The Amulet (A tale of Eswor Book 2)

Hope

They threw me in the cell mercilessly. The guards sneered at me. "I can't believe she was once so respected now look at her." One of them spat. They both laughed and left me alone.

Tears left my eyes and I couldn't control my sobbing. I didn't get up from the ground I stayed there just crying and letting everything out for a good hour at least.

In between sobs when I started to calm down I started coughing. Each cough brought more blood then the last. I stared gulping air and I couldn't support myself. I felt very faint then suddenly everything went black.

~~~

I'm not in a cell... was the first thought that popped into my mind. I opened my eyes and sat up. I winced as pain shot through my stomach and my lungs. I tried not to cough.

I was in an actual bed in a room. The windows had bars on them. It was most likely late at night and most of the castle was probably asleep.  I tried to get up, but I was too weak and my legs fell from underneath me. I would've fallen, but someone caught me and placed me back in the bed gently.

"You're sick, don't strain yourself."

I looked up and blinked. "Derrick?" I was utterly confused.

He nodded and smiled slightly. "I asked my father to give me one last chance to speak with you. I walked down into the dungeon and found you nearly dead on the ground." He looked at me with saddened eyes. "Please tell me what you said wasn't true, about dying."

I looked at him and smiled. "Of course not. That was just a ruse." I felt bad for lying to him, but I didn't want to worry him, he had bigger things to worry about. I heard him sigh in relief. "Hey Derrick.."

"Hm?"

"Are you aware that you're going to be king of Galeilth soon?"

Derrick nodded solemnly. "Of course I'm aware. That old man is completely insane and I can't bare it anymore. I know I shouldn't say this about my own father, but that man is no longer someone I know."

I looked at him. "You remember my brother right?" Derrick nodded stiffly. "It's the same situation. I never knew how much he had changed."

"He's the one that made my father go on this craze for the amulet." Derrick said looking at me. "When you left, your brother decided to persuade my father to take over Eswor and he would need that amulet to help him."

I ran my hands over my face. "I should've hung him with the other pirates." Derrick put his hand on my shoulder.

"It's okay. Cole took care of him a long time ago."

I nodded. "Say, where is Cole? I haven't seen him since we found each other in Dwaygord."

"He's back in Galeilth looking over the men." Derrick smiled. "I almost forgot, I have a surprise for you." He got up and opened a hidden door.

My eyes widened when I saw Terragon enter the room. I wanted to rush over to him, but I knew I was too weak to get up. Terragon smiled and rushed over to me. He sat down next to me on the bed. He hugged me to his chest and I started crying.

"I thought I'd never see you again." I said clinging to his chest. He ran his hands through my hair and rubbed my back soothingly.

"Well, we did promise to see each other again." I looked up at him and kissed him softly. I parted and looked at him. He smiled softly and pulled me to his chest in a hug.

Derrick cleared his throat. I pulled away and looked at the two of them. "How did you get here?"

Terragon smiled. "Derrick snuck me in."

I frowned. "It was that simple?"

Derrick nodded. "My father hasn't had many guards stationed around. Plus Gareth is confident that no one will come and hurt him because he's king."

I nodded. "He's ruthless but not necessarily smart." They both nodded in agreement.

Derrick looked at us both. "Terragon if you want to get out of here, I suggest you leave now."

I looked at Derrick. "I can't leave yet. We still have your father to deal with."

Derrick smiled. "I'll deal with my father don't worry about it. Follow that secret passage way straight and then take a left. It should lead you outside to where a horse is prepared for you."

Terragon and I said our thanks then Derrick left us.

"Kava, can you walk?" Terragon asked.

I shrugged. "Let's find out." I stood up and almost fell. I winced and leaned against Terragon. "No I can't." I coughed and spat the blood in a piece of cloth that I had.

"I'm going to lift you up since it will be easier okay?" He looked at me and I nodded. He lifted me up and my hands automatically wound around his neck.

"Derrick sent a note to Kinnley and Opal that they are going to get a visit from someone soon. They don't know who it is, he just told them that it was a good friend."

I leaned my head against his shoulder. "I can't wait to see them again. It's been so long."

Terragon smiled. "Well I'm going to get you there. Also, I have a cloak for you to use, along with your twin swords. Fall is almost at an end and winter has made an appearance."

I closed my eyes and had almost fallen asleep when I felt the cold air hit my arms. "I need to put you down for a minute or so." Terragon sat me down on the ground. "Don't get up."

I nodded and watched him walk away. My teeth were chattering and I could see my breath. I tried warming up my hands with my breath, but it didn't work that well. I looked up when I heard a horse nicker.

Terragon came over to me and wrapped a cloak around me. He lifted me up on the horse and mounted behind me. I was seated so I could lean against him and be comfortable. "I can't keep my eyes open anymore." I mumbled. I closed my eyes and felt his arms around me as he picked up the reins.

"That's alright love. Just rest. We'll be there before you know it."