Unbroken

Chapter 19

Luther and Ruben looked at each other with their eyes full of surprise at the fire that had erupted all around us.Then they both ran from the tent and in opposite directions. Luther went straight for the carriage that had brought him here and Ruben disappeared into the trees. For a moment I stood there in the heat and marveled at how spry Luther was, for such a large man he moved quite quickly.

Grant burst inside the tent right after the two men had left "Rose!" He yelled and grabbed me by my shoulders hauling me to my feet shaking me. "We need to go now!" He said pulling on my arm.

It took me a second to register what was going on around us as more arrows tore through the fabric of the tent. Grant tugged on my arm and I hurried after him. Now was our opportunity to escape. Never letting go of my hand Grant pulled me through the chaos that had erupted all around us. Several of the tents throughout camp had burst into flames. Many of Ruben's men were down on the ground with arrows protruding from their chests. Slaves were running all around us trying to get away from the slaves. I glanced around as I followed after Grant. I could see men on horseback rounding everyone up. I didn't recognize the banners that they flew. 

Some groups of slaves were cowering together as men on horses rode circles around them and cut down their guards. Others ran in a panic away from the riders. Some guards stood and fought while others surrendered immediately at the sight of the riders and their weapons. There was yelling and screaming accompanied by the pounding of hooves and the ring of steel from the weapons. The noise was deafening.

We finally made it out of Rubens camp and into the woods but we didn't stop. We continued running until we couldn't hear the screams behind us. When we finally stopped we were both gasping for air. Grant grabbed me and pulled me into his arms. Our embrace lasted a few seconds longer than it should have. He didn't release me when he pressed a quick kiss against my lips. Both of us looked at each other in shock. His actions had surprised me just as much as they had surprised him. Then he held me close again. 

"I'm so happy that you're safe!" He said between breaths in my ear. "What were you thinking killing Tarra like that!?" 

"I was trying to save you. They wanted me to kill you. What I did to Tarra was the only thing I could think of to do." I told him while trying to catch my breath. 

We heard the approach of horses and took of running again hand in hand neither of us willing to let the other go.

The horses were getting closer and closer then there was a yell. 

"By the order of Lord Jonathan we order you to halt!"

Immediately I stopped running and Grant jerked on my arm almost pulling me over. Grant turned to look at me as the riders came to a stop in front of us. Lord Jonathan? We had made it! The riders leveled their swords with Grant's chest and he gave them a challenging glare. 

"Is this man hurting you?" They asked and Grant took a step towards them. I jumped in front of him as they prepared to run him through. 

"Forgive him!" I yelled. "He was only getting me out of the camp. He is my guide." I insisted as I looked at him. The men on horseback returned their swords to their belts and looked at us. 

"We have to take you back. Our commander will want to see you."

I accepted the hand that was offered to me and I was swung up to sit behind the rider. I held onto him as we took off towards the camp. I hoped to never return. I looked back at Grant who was on the horse with the other rider. His eyes didn't miss the fact that I had my arms wrapped around the waist of the man in front of me. The camp came into sight and I wanted to close my eyes and pretend that we were somewhere else but I didn't. This time we were returning to the camp not as slaves. This time we were free people and we were going to help all of the people who were being held there. 

The horse slowed and we came to a stop. There was a man on the ground who helped me down to my feet. Grant jumped down to the ground beside me. He reached down to take my hand with his as if he were reminding himself that I was there. The men led us through the decimated camp. I looked at all of the slaves who were finally being freed. The men were asking them questions and finding out where they lived. They were given new clothing and encouraged to throw their threadbare rags into the raging fires. The men loaded those who were too sick to walk into waiting carriages and they rolled out of camp. There were more carriages waiting to replace those that had left. 

The riders around me clapped their arms across their chests and bowed at the approach of a dark haired man who I hadn't ever seen before. I followed the men and dropped to a curtsy. I tugged Grant's hand down with me and he finally bowed to the approaching man. For the first time I noticed the state of my dress. It was filthy around the hem from running through the forest. I had a huge blood stain that dripped from the top all the way down half of the skirt. There were bloody hand prints on it where I had wiped Tarra's blood off on the skirt. 

"Are you Princess Roslyn?" The dark haired man asked. 

"I am," I said as I stood up from the curtsy. 

"I am Phillip, your mother sent me to find you."

I looked at him with wide eyes barely believing what he was saying. Grant was completely silent at my side as the both of us realized that Phillip was standing right in front of us. After all this time we had finally met each other. The journey hadn't gone exactly as planned and it had taken a lot longer than we had expected but we were finally here. 

"If it's alright with you, my men will take you back to my castle." 

I nodded my agreement because nothing sounded better. 

"I will be there shortly after I sort out everything that is going on here." He took a step towards me and took my hand in his and raised it up to his lip as he placed a kiss against the back of my hand. I felt Grant stiffen next to me. 

We were dismissed and Grant and I were placed behind riders and we took off through the forest towards Phillip's castle. 

I stretched to peer over the rider's shoulder. Never before had I been happier to see a castle. The castle was beautiful. It looked as if it was made from diamonds the way that it sparkled in the sunlight. "Lord Jonathan's castle your highness." He said and I tried to conceal my excitement. This was what all of my hard work had been for. My determination had finally paid off. I looked back over my shoulder to find Grant looking ahead at the castle but he didn't look the least bit happy.