Enemy Territory-On Hiatus

Chapter Six-Taken; Saved

"Cailean."

Breathlessly calling out, she struggled to stand with the help of the worried maid. Hearing his heavy footfalls nearing them, she was able to stand upright though wincing from another shock wave of pain passing through her person. With him were Lachlan and Rory, who Ara and Skye instantly run towards, their little arms wrapping around the thin waists of the boys.

Upon reaching her, Cailean's eyes were wide and filled with fear. It was an unbecoming emotion for a man that was twice her size.

"Are ye alright, milady?"

His voice filled with worry; he looked frantic while constantly glancing behind him.

Gripping the maid's arm as if it was her anchor, Rhonie spoke through gritted teeth.

"Nae, Nae. 'Tis labor."

Frowning, Cailean placed his sword in the empty sheath around his waist. There was no time to linger, for he had spotted shadows on the walls at the beginning of the hallway. His pursuing was faster and more agile than he presumed.

"The Lord gave me the task as yer guard to always protect yer and the misses. We must get ye to safety as soon as possible. A babe can't be born in this horrid mess. May ye allow me to carry ye?"

Wordlessly nodding, for she was far too busy gritting her teeth, tears pricked her eyes from receiving such help. Carefully, Cailean lifted her in his arms, but as respectful and vigilant as possible. Glancing at his sons, who each held a sword that they had both wield on this night, he barked.

"Hold the hands of the young misses boys!"

Instantly, they obeyed him by each grabbing a dainty hand of the girls. Without wasting time, Cailean began to walk down the hallway as fast as possible. The frantic maid hot on their heels.

That was because his pursuers had made themselves known by their yelling, banging, and footsteps.

"Don't let 'em escape!"

One shouted, his mannerism expressing himself as their leader.

'Did the barbarians find themselves inside the keep?'

Rhonie thought as she heard the commotion unfolding around her. However, she doubted such a notion. The guttural tone of the barbarian from earlier had left an impression on her. His words though sympathetic, were harsh, unlike the men chasing them now.

Curious, she lifted her head to spot the intruders above Cailean's shoulders and wished she had not. That was because it was Davin, her husband's guard, with a few other familiar faces. Rhonie's heart pivoted in her chest, for on their faces were the sickening expression of evil and wickedness.

Catching her eye, Davin smirked while barking.

"Catch 'em!"

It appeared he was the one leading the two men to harm them.

Another chorus of screams echoed against the walls. The girls whimpered, their grip around the boys' hands tightening, for they were afraid of their nearing pursuers and the dangers beyond the wall. The awful scents of burning carcasses enveloped the air, causing them all to cough, for it was passing through the small spaces engraved in the walls.

Frantic, as she realized the danger of this usurper, Rhonie suddenly asked, her voice shaking from the possibility while still catching glimpses of Davin beyond Cailean's shoulders.

"What of the Lord?"

Hitched breath, as he finally bent the corner, her maid had instructed the barbarian to go, Cailean grip slightly tightened around her.