Ashes to Stardust | Sihtric Kjartansson

Chapter 5: The Map

We snake our way through the underground labyrinth, ducking between guards and hiding in shadows. I can feel my heart beating in my throat. There was nothing on this earth that I wouldn't do at this moment to ensure I got my freedom. I could finally begin to taste its sweet, honey flavour forming on my tongue.

Sihtric wields his sword as if it is weightless from where he trails a pace behind me, following each and every step I take with complete precision.

"If your map is anywhere, it will be in here." I claim as we approach a sturdy door that looks similar to that of the cellar. I had been in this room before, only to read letters at Eiríkr's request. The fool is not even intelligent enough to do it himself, or able to trust the men to do it for him who he claimed he commanded.

He steps around me toward the door and so I linger close behind, pure night seeming to waft off the broadness of his shoulders under his jet black, fur lined cloak.

He peers quickly through the small crack before turning back to me, his face a breath away from mine. "Just stay close and keep your mouth shut." he whispers in my ear, threading my fingers through his own, guiding me by the hand. The scars that deform my skin begin to tingle and I shake the irritated sensation away through movements of my head. Sihtric flicks his eyes to me–a silent command to stay close.

"You're not going to disarm me incase I decide to stab you in the neck?" I challenge.

"Nope." He says not looking back over his shoulder. "Defenceless women have never been my type. And by the way you were holding that dagger to my throat, I'd say I don't have any reason to be particularly concerned."

It's like I can hear him smirking.

"Besides, I'd prefer you keep it and try not to get killed."

"I'll work on that." I retort sharply.

He looks back this time and grins devilishly at my reply, apparently satisfied with my answer.

"Good," he says, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Now, stay close."

He begins to walk forward, yanking me with him by the hand. His muscular arm pushes against the heavy stone door and we enter the dark chamber, instantly met with two brute warriors. They snap their heads away from the large dark oak table that they had just been leaning over to look at Sihtric and I and their eyes narrow, cold and heartless. Wasting no time both men grab at the swords sheathed at their hips and backs. My heart rate quickens in my chest. I can feel my pulse even in my teeth when both begin their run toward us. My blood begins to burn beneath my flesh and fear continues to rise in my throat. I am just staring, still as a trunk as they barrel toward me and I hesitate to reach for the dagger that is now tied around my waist - hands shaking and sweat pooling among the scars. My body is frozen. Completely betraying whatever instinct I thought I'd always have. I simply cannot not react at all. No fight or flight, just nothing.

But with practised ease, Sihtric lunges forward raising his sword with a mighty force. The slicing of steel against bone causes ringing in my ears and shockwaves through my mind. Effortlessly and quickly Sihtric cuts down each of the warriors in a sickening dance, leaving their bodies lying at disturbing angles in bloodied pools on the rotten ground. Dizziness casts a shadow over my eyes and blocks away my senses, leaving me completely and utterly paralysed. I look down at my trembling hands and do my best to lock out my knees so that they don't crumble under me.

Pathetic... I was pathetic. Completely unable to defend myself. I didn't even step forward to try.

"Hey. Focus on me. Look at me." Sihtric turns away from the carnage to pull my hands toward him quickly, swifitly snapping me out of my trance. A rush of familiarity floods my mind—the memory is back again of him laying me down on the blackened field years ago clear in my mind as if it were yesterday. The stone walls are suddenly sinking in around me pulling the air out of my lungs.