Tales from Arondell: Sodom - Chapter 2

Chapter Two

Isabella Darian

Huddling in the corner beneath my ragged patchwork quilt, I wail for the man I love. "Gaia! Please..." My tears sting my eyes and clog my nose and throat. My chest feels heavy and raw, and my head aches. But it's nothing compared with the pain in my backside, and the cruel welts on my thighs. At least I've finally stopped hurting between my legs, considering how brutal Sinah was. "Please bring Zaenack back to me. I promise I won't run again..."

Sobbing, I rock myself back and forth on the bare stone floor. My stubby wings twitch, rubbing against the careworn cloth. Although every movement is agony, rolling over me in burning waves, I cling to the shadows as though my life depends on it. Because of that mirror above my bed. Waiting for me.

Suppressing a shudder I close my eyes and try to conjure in my mind an image of Zae. Thinking of him, dreaming of him is the only solace I have. But it's been so long. His beloved face dissolves and scatters into the darkness. Even Dusk hasn't come back, and the old Faerie Wolf is always by my side. Or not far away. The guards outside the cellar door seem the most likely cause of their absence. But as the days alone slipped by into more than a week, I suspect the worst has happened to them. By supporting the notorious Fraternity of the Silver Eye, Zae and his kin walk a dangerous path.

What if they get caught and killed? I won't even know about it... I choke back another sob, and wipe my wet cheeks with my frayed sleeve. Winding deeper into the quilt I stare across my cellar room. The dank and dusty space with its low ceiling, and slit like grimy windows isn't fit for habitation. But Sinah made it this way, as yet another cruel and senseless punishment.

"A proper bedroom is too good for the likes of you." Her cold words still echo in my head. I cringe and hug myself tight.

In the opposite corner a rough wooden pallet with coarse blankets, unyielding mattress, and a lumpy pillow serve as my bedding. An ancient rug, too dusty and moth-eaten to see its true colouring, covers the floor beneath the bed. Beside that, my chipped chamber-pot, wash bucket and cloth, and a scratched chest of drawers. I'm not allowed to use the toilet or hot running water for my personal needs.

An oil lamp with a tin of matches, and a dog-eared copy of my favourite storybook provide the only light and entertainment down here. The book Sinah doesn't know about. If she did she would've burned it along with everything else I love. But the crowning glory of my room is that hateful mirror. It's a ghastly thing, floor to ceiling and bolted into the wall so it can't be removed. Smashing it isn't an option either. If I do... I swallow hard.

If I do, Sinah will beat me until she draws blood. Even then I know she won't stop. As much as I like gazing at my reflection – in my face I see my deceased mother and Shee father – I can't bear the wretch Sinah's made me into.

I touch my face then, feeling the cuts, the puffy lower lip, and my blackened eye. At least they don't hurt any more. Sighing, I let my hand fall to my side and stare down at myself. Most days Sinah forces me to dress like a household servant, in scratchy grey wool and a bleached apron. She doesn't even have the decency to make sure my clothes fit me properly. I have to alter them all myself, to accommodate my stubby wings.

But this week, as part of my punishment for sneaking out to be with Zae, she took all of my clothes away. My threadbare night-dress and ragged knickers scarcely shield me from the cold, doing little for modesty. My large pink nipples stab through the greyish cloth, and my little wings tremble. I cover myself. What will Zaenack think if he sees me like this? I don't even have socks!

True. Zae's my best friend. He understands better than anyone what I'm going through. But he's also a gentleman, both prim and proper. All of the Caines are. He might... get the wrong idea and call me a whore.

A sudden sharp gust of wind rattles the barred doors, dragging me from my reverie. It drives the rain into the tiny windows again, and cuts wet tracks across the dusty glass.

I sigh. Precious little light filters through those windows, even in the middle of the day. I have the narrow alley, with its high walls and piles of garbage to thank for that.

With grainy eyes fixed upon the windows, I listen to the chiming of the clock towers. The other night-time sounds rise in jarring discord against the bells.

It's Twenty-Second Bell. As the clamour fades, a soft scratching sounds from the weathered portal. I swing toward the door and cock my head. My heart hammers in my chest.

