Chapter 24 - Jadoog

Running had never been Jadoog’s strong suit. He hurried as best he could toward the pass, but his progress felt agonizingly slow. Those bastards had taken Putt. The memory of the attack played over in his mind, sharp and bitter. The two men had come out of nowhere, ambushing him and Putt in their secluded cave. It was strange—they had no reason to make such a detour, and yet, Jadoog had felt the familiar radiation of their thoughts. Ownership. Trespassing. These men had used the cave before. Then came the unmistakable surge of greed, and that’s when it had clicked: they wanted Putt.   Before he could react, a heavy fist connected with his face, sending him spiraling into unconsciousness. When he came to, the fire had burned down to embers, and Putt, along with the two men, were gone. Panic surged through him, but he forced himself to stay focused. The most logical direction was up the pass, the same route Avia had taken earlier. There was no time to waste checking the village. How many kidnappers could be in the area anyway? It made sense that these men were part of the same group. Jadoog clung to that hope, knowing it was his best chance of catching up—and of finding Avia. She was far better suited for this kind of pursuit. He was a wizard, not a warrior. He hated violence, preferred words over weapons.
But now, he was alone. And Putt was in danger.
As the mountainside grew steeper, the terrain forced him to slow down even more. Loose rocks shifted underfoot, threatening to send him tumbling. Frustration boiled inside him, and he found himself questioning whether it was even safe to continue in his state. He paused, teetering on the loose stones, and took a deep breath. This was exactly what Avia had warned him about: wizards needed control. Magic was a tool of the mind, and right now, his thoughts were a tangled mess of anger, fear, and frustration.
If only he could calm himself enough to use magic. He knew he could have stopped those men by searching for their minds, freezing them in place, making them halt. But he hadn’t been able to act, and now his emotions were clouding his power. It was ironic, really—wizards, in moments of true danger, were often rendered powerless by their own lack of composure. The thought almost made him laugh, but the weight of the situation was too heavy for humor. He closed his eyes and forced his breathing to slow.
At the top of the pass, the last light of day was fading, and the cold shadows of night crept in. Jadoog estimated they had at least a four-hour head start, likely more. They would have moved faster up the hill, unburdened by his doubts and exhaustion. By his reckoning, they were six hours ahead. They would likely stop for the night, but he couldn’t afford that luxury. Not more than a brief rest to center himself, anyway. He needed to regain his focus and tap into the magic that would keep his energy sustained.
There was a spell for this—one that would renew his stamina, keeping him sharp for what lay ahead. The beauty of the spell was that once cast, it would hold even if his concentration wavered. But first, he had to clear his mind, let go of the chaos inside.
He found a flat rock and sat down, forcing his mind into stillness. The mountains around him were silent, save for the wind that whispered through the pass. Slowly, he let the tension in his body drain away, setting aside the anger, the frustration, the fear. Putt needed him. And if he couldn’t do this, if he couldn’t pull himself together and cast the spell, then he wasn’t worthy of being the boy’s master.


