The Girl in the Cloak

Cages

The moon was rising into the night sky. The entire party spent the past twenty or so hours resting and prepping. Ensuring every one of their weapons was as sharp as possible. Stretching out their muscles and whatever else they needed to be ready.

"It's time we did this." Fa was looking antsy once again. Not as bad as the first time she and Rain had arrived at this very same castle, but still obviously nervous.

"We will be fine Fa. We are going to win this and end-all of this tonight." Just as Luna got up to speak she was hit with a black bolt. She let out a wail of pain as she fell to the ground. A group of soldiers came flying out of the trees that were around them. The ruckus was loud and sudden. Rain could not fathom how they didn't notice what seemed to be twenty men surrounding them before. Before she knew it she was tackled and tied up. She rolled over and looked to look at the person on her. She saw a foot and then darkness.

Ting ting ting. "What is that?" Rain thought to herself. Ting ting ting. "My head is throbbing."

"Oh Rain you're awake." She knew that voice. Rain opened her eyes to see bars in front of her. She looked across the way and saw Fa there in chains.

"What happened?"

"Your father that's what." That voice she also knew. Luna was in a separate cell as well. "I'm not sure how but he knew we were there." She looked angry, a level of anger that Rain had never seen from her mother. Her top had been ripped off of her shoulder and her flesh covered with a bandage. Rain had never been in prison before but thought it strange they would care for a prisoner's wounds in such a way.

"Where is Storm?"

"We have yet to see his little kitten. Let's hope for the best." Rain began to cry instantly.

"They will all suffer if they hurt him."

"Hurt who? Me? Or is it this mutt" Ordik was standing at the entrance to the hall. Next to him attached to a spiked leash was Storm. Blood was dripping from the svern's neck where spiked prongs were piercing his flesh to keep him in line. "He behaves beautifully when given the right incentive. You know you did a wonderful job training him. I think I will keep him. He will make an excellent hunting beast."

"You will never do such a thing!" Rain yelled at the Horric Prince.

"You I am not sure who you are or why the three of you are together, but you did a number on my brother. He almost didn't survive your antics. Guess we Princes are just too much for someone as weak and pathetic as you!. Only the last three words were shouted at the girl. The girl didn't react to Ordiks antics. "Luna, is your arm shoulder feeling alright my dearest? I had the one who shot you executed. I specifically told them if they were gonna shoot then kill. But noooooooo they didn't listen to me. Instead, he shot you in the shoulder. With a poisoned bolt nonetheless. I'm sure we will find out what poison it is at some point." Ordik turned to leave. He took a few steps then turned to say one last thing. "Do not worry Fa-Lees you will get to see your daughter soon enough. Say hi for me when you do." With that, he was gone, and Storm with him. Fa, to Rains delight, did not cry. Instead, she started to slam her fist into the wall.

"Cloak its time." There was no response. Rain instantly reached for her neck. Only then did she find out her cloak was gone.66