Free Aela by Rosalind Hyson Page B

you on the spot,’ stated Ette.
    Rom recounted, still in his dreamlike state, with remarkable detail the contest between Arnor and himself, whilst Ette applied soothing ointments and herbs on Rom’s wounds.
    â€˜I will give you a special drink which will help to restore your energy and general health,’ muttered Ette.
    After fiddling around with a couple of bottles of liquid, she poured the mixture into a bowl and motioned Rom to drink it. Gingerly Rom took the bowl out of Ette’s hand and raised it to his lips. He took a cautious sip and much to his surprise the contents tasted sweet. He drank the rest very quickly and experienced a warm feeling as the liquid ran down the back of his throat. There was a soft ringing sound in his ears, then blackness and Rom was fast asleep.
    â€˜Rest, Oh handsome one. You will need all your strength to face the trials ahead,’ said Ette softly.
    She placed a large animal fur over Rom and a soft pillow of grass under his head. Then she slowly advanced towards the fireplace, that she had previously placed an orderly pile of cut wood. Expertly she struck a flint stone on the nearby rock and soon had a cheerful fire blazing in the hearth. Every now and again, she glanced towards the spot where Rom was lying, sighed and shook her head. She then contemplated her own thoughts and muttered to herself in low inaudible tones.
    The next morning as the sun was rising Rom bid farewell to Ette at the cave entrance feeling energised and rejuvenated from the nights rest and Ette’s expert treatment of his wounds. He assured Ette he knew which direction to take through the forest back to Eena’s Cave to rescue Aela once more from the clutches of Eena and her warriors.
    With a cheerful wave of his hand Rom disappeared into the darkness of the forest feeling very pleased with himself, that he was once again in control of the situation. He felt that he would very soon would rescue Aela from Eena and her warriors and they would be free to pursue his quest by stealing the Sacred Sword from the inner sanctuary of the Temple of the Sun.
    Aela was more and more frustrated with herself that she was still a prisoner. Eena was determined that Aela could not escape, as she had already lost one important prisoner, with Rom kidnapped by Croan and his men, a couple of days ago.
    Eena consulted with her advisers as to what best next to do with Aela. Jah was a grave and careful thinker, of medium build, in his middle years, but also he was very ambitious, he wanted to make his mark in the world. He was the first to speak. ‘In my opinion, I think this strange one should be let free. I can’t see any way she can help us.’
    There was a general murmuring of agreement from the other leaders and they all looked towards Eena in order to determine her reaction to this advice. She was not very happy, hearing these words and glared at Jah.
    Ardu quickly intervened with soothing tones in his voice, ‘It is good that Jah puts forward this point of view, but we also need to look at the other side of the argument as well,’ stated Ardu, smiling at everyone. ‘No, Aela must stay a captive for the time being. Perhaps what we must do now, is find Rom and bring him back here.’ Everyone nodded their heads in agreement at Ardu’s suggestion.
    Jah was relieved that the focus of attention has been momentarily taken off him and his verbal outburst. He made a mental note that next time, if he was in similar situation he would remain silent, but make sure he looked very grave and wise in his general demeanour.
    Ardu turned to Eena, ‘I have an idea. I remember Rom saying he had been journeying to the Temple of the Sun, to snatch the Sacred Sword from under Juno’s nose and take it back to his people who live near the Temple of the Moon. That is very likely where he has been taken by Juno’s guards and we must follow him there. Eena, organise your best warriors and send