Her Weakness

Chapter 17

I may have forgotten a few key things for an adventure. Luckily, Octavia finds me a few minutes after I leave and hands me my weapons, war paint, and armor.

"Thank you." I am surprised that she is being so kind. It may just be because I am attempting to rescue her friend and leader. She has not liked me much since I came back.

"No problem. Do you need assistance finding her?"

"No."

"I don't want to tell Abby that her kid has been kidnapped." Octavia's words make me feel sorry for whoever has to tell Clarke's mother. No matter how much I do not like or trust the woman, she is going to be heartbroken. And then she will send a team out to slaughter all the soldiers holding Clarke.

"You may come with me if you would like." I am surprised I relent to someone other than Clarke. She has truly softened me.

I hope I get to her in time.

I take off the civilian clothes and put on the armor quickly, not caring Octavia's there. She is with Lincoln, and I do not think she would ever consider even looking at another. I smudge on my war paint, feeling my confidence return to me. I attach the weapons and note Octavia brought me an extra one. That can be Clarke's as rescue her. We might need to bash a few heads. And I might anyways if they harm her in any way.

"Thanks, Commander." Octavia breathes a sigh of relief, but still looks worried. I know it is not just about Clarke.

"Bellamy and the others will be fine." I scan the floor for footprints other than our own and the rescued.

"How did you-- Never mind."

I stop and she almost knocks me over. I am too focused on the footprints on the ground to care at the moment.

"Scrape marks." A scene plays in my head as I study the ground. "They took her by surprise, got her from behind. Gagged her... and dragged her into here where they picked her up and carried her away."

"Clarke's strong. Why didn't she fight back?" Octavia questions, frowning and studying the tracks as if they can give her answers.

"Perhaps they used a chemical to knock her out," I suggest. The notion makes me want to run into the mountain and demand that they release Clarke or I will enjoy making their heads roll. They would look nice on spikes as a warning to those who would even consider harming her or those she cares for.

"Maybe. Can you follow them?"

"Of course." I try not to be offended at her doubt in my abilities.

We walk in silence for a while until there is a light at the end of the tunnel. To my surprise, it leads not into their mountain, but outside.