Seth woke with a start when someone sharply tapped his shoulder. He whipped back to see Shaman Fen on his haunches leaning on a wooden staff.

“My Lord?” Shaman Fen asked, critically looking over Seth. “Are you well? Nabora tells me you refused to sleep in your bed. Is it not to your liking?”

Seth felt his strength returning, he slowly sat up and glared at Shaman Fen. “Did my friends sleep in beds?”

Shaman Fen was taken aback for a moment. “Well, no, of course not.”

Seth narrowed his eyes. “Then I’m not sleeping in a bed either,” he declared.

Shaman Fen regained his composure and grimaced. “I see…if that is what you wish.” Then he looked back. “Bring in his breakfast, Nabora.”

Seth’s eyes widened when he saw a platter of eggs, meat, and grains brought in. His mouth watered as the aroma wafted to his nose and his stomach growled. When was the last time he’d had a rich meal like that?

Nabora handed the platter to Shaman Fen who held it out to Seth. Seth swallowed – The meat was still sizzling. Seth gritted his teeth and tore his eyes away. “Are my friends eating breakfast?” he asked staring down at the floor. Seth was afraid he would cave if he continued to stare at the platter.

“Why does it matter if they’re eating as well?” Shaman Fen asked, then he leaned in and brought the platter closer, the tantalizing smells taunting Seth. “They’ll never know,” he said in a low tone. “Besides you need to keep up your strength for The Lady.”

Seth inched away, keeping his eyes on the floor. “No!” he refused, “If they don’t eat, then I don’t eat!”

There was a pause; Seth slowly looked up at Shaman Fen. His face was screwed up in frustration. “Fine,” he snapped. “I will arrange…breakfast for your friends.” He rose, taking the platter with him.

Seth blinked. He won? He was getting his way? Realization came to Seth and a slight smile played about his lips. The Lady wanted him to go up the mountain on her terms. But how far can I push? he wondered.

“I want to see them.” he demanded, then watched Shaman Fen’s face closely.

The shaman whipped back. “Absolutely not!” he cried. “The Lady has forbidden you to speak with them.”

Seth climbed to his feet, keeping his eyes on Shaman Fen. “Then I guess you’ll have to force feed me. Because I will only eat if I see that they have been fed,” Seth straightened and folded his arms.

The shaman’s eyes began to bug out. “Listen here you-”

“No, you listen here!” Seth barked taking a step forward and jabbing a finger at Shaman Fen. “You have a dangerous journey to make soon and going up a mountain with an uncooperative prisoner is going to be difficult.” Out of the corner of his eye, Seth noticed Nabora inching toward the door.

Seth’s heart pounded. He flicked his eyes back to Shaman Fen, who glared at him. It was a risky gamble. but I have to take it. I need to make sure Gloria and Elias are okay.

“Since The Lady needs my body,” Seth continued. “I imagine that she’d prefer if I were kept in good health,” he met Shaman Fen’s eyes whose lips thinned in irritation.

“So, here’s my offer: Take care of my friends and I will cooperate. If not…” Seth ended the sentence with a shrug.

The room was quiet, and the two men stared each other down. Shaman Fen’s eyes narrowed, his fist clenching around his staff. Seth smirked – he was gaining leverage and Shaman Fen knew it.

Shaman Fen growled, then stamped his staff on the floor. “Fine!” Then he turned to Nabora. “Make more eggs and sausages, then tell Gunnar and Sven to grab the woman and the novice from the storehouse.” Nabora bowed and hurried from the room.

Shaman Fen glared back at Seth, his face beginning to grow red. “You may have gotten your way this time, boy, but don’t get cocky. The Lady does want you up the mountain, but even I have my limits.” Then he turned on his heel and left the room, slamming the door shut behind him.

Seth stood in the middle of the small room, adrenaline coursing through him. He let out a long sigh, then collapsed on the bed. I can’t believe that actually worked! he thought, running a shaking hand through his hair.

Within him, Seth felt The Lady raise her fatigued head. Clever, she spat venomously. That was quite clever, my child. Then she laid her head down again and eyed him irritably. Seth ignored her and watched the door. He had to be ready for when they came back for him.

