Page 30 of Charmed

“Stay close, and don’t think of disobeying me this time,” Stone commanded.

“I can help,” she said, but no one would listen to her. Swords started to clash as a battle began.

“It was a bad idea to come here,” shouted Darium.

“I agree to that,” said Aithrod, using the staff to ward off a blow from one of the king’s soldiers.

“We were fine until the girl decided to open her mouth.” Stone was not happy with her at all, and she hoped they’d live through this so he could forgive her later. A soldier ran toward them. Stone stepped in front of Persimmon, keeping her from being hurt.

“Everyone, start moving toward the gate,” instructed Darium. “I hate to have to do this, but I’m going to use my fae power to blow them back and keep them away from us.”

“I can help, too,” Persimmon said again, but still no one listened to her.

They slowly moved toward the gate. Darium lifted his hand and started a whirlwind, keeping the men from moving closer.

“Get to the horses,” shouted Stone. “We’ll have to try another approach later.”

Darium’s fae power of controlling the wind was working to their advantage. They were almost out the gate and to the horses when Persimmon realized the pouch holding her crystal orb had fallen from her waist band during the struggle. She looked around and saw it laying on the cobblestones inside the courtyard. She couldn’t leave it there. It was precious to her and the only remembrance of her mother.

“Get on your horses. Now,” shouted Darium. “I’ll try to hold them off.”

“Let’s go,” Stone told her, turning toward the horse to mount.

“I can’t leave it,” she muttered, going after the crystal ball instead of following the men to safety.

Nine

“Up you go, Persimmon.” Stone slid his sword back into his scabbard, and went to grab the girl and lift her up into the saddle. But when he turned around, she was no longer there.

“I can’t hold them off any longer,” Darium shouted. “I am still not used to my powers and get drained quickly. We need to leave here, now. Let’s go.”

“Wait!” Stone called to the other men. Darium had stopped controlling the wind and the soldiers were moving forward. He was already atop his horse. Aithrod was already riding away. “Persimmon isn’t here,” Stone said, but with all the noise and commotion, they didn’t hear him. He looked through the settling dust into the courtyard from the whirlwind Darium created. That’s when he saw Persimmon bending down to pick something up.

“We’ve got to go right now,” yelled Darium. “What are you doing?”

“You two leave. Take Fang with you,” shouted Stone. “I’m going back for the girl.”

“Do you know what you’re doing?” asked Darium.

“I sure hope so. Just get out of here. We’ll meet up with you later.” Stone rushed back into the courtyard, once again drawing his sword. “Persimmon, let’s go!”

She stood up with that damned velvet bag in her hands that held her gazing orb.

“I couldn’t lose this,” she said, holding up the bag.

Stone reached out for her, but before he could pull her away, King Sethor grabbed her, holding his blade to the girl’s throat.

“Drop the weapons or I’ll slit her throat,” warned King Sethor.

“What the hell else can go wrong?” muttered Stone, still holding on to his sword and looking back to the gate which the soldiers had lowered. It was too late. Darium sat atop his steed on the other side. There was nothing he could do to help them. Nodding to Darium, Stone threw down his sword and raised his hands in the air.

“Now, the crossbow, dagger, and hidden knives,” ordered Sethor, holding Persimmon so tight that Stone heard the girl whimper.

“All right, just don’t hurt her.” He threw down the last of his weapons and held up his hands once again. “Now, release the girl.”

“I’ll release her, but the two of you are going straight to the dungeon.” Sethor gave his men the command. The soldiers seized them both and hauled them away.

“We’re not here to harm you,” shouted Stone, fighting against the hold of the soldiers. “I am here hunting down a thief and his counterpart. I believe they might be right here inside your castle walls. They’re dangerous,” he told the king.