Soul Catcher Read Online Free Page B

someone else.”
    “If you say so.”
    Von turned toward his fellow prisoners and they rejoiced in their newfound freedom. Families embraced one another, brothers hugged brothers, and parents held their children tightly. There was an equal amount of laughter and tears. Aleco watched them.               “Von,” he called.
    Von turned away from the other captives and looked at him. His skin was weathered and worn from exposure to the sun. Aleco could see the tan lines around his wrists from his bonds. The skin around his eyes appeared empty and hollow, giving him a haggard appearance.
    “They call me Aleco.”
     
    “Wake up,” Aleco growled into the woman’s ear.
    Aleco was alarmed at her extended sleep. She remained unconscious through their hasty exit of the city, the rugged trailer ride across the desert, and a whole day later, she still had not awakened. He feared the worst.
    Aleco thoroughly examined her body for injuries. Although her heartbeat was weak and her breathing was deep and shallow, outwardly, he saw nothing unusual; no broken bones or severe blood loss. Then, Aleco realized the source of her prolonged unconsciousness. She had been poisoned.
    Although it was uncommon to intoxicate the captives of the Prisoner’s Circle, that was the only conceivable explanation for her behavior. Aleco opened the capsule that hung from the chain around his neck, removed the life-sustaining leaves, then inserted them into her mouth and forced the plant down her throat.
    “You better be poisoned,” he growled. “Otherwise, I just wasted one of my lifelines for nothing.”
    Aleco sat beside her and waited for her to stir. He monitored her heartbeat and breathing patterns and noticed they were improving. Finally, after several hours, her eyelids fluttered and she awoke. Her eyes opened and she looked at Aleco, whose face was concealed and his body cloaked and covered in weapons. Aleco knew his first impression wasn’t a good one because she screamed.
    “Shhh,” he hushed her. “Shut your mouth and be quiet.” He covered her open mouth with his gloved hand. “I mean you no harm.” Aleco pulled the treasured necklace from the inside of his cloak and revealed it to her, attempting to calm her. Her body stiffened and she fell silent. Aleco released his hold.
    Her hand flew to her own neck where she grasped the matching necklace, and clutched it within her palm. Reassured that it was still in her possession, she sighed. “Who gave you that necklace?” she asked. Her voice was beautiful and strong. Aleco was surprised she found her voice so quickly since she was unconscious for so long. She stared into his hood, focusing on where she believed his face to be, and waited for a response.
    “Father Giloth,” Aleco replied.
    She nodded in agreement and confirmed the truth of his words. She looked around and examined the surrounding trees, trying to figure out their location. The woman had no idea where she was. She sat up and placed her face in her palms, which were streaked with grime. In fact, she was covered in so many layers of mud and dirt that her features were difficult to distinguish. “I don’t understand,” she whispered as she shook her head. “I should be dead.”
    “So you did poison yourself?” Aleco confirmed. He had suspected it when he discovered her affliction, unable to provide a more suitable explanation. He didn’t question her decision to end her own life. He would do the same thing if his existence was unbearable. “At least it wasn’t a complete waste,” he said to himself.
    She looked at Aleco. The disbelief on her face was enough to confirm his suspicions. She was surprised he had figured it out. “ What wasn’t a complete waste?”
    He opened his capsule, which was now empty.
    Her eyes widened in surprise. “You saved my life,” she said, astounded.
    “Twice, actually,” Aleco said. “If we’re keeping score.”
    “I can’t believe you used your Rhine Remedy to