----------------------------------------

Seth guessed it was a half hour when the door opened again. He was pacing the room when Nabora opened the door and glowered at him. “Shaman Fen says your friends are ready to see you, my lord,” she spat.

Seth cautiously stepped through the doorway into a large common room. In the middle of the room was a table set with four plates. The air in the room was thick. Seth glanced around him. There was a strong man posted in each corner of the room and two by the front door. No sudden movements, Seth thought.

Seth turned his attention to the table and his heart lifted when he saw Gloria and Elias sitting on one side. Their eyes snapped up when they heard him enter the room. Elias looked weary, but the boy gave him a small smile. He looks much better than the last I saw him, Seth thought. Gloria must’ve healed him.

Seth looked at Gloria and met her eyes. She shifted between joy and fear. He smiled; it felt as though it had been an eternity since he’d seen her. She began to smile back, then her gaze shifted to his arm. Gloria recoiled slightly and trembled.

Seth’s smile faded and he followed her gaze to the growing scars on his arm. He swallowed; her fear cut his heart and shame crashed over him. He tried to cover the scars with his right hand and approached the table.

Shaman Fen was seated across from Gloria, he watched Seth closely. A bit of irritation bristled in Seth’s chest – he had hoped to sit close to Gloria. But maybe she would prefer it this way… he thought, his heart dropping a bit.

Seth came over and sat down at the table beside the shaman and glared at him. “Why are you here?” he asked coldly.

“You may have breakfast together,” Shaman Fen sneered. “But I cannot allow you to be alone.” Shaman Fen stabbed his egg. “Besides, your friends needed to be informed of our journey today.”

Seth pursed his lips. He should’ve expected this. “Fine,” he narrowed his eyes, then he looked around at Gloria and Elias – He’d have to be careful about anything he said.

Seth picked up his fork and poked at his egg. “How’s your head?” he asked, looking up at Elias.

Elias gave a small nod. “It’s doing better, Master,” he answered and took a bite of meat. “Gloria took care of it for me.”

“Good,” Seth nodded and cut into his egg. The table was quiet for a while. Seth looked from Shaman Fen who watched him carefully, to Gloria whose eyes were glued to her plate. “Are you being treated well?” he asked.

Gloria froze and Seth noticed her fork shake in her hand, she swallowed and slowly looked up. “As well as can be expected,” she gave him a brave smile, but Seth could see that it took everything to keep it together.

Seth’s gaze lingered on Gloria, and he clenched his fork. The distance between them was agonizing. He put his fork down and reached out to touch Gloria. Just one touch, he thought. Just to reassure her and himself that everything was going to be okay. Before he could reach her, Shaman Fen snatched Seth’s hand and yanked it back.

“I’ve been very gracious and patient,” Shaman Fen snapped, and he tightened his grip on Seth. “But touching is not something I can allow!”

Seth’s eyes flared and he fought against the grip. “Let go!” he demanded.

Shaman Fen smirked. “As you wish,” he let go and Seth fell off the bench to the floor. Shaman Fen looked down at him, then snapped his fingers. “Sven, Gunnar, this breakfast is over.” Two hulking men stalked over towards Gloria and Elias.

“No!” Seth cried, trying to scramble to his feet. “Give them more time!”

Shaman Fen smirked at Seth. “They’ve had plenty of time to eat,” then his eyes narrowed. “And as much as I would prefer you to cooperate, at this point I have no qualms dragging you up the mountain!”

Seth’s face burned. He felt so helpless! His eyes darted around the room. Surely there was something he could do!

Shaman Fen chuckled and picked up his fork to take another bite. Seth’s eyes locked onto the metal fork with desperate anger. Let’s see how you like a scorched tongue, he thought darkly. He focused his energy on the fork and raised a hand to draw a sigil.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“Seth,” Gloria called. Seth’s dark eyes snapped towards her. She shook her head. “Don’t! It’ll only make things worse,” she gave him a sad smile. “We’ll be fine. I’ve gone through worse.”

