The Betrayal - By Ruth Langan Page 0,18
the forest became a bloodcurdling chorus of high-pitched cries, savage howls and teeth-baring snarls.
Grant turned to face the worst of the creatures. “Stand with your back to mine, my lady.”
Kylia did as he ordered, and swallowed back the fear that threatened to paralyze her.
“Hold your dirk firmly, blade pointed out and slightly upward, so that the creatures know you mean them harm.”
She followed his example, though her heart was drumming so painfully in her chest, she thought he could surely hear.
“Within minutes the last of the coals will burn out, leaving us in complete darkness. When that happens, the beasts will attack.”
“If that be true, how can we defend ourselves?”
“We’ll see their eyes. It will give us something to aim for.”
“Grant.” She knew her voice was trembling. It couldn’t be helped. “I would give anything to save you from this place. But I can’t find it in my heart to harm even these creatures.”
He muttered an oath before turning his head slightly, so that she could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek. “Forgive me for even asking it, my lady, for I’ve witnessed your tender heart. As for me, I intend to fight to the death. When the battle begins, I beg you to run to where my steed is tied and flee this place of horrors.”
She shook her head. “I won’t leave you, my lord.”
“You must. Don’t you see?” He turned his back on the approaching danger and closed his hands on her upper arms in a painful grasp. “I don’t mind losing my life. But I’d die a happy man knowing my life was spent saving yours. Now promise me you’ll flee.”
Already his face was beginning to blur, and she knew the last of the coals were growing cool. “Please don’t spend our last moments on earth like this, my lord. I’ll not leave you, for I was destined to be with you. Whether in this life or the next, it matters not to me. My place is here with you. Nothing you can say or do will drive me away.”
He drew her close for one quick kiss, the merest brush of mouth to mouth, while the chorus of chilling sounds filled the forest.
“Oh, my lady. My beautiful Kylia. If only there had been time to show you my land. My people. My life.”
“I regret that more than you can know. I had truly hoped to learn the name of the one who betrayed you.”
“At a time like this, it seems less important than the fact that we must bid farewell in this dark forest before we even have time to know each other.”
She stared into his eyes and smiled. “It’s true that you know me not. But I know you, my lord. I’ve known you all my life.”
Her words stirred him. “Farewell, my lady.” He kissed her again, this time lingering over her lips. Despite the chill of the dark forest, he felt the quick rush of heat and was warmed by it.
The last spark created a burst of fiery light, blinding them before it burned out, plunging them into total darkness. Suddenly they were surrounded by gleaming feral eyes.
Grant lashed out, but his blade cut cleanly through the air, touching nothing. Keeping one arm around Kylia, he thrust his sword into the darkness. Again he felt nothing but air.
“Where are you?” he demanded of the creatures. “I can hear you breathe, can see your eyes burning in the darkness. Come closer, cowards.”
Again he parried, but his sword sang through the air, touching nothing.
Kylia felt something at the hem of her gown and let out a scream as she imagined the snake slithering around her ankles.
“Are you hurt?” Grant demanded.
“Nay.” She struggled for breath, then said louder, “Nay. Like my dreams, I thought…”
At her sudden silence he drew her close. “What is it, my lady? You’ve been harmed, haven’t you?”
“Nay. But something just occurred to me.”
He glanced around, feeling his skin crawl as the feral red eyes drew closer, until the night was alive with them. “What is it, Kylia?”
“The Forest of Darkness. The creatures. I don’t believe they exist, except in our minds.”
“What are you saying?” He pointed with the tip of his sword. “Look around you. They’re everywhere. We can both see them.”
“Aye.” She put a hand to still the pounding of her heart. “But I see my worst fear. A snake. You see the two-headed creature of your nightmares. And when the fire burns brightly, neither of us sees anything.”
He digested