A Traveler's Curse

Chapter 38- Rescue

I find myself lost in the abyss of time, unable to gauge how long I've been confined here. Days? Weeks, perhaps? The heavy iron cuffs remain a constant reminder of my captivity, restricting any hope of freedom through traveling. Although no longer tethered to the wooden post, I am granted only scarce nourishment by Arthur, a mere trickle of food and water to keep me alive, prolonging my suffering and subjecting me to further torment.

My tattered garments offer little protection, leaving me partially exposed and vulnerable in these rags. My body bears the scars of countless wounds — cuts, burns, and unspeakable personal violations. The relentless beatings and whippings I endure have failed to break me, for I remain steadfast in my silence aside from screaming out a few curse words.

Lying upon the cold earth, I scarcely register the harsh winter air that surrounds me. Its chilling embrace oddly brings a fraction of solace amidst the ceaseless pain. It numbs my senses, offering temporary relief from the agony that consumes me here.

Suddenly, a voice emerges, gentle yet resolute, resonating within the recesses of my mind. Initially, I dismiss it as a mere figment of my shattered sanity. Yet, it persists, growing louder, more insistent with each repetition.

"Who are you?" I whisper, my voice barely audible.

"We are here to help you," the voice declares, its determination unwavering. "Hold on, stay alive."

Who could this voice belong to? Filled with desperate longing, I attempt to rise from the cold, unforgiving ground. Alas, my battered body protests, compelling me to remain in the embrace of the earth below. Overwhelmed by exhaustion, I succumb to the embrace of sleep, fervently hoping that I am not descending into madness, but rather that salvation truly awaits me.

As I open my eyes, I find Reynold looming over me, yanking me up and forcefully making me stand. "Feeling the chill, huh?" he sneers, a twisted pleasure gleaming in his eyes.

I recoil at his touch, but I refuse to utter a word or give him any satisfaction. After enduring days of verbal abuse and brutal torment, I've learned that silence is my shield. Yet, even my silence couldn't ward them off. The commotion outside the cave walls grows louder, distracting Reynold, who releases his grip on me and dashes out, neglecting to lock the cage behind him.

I remain rooted to the spot, gripping the wooden post, unsure of who will appear on the other side. My body trembles uncontrollably, and each passing minute feels like an eternity. Finally, the sound of approaching footsteps reaches my ears, and I hold my breath until three familiar figures come into view.

Caspian, Celestia, and Sin. Relief courses through me, knowing that this nightmare is finally coming to an end. The pain, the torture, the assaults will stop. As they lay their eyes on me, their faces contort with a mixture of horror and disbelief. I can only imagine the sight they are beholding, but without a second thought, I stumble out of the cage as fast as my weakened legs allow, finding relief in Caspian's arms. Collapsing against him, I can finally surrender to the overwhelming pain and exhaustion, knowing that I am safe at last.

I yearn for dreamless nights, where peaceful darkness envelops me. But instead, Arthur, Reynold, and Tridon haunt my every dream, replaying the countless ways they inflicted pain upon me. The memories feel so vivid, as if I'm still trapped, lost in a world where no one will ever find me. I jolt awake, screams escaping my lips, disoriented and unaware of my surroundings. Instinctively, I try to rise and flee, but a gentle force pushes me back down, intensifying my panic. I struggle, screaming and thrashing, desperate to break free.

"It's okay, it's okay," a familiar voice soothes. Caspian's voice. Yet, even his presence fails to anchor me to reality.

"You're safe now, Kyla," he repeats, holding me tightly against him until I gradually regain awareness, finding myself in the sanctuary of the castle infirmary. Words fail me, so I simply lean against Caspian, trembling, desperately attempting to divert my mind from the horrors I've endured.

"She's awake?" a voice echoes from within the room. It must be Mrs. Beyu, but I don't lift my gaze to confirm. "I'll bring her some food and water."

"And some whiskey," Caspian whispers softly, mindful not to disturb or startle me. For that, I am grateful.

Silent minutes pass, and Caspian eventually breaks the stillness. "They are all dead. Every single one we found in that cave is gone. I thought it might bring you some peace to know that."

I remain silent, too afraid, too incapable of finding my voice. But he is right. It brings me solace to learn that those who abducted me have met their demise. Even if they are my own bloodline.

"Here you go," the female voice says as she returns to the room. Caspian slowly withdraws from our embrace, draping a warm blanket tightly around my shoulders before stepping away from the bed. I keep my gaze lowered, unwilling to meet anyone's eyes.

He sits back down on the bed in front of me, offering a small glass of water. I try to drink it quickly but end up coughing most of it back up. Nonetheless, the moisture brings relief to my parched mouth.

"Just take it slow," Caspian advises, handing me a small piece of bread that I nibble on slowly. I only manage a few small bites before feeling completely full.

"Whiskey?" I croak, my voice coarse and barely audible above a whisper. Speaking causes pain in my throat. Without hesitation, he hands me the canteen, and I take a small sip, determined not to cough it up.

"Sin and Celestia would like to come in and see you, if that's okay," he gently informs me. For some inexplicable reason, panic begins to well up within me.

"No. No! I don't want to be seen!" I exclaim, unintentionally raising my voice and knocking the food and drink from the bed in front of me and they fall to the floor with a large clink and the sound of glass shattering.

"It's okay, you don't have to be. I can send them away," he reassures me. I curl up into a ball, clutching the blanket tightly around me, my gaze fixed on the wall as I refuse to budge. Caspian continues speaking to me, but I don't hear his words. All I know is that I feel safer with him by my side, and I gradually slip into a deep, dreamless sleep.