"Dusk?" I hold my breath. "Is that you boy?" The scratching persists, louder this time and from the alleyway comes a familiar whine.

"Dusk!" I wrap the quilt around my shoulders and dash for the stairs. He's been my companion for as long as I've lived in Sodom. About five years. He guides and comforts me, and gives me hope. Now he's the only tangible reminder I have of my father and his tribe.

It doesn't matter that Dusk is trapped outside, and it doesn't matter that my bum hurts. Being near him, knowing he's there for me is more than enough. His presence also means the guards are gone, so maybe my friends aren't far behind?

I clamber to the portal at the top of the stairs, and touch the discoloured oak. My fingers slide down the door, and stop where the bar holds it shut on the other side.

"Dusk, are they with you?" I swallow against the tightness in my throat. Do I dare hope...?

The wolf barks at me.

Sighing in frustration, I shake my head. "I'm sorry boy, but I don't understand."

Dusk barks even louder and starts to howl.

What's going on? I frown. He's never acted like this before. Not without good reason. Maybe the guards are coming back? My heart starts to race. I hold my breath. Gods I hope not. “Quiet, Dusk.” I hiss, hoping he'll hear me. “You'll draw unwanted...”

A loud grinding noise, of stone against stone cuts me off. It's coming from the wall behind me.

"What in the name of...?" With my heart pounding in my throat, I spin away from the door and cling to my quilt like a shield.

A crack of light blooms in the shadows, widening as something heavy slides away, unveiling three familiar faces: Zaenack, Darneth, and Nadia Caine.

Sweet Mother Gaia! My heart flips and I nearly burst into tears again.

Slender Nadia wears her favourite baggy leather coat, over her patched gypsy attire, and the twins wear black with layered capelets. Like the common coachmen of older times. There's scarcely much difference between the two. They're tall, like all of Orzankind, stout, grey-skinned and trunk-limbed. They have the same shoulder length mahogany hair and deep-set chestnut eyes, the same wolf-like ears and high sloping foreheads, and the same overhanging brows. But where bearded Darneth wears a hand-knitted scarf and cap, Zaenack is clean-shaven, save for his thick bristling sideburns. Unlike his brother, Zae always wears a white linen cravat in the same waterfall tie. No matter the occasion.

All three of them carry torches, but only Nadia keeps hers switched on. Cold white light bathes her silver hair, yellow eyes, and sharp faerie features.

"Zae! Nadia! Darneth..." I rush down the steps, scarcely keeping up with the pounding in my chest and fling myself at Zaenack. He meets me half-way, catches me and draws me close. My Gods. His heart races like mine, and for a wonderful moment his thick-fingered grip tightens, sending a warm current racing down my spine. My wings start to flutter. They always do when he holds me.

"By Gaia... Zae..." I gasp and cling to him with the same neediness, snuggling into his embrace. "I thought... I thought I'd never see you..." For a moment his return overwhelms me, and I have to take a few breaths just to calm down before I start crying. It isn't easy. But his touch grounds me in reality, reassuring me that he's here. That I can leave this place and never come back.

I nuzzle his solid chest and breathe in his clean, familiar scent. He smells wonderful, like camphor, pine needles, tobacco smoke and mead. Gods it feels so good to be in his arms again. I could stay this way and be the happiest woman on Arondell. Never let me go, Zae.

He pushes me back to arms length, and studies my face. His beautiful brown eyes soften with a quick mix of emotion I can't trace. "Nothing will keep me from you Bella." He says with all seriousness and touches my bruised cheek. "This time we're not bringing you back."

My heart skips a few beats and soars Heavenward. "Zae, I'm sorry I keep begging you bring me back," I whisper and cover my mouth with both hands. I'm all jittery and nearly bouncing where I stand. It's an effort holding it all in, but somehow I manage to restrain myself. Even my wings, which would be buzzing, settle against my back. “Will you promise me, if I change my mind, you won't-”

“Yes.” Zaenack nods and beams at me, flashing his large white teeth. "No way am I bringing you back here."

