In Dreams: Red

In The Tunnels Part One

“Ives is keeping watch, I do believe..” Reginald continues.

“Was, shortly to be returning.” Ives slips quietly in behind us on the other side, followed by a gorgeous dark complected woman. So this is who the men were discussing. “Ah, forgive me, my Lady, Reginald, Septimio, this is Thema, my apprentice.” Ives introduces her to us. “Please forgive me for violating our agreement by bringing her, but she insisted on helping, and she wasn't likely to share the secret, you see, Thema is mute. She fought her way out of captivity using nothing more than a child's slingshot. She tells me she lost her tongue for her supposed insolence to her captors, but she made them regret it later, believe me. That's when I found her and thought if she could do that damage with a slingshot, imagine a bow. But I'm sorry, I do digress!” Thema nods in the men's direction, but gives me a fierce smile before gesturing at Ives for a few moments.

“My Lady, she says she is honored to meet you, that she has heard much about you, and you were the reason she never gave up her dreams of escape.” Ives tells me, then goes on to explain. “Thema communicates using her hands to represent words. She's taught me, and I must say it's very useful when hunting or in battle to keep your prey from hearing you, and gave Thema back her voice.” I'm fascinated. This could be useful to us in battle.

“I'm honored, and intrigued! Thema-you are very kind, I'd love to know more about you, and would consider myself honored if you'd be willing to teach us your form of speech.” I respond. Thema smiles and nods, it's almost enthusiastic, and gestures again at Ives. I watch carefully, though of course there's no way I'm going to be able to pick any of it up.

“Thema is delighted with the idea, however we really must get back out there to keep watch, so we beg our Lady's pardon, we just wanted to report that there was a dust cloud on the horizon, and the sun is nearly set. With that, we beg our leave.” Without waiting, Ives sweeps back out. Thema smiles at me once more before turning to leave too. Reggie pulls me aside.

“I hope you do not mind the additions of Septimio and Thema. I could hardly refuse Septimio, he already knew our plans, and while I don't approve of Ives bringing Thema, it's quite true that she's not likely to give us away.” Reginald looks worried, but more than anything, I feel like he's just burning off pre-battle jitters with his little speech.

“Reginald, Reginald, calm yourself!” I respond, gripping his arm. I meant what I said when I told Septimio we were glad to have him. As far as Thema is concerned, no I'm not happy about Ives betraying our confidence either, and provided we get out of this alive, he will receive a most thorough tongue-lashing.. But right now, I think we can use all the help we can get, so I'm going to keep my eyes open and my mouth shut. I'd advise you to do the same.” Reginald gapes for a moment, then shuts his mouth with an audible click.

“Yes my Lady.” He replies, with a chastened look.

“Reggie, that wasn't an official mandate, it was just advice from a friend damn near as scared as you.” I tell him. His lips tighten into a thin line, but he nods his head.

“Do the others know how bad..?” Reginald's voice trails off.

“Not exactly, but do we really? Based on father's reaction..” I too let my voice fade. Reggie nods again, looking around the room. I follow the path of his eyes. Corwin is teasing Tyrus, aided by Kornel and Horace. Septimio is seated apart from them, sharpening his blade, but following the conversation with a smile. Lastly I look at Reginald, examining the other men and I wonder if he thinks the same as I do. If it occurs to him he may never see them like this again. If it hurts to realize we might all die. Reginald nods his head again and looks at me, expression clear.

“If you'll excuse me, Lady?” He bows and makes his way towards Septimio. I retreat to my spot by the door and slide down the wall, resting my head against the door frame and crossing my legs, hands on my knees. I watch the men out of half-closed eyes. Tyrus picks up a rock and tosses it at Corwin, Corwin exclaims loudly while the other men laugh. Kornel teases Septimio for his late arrival, Horace asks if he intends to sharpen his blade into non-existence. Septimio retorts that he could always make the blade disappear in one of their heads if they prefer. Reginald merely looks grim. I let my thoughts drift as the chatter continues. This is the part that is going to drive me crazy, the waiting. That always does. Half of me wants the battle to begin, to get this over with already, just to burn some of my nervous tension off, but the other half wants to never begin. I'm even torn between sitting and standing, feeling like just getting up and running, but too terrified to move in case I started and wasn't able to stop. I force myself to breathe slow, deep breaths, concentrating on calming my heartbeat. My thoughts inevitably turn to the prisoner.