Seth clenched his fists. It didn’t matter if she’d been through worse! He didn’t want her to go through this at all!

“I would listen to her if I were you,” Shaman Fen added with pompous disdain and chewed his sausage slowly.

Seth shook – He could feel the power he’d gathered slipping from his fingers. With a mindless growl, he lunged forward only to be sharply pulled back by three men.

“Seth! Stop!” Gloria cried, rising sharply from the table. Seth looked up and saw Sven and Gunnar gripping Gloria and Elias around the shoulders.

“You need to calm down!” she pleaded.

Seth struggled against the men holding him back. “No!” he roared. “I won’t let them-”

“We’ll be fine!” Gloria interrupted and tried to shake off Sven’s hands. “Focus on the bigger picture!” she cried. “Shaman Fen said we’re going to be taken up the mountain to The Lady, right?” Gloria met his eyes.

Seth panted and sagged in the grip of the men holding him. He didn’t want to think; he wanted them out of danger – now!

“Right, Seth?” Gloria pressed. Sven’s hands gripped her shoulders again. It took all of Seth’s willpower to not try and leap over the table to rip his hands off her.

He struggled vainly and met Gloria’s pleading eyes. “Please,” she pleaded. “The mountain, her temple…” she eyed him. Her frozen heart.

Seth glanced at Shaman Fen who smugly watched the conversation. He had won this battle, and Seth knew it.

Seth shook furiously. He hated it. But Gloria’s right…he thought. We need to get to that temple. “Alright,” he said quietly, then he bowed his head in defeat.

Shaman Fen snapped his fingers. “Take them back to the shed. We leave in an hour.”

Seth watched helplessly as Sven and Gunnar dragged Gloria and Elias away. He glanced at their half-finished plates and cursed himself. He’d let his anger get the best of him and squandered their opportunity to have a proper meal.

Just before they were out of sight, Elias twisted around and caught Seth’s attention. “Don’t worry, Master Seth!” he called back boldly. “I’ll make sure Gloria is safe!”

Seth smiled grimly. It was a small comfort, but better than nothing. “Thank you, Elias,” he whispered.

Seth turned his gaze to Gloria. She glanced back and their eyes met for a moment. She smiled softly at him, then Sven pushed her onward and Gunnar closed the door behind him.

The common room was quiet, and the tension was thick. Shaman Fen turned back to Seth and raised his staff towards him. “If The Lady hadn’t forbidden it, you would be feeling this on your back right now,” he looked up to the men restraining Seth. “Take him back to his room.”

The men dragged Seth back and tossed him into the small room. He stumbled in and fell to the floor. He whipped back just in time to see the door click shut behind him. He frantically searched his pockets, then smacked the floor in frustration. Damnit! he seethed, If I had my lockpicks I would be out of here!

He bit his lip and hit the floor again in anger then cursed himself, Shaman Fen, and The Lady. He climbed to his feet and tried to find something to vent his anger on when he heard a voice outside his window. “Get moving!”

Seth scrambled to his window and peered through the cracks between the wooden planks nailed over the window. He caught a glimpse of Sven and Gunnar dragging Elias and Gloria towards a shed nearby.

Gloria stumbled and fell in the snow. Elias fought against Gunnar’s grip and tried to go back for her. “Let me help her!” Seth heard the boy cry. There was a loud smack and Seth watched in horror as Elias fell back into the snow holding a hand to his face.

Seth hit the wooden boards with his fist. “He’s just a boy!” he screamed. Guilt hammered in Seth’s chest. What have I done? Seth thought, watching Elias stare at the blood on his hand. I never should’ve let Elias come!

Elias’s eyes narrowed. Seth watched in amazement as the boy climbed to his feet and pushed past Gunnar. He reached out and pulled Gloria to her feet, before he was yanked back and shoved towards the shed.

Seth squinted through another crack for a better angle and noticed a weight on Elias’s shoulders. He will protect her until the end, Seth realized. There was some comfort in the thought, but Seth hated that a boy so young should have to carry a weight so heavy.

