The Sprinter

Chapter 11

Salene rose from the couch, casting a worried glance towards Ronan. He didn’t return it, already stalking off to find Arothena and Aidrel. Salene marched over to the table and took Eloise by the arm.

“Come with me,” she said, her sweet voice weaving in through her ear, leaving her no option but to obey. She led her out of the main room, down the corridor, and into one of the side rooms where the other three stood. By the agitated look on their faces, it seemed Ronan had already told them what he’d seen. Told them - but not her.

It was a small room, with a bed in the corner that was blanketed in a wide collection of bags. The only light was that which came through the open door. They all turned to look at her. Arothena clasped Salene by the shoulder and leaned in to whisper something in her ear.

“But he’s dead!” she replied, her voice incredulous. Arothena merely shook her head. Eloise opened her mouth in indignation about once again being kept in the dark, but she couldn’t find her voice. Aidrel swung two of the packs over his shoulder, and tossed one to Arothena, who passed it to Salene.

“We have to move,” he said, and pushed past them leading the way out of the room. Ronan hauled the rest of the bags over his shoulder, passing two to Arothena, before following Aidrel, pushing Salene ahead of him as he went. Arothena took her hand.

“Come on. Someone has come here who shouldn’t have, and we must leave. I know we planned to leave in the morning, but I’m afraid it can no longer wait. I have already plotted the safest and most direct course to the King’s residence,”

Eloise pulled her hand away in the same moment Arothena reached for it.

“Hurry,” she said, her clipped form of speech grating on Eloise’s last nerve.

“No,” she said, her voice trembling. It was all she could do to keep from shaking at the fear of refusing her. But this - no. She would not let this happen.

“No. I’m not going. Not there,”

Arothena tried to reach for her hand again. Eloise yanked it back fervently, and stumbled back, into the wall. Just like before.

“I’m not going back,” she said, her voice rising as her panic increased. She knew very well that these people could force her to, could knock her on the head and take her anywhere they wished, but by the Eternals, she would not go willingly.

“I will not go back.”

Ronan burst back in, slamming the door against the wall as he did so. It rebounded and hit his arm, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“What are you doing?” he growled, “we have to go.”

Arothena nodded, and gestured towards Eloise. Ronan turned to face her, and leaned forward, baring his fangs.

“Is there a problem?” he asked, his deep voice acquiring a dangerous edge. His eyes, deprived of light, looked like twin chasms, threatening to devour her. Eloise swallowed, and forced her breathing to calm, forced her heartbeat to steady, and her knees to stop shaking. Ronan cocked his head, demanding her answer.

“Yes,” she said, quicker than she would have liked.

“Pray tell,” Ronan replied, his gentle voice dry.

“I am not leaving with you.”

Ronan raised an eyebrow, “Is that so?”

She nodded.

“Yes. I - I can’t go back. I won't. I’ve spent my entire life trying to get away from him, you think I’ll run back just so you’ll protect me? No. I’m not. Going. Back.”