"Oh thank you Gaia!" I fling my arms around his neck and leap on him again, this time smothering his cheeks with kisses. "Oh thank you, Zae.” I press my lips to his large nose and wide forehead. “Thank you so much." Because of the awkward position I'm in, he's forced to take me into his arms again. His face reddens beneath my slobbery assault.

"Uh, any time..." He mumbles and pats my back.

"All right you two." Nadia chides, crossing the threshold. "There will be enough time for that later." She beckons to Darneth, who lugs a canvas sack over his shoulder and swings it to the ground beside his twin. Immediately Nadia pulls the sack open.

“What's all that for?” I ask as Zaenack lowers me to the ground and stuffs his hands into his pockets.

“Never mind that,” Nadia says, shoving a coat wrapped bundle and a sturdy pair of leather shoes into my hands. “Now put these on.”

I hesitate. New clothing? I stare at the bundle, then at my friends. My eyes fill with fresh tears. I can't remember the last time I was given new clothing...

Zaenack turns away – his cheeks are still flushed – allowing Nadia to unwind the quilt and hold it up like a shield. "Come on. Get changed," she urges. "No one's looking."

"It's not that." I blush and wipe my eyes with shaking fingers. But I also know that time's of the essence. They're putting themselves at risk, coming back to get me, because if they're caught... No. Don't go there Isabella. Checking to make sure Nadia's right, I strip and pull open the bundle. Inside I find Lannie's favourite button-through wool dress with matching suede gloves, a new linen slip, singlet and knickers, and soft grey tights.

My Goodness! Everything is so clean, lemon scented and lovingly pressed. Not only that, the clothes have neat splits in the back to slip over my wings. That's Zae's doing. He's always been so meticulous with the family's ironing, and doing what he can to help me fit in.

I sigh, trying not to cry again, because their kindness is almost too much for me.

Nadia taps her foot.

Blushing again - I feel so stupid for keeping my friends waiting – I dress with haste, sitting to roll on my tights and buckle up my shoes, and fumble with the plastic dress buttons. Damn it. Now isn't a good time for shaky fingers!

Floorboards creak in the kitchen above. I freeze. Oh Gods no. Not now. Please, not now. I force myself to suck in slow breaths, fighting to contain my rising panic.

Zaenack, Nadia, and Darneth glance at each other, then at the stairwell leading up to the pantry. Raising a thick finger to his lips, Zeanack creeps toward the stairs. No mean feat for a heavy boned, pot-bellied man. He peers at the bolted door, every muscle in his body tense, and poised to leap back into the shadows at the first sign of trouble. His wolf like ears lower, flattening against the sides of his head.

Don't let her see us Gaia. I close my eyes and clutch the tightness in my chest. Please. I have to get out of here...

"Help! Guards!" Sinah's baleful voice echoes down the stairs, accompanied by the wailing alarm. “My slave's escaping. Stop her!”

Shit. My eyes snap open and my heart starts to pound, threatening to burst through my ribs. She's coming after me! Yanking on my coat and gloves, I run to snatch up my beloved storybook. No way in Taros am I leaving that behind.

But Zaenack is upon me – I don't even have time to pick up the book – scooping me into his arms as heavier footfalls thump on the floor above.

“No time,” he growls. “Leave it behind. I'll buy you another copy.”

I don't want another copy, though. That one my father gave me. It's all I have left of him.

Holding me close, Zae dashes after his siblings. Nadia and Darneth have already slipped into the tunnel, leaving both of their torches switched on. Nadia has my old blanket at least, jamming it into the sack as her brother heaves against the secret door. It grinds across the floor, clashing with the noise from the stairs. I cringe, clinging to Zaenack with trembling fingers. Forgetting about my storybook.

Please, hurry Zae. Don't let her take me away...

“Don't you fucking dare, Zaenack Caine!” Sinah shrieks and lurches after us. “You'll not take my slave from me!” The ancient risers squeal and moan in protest. If only the rotting wood would collapse beneath her...

“Get back here!” She screams again, but it seems that Gaia is on our side. We leap across the threshold and the wall slams into place behind us, at last cutting me off from my cousin and her muffled bellowing...
 