Crim, Seth prayed. I wish I could carry it for him. But I can’t…He rested his forehead on the wooden planks. Crim, please give him strength…. Keep her safe…Keep them both safe.

----------------------------------------

Gloria sat in the dark on the storehouse floor. She licked the remaining egg yolk from the corners of her mouth, trying to savor what little breakfast she’d had.

Thank you, Seth. she thought. She wasn’t sure how, but Gloria was certain that Seth had somehow orchestrated it. He’s so clever, Gloria smiled.

She shivered from the cold and rubbed her arms together. How long had they been in here? It felt like it had been ages. Oh Crim, she prayed, please keep us safe up the mountain,

The floor creaked as Elias paced back and forth in the little light they had from the edges of the door. Gloria squinted in the darkness and saw him fiddling with something. “What are you doing?” she asked.

“I’m working on the talisman.” Elias answered. “I hid it in my habit. Thankfully they missed it when they took our stuff. They took my penknife though,” Gloria heard Elias sigh. “But when Gunnar hit me, I felt a rock in the snow. I hope it’ll stay sharp enough for me to finish.”

Gloria sat up and watched Elias’s form pass her by again. “How long will it take?” she asked.

“Normally,” Elias answered, his tone focused. “A talisman would take only a day of dedicated focus. But after everything…I’m not sure. I’m working on it as fast as I can.”

Gloria drew her knees to her chest. “Thank you again for making this,” she whispered.

“Of course,” Elias’s voice was soft. “If Master Seth knew, he’d want it this way too. He…” Elias hesitated. The pause made Gloria frown. She looked up, but it was too dark to read his expression. “He…cares about you a lot.” Elias finished.

Gloria smiled a little and tucked some hair behind her ear. Elias’s subtle emphasis was comforting; she needed some comfort after everything that had happened.

“Don’t worry, Gloria,” Elias said breaking into her thoughts. “I’ll protect you just like Master Seth. I’ll make sure of it.” His voice was bold and confident. Gloria looked up at Elias’s outline and for a moment he seemed a little taller, stronger, and his tone carried a hint of Seth’s. Gloria felt a pang of longing; she missed him terribly.

“Do you think they’re treating him well?” she asked, staring in the direction of the house Seth was held captive in.

Elias sighed and Gloria could imagine him grimacing. “I think they’re treating him better than he wants to be,” Elias chuckled a little. “I think it’s driving him mad.”

Gloria let out a half-laugh. “I think so too,” she agreed. Then she shivered and the image of Seth’s growing scars came to mind, feeding her growing doubts. The Lady’s power was overwhelming; how could they hope to defeat her? And in her own home? Gloria worried.

“Have faith, Gloria,” Elias said focusing on the talisman. “Crim will guide us through.”

Gloria twiddled her thumbs. Her own faith felt lacking. “I don’t know,” she confessed. “I used to be so confident, but now…”

“The Lady was defeated once before,” Elias said confidently. “Crim will see to it that she will be defeated again.”

Gloria smiled in the dark. “I wish I had your optimism,” she said.

“It’s not optimism,” Elias corrected gently. “It’s faith.”

Before Gloria could respond, she noticed a shadow under the door approaching. “Someone’s coming,” she said, rising to her feet.

Elias backed away from the door and stood in front of her. “Stay behind me,” he said.

There was a click, and the door opened. Bright daylight streamed in and blinded Gloria. She put her hand up to shield her eyes, then blinked and saw Sven’s looming frame in the doorway. “It’s time to go,” he said.

Elias took her hand and followed Sven out the door into the bright sun. Gloria squinted her eyes and tried to look around her. She saw a party of twenty hurrying to finish preparations. Bags and supplies were tossed into organized piles, horses were being laden with equipment, and men strapped on weapons.

Gloria scanned the scene for Seth. It didn’t take long to find him. His glowing scars stood out from the crowd. Her heart lifted a little at the sight of him, but when he turned back, she saw his eyes were black. Gloria shrank back, anxiety pulsing through her veins; She was overseeing the final preparations of the expedition.