He frustrates me, one moment asking to help out, telling me he must protect me, the next infuriating me and making me distrustful of him. I don't know what to make of him, and yet.. All of this time he could have easily killed any of us, and he has not. And he truly seemed surprised by news of the invading army, so did that mean he wasn't a spy? If not, why did he let us bring him here? Why come when he knew the sentence was death? Despite my best efforts, I quickly lose the battle with my nerves and stand up in a rush, heaving a pent-up breath. This receives some quick, curious looks from the men, but wisely, none of them say anything. I decide movement is a must, but I am loath to allow my nervous state to be seen by the others, so I stalk out of the room. It's dark in the tunnels, so I only pace as far as the light and my eyesight allow me to see before pacing back. Of all the things in my head, my father's expression and the prisoner's behavior battle for top position. I can't clear them from my mind. I wonder briefly if my father had known something more than what he had told me, and if so, what? Surely he wouldn't send me into a situation poorly informed... Running footsteps from behind me break up my thoughts.

“Lady, my Lady! Your father sends word, it is time!” A voice calls.

“Who are you, what are you doing here, and what ever happened to secrecy?” I explode, all the pent up emotions blast the messenger who is catching up to me. Before he can answer, another voice rings out.

“Down the tunnel, pacing, like the she-wolf on the prowl..” And another set of footsteps race towards me.

“Ives sends word-the army is here!” Reginald shouts, panting. “Oh, it's you! My Lady Kennice, this is the messenger your father chose to be his personal go-between for our party and his. Or his advisers. He's also available for personal messages, if it comes to that..” Reggie's voice goes quiet. We all know he's speaking of goodbyes or death heralds. “I'm very sorry, I've quite forgotten your name..”

“Hastings, sir.” He offers simply. I cross my arms and huff.

“Ah yes, Hastings!” Reggie replies, “I assume you're here for the same reason-to inform us of the army's arrival?” Here Hastings makes an affirmative noise and breaks in.

“Yes Sir! Also, I am to inform you that the army is indeed flanking us on two sides. The King has no suggestions on where to start, but says he will send word where the fighting goes badly, so that your group may be able to lend your aid at those times. Otherwise, he asks that you be careful, that the Gods be with you. Oh, and the main party seems to be going at the gates, as per usual.” Hasting reports. I'm tapping my foot, annoyed by this point.

“Thank you for the report soldier, my Lady, you are needed inside, may I inform them of Hastings' tidings as well?” Reginald asks, finally taking note of my angry expression. I nod, and he turns on his heel, quickly marching back towards the atrium, throwing a glance over his shoulder at Hastings like he's glad he's not in Hastings' position.

“Yes, thank you Hastings.” I hiss and Hastings takes a careful step back.

“My Lady?” He replies, executing a quick, nervous bow. “Is there any return message? To the King?” Hasting fidgets, awaiting my response. I desperately want to make him wait, but my men are waiting on me.

“Yes. First of all, it can't be an ambush party if no one keeps it a secret! Gods, how many people know about this by now?” I throw my hands in the air and Hasting flinches. I breathe heavily for a moment, before calming down enough to reply more like I should. “Tell my father Ives is currently acting as scout and has a few ideas about attack locations, and may the Gods be with him as well. He should be satisfied with that, Ives has an excellent military history. Oh yes, and that I'll be awaiting further instructions or requests for aid as stated.” Hastings executes another stiff little bow before turning to leave. “Thank you Hastings.” I reply more earnestly this time and he pauses and nods. I sigh and turn back to the atrium. Finally, something to do.