All around me, bare wet walls glisten. Water drips somewhere in the distance, creating an eerie echo, and the boots of my friends splash through the stagnant muck. I cling to the wall beside Zaenack so I won't get my new shoes wet. But it won't matter once we're outside. Not with the driving rain.

Long fingers of shadow and cold light bounce upon the weathered stonework, stretching behind us as we walk with quick resounding steps. The tunnel itself is alive with noise beyond the natural ambience. It seems to thump and hum, like a giant heartbeat. Beyond this a tell-tale droning that can mean only one thing. Phages. The noise draws nearer until it seems like it's on top of us, and I freeze beside Zaenack. That's not a tainted Phage, is it? I tighten my grip on Zae's arm, drawing his gaze to me.

“Bella, are you-”

Further down the tunnel a weird, pulsating light floats into view. I relax a little. It's too far away to see it in detail, but at this distance the glowing tentacles and massive tail are unmistakeable. Its bulbous body radiates the brightest light, shifting rapidly through all the colours of the rainbow. It's not tainted. Thank the Gods.

I don't know much about the Phages. I've never seen them before, but I know from my father and his clan that only the healthy ones shine and have such long tentacles. The tainted ones are black, make louder noises, look more like giant leeches than squid or plant roots, and they never stop eating.

Still, I wait until the creature passes before I start moving again, and the Caines do the same.

"Where are we?" I ask, long after the Phage is gone, peering into the enveloping gloom. The stonework here is ancient, of a time far removed from anything I've seen in the city. Even stranger is the startling juxtaposition of a twisted window frame, jutting at a crazy angle from the slippery rock. There are other oddities too: Broken crockery, a doorway, shattered bricks, part of a headstone and a chimney. Even a full length mirror, splintered down the middle and tarnished with age. It casts a reflection so creepy and utterly alien, I recoil from it in horror.

"Under-Sodom," Zaenack says, walking closer to me and lays his hands upon my shoulders. His touch is warm and comforting. "You aren't cold are you?" He runs his fingers up and down my arms, through my coat – raising goosebumps – and draws me closer.

I shake my head, but I lean into him anyway. It feels so good being this close to him. "No. It's just... This place. It's... So weird." I cast a wary glance over my shoulder at the broken mirror, as it recedes into the darkness. There are so many ghastly things and I don't understand many of them. I shiver in spite of Zaenack's warmth. The whole tunnel feels eerie and unnatural, pervaded by the same skin-crawling presence as Sodom's Weep.

"I doubt your family told you about this place." Nadia says, only a few steps ahead of us. "It's a secret the Big Wigs want covered up."

I frown. "Why?" I press and slip my hand around Zae's waist.

"You sure you're alright?" He glances down at me. I nod – a bit too quickly – determined to convince him that I'm fine, when truthfully I'm not. The sooner I get out of here the better.

"Shame I suppose." Nadia pauses at a junction in the passage. "Or any other reason they can think of. Either way, only the Fraternity and outsiders know the truth." She waves her torch about, briefly illuminating three new tunnels almost identical to the first.

One to the left climbs at a steady angle. Fallen debris, from a gnawed and slimy wagon sized hole in the ceiling, blocks the second tunnel. It gives off a repugnant sour odour, like bile and vinegar and appears fresh. No more than an hour old.

I shiver and tighten my grip on Zaenack's coat. Even healthy Phages cause a lot of damage.

Nadia turns right and follows the last passage. Light from her torch casts her shadow upon the wall, and a cluster of desiccated corpses fused into the rock face. Silent phantom shrieking fills my head. Dear Gaia. The noise... Their pain! Panic squeezes my chest, forcing out a horrified gasp.

"By the Gods!" I reel away from the twisted remains, letting go of Zaenack and turn to run. It doesn't matter where. It doesn't even matter that I have nowhere else to go. Except back to my cousin or onwards into the shadows with my friends. Neither of which appeal to me, because it means passing those frightful remains.

With twisted faces and bodies warped beyond recognition, pieces missing or in disarray, it's like the Goddess herself had ripped them apart at the cellular level, and carelessly threw them back together. That mirror showed me the same thing: What I'd look like if I died the same way.

