Chapter 29

Men rushed to the tent with buckets of water, carelessly throwing them onto the growing flames, smoke rising into the sky.

Astria opened her eyes after what seemed like an eternity, the flames seeping back into her form, leaving only the damage it had caused to the hut, most of the wood still ablaze. She looked around in horror, realising what must have happened, what she had done. Praying that no one had been injured, the girl rose to her feet, her bare skin coated in ash. Her clothes had been burned away, leaving her every asset on show, the men of thecamp, gazing upon her modesty. Nervous and exposed, the half-breed self-consciously wrapped her hands around her modesty, attempting to conceal her private areas from the view of those around her.

Tarian stepped through the growing crowd after what seemed like an hour, carefully removing his cloak and placing it around her shoulders as she shook from the brisk wind.

“that was quite a view, though i suspect my men wouldn’t be able to control themselves should i have let them look for even a moment longer.” The leader of the bandits smiled widely, guiding the girl out of the ashes of the tent.

Astria blushed, no one but her mother had ever seen her so exposed, but now an entire crowd of men had seen because of her power.

Her exposed form almost ready for the taking, but deep down she knew tarian would never let them touch her, she knew that he wanted her all to himself. And if she was completely honest with herself, she knew he wasn’t one for sharing what he wanted.

“i'm sorry, i didn’t mean for that to happen... I couldn’t control it.” The half-breed whispered, noticing the angry faces amongst the crowd.

Tarian laughed deeply, “don’t be sorry sweet girl, that was simply a show of your power, and i must say that i am impressed.”

She stopped suddenly, ignoring the angry shouts of his people as she turned to gaze up at him in shock, wrapping the cloak tighter around her shoulders, attempting to cover all that she could.

He was impressed? That meant he would most certainly use her in whatever scheme he was cooking up, and whatever it was, astria was certain she wouldn’t like it. She knew he wanted her to kill for him, but as of yet, she had no idea who he wanted dead.

“i won’t hurt anyone, it’s not who i am... I don’t want to kill anyone; i just want to go home.” She murmured, pushing all her strength into her words, ensuring she was heard above the shouts.

The leader placed a hand on her shoulder, gently shoving her forward as he laughed once more. “then you better make it who you are, unless you want me to start cutting somewhere else.”

Astria lowered her head, forcing back the tears that threaded to fall from her eyes. “what if i can’t do it? What if i can’t kill?” She asked, slowly beginning to walk once more, knowing she had no other choice, the brisk wind chilling her to the bone.

Tarian’s grip tightened on her shoulder as they walked towards his tent, but he said nothing more on the subject, the silence making the girl even more anxious. Panett was waiting outside for them as they rounded the corner, a new pair of green trousers and a grey tunic clutched in his right hand. She was grateful when he passed them to her, though he was also too silent, her pulse increasing as they lead her into the leader's hut.

Astria quickly slipped into the clothes, surprised when they were a proper fit, her mind racing as the men watched. Couldn’t they give her a moment of privacy? Let her dress in peace?

She scoffed inwardly, of course they wouldn’t allow her a moment alone, they’d be too afraid of losing their asset. She needed to get away from them, but how? She was never alone, not fully; and besides if she did run, where would she go?

She had no idea how to find dane or her mother, she didn’t even know if they were still alive. No, she was completely alone, but did that mean she would kill for tarian? Could she do it?

Could she kill on order?

The half-breed collapsed into a seated position on the bed, placing her head into her hands as she fought not to cry, the men watching her silently.

Why won’t they say anything?

She sighed deeply, deciding that she must do as the leader asked, even if that meant losing who she was. Her mother had tried so hard to protect her from the cruelties of the world, but the world was just too messed up and it could hurt you at every turn, now astria was alone; she had to learn to keep herself alive.

She had no other choice but to obey until she could find a way out, somehow reach out to her father. Even though she had no idea who he was, or if he would even aid her.

Panett smiled down at the half-breed as she pushed back tears, his voice soft and kind. “do not threat, you aren’t in any trouble for burning down that hut.”

Astria laughed inwardly, they had noidea what she was so upset about. But she would play their game, she would pretend she cared what they thought. Slowly turning to look up at the men, she gave a single nod, hoping that would please them. Her energy dwindling.

“if anything, we were pleased to see such a show of power. It means you are useful to me and my tribe.” Tarian stated, taking a step towards her as she remained unmoving on the bed.

“what are you going to make me do?” She asked after another moment of silence, turning to gaze up at her capture.

Tarian sighed, kneeling before her as he spoke; “i have told you that i will reveal my reasons for keeping you when it is time to tell you, and not a second before.”

“surely i have a right to know?”

“you are a half-breed, you have no right to anything.”

“and you are an outlaw, that means you have no right to anything other than death.”

“i could say the same about you, sweet girl. I wonder how the deus would kill a half-breed that escaped their

clutches for so long; drowning? Maybe they will hang you, drag you through the streets naked?” Tarian smiled, gently taking her hand. “i am the only friend you have left.”

Astria snatched her hand back, her tone low and yet vile. “you are not my friend.”

The leader of the bandits growled lightly, slowly rising back to his feet. “perhaps not, but either way, you are guest and you will do as i say.”

“i wouldn’t exactly call myself your guest, more like your captive.”

“it doesn’t matter what we call you so long as you listen to my every command, is that understood?”

“of course.”

“good.” Tarian smiled, “now, we have to leave soon, make sure you are ready.”

Astria watched as he left the hut, having the urge to ask where they were going, but knowing she wouldn’t get an answer. She turned to look up at panett, as if noticing for the first time that he had been silent for longer than she was comfortable with. Nervously wringing her hands, she watched him, knowing that should he wish it, he could harm her.

But was that the type of man he wanted to be, the type of man he had shown her?

“i was once a prisoner here, as you are now.” He proclaimed, moving to sit beside her on the bed.

Astria sighed, “then you should know how it feels to be in this situation. Why won't you help me?”