Aela by Rosalind Hyson Page B

close look at it.’
    After a quick examination Ardu muttered to himself, ‘It is the real thing!’ and handed it back to Rom. ‘We will take these prisoners back to Eena and she can decide what to do with them,’ ordered Ardu.
    Very soon Ardu, Rom and the warriors were back in the main Cavern and the prisoners were presented to Eena.
    â€˜So Brude wants to take over my territory and you are the advance guard to spy on us,’ hissed Eena.
    She was greeted with silence from the prisoners and they all stared ahead expecting Eena would issue the command for their death. They had no choice, as they had failed in their mission for Brude so they knew that death awaited them at home as well.
    â€˜Who gave Brude the idea I had an alliance with Juno?’ demanded Eena.
    The prisoners turned to look at Tet accusingly, as they realised that the end was coming for each one. Quickly, Tet realised he would have to do some fast talking to save himself and his men.
    â€˜We can be useful to you, Mighty one, as we can spy for you in Brude’s camp,’ said Tet bowing very low before Eena.
    â€˜Take these men away and guard them with your life,’ commanded Eena. Turning to Ardu, Eena said in a low whisper, ‘Perhaps we can use Tet and his men and lure Brude into an ambush. In the meantime we will place one of our own men in their midst, in an attempt to learn the real reason they have been spying on us,’ added Eena.
    During this exchange, Rom had been standing close enough to Eena and Ardu to over hear their conversation and Eena’s proposed plan. Rom thought, what a good strategy Eena had thought out and he would see how this information could be used to his advantage sometime in the future.
    Eena and Ardu continued their whispered conversation as they walked towards one of the side tunnels, completely forgetting the fact that they had left their other special prisoner, Rom on his own, still clutching the Sacred Sword.
    Rom wasted no time, as he ran down another side passage, tightly clutching the Sacred Sword with both hands. His first thought was to get out of the maze of caves and tunnels, into the woods and freedom, and then plan his next move. As he now had an advantage, as he had the Sacred Sword in his possession.
    By a miracle Rom succeeded in making his way into the woods without anyone pursuing him. He knew Eena’s warriors would be not far behind, especially as he had the prize Sword in his possession. Firstly he must hide the Sacred Sword and then backtrack to Eena’s Cavern to find an opportunity to rescue Aela, so that they both could escape to freedom.
    Rom saw just in front of him a number of large stones piled on top of each other, in a particular distinct pattern and he memorised the location in his mind. Then taking the Sacred Sword in his one hand, he plunged it into a slim gap situated between two of the rocks which were located at ground level. Rom studied the general area for some time, so that he could return to retrieve the precious Sword, when he needed it again.
    Then without looking back he retraced his footsteps back to Eena’s Cavern as he knew that somehow he must find an opportunity to rescue Aela. After a long exhausting walk, he found himself once more in front of Eena’s Cave, peering out from behind some thick undergrowth, ever mindful that he might be seen by one of Eena’s warriors.
    There was a sudden commotion at the entrance of the Cave and loud voices were heard. A number of armed men came running out, with Ardu at the head of the group of men. From the agitated movements of Ardu’s arms and body, Rom could see that Ardu was determined to track him down at all cost and to recapture him as soon as possible. Rom could see that death awaited him, if he was caught again, so he knew he must be extra careful not to be recaptured. He thought he had better find a safe hiding place for the time being, so he could rest his weary body