The Goddess (Lady of the Light book 1)

Ch. 7

Em awoke in total darkness. A cramped tiny space void of any light, struggling she managed to slightly sit up. A rough fabric was cutting into her wrists making it hard for her to move her fingers.

Her heart was beating so fast and her breathing was increasing as she continued to try to wriggle and squirm her way out of the binds that were holding her.

Her mouth tasted horrible; a gag had been used clearly to muffle any screaming. Silent tears ran down her face, what possible situation had she gotten herself into this time...

***

"What do you mean you have no idea where she is" Maelgywn demanded as he paced the small space between the fire and chairs in their small apartments.

"We think the Assassin guild took her Maelgywn." Lillabeth stated for what felt like the hundredth time. "It seems a touch coincidental that after enquiring after the guild that an important part of our party goes missing" Lillabeth was far calmer than anyone else in the room.

Alistair, Everett and Telen were still out searching in vain for the lost young girl. Realising that she was no longer around the fountain had been one of the most gut-wrenching feelings Lillabeth had had. She felt like she couldn't breathe and her minor abilities that could normally pick up on the girls' feelings and thread were lost in the crowd.

It had been Telen yelling Ems name that had alerted Lillabeth that she hadn't seen the girl in some time, yet with a sinking feeling, she had known that the girl had been taken. The guild finally had made contact.

"You think they have her?" Lucan asked quietly as he toyed with a dirk.

"I am not a betting woman, but I would put money on receiving a missive for a meeting in the upcoming day or two," Lillabeth answered

***

Em had no idea how long she had been held in the dark cupboard, occasionally she thought she heard shuffling and distant voices outside, but it seemed too difficult to focus. It was better to lay back and sleep rather than struggling and get nowhere. Every now and then water was placed in her hands; it was fuzzy when she tried to remember how. It hurt to think too hard or move, the water was sweet and delicious, everything started to centre around the water.

***

"Only two of us may go. They only want Maelgywn and Lillabeth to go and meet them at the docks" Alistair was beyond angry "That's beyond ridiculous, how could you even be considering this?"

"She is my responsibility" Lillabeth's normal calm had been completely disrupted leaving her as angry as Alistair, they had been discussing the missive that Telen had received, it's directions were simple if they wanted the girl back then they had to meet the guild at the docks, however only Maelgywn and Lillabeth were to show. "It only requests Maelgywn and I, we need her safe Alistair."

"Our entire country needs you both to be safe, you will not be doing this." Alistair fired back.

"Unfortunately for you, you don't really have that authority." Maelgywn said softly "We will be meeting them." Alistair started to swear, shaking his head and leveling a pointed look at Lillabeth he left the room with a loud bang as the door slammed.

"When they say alone, they don't really mean alone... You will be at a crowded tavern named "The Dock"..." Everett looked at the people around him at the small table 'well, let's get planning."

***

The shaking had started again, it was gripping her, like waves through her body, surely the water would be coming soon, it had to be, the shaking had started.