The Lady and Gloria made eye contact. Seth’s face smiled and his body sauntered over. Memories flooded Gloria: The creek, the ritual, and her horrific cackles through it all. Gloria shook violently and couldn’t tear her eyes away.

“Hello my sweet,” The Lady cooed. She reached out Seth’s hand to touch Gloria, but Elias stepped in between them.

“Don’t touch her,” Elias growled. Seth’s face looked down condescendingly at Elias, but Elias glared defiantly at her. “I pushed you back once, I can do it again,” he raised his hands to pray.

Sven growled and lunged for Elias. Gloria gasped and shoved Elias behind her. “He didn’t mean that!” she cried.

Elias fought against her and tried to push his way to the front. “Yes, I did!” he cried. “I meant every word! Let me go, Gloria! Let me bless him!”

Gloria struggled to keep Elias behind her and looked pleadingly up at Seth’s dark scowling face. “Don’t hurt him,” she begged. “He’s just a boy!”

The Lady narrowed Seth’s eyes. “Sven,” she called.

“Yes, My Lady?” The huge man grunted.

Gloria paled and she went numb. Oh Crim, she thought, What are you going to do?

“Take the novice and put him at the rear. I want him to make it to my temple, but until then, keep him away from me.”

Elias twisted out of Gloria’s arms and pushed his way in front of her. “Ha!” he laughed. “Who knew The Lady of the Mountain would be afraid of a little boy?” His mockery was rewarded with a swift punch to the gut from Sven. Elias groaned and doubled over.

“Elias!” Gloria cried reaching out for him.

Sven loomed over Elias and Gloria “How dare you insult My Lady!” Then he spat on Elias. Elias’s head snapped up, his eyes blazing.

Gloria’s eyes widened. He’s going to do something stupid! “Wait!” she cried and stepped in between the two. “Please wait!” she cried, then she turned back to Elias and looked into his defiant eyes. “Don’t fight them!” she urged.

“But-!” Elias cried.

Gloria lowered her voice and gave Elias a stern look. “Remember what I told Seth? Focus on the bigger picture – We need to get to her heart.”

Elias was conflicted, then finally he grumbled and bowed his head. “Yes, Gloria,” he muttered.

Gloria shivered when Seth’s hand firmly grasped her shoulder. ““Excellent,” The Lady said, “Now that that’s settled…” Seth’s body dragged her away from Elias. “You get to come with me!”

Elias reached out for Gloria. “No! Wait!” he cried. “I made a promise! I promised I’d keep her safe!”

“Yes,” The Lady chuckled cruelly, stroking Seth’s fingers against Gloria’s cheek. Gloria squeezed her eyes shut and tried not to shudder. “And now you’re breaking it,” The Lady finished.

Elias’s face fell and he looked at Gloria. “I’m sorry!” he cried.

Gloria tried to smile at him. “I’ll be alright,” she said taking a shaky breath. “I’ve been through worse.”

Elias grimaced. “Just remember that thing is not Master Seth!” he jabbed a finger at Seth’s body. “Master Seth is better than that cow!”

Sven smacked the side of Elias’s head, then he grabbed the hood of Elias’s habit and stormed off towards the horses. Elias fought and twisted in the hulking man’s grip. “Master Seth cares about you!” he screamed as he was dragged through the snow. “Don’t forget that! Never forget that!”

Gloria bit her lip. She wanted to believe him! But where did Seth end and The Lady begin? It was becoming difficult to separate the two.

“Well now,” The Lady cooed in Gloria’s ear. “It’s just you and me again,” she chuckled.

Gloria closed her eyes and tried not to tremble. I can do this, she told herself. I’ve survived this before, and I can do it again.

“You know,” The Lady jeered, “I’m going to need someone to take care of my Seth when I’m too exhausted to. I think you’d be perfect for the job, what do you think?”

Gloria looked up and The Lady twisted Seth’s face into a wicked grin. “Yes…” The Lady chortled. “Yes, I think you will be perfect for the job.”

Then Seth’s body gripped Gloria’s arm and tugged her towards the mountain. “Come now, Gloria!” Seth’s dark eyes glinted. “It’s time to leave! Destiny awaits.”