Resilience Run

Chapter 21

When I came to again, Felice was already reaching for my sword. Rather, she tried to, until we both realized my sword was gone, along with Katie's bag. I sat up and realized we were somewhere else - some kind of cell, judging by the bars keeping me trapped.

"Mama!"

I turned just in time to brace myself for when Baugh hugged me. I hugged him back and stroked his hair.

"Honey, are you okay?" I asked, "What happened?"

"That big bad man knocked you out," said Baugh, "I tried to help, but he just hit me too. I woke up a few minutes ago. My head hurts."

"This is not good." I said, "Any ideas, Felice?"

"A little bit of lock-picking magic might work." Felice said as she took control of my hands and started to reach around to feel for the lock.

"Hold on, what are those bracelets?" I said when the sleeves of my shirt pulled up a little, revealing silver-looking bands on my wrists. Felice immediately pulled back and studied them, eyes widened.

"Anti-magic braces!" Felice said, "If I tried anything with these on, it would hurt. Good thing we haven't taken any elixir's recently, or we'd be feeling a burn right now."

"Baugh, can I see your wrists?" I asked.

Baugh rolled up his sleeves, revealing the same bracelets on his wrists as well.

"So magic's out of the question," I said, "Any other ideas?"

"Trying to think of an escape, are you?"

I turned to see the head guard step into view, smugly smiling at me.

"Your little attempt at a coup in my village was a well-good attempt," said the guard, "But it's all over now. The Emperor is going to love the big prize I have for him once his thane arrives to get you."

"Where are my friends?!" I said, slamming my hands on the bars and immediately regretting my decision as pain shot through my arms. Baugh ducked down and hid behind me, shielding his face from the head guard.

"Oh, we'll get them too." said the man, "But you're the big fish, the one they want. The others are just a bonus. Ms. Iandi and her guard are on the way to collect you now."

"Fair warning, she doesn't like formalities," I said, "She prefers just going by 'Sallaena.''

"I'll keep that in mind." said the man, "In the meantime, enjoy your stay."

"We'll see about that." I said.

The man walked away without another word, smiling. I couldn't wait to wipe that smile off his face. In the meantime, I needed to find a way out for me and Baugh.

Rhys had seen me and Baugh being dragged away by the man, but there was nothing she could do about it as she, Daniel, and Jagos were forced to retreat from the village.

"Hold on, check it out!" Daniel said as they rushed into the woods. Rhys and Jagos watched with shock as the villagers backed up and returned to their homes, faces unmoved and in a very stiff manner, as if they didn't want to.

"Why are they backing off?" Rhys said.

"They got the big fish, the head guard must have made them back off," said Daniel, "Or maybe they aren't able to leave the village because of their collars. Either way, now we have a chance to come up with a plan."

"We have to do it fast!" said Jagos, "Who knows what they'll do to Mama and Baugh!"

"I don't think that's gonna be a problem." said Daniel.