"Bella, stop..." Zaenack catches me and draws me into his coat. I struggle, my wide eyes searching for a way out. But his grip is like iron, his fingers warm and soothing as he brushes back the hair from my pale brow.

At last my heart stills, the urge to flee draining from my body with every breath. I bury my face in Zae's vest and start to cry. His heart is racing again. Maybe this place frightens him too? Or maybe it's the thought of me running off into the darkness that troubles him? Either way, his closeness grounds me enough to gasp: "What happened here?"

"Magic." Nadia compresses her lips, raising her torch a little to study the tortured remains. "It destroyed this place. Ripped open the Veins and dragged Sodom down." Much to my surprise Nadia touches one of the shrivelled faces, tracing an eye-socket too far down on the sunken cheekbone.

I don't know how you can do that. I shudder and wipe my face with my coat sleeve. Zaenack rubs my shoulders. What would I do without him?

"These remind us of a time long forgotten," she murmurs at length. “Come, we've wasted enough time here already. I'm sure your cousin has sent out a search party, or alerted the Watch, so we must be careful and stick together.” Nadia's pointed words cut through me, and I flinch without thinking.

Stepping back from the wall she continues down the tunnel, her torch beam leading the way.
 

As we progress through the labyrinth the stonework's quality changes, becoming more familiar. A rank fishy smell pervades the atmosphere. I grimace. Yuck. I don't miss that. I wrinkle my nose in disgust.

The sounds of running or splashing water echoes from the gloom, and soon Nadia's torch falls upon the source of the noise: A wet rusty ladder at the end of the tunnel, and above it an ill-used manhole. Streamers of greyish water and washed up garbage spill through the slimy grate, sluicing the oxidised rungs and splatters the stone floor. The bustle of nearby traffic – tyres slicing through puddles, the occasional squeal or honk of a horn, pedestrians and a rapid synthetic drumbeat – echo from the aperture.

If I'm right - that we aren't far from the Docks – more than a dozen pubs, whore-houses and nightclubs crowd this district. The Shiv and Tankard, where the Caines rent a small flat behind it, isn't far away. As much as I hate crowds, all those people out having a good time, will make reaching our destination easier and safer.

I button my coat and pull up my collar, hanging back as Zaenack ascends the ladder with swift and practised ease. Pushing the grate aside – it slides away with a wretched squeal – he pokes his head out.

A minute or two passes in tense silence. I hold my breath. Is there anyone out there? Has anyone seen us? Finally he motions with his hand for us to follow, and heaves himself all the way out. I sigh in relief. Good. We're alone.

I shouldn't worry too much, though. I've no doubt she's looking for me, but it could take hours, even days to comb the entire city and the Caines – like anyone in the Fraternity – know how to hide. By the time she finds our trail, if at all, I should be safe.

One by one we climb, first Nadia then I ascend behind her. Darneth hangs back with the torch, shining it upon the rungs above us.

Gods! The ladder is so cold, even through my gloves. Fat rain drops splatter my uncovered crown, dribbling down my neck and spattering my exposed wings. The sensation makes me shudder, but it's better than another night in that icy cellar.

At the top, I breathe deeply and gag. Gah. Yes we're definitely near the Docks...

Zaenack slips his hands under my armpits, carefully lifting me out of the manhole. He stands in an alleyway, beyond the acid yellow glow of a street light and around the corner from that artificial drumming.

The rain beats down around us, silver and pure against Sodom's murky skyline, plastering our hair to our heads, and dribbling down our faces. It seeps beneath Zaenack's tall collar and soaks his cravat. But he doesn't seem to mind, and neither do I. In this moment everything else pales, losing all meaning beside this wonderful and gentle man. His gorgeous chestnut eyes sparkle as he holds me in the rain.

"Thank you," I whisper, smiling at him, and my heart starts to flutter. I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe it's his closeness, and the fact that I haven't seen him for so long. It's certainly made me realise how empty and cold my life is without him. I'm a fool but at least Gaia gave me this blessing, and I intend to hang on to it with both hands. I'm not making the same mistake again.

