Aela by Rosalind Hyson Read Free Book Online

disaster. As each day passed Rom was feeling more and more confident with the use of the sword. He was also much fitter physically, realising this would help them when they planned their escape.
    In contrast, Aela was not pleased over her daily contact with Eena, who was trying to improve her psychic abilities. ‘I am confused over what Eena is trying to achieve with me and where it is going to lead. When Eena asks me to meditate, I have an uneasy feeling she is trying to get inside my head in order to influence my actions in some way. I feel I will lose control,’ exclaimed Aela.
    â€˜Perhaps it may be best if you pretend to follow her instructions and see what happens,’ suggested Rom. ‘I too, am uneasy about where we fit into Eena’s plans. I do not trust her either.’
    They heard voices in the distance and the sound of footsteps coming from one of the side passages. In came Croan and two armed guards.
    â€˜You are to come with me at once. There must be no delay,’ ordered Croan.
    â€˜Upon whose orders are we to go with you and where?’ demanded Rom.
    â€˜None of your business. Do as I command,’ barked Croan.
    Rom lunged forward with his spear at the ready to strike Croan in the chest.
    â€˜Guards take him prisoner,’ yelled Croan.
    There was a frantic scuffle as the guards tried to take Rom’s spear. They all landed on the ground rolling around. ‘Aela run for it, get help,’ yelled Rom.
    Aela ran down one of the side passages shouting, ‘Help, help, somebody help me.’
    Rom was finally overpowered by the guards. His hands were tied in front of his chest. He was dragged to his feet and held between the guards by his arms.
    Croan was furious that Aela had escaped. ‘You shall pay for this Rom, my orders were to take you both prisoner.’ Croan hit Rom across the face with his clenched fist, ‘I could kill you now,’ he added. Croan’s face was red with rage but thinking better of it he shrugged his shoulders, ‘At least I shall be paid for one prisoner. Bring him this way you fools.’ Rom was dragged along still protesting, trying to free himself from his bonds.
    Voices were heard from behind them so they quickened their pace to a run. ‘I hope you know where we are going Croan,’ said one of the guards.
    Croan threw him a venomous look, ‘Of course I am familiar with the labyrinth, I have been using them for years,’ spat Croan. ‘Keep running or we all be caught, then we shall be in trouble.’
    They had been running for a while, with Rom trying to hold them back hoping that his rescuers would catch up with them, but to no avail. Then there was a shaft of light in front of them, ‘We are almost there,’ shouted Croan triumphantly. The four of them burst into full sunlight heaving and panting for breath. They all fell on the ground completely exhausted.
    After a short moment, Croan was the first to rise, ‘We must be at our destination by sundown. At least I have you Rom, to hand over to my master. Better one than none at all.’ Croan laughed loudly at this clever thought.
    So the foursome wended their way through the forest, with the two guards constantly having to prod Rom with their spears to make sure he was walking in the right direction. Croan kept looking behind, checking that Rom was still with the guards and he had not escaped. Croan was thinking of the rich reward he would receive for delivering Rom alive to his master. They paused beside a stream to have a drink of the clear crystal water. Rom’s bonds were loosened so he too could quench his thirst and dip his aching wrists into the cool water for a moment.
    â€˜We must move on or we won’t be at the Temple by sunset,’ growled Croan.
    Everyone’s walking pace quickened as they pressed their way through the dense forest. All the time Rom was thinking of how to escape from this situation, so he could return