. “I sacrificed my life for someone very important, someone I love very much. I cannot risk anyone finding out my secret, not even you Cabaya.”

              “Because of someone you love?”

              “She’s everything to me.” He knelt beside her. “She’s been with me my whole life, and everything I’ve done has been for her. But you make me want to forget her. You make me want to—” He was suddenly kissing her again.

              Cabaya pushed him back. “No. You don’t get to do that.”

              “I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “I want you to have something.” He took something from his belt and placed it in Cabaya’s hand.

              She opened her palm and stared at the necklace. It was long with a jade pendant in the shape of an arrowhead. She turned the pendant in her hand and looked up. Sacrifice was gone. She was alone on the roof, and she slowly placed the necklace over her head and smiled.

              Several nights later, Cabaya slammed into the side of a building, breaking through the structure as pain flared. She didn’t get up, groaning as she tried to catch her breath.

              But she was leaving Galdut alone with the woman in red leather if she didn’t move.

              She got to her feet as numbness rose through her left arm and sharp needles scraped her left legs. She stumbled back into the alley and froze.

              The woman’s mace had impaled Galdut. The man was a bloody mess on the ground, and Cabaya screamed, suddenly able to run. She grabbed two arrows from the ground and stabbed at the woman.

              The woman spun back, and Cabaya kicked her. She grabbed Cabaya’s leg. Before the woman could break it, Cabaya lunged. She grabbed the woman’s long ponytail hair and tackled her. They fell, and Cabaya pummeled the woman, Cabaya’s fists striking her face until they were bruised and bloody.

              The woman in red leather didn’t say anything else as Cabaya moved off her.

              Cabaya rushed to Galdut.

              “Emmalee?” He whispered.

              “No.” She gently touched his bruised shoulder. “It’s Cabaya.”

              One of his eyes opened. “Emmalee?”

              She pulled him to his feet. “Come on. I have to get you somewhere safe to heal.”

              “I’m so sorry Emmalee.” He whispered. “I never wanted this, but I’m protecting you. You are everything to me, and I love you so much. I can’t hurt you, and if we’re together, you’ll die.”

              Cabaya placed one of his arms over her shoulder and half-carried him toward Upper City. She needed Sarasa.

              “You’re going to be alright.” Cabaya assured him. “I’m getting you somewhere safe.”

              “You always say that.” He smirked. “You always take good care of me, and you shouldn’t have to. I’m the adult. Just because I saved you from that man don’t mean I know what I’m doing as a father. You get that, right?”

              “Sure.” Cabaya groaned.

              “Thank you.” He paused. “I’m sorry I have to do this to you, but this is the only way to keep you safe.”

              “I know.” She looked around. “Where’s Sarasa?”

              “Cabaya!” Koketa rushed toward them. “What happened?”

              “One of the bounty hunters.”

              “I saw Kitnan and Sarasa a few blocks south.” Koketa stated. “I’ll bring them back with me.”

              “Thanks. He’s heavy.” Cabaya gently set Galdut down.

              “You’re such a good son, even though you’re not really a son.” Galdut whispered and touched Cabaya’s shoulder. “I know you don’t want to go to the palace, but you’ll be safe there. You belong there, and you know why. I’ll see you when I can, and I promise you, one day everything will be different.”

              Cabaya didn’t think he was speaking to Emmalee anymore. Would he even remember bring delirious when he was better?

              “Ke-Galdut!” Sarasa rushed to them. “Thank you Cabaya. I’ll get him to safety.” She grabbed him around the shoulders.

              “You make a good boy Blake.” Galdut closed both his eyes and embraced Sarasa.

              Blake? Cabaya’s mouth dropped open. She wanted to shout, to scream at Sarasa to bring Galdut back. What was he talking about? Did he know Blake Williams: aka: Janie Creaton? Was it possible the Mysterious Warrior knew the person she had been close friends with?

              “I hope he’s going to be alright.” Koketa shook her head. “Are you alright?”

              “Yeah, why?” Cabaya turned and cried out as her left side abruptly burned and scorched. Knives sliced, and she fell to her side. “Right.”

              “What happened?”

              “The bounty hunter threw me through a building.” Cabaya explained.

              “I know someone who can help.” Koketa gently pulled Cabaya to her feet. “Come with me.”

              Cabaya wasn’t surprised when Koketa took her to Vance’s cottage. Vance looked shocked to see them, and he ushered them inside.

              “Let me get bandages and salve.” He rushed to the back. “Your mother’s going to have my head one day.”

              “You two know each other?” Koketa frowned. “Did Vance train you too?”

              “Nope.” Cabaya groaned. “But he’s taught me some skills. He must have trained you.”

              Koketa nodded.

              Vance returned and ripped Cabaya’s sleeve free. “This is not going to be easy to hide.”

              Cabaya looked at the ripped mess of her arm and shrugged with her right shoulder. “It’ll have to work.”

              “Your mother is seriously going to kill me.”

              “I’m sure you said that to my sister plenty of times, and yet you’re still here and helping.” Cabaya grinned. She paused as she looked at Koketa. “Thank you.”

              Koketa nodded. “We’re partners, working together to protect the people of Junipero.”

              “Definitely.”