"My pleasure." Zaenack's deep eyes soften, drooping a little as he leans closer. His mouth, so soft, generous and wet, hovers only inches away.

Oh my Gods! My eyes widen and my heart lurches, pounding against my ribs. My sodden wings tremble in excitement. He's going to kiss me! After all this time, hoping, wanting... waiting for him, he's finally going to...

Zaenack's lips touch mine, and for a bitter-sweet moment my heart stops beating. Or the world stops turning. Either way, I melt in his arms. My eyes slide shut and my hands stray to his cheeks, just to show him how much I want this. The caress, a chaste whisper really, sears across my skin, stealing my breath and leaving me both weak and a little giddy. My wings flutter, brushing against his hands, and my toes curl in my shoes.

My hands steal into his wet hair, seeking the warmth beneath his shaggy locks, and I open my mouth a little. My Gods, I had no idea a gentle kiss could feel and taste this good. Zaenack crushes me in his arms, deepening his kiss and unless I'm imagining things, his tongue flicks out to trace my lower lip.

The brief, hot contact turns me inside out and I swoon. Panting like a hungry she-wolf into his mouth. He doesn't mould me to him, but he doesn't need to. I feel the stiffening bulge in his trousers, despite our layered clothing, and whimper as his tongue probes me.

This isn't happening. This is Zaenack Caine, a good and reserved man. He's not flighty or passionate like I am, yet... Do I kiss him back? Give him my tongue? Gaia, what... What do I do now? His lips and sweet organ softly stroke mine, stirring the heat in my belly, as I struggle to search my mind for the answers.

"Oi! Lovebirds!" Darneth bellows from the tunnel below us.

Oh my Gods! My eyes snap open. My tingling lips are still pressed to Zaenack's! Staring at him in shock, I flush bright scarlet.

"Out of my way!" Darneth clambers up the ladder, scarcely giving us enough time to move. First a dark sodden crown, then both hands and wet shoulders emerge from the slick orifice. He hauls his weight out and slides the grate back into place.

Only then Zaenack seems to snap out of his daze, and he quickly draws his mouth away. Oh Gaia, this isn't fair. My body aches, the poignant sensations settling between my legs. He's made me wet from a simple kiss!

His widening eyes flick from me to his brother and back again, his grey cheeks turn pink, and he finally lets me go. He even leaps back a few steps. Almost like I've bitten him. “Uh... Sorry,” He sounds thoroughly disgusted with himself, and stuffs his hands into his pockets. He stares at his boots. “I... Uh... I-I shouldn't have...”

You choose now for regrets? I stare at him in disbelief. How can he do this to me? "Zae... What?" I gasp. "Why..? Why stop now?" I spread my hands wide, and helplessly let them fall to my sides. It's so cold now without him holding me. I start to shiver. If Zaenack notices, he doesn't show it.

Shaking his head, he turns away from me. He looks so lost and confused, his beautiful profile cast into sombre shadow as he stares at the end of the alley. He reaches up to finger his cravat – the water dripping down his neck must be making him uncomfortable – and for a moment shame deepens in his wet brown eyes. His trembling fingers loosen the cloth, tugging it down an inch or two, revealing the black band hidden beneath.

What is that thing? I peer a little closer. But he glances at me again and snatches his hand away, tugging his cravat up and smoothing out the wrinkles. What are you hiding from me, Zae?

"Come on." Nadia's stern voice carries across the uneasy silence, the sounds of the traffic, and the thumping music. It shatters the spell Zae wove around me, making me wonder if he'd even kissed me at all. Until I touch my lips.

Wet and trembling, I glance at my friends. Nadia and Darneth stand a short distance away, smoking beneath the street light, against the only part of the wall shielded from the rain. Streamers of smoke mingle with their frosty breath. Darneth is the first to finish his cigarette, promptly crushing the butt beneath his muddy boot.

Zaenack turns his back on me then and starts to follow his siblings. Head down and hands in his pockets, his reflective footfalls splash through the brackish puddles and click on the worn pavement...

Continued in Chapter 3