The Lost Sigil; Dawn of Light

Chapter 6: Taesmena

"How did my life come to this?" Eda kept on asking herself.

She had awoken to only find herself inside what smelt like a barrel of rum. She had been sold like cattle by her two steeds. The cat, Lester she could understand if he sold someone for a piece of paper but the boy, Rhys, seemed like someone she could trust. She could only blame herself for being so naïve. If she just went on her own, she would have never been in such a position.

Was time even moving? It had felt like she had been curled up in the barrel for an eternity. Her back ached and cried for relief. Her eyes were dry and itchy, yearning for a glimpse of light and her lungs craved for just a breeze of fresh air.

"No. None of this is my fault. They put me here, it's their fault."

Tears started rolling down her face and she tried to wipe them off but her hands had been squeezed tightly against the barrel and she could barely feel them anymore.

There were bigger barrels, why did they have to pick the smallest one?

It was getting warmer and sweatier. She could feel the dripping of chilling sweat down her back and neck.

"What time is it, I wonder."

"Those two are going to hang for this."

"Oh father, I wish you were here."

Eda then started screaming and demanding to be let out. She used her head to bang on the barrel walls, hoping that maybe someone would be willing to take her to a bigger barrel if not an open cell.

She tried to stretch her legs and she could feel the bottom of the barrel.

"Yes, I can get out. If I just place my feet flat at the perfect point, with enough force I will surely be free."

Following her thoughts she laid her feet at the bottom of the barrel and tried to push, her head placed on the other end of the barrel. Eda squeezed and squeezed but the barrel was firm in place.

"LET ME OUT!" Eda screamed again and again that her throat became sore. Her voice could no longer work.

A warm liquid started dripping from her head. Along with it did come pain that made her head scream. Was it blood or just sweat?

The barrel was a complete nightmare. Her prison for the rest of her life. In silence she remained trying to calm herself down.

"Nineteen uneventful peaceful years. Then in a blink, all hell breaks loose."

"Come on you stupid stone, do something. You caused all this."

The stone had almost become a part of her very own body. It could not be taken off like any piece of jewellery. Even when she offered it up willingly, it only became blazing hot to touch.

"Sleep. Yes, I should try and sleep."

Sleep could not come. Her position did not allow. Her back felt like it was being chiselled into a shape she did not desire and her neck was being pierced by several thorns.

Just as Eda continued lamenting about her state, she heard Harren's booming voice welcoming someone named Shadow.

When the Shadow spoke, Eda felt like she knew whose voice it was. It was deeper and hoarse but sounded forced. If she wasn't mistaken, that almost sounded like Rhys.

She listened in on the conversation with keen intent. She was not sure of much but she understood enough to know that she had become a valued prize in the magic side of the world. Then there was a jerk on the barrel and she was being lifted.