The woman remained silent the entire way back to Qaryat, but at least she could walk on her own, which was a relief. Avia and Osapi hadn’t learned her name, nor what had been done to her. Avia suspected she had been drugged and could only hope it would wear off in time. Though it seemed likely that her virginity was intact, Avia knew too well that there were many ways to violate and dominate a woman beyond that single detail.
What they hadn’t expected was to encounter two more kidnappers on their way back to the pass. That made six, not four, as they had thought.
As they approached the pass, two men appeared from the opposite direction. One carried a long bundle slung over his shoulder. The travelers exchanged polite nods, as strangers often do when crossing paths, but something about these men unsettled Avia. They had recognized the woman with her. The look on their faces wasn’t one of curiosity or suspicion; it was one of hurried recognition. They glanced at her, quickened their pace, and looked away too fast.
"Excuse me," Avia called after them, her voice calm but commanding. The two men halted and turned. Both were muscular, armed with swords and knives, their faces impassive.
"What’s in that bundle?" she asked, even though she knew it wasn’t her business. Their response would tell her more than the question ever could.
"Not that it’s any of your concern, but it’s cloth," the man carrying the bundle replied. His long raven hair was tied back, and a thick black beard covered most of his face. His eyes were calculating, waiting for her next move. The roll on his shoulder was open at both ends, the fabric wrapped around something. If it were valuable material, why leave the ends exposed to dirt and rain?
"Oh, may I buy some?" Avia asked, stepping closer, her tone almost playful. The men took a step back, uneasy. Osapi quickly maneuvered the woman to the side and sat her down, out of the way.
"No, it’s not for sale," the second man said, his voice high-pitched, almost jarring compared to his rugged appearance.
"Please?" Avia persisted, even though they all knew this charade was unnecessary. The men were fully aware that she had figured them out. Her bow hung on her back, unstrung, not an immediate threat. But Osapi, hand on his sword, stepped up beside her, adding weight to the tension.
"You heard my master," he barked, his voice cold. "She wants to buy from you."
Avia, calm as ever, took her bow and strung it slowly in front of their eyes. The situation shifted; they knew there would be no escape without a fight.
"It’s nothing of value," the bearded man tried, but his tone was faltering.
Avia pulled an arrow from her quiver and nocked it with deliberate precision. "Don’t treat me like a fool. Your friends are dead, and I want to know what’s in that bundle. Put it down—carefully."
She drew the bowstring back, ready to fire. Anyone who understood the weapon knew you couldn’t hold an arrow at full draw for long. It was either going to be shot or released—accidentally or not. The men exchanged a brief, frantic glance. The bearded man lowered the bundle to the ground slowly, his movements deliberate.
Just as the bundle touched the ground, the second man drew a knife and threw it with a swift flick of his wrist. Avia’s arrow flew almost simultaneously. She felt the sting as the knife tore through her right arm, but her aim had been true. The man fell backward, an arrow piercing his heart. Ignoring the pain, she swiftly nocked another arrow and sent it into the chest of the bearded man before he could draw his own weapon. Blood gurgled from his mouth as he dropped to his knees, the arrow lodged deep in his lung. He looked at her in shock, the light in his eyes fading slowly.
Osapi stepped forward. "Shall I?" he asked, his sword gleaming in the fading light. Avia nodded, and with a swift motion, Osapi plunged his blade through the man’s heart, ending his suffering.
Avia turned to the bundle, blood trickling down her arm, and with Osapi’s help, she untied the ropes. As they unfolded the cloth, Avia’s breath caught in her throat. Inside the bundle, unconscious but alive, was Putt.
Before she could react, the sound of hurried footsteps descending from the pass made them spin around. Avia, bow at the ready, saw Jadoog stumbling toward them, out of breath.
"Oh, good, you caught them," Jadoog panted, his face flushed from the exertion.
Avia’s fury boiled over. "How do you explain this?" she hissed, pointing at the unconscious Putt. She saw Osapi quietly backing away, moving to comfort the crying woman, who now sat with her hands over her ears.
Jadoog’s confusion only stoked her anger. "Do you hold me responsible for them attacking us?"
"No," Avia spat, "for not defending him!"
"Defending him?" Jadoog’s voice rose, matching her rage. "Do you think I let them take him? That I didn’t do everything I could to protect him?"
Avia clenched her jaw, the heat of her anger not entirely justified. Of course, he had tried. He wasn’t her—he didn’t have her skills or instincts. She would never have let Putt be taken.
"Do you really think I’ll trust you with him now?" she snapped.
"Can we argue later and tend to your grandson for a moment?" Jadoog’s voice was sharp, cutting through her indignation. Avia’s face flushed with shame. He was right. And worse, he had thought of Putt’s well-being before she did.
Together, they knelt beside Putt. He was breathing steadily, his face peaceful as if in a deep sleep. Avia ran her fingers through his hair, searching for any sign of injury, but found nothing.
"Drugs?" she asked, glancing at Jadoog. He nodded, sweeping his hands over Putt’s body, sensing the remnants of the substances used.
"Yes, but he’ll wake soon. The effects are almost gone."


Putt was still in a daze, but he followed the others without much resistance. They had explained to him that two men had drugged him and carried him for over a day, that those men were now dead, and they were returning to Qaryat with a woman who had been kidnapped. Avia and Osapi had killed the kidnappers, and Jadoog had tracked their trail to catch up with them. He understood all of that. What he couldn’t remember was the men entering the cave. His first memory was waking up in Avia’s strong arms as she carried him up a hill.
What didn’t make sense was why Avia was so angry with Jadoog. What had he done wrong? They had stayed in the cave like they were supposed to, and some strangers had come in and knocked Jadoog out. What could he have done differently? And even if he had made a mistake, wasn’t it enough to talk it out and move on? After all, nothing could change the past—wasn’t that something Granny had always said? At least, she had before she got angry with Jadoog.
The woman they were escorting back to Qaryat was unsettling. Avia had explained she was the one they had rescued, but Jadoog had mentioned she’d been given a drug he wasn’t sure would ever wear off. The thought chilled Putt to his core. Would she remain in this vacant, ghost-like state forever? The idea terrified him, and Avia, trying to comfort him, had said he was lucky they hadn’t given him the same drug. But instead of easing his mind, it only seemed to deepen the blame she placed on Jadoog, as if that made the wizard’s failure worse.
When they made camp that evening, Avia’s anger hadn’t cooled. She didn’t even question Jadoog’s ability to protect him anymore; she just declared that Putt would follow her from now on and wouldn’t be Jadoog’s apprentice any longer. Putt exploded in protest, his frustration bubbling over. Jadoog argued too, but in his maddeningly calm, adult way. Putt wished he would yell, make some grand, loud argument—something his granny couldn’t ignore. But no, Jadoog remained level-headed, speaking in that "civilized" manner that only seemed to fuel Putt’s anger more.
Meanwhile, Putt flailed his arms, gesturing wildly, raising his voice in desperation, trying to make them understand. But no one took him seriously. He was treated like a child, too young to have a say in his own life. And it infuriated him.
By the time they reached Qaryat, the villagers were celebrating them as heroes, but Putt didn’t notice. He was too shaken, too hurt. Just when he had finally found a new life, it was being ripped away from him—and by his own grandmother, no less. For reasons that made no sense to him. How could she think this was for the best? She was wrong—he knew it. Jadoog had been the perfect teacher, everything he had ever wanted. There was no way Granny could be right about this. No way.


