Freedom's Horizon (WLW) (Full Trilogy - Ongoing/Editing)

Book Two: Part Four: Chapter Twenty-Three

August 1747, Lamanai, Orange Walk, Belize

Margaret swiped her newly gifted lance toward her approaching enemy, but he was shot down by an arrow before he even made it close enough to face the death dealing blade. She peered over in the direction from whence the arrow flew and found the Maya they befriended launching an attack from the trees nearby, using it as cover to run for the temple. On her way there, however, she heard a familiar voice at her backside and spun around, finding Francisco walking up the temple stairs as he spoke into the hilt of his dagger. There just beyond them stood Ines who was engaged in battle with Zyanya.

Smiling as Colel's chains were freed, Margaret nodded toward the temple as she made eye contact with Lana and she and Trevor joined her trek. Taking two steps at a time with her long stride, Margaret moved gamely up the steps, but gasped as she saw Ines and Felipe running toward the temple, spying something they obviously hadn't. Just as Ines disappeared within the tunnels of the temple, Felipe was yanked back by a vine wrapping its way around his leg. He was flung away from the tunnel entrance just as it began to oddly close, the brick taking on new shapes, and just as it was about finished, Ricky leapt inside.

At least Ines wouldn't be alone and for the time being, Margaret needed to aid any of her family that may need her. It was the driving force that kept her alive all these centuries, the determination to find her family and protect them, and she would do so as soon as she rounded the--

Just before she could make it all the way to the altar crest, Felipe was tossed toward her and she dropped to her knees. Dodging the attack, she realized Zyanya was literally using him as a play thing as she fought with Colel, evidently trying to distract her with the demise of her husband. Colel screamed and shook with rage as she swiped her cutlass at her sister, only barely missing her. Zyanya backhanded her, sending her plummeting down the steps until a larger vine protruded through the side of the temple and into her gut.

As soon as Margaret got to her feet, she heard something strange carried with the wind and glanced at its origin, finding Francisco looking right at her. He furrowed his brow as he raised his hand, beckoning her closer. Unbeknownst to herself, she'd begun moving toward him, but was stopped when a small hand tucked within her own. Peeking at its source, Margaret found Lana with a face full of bewilderment which she'd only ever seen once before back in the jungle of Roatan.

"Don't, Marge."

"Yes, do Margaret." She spun her head around again and eyed Francisco as he lifted a cylindrical object into the air. It was the Dagger of Sol and already stained with blood. Thinking better of her peculiar inclination to go to him, Margaret watched from afar as all sounds around them grew muddled. All aside from one. "Come, child. I told you. You have always been my favorite."

Her legs were carrying her there again, despite her inner protests as she was unable to control herself, nor the voice calling to her from beyond, urging her to run far and away. She couldn't. Not when her family was at stake. Margaret stepped nearer until she heard a gasp from behind herself. Peering back over her shoulder, she spotted Lana and Trevor quickly entangled in vines that kept their arms secured at their sides. They were pulled up past her and over the ridge of the altar floor, crying out for the captain that Margaret sensed at her backside.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and glanced at Esme as she came to stand beside her, joined by Aimee and Dawn as a piercing cry echoed from behind Francisco. "Come willingly to your deaths and face the merciful afterlife with dignity."

"Do you truly believe we know nothing of your plans, Francisco. I have traveled far and wide to have your head on my pike." Esme brandished her axe, ringing its handle in her hands as she stared daggers at him with a fire in her eyes like no other. "Let's finish this."