Assassin [#ProjectWomanUp]

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Mines

Almost a year had passed since their last battle with Asterodea and they were no closer to finding the sorcerers.

"Lusevla, you said we could track her by her kills."

"I thought we could. She's a very intelligent woman. I imagine she's gone into hiding."

Luselva was somewhat intimidated by Ebony's relentless determination to find Asterodea, even if she understood the reasoning behind it.

"Well, wherever she's hiding, you'd better find her," Ebony said, just short of demanding, as she walked away.

Luselva sighed. Ever since Jocelyn had died, Ebony had been different. She wasn't as lighthearted, and she focused all her energy into finding Asterodea.

It wasn't thirst for revenge. Luselva had seen what a desire for revenge was in people and Ebony just wasn't showing the signs.

Ebony, like everyone else, wanted to bring Asterodea to justice.

~~~

"Okay we know she has an inside source. Maybe, if they're communicating, we'll be able to track her."

Asterodea's extended absence was starting to become very worrying. Their newest idea, as told by May, showed how desperate they were starting to get.

"That's not going to happen," Marilyn said. "If she really is in hiding, like Luselva is saying, she wouldn't take any chances."

"Besides, the spy would go to her at times that would be the least likely to reveal them," Veronica added.

Eliza glanced suspiciously at Veronica.

"Okay. We've combed the forest, looked into any unusual kills, and searched for traces of magic. We have nothing. Nothing. Anyone else have suggestions?" May was clearly irritated.

"The Mines," Marilyn said quietly.

The Mines was a region in the far north inhabited mainly by dwarves. It was the source of the majority of the country's minerals. It also was known to have a habit of depleting magic from users.

"The Mines?" Eliza said incredulously. "Why would she go to the Mines of all places?"

"She knows it's the last place we'd look. It would explain why we haven't found her yet."

"She'd need her magic in the off chance we did find her. She is very smart, so why would she sacrifice her best weapon just for a hiding spot?"

"Magic isn't the only weapon out there, and if she is as smart as you all are saying, then she'll have found a substitute."

"If nothing else, it's a lead worth investigating. Lizzie, May, Marilyn, Lisa, and Lynn'll check it out."

"Wait, I want to go."

"Ebony, as a sorceress, going to a place that hinders magic is not the best idea. You five leave as soon as you're able."

~~~

The Mines were creepy. They were run for the most part by dwarves. At this time of year, the dwarves hibernated, leaving the Mines completely abandoned, aside from the odd rat or spider.

"Well, the place matches her personality- totally creepy," May quipped in an attempt to lighten the mood.

"You got that right," Eliza replied, swatting away a spider web that had caught in her hair.

"Do you really think she's here?" Lynn muttered.

"She's definitely here," Analise muttered back.

"How can you tell?"

"There's kind of a... hum in the air."

"It could be the creepynees of the place."

"No, it's definitely magic."

"I thought this place was supposed to dull magic."

"Considering how powerful she is, I'm not surprised she still has a trace."

"Well then, let's find her."

About fifty yards in, Eliza sensed a disturbance.

Thump.

Lynn was on the ground.

Analise had an arrow on her bow and ready to fire almost immediately. Her target came as a surprise to Eliza.

Marilyn.

Marilyn smirked. "Too little too late."

"You?"

"Yes me, although you lot are so dense I could have kept the act up for the rest of my life and you never would have known."

"You did very good, Miss Zavran," Asterodea's voice floated from behind them. "You have been very useful to me."

Marilyn inclined her head respectfully towards the sorceress. "It was my honor, my lady."

"Now." Asterodea waved her hand and Marilyn dropped, dead, and turned her attention to the rest of the Assassins. "What to do with you."

"You're at a disadvantage," Eliza said as they all readied their weapons.

"Am I?" Asterodea conjured a ball of fire. They all stared, shocked.

"How..."

A shockwave pulsed through the narrow cavern. The weak pulse had originated from Analise.

Asterodea laughed. "Very, good, child. If you'll allow me to teach you, you will be very powerful."

Analise drew the bowstring and aimed at Asterodea's heart. "You are my enemy."

"Not for long." She disappeared.

"Coward," May muttered.

The tunnel began to shake. Pieces of debris began to fall.

"Get Lynn and run," Eliza commanded.

Luckily they managed to get out before the cavern collapsed on them.

Overall, their trip to the mines was unsuccessful.

So that was supposed to be a big plot twist but I don't think I set it up enough.
I probably cut down on a lot of other plot details. I have about two more chapters, and we're finished with this.
Hope you enjoyed. Peace
Patchesmimi