Back in the village, the young woman was given care, and they were invited to stay for a few days. This time, Avia accepted. Both Jadoog and Putt were upset, and it wasn’t wise to go their separate ways while emotions were so high. Osapi stayed out of the conflict, and for that, she was grateful. Even though he might have had a fresh perspective, he hadn't been with them long enough to see beyond the surface. Plus, he was too young. She worried that Osapi might side with Jadoog for the wrong reasons. It wasn’t an ideal situation to have Putt with them now that she had an apprentice to train. Taking him along would limit the kinds of missions they could accept. Osapi had every reason to want her grandson to stay behind.
But she couldn’t bring herself to entrust Putt to Jadoog. It was her responsibility to keep him safe, and in her eyes, the wizard had already proven himself unworthy. She believed Putt would come to understand her decision once he had a few days to calm down.
On the third day, Mutaram, the village elder, came to fetch them. She insisted Putt stay behind, and the four of them followed her out of the circular building and up the hill toward the pastures where they kept their cattle. Up ahead, the young woman they had rescued stood, gazing blankly over the valley. She wore a simple but clean dress and was surrounded by a few others from the village. As they climbed the hill, Mutaram turned to them.
"We don't think she'll ever recover. The time has come, and I thought you might want to be present."
A bad feeling washed over Avia. Osapi’s eyes searched hers, full of questions. She turned to glance at Jadoog. His face was pale, almost green. Her stomach churned. It had only been a few days since they’d brought the woman back—this was happening too soon.
They reached the woman, and Avia watched as the villagers gave her gentle hugs and kisses, though she showed no response. Her eyes remained vacant. Mutaram motioned for them to step forward. Their turn to say goodbye. Avia’s heart sank as she stroked the woman’s hair, staring into those lifeless eyes. She had hoped to be long gone before this moment came.
Osapi and Jadoog followed her lead, though Osapi still looked uncertain, like he hadn’t fully grasped what was about to happen. Avia leaned toward them and whispered, “Whatever happens now, stay quiet and don’t move.” She wasn’t sure if Jadoog could manage. He looked like he might faint. Osapi seemed to be handling it better, but she doubted he’d pieced together what was coming.
The woman was gently lowered to her knees. Mutaram stood behind her.
"Our dear Furait," she began, her voice filled with ritualistic sorrow. "You were stolen from us—both your body and your mind. Your body has returned, but your mind is lost. We now release your spirit from this dead vessel so you can find a new life."
With one swift motion, Mutaram drew a dagger and sliced the woman’s throat open. Avia caught Osapi’s reaction out of the corner of her eye and immediately gripped his hand, forcing him to stay still. They watched the blood pour from the woman’s neck as her body finally slumped to the ground, lifeless.
Osapi couldn’t take it. He tore his hand from hers and hurried back down the hill toward the village. Avia couldn’t blame him.


He hated leaving. He had grown fond of the boy, and despite the short time they'd shared, Jadoog had enjoyed being Putt's master. But Avia’s anger had gone beyond firm; she had become rude, cold, and dismissive in a way he couldn’t tolerate. He understood that watching the woman they’d rescued die had been difficult for her, but that was no excuse. Jadoog wasn’t a fool—he caught the hint. Avia wanted to be rid of him, and she wouldn’t feel at ease until he was safely out of her way. It was clear that it was time for him to leave.
What would happen to Putt now? Officially, Jadoog was no longer his master, and the responsibility had shifted back to Avia. But his heart told him differently. Abandoning the boy felt wrong, deeply wrong. Yet life was no fairytale. You couldn’t walk through it without hurting people, no matter how hard you tried. There was no promise that the effects of your actions would be positive.
At least Jadoog hadn’t snuck off in the night. He had said his goodbyes to Putt like a proper adult. The boy had voiced concerns about his grandmother that made Jadoog suspect Avia would face a long, uphill battle to regain his trust. Putt had laid the blame squarely at Avia’s feet, and though Jadoog agreed, he had held his tongue. He had tried to smooth things over, telling Putt that his grandmother only wanted the best for him. But the boy hadn’t bought it. In the end, Jadoog had left, feeling a deep sense of failure.
The path he took was the same one that had led him up to the mountain village. There was no other route unless he wanted to risk the pass again. He moved quickly, downhill, his mind eager to leave the whole troubling situation behind. By nightfall, exhaustion hit him hard. Too drained to even build a fire, he chewed on some dried meat from his pack and collapsed into sleep.