The ache went beyond normal levels, worming into Jinaari’s consciousness. Something wasn’t right. His mouth was dry, and his head felt like it had been stuffed with straw.
Pushing himself up, he heard someone crying quietly. Concerned, his eyes snapped open as he reached for his sword. Caelynn knelt with her back to him. Her shoulders shook as she sobbed.
“Caelynn?” he asked. His voice was raspy. Something was definitely wrong.
She straightened her shoulders and he saw her hands move to her face. But she didn’t turn around. “It’s my fault,” she whispered.
He rose, surprised at how his body swayed. What had happened? His feet dragged, but he forced himself to walk to her. “What are you talking abo—” he stopped and stared.
Thia’s bedroll, with her armor and clothing laid out neatly on top, lay empty before him. Even the pouch that held her box was there. But Thia wasn’t.
“I was on watch with Alesso,” Caelynn’s voice broke. “He left, said he had to piss. I didn’t think anything of it. I heard footsteps. I thought he was coming back. And then this hit me,” she nodded at her lap. Resting on her knees was a small dart. “I couldn’t move. That’s when the Fallen came in. They covered the ground with some sort of fog and headed for Thia. Two of them stripped her of everything. I tried, Jinaari, but I couldn’t move, couldn’t even scream. They tied her hands, put a gag across her mouth, and took her away. One stayed behind, arranging her clothing. The gas got thicker, and I fell asleep.”
Rage rose inside him. He thought Alesso was capable of a number of things, but not this! “Did you see him before you passed out?” The gas would explain how he felt.
She shook her head. “No. I don’t remember him coming back. But his pack’s gone, so I doubt he stayed around.”
No, he ran. Did whatever unholy trade he entered into and left like a coward. Jinaari took a deep breath. Stay calm. That’s what they need from me. “This isn’t on you, Caelynn,” he said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Alesso would’ve found a way to do this, no matter who was on watch. Get some water. That should help flush the drug out of our system. We’ll wake up Adam and Pan, pack up the gear. One of us will have to carry Thia’s.”
“What do you mean? Where is she?” Pan asked.
Jinaari raised his head and looked at the young man. “She’s gone. Fallen got her, thanks to Alesso.”
The young man bolted out of his bedroll and started to charge toward the entrance. “Bring back my cousin!” he screamed.
Jinaari reached out one arm and caught him, preventing him from leaving. “That’s not going to help her,” he said, his voice low but even. “We must be smart about this. Pack her gear, then yours. They got a head start, but we’ll find her.”
Pan looked at him, tears in his eyes. “Promise?”
“Absolutely.” He felt Pan relax, then move toward Thia’s pallet. Looking past him, Jinaari saw Adam standing up. His friend nodded. “Caelynn?”
She wiped at the tears on her face. “I’ve got this. Go talk with him. Pan, help me out. Let’s try to get her stuff put away neatly.”
Jinaari stepped around the other bedrolls and walked to the back of the room. Adam stood there, leaning against a wall, watching.
“Alesso?” he asked when Jinaari was close enough.
Nodding, he leaned against the wall next to his friend. “It was planned, too. This conduit wasn’t accidental. If there’s as many down here as he claimed, we must’ve passed several before we got to this one.”
“Any idea how long ago it happened?”
“I’m assuming they’ve got several hours head start. Depending on how much farther until we hit Lolc Aon’s sanctuary—”
“If he didn’t lie to us about that, you mean.” Adam interrupted.
“I don’t think so. They knew we were coming. We would’ve heard them if they were behind us. That door made too much noise, and we’re not that far from it. That tells me they came from the direction we’re heading. I’ll have Caelynn check the hallway. She should be able to know which way they went.”
“If you know that, why ask Caelynn to check?”
“She’s feeling guilty because she was on watch with him. We’re going to need to give both of them things to do that make them feel like they’re helping, no matter how small. Otherwise, they’ll be consumed by guilt and not think straight when we find her.”
“What about you?”
Jinaari looked at him. “What do you mean? I know what I’m doing.”
Adam shrugged. “I’ve done this with you for how many years now? I know when it’s a job and when it’s personal.”
“Alesso’s mine, if that’s what you mean. He’s broken the vow he made when he took up the mantle of being a paladin of Garret’s. What justice he hasn’t already handed out, I will.”
“I don’t mean him, Jinaari.”
“Stop beating around the bush, Adam. If you have something to say to me, say it.”
“I think this particular job is more personal for you. I’ve seen you guard people before, my friend. I think there’s more to it when it comes to Thia, that’s all.”
Jinaari looked around the room. “You think too much.”
Adam laughed. “As you’ve told me on many occasions. What’s the plan, then?”
“Chase them down, rescue Thia before she gets handed over. If not, find out where in the lair she’s being held. Get her out, take down Lolc Aon, and leave.”
“What if she’s been turned?”
Jinaari stared at him. “It’s not happening. We won’t let it happen. If we have to, we knock her out and hogtie her to get her back to the surface. I’m not leaving her down here.” He pushed away from the wall and headed to his pallet. Kneeling down, he packed up. Hang on, Thia. You’re stronger than you think. We’ll find you. Don’t let her find whatever weakness you have. You can’t turn away from Keroys. It’s not going to happen.
Working in silence, they gathered up their belongings. He kept focused on the task at hand, refusing to dwell on what happened. I can’t change it. It happened. All I can do now is find her. Standing, he wrapped his belt around his waist and positioned the scabbard on his hip. Sliding the blade home, he thought, Thia’s life comes first. Then Lolc Aon. If I can find Herasta, we’ll dispatch her as well. I don’t want her coming after Thia again. Once all of that’s done and she’s safe, I’m coming for you, Potiri.