Chapter 23

We were outnumbered three to one, and everywhere I turned another Akkenian man was dying to protect me. I watched from my carriage as Brava chopped, sliced, and cut through the enemy, with my brother close at her side. They made an odd, but formidable pair as they kept the advancing thieves at bay, but they were losing ground quick. I knew if they fought much longer it would be just them versus the bandits as more and more Akkenian guards went down looking accusingly at me in their moment of death. I couldn't take it any more.

I jumped out of the carriage and untied my horse, Epona, and swiftly jumped on her back. I turned toward the leader of the assailants, "If you want me, come and claim me!" I kicked my gentle mare and she sprinted off into the woods. Everything became a blur as my faithful horse, sensing my urgency, ran as though it were her last time. My long pale strands swirled around me as we made our way through the thicket, limiting my vision. I could hear them approaching and I felt them closing in around me. I pulled on Epona's reigns and she reared up and turned, facing my captors.

I stayed on her back commandingly; at least I could maintain some of my pride.

"What is it that you want, sir?" I said, trying to keep the fear out of my voice.

He snickered and got off his horse, "I want what we all want, Princess." He stepped closer to me and began untying the cloth that hid his face.

I looked at him nervously and surveyed my surroundings; I was in the middle of a very dangerous, lethal gang. Their dark eyes revealed a cold and emotionless soul, which chilled me to the bone.

"Wh-what is it that you want?" I asked again, this time I could not keep the tremble from my voice.

The man removed the cloth from his face and I gasped with horror as I realized who the dark lord was.

"Revenge!" he said with a twisted smile.

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"Ravi!" my eyes opened wide as I took in him and his group. "Why are you doing this?"

"Ravi, why are you doing this?" he said in a high pitched voice in an effort to mimick me. "Why do you think, Princess?"

Afraid, I simply shrugged, "You know what you were doing to Annette was wrong, Ravi. But I asked Sargon to bestow mercy upon you, now you will get none."

He tossed his dark head back and laughed, his men following suit. "Savia, you stupid bitch, you are now at my mercy, as is Sargon if he ever wants to see his precious little bride again."

"What are you going to do with me?" I asked, feeling my heart pump rapidly in my chest.

"Well if Sargon doesn't cooperate with out terms for ransom, than you will wish you stayed in Terran."

My brown eyes opened wide, "Ravi, i…"

"Shut up! Get off your horse and follow me, we have a lot of ground to cover. We can't have you too close to the palace. I don't want your beloved to send out rescue parties just yet, I need to get you to a place where they can't find you first."