Mercy & Fire

33. Den of Snakes

Rovan

Thunder rolled and cracked like a whip across the darkening skies, and the wind began to whistle and blow as I'd worried it would. The smell of rain was beginning to manifest, signaling that actual rain would soon follow, and after the small sprinkle of water that fell when she first collapsed, I knew I didn't have much time.

I glanced down at her as her head bounced against my chest with the horse's movement. I had to keep her on the horse by making her straddle me with my hand flat against her back. It wasn't an easy task to ride with one hand, especially with her dead weight draped across my hips and thighs, but I had to make it work. Otherwise, we'd be caught in the rain, and her fever would worsen.

She groaned momentarily, her hands and arms tightening around me. Releasing a breath of relief, I allowed myself to grab onto the reins with both hands.

"Hold on tight." I told her.

She was quick to obey, tightening her legs around my body and her arms around my neck. Quickening the pace of the horse, I leaned forward and locked my thighs around the horse's body.

While I didn't want to expose her to the cave systems the army used to move inconspicuously, I also didn't want to risk her illness growing worse in the time it'll take to get to the general gate. I would much rather have her sheltered from the rain and exposed to possible arrest than caught under the rain in her condition.

As if sensing my thoughts, the rain began falling, a slow drizzle at first that then morphed into a rushing torrent. Cursing, I tried to go faster, but it got so wet that I feared the horse would slip in the forming mud.

I slowed down, and Roselena could only shiver against me, making urgency surge in my chest.

"Are we almost there?" She sounded like a child. It reminded me of my younger sister when she was ill.

"Almost." I tightened my arm around her waist.

It felt like an eternity, but we finally approached the familiar opening of the cave. It was tall and large, and looked like it hadn't been inhabited, but I knew what lay inside. It was a complex cave system that each soldier stationed there had to memorize, and it had a rushing river that would overtake anyone and send them to die in the traitorous waters of Dhernon if they weren't careful.

We've had a few people die either from drowning or from being beat up so badly on the way down. Some of those deaths were likely not accidents either.

Everyone who came to the base located here was expected to identify themselves and state their business before being allowed in. Even then, it was up to the soldier's discretion whether they were arrested or not. Though I was the one to put the protocol in place, I was hoping they'd make an exception for me as they always did — not out of respect, but fear.

Slowing to a stop at the mouth of the cave, I felt them approach and straightened my shoulders. Their silent movements came from behind me, making me adjust Roselena so that her face was shielded by my shoulder.

"Name and reason for approach."

I didn't move as per protocol and answered, "Rovan Castilliano, King of Dhernon. I have Roselena Lucienda with me."

There was a pause, and I could have sworn that the man behind me quivered.

"The-the commander and King would have sent word before coming here." He sounded unsure of himself. Perhaps, I should have him replaced.

"Either you let me in or you arrest us and let your colonel confirm my identity." I turned to look him in the eye, and he visibly tensed. Rain pelted and ran down my face and hair as I did so.