“We should head up a ways, where no one can see us,” Kaden suggested, “and set watch at the top.”
They climbed the stone staircase that spiraled up the perimeter of the tower. It grew too dark to see just before they reached the top, until Kaden pushed open the heavy trapdoor to where the bell had once hung, and the evening sunlight filtered in.
“I’ll stand watch,” Marcus offered, and climbed through the door.
The others took seats on the stairs, still panting.
“Well, we managed one thing,” Kaden said between breaths. “We created the perfect diversion for the others.”
Kyrin shook her head. “Let’s hope their mission, at least, goes according to plan.” Racing around the city, pursued by soldiers, was not what she’d anticipated when they’d left their campsite.
Her eyes shifted to Jace, who still stood with his shoulder braced against the wall as he held his left side. He couldn’t conceal his pain this time. All the running must have been excruciating, but she said nothing. What point would there be now? If only they had some sort of painkiller with them. She still had some of her mother’s, but she’d left it with her supplies. He would just have to endure until they made it out of the city. Hopefully, it wouldn’t require any more running.
A light sniffle drew Kyrin’s attention to the little girl huddled near her. She smiled widely when the girl’s deep blue eyes met hers. “It’s so good to see you again, Meredith. I missed you.”
A little smile blossomed on the girl’s face. “I missed you too. And Kaden. Nobody was very nice when you left.” The smile faded and she stuck out her lower lip. “They all said you were traitors and should die.”
Kyrin looked at her sadly. “I’m sorry they were mean to you.”
The little girl nodded and balled her fists in her cloak.
“Are you cold?”
She nodded again.
“Here, come sit on my lap. We can keep each other warm.”
Meredith settled in Kyrin’s lap, nestling into her chest as Kyrin wrapped her cloak around her. The girl trembled, and Kyrin hugged her tightly. “Don’t worry. You’re safe now.”
After a moment of quiet, Michael said, “Thanks for coming for us.”
Kyrin smiled at him. “You can thank Mother. She’s the one who came and told us what happened. She’s waiting anxiously for us to get you back to Landale.”
Ronny’s eyes brightened. “So does this mean we get to stay with you?”
Kyrin grinned over his enthusiasm. “Yes, it does.”
For a while, they talked of camp, and the evening passed slowly. Though the tower blocked the wind, the stones offered little in the way of warmth. The exertion and adrenaline kept them warm at first, but then the chill crept in. It started in Kyrin’s toes and fingers, working its way deeper. Resting her chin on Meredith’s head, she looked at the others. Marcus still stood watch, but her other four brothers huddled together for warmth. Jace, however, remained by himself. When he noticed her watching him, he reached up to untie his cloak and brought it over to her.
She shook her head in protest. “Jace, no. You need it.”
“I’ll be fine for a while.” He draped it over her shoulders.
She peered at him, but couldn’t tell if he was being gallant or if his half-ryrik blood did keep him warmer than the rest of them. “You tell me if you need it.” Empty words. He never would. She would have to watch him closely.
However, the added layer did help, and she settled in to wait again for the sun to set.
Jace looked out across the city’s rooftops, which were lit up in the golden orange glow of the sinking sun. Marcus stood opposite him, but neither one spoke. Jace’s gaze strayed to the southwest and locked on the circular walls of the old arena. The back of his throat squeezed painfully. He’d killed a man there . . . in a fight to the death. He could still feel the grit of sand in his wounds and eyes and hear his opponent’s last breath. Grimacing, he tore his eyes away, only to catch sight of the new arena under construction near the palace. It rose more than twice as high as the old one. A cold lump formed in his stomach as he imagined fighting there in front of so many thousands of spectators chanting for one fighter or another. He shook his head, forcing the images down deep into the area of his heart that held all his deepest fears.
A stiff breeze bit through his clothing, right into his bones, and he shivered. He was colder than he would ever admit, but he gave up on his fight against the elements and stepped back down inside the tower. Dusk wasn’t far off now. Just a little while longer.
“See anything?” Kaden asked as he joined them.
Jace shook his head. “Nothing.” Their part of the city was quiet.
He rested his shoulder against the wall and flexed his cold-numbed fingers. He could barely feel them anymore, and stuck his hands under his arms to warm them. If any soldiers did show up, he needed to be able to hold his sword.
“Jace.”
Kyrin’s stern voice startled him and drew his eyes to her deep frown.
“You’re freezing.” She reached up to pull his cloak from her shoulders, holding it out to him, but he didn’t take it.
“I’ll warm up as soon as we’re moving again. It won’t be long now.”
“Long enough.” A stubborn look settled on her face, like the day she’d so forcefully insisted he wasn’t cursed. “There’s no way I’ll let you stand there and freeze while I’m sitting comfortably. Now, if you won’t take it, at least come sit down so we can share it.”
As much as he’d rather suffer and keep her comfortable, he wasn’t able to refuse her. He breathed out a sigh and came to sit on the step beside her, moving carefully to protect his ribs. While he settled in, Kyrin looked down at Meredith.
“Can you sit with Jace for a little while to help him warm up?”
Even in the dim light, the girl’s stormy eyes glittered as they locked on him in interest, but not fear. She nodded slowly. Jace had never interacted with children since his own early childhood and didn’t know how to respond to this. Before he could object, the girl rose from Kyrin’s lap.
“Be very careful, though,” Kyrin told her. “He hurt his ribs not too long ago.”
The little girl moved slowly and gently to take a place on Jace’s lap, cuddling against him. He sent an uncertain glance at Kyrin, who gave a smile of encouragement. She then stood to wrap one corner of his cloak around his shoulders before sitting and pulling the other around herself.
Settling in beside him, her shoulder pressed against his. His heart gave an irregular thump. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t touched him before, but her nearness had an odd effect on him. For the first time, he was acutely aware of how gentle and feminine she was. Well, maybe that wasn’t quite true. Even in his pain, he had noticed it when she’d tended his wounds back in Mernin—her careful touch and tender ministrations. He could still feel her soft fingertips on his face, but he cleared his throat and banished the memory. Now was not the time to be thinking about such things.
He did suddenly feel much warmer, though it didn’t seem to have anything to do with Meredith or the cloak. He glanced again at Kyrin. Bits of hair had fallen out of her cap and framed her reddened cheeks. Why did he only now realize how pretty she was? He pulled his eyes away. What was he doing? This was ridiculous. But . . . was it, really?
Darkness had begun to engulf the inside of the tower when Marcus joined them. Kyrin shifted to look at him over her shoulder.
“I think it’s just about time to move,” he said. “I’ll go have a look around to make sure there’s no one nearby.”
Kaden pushed to his feet. “I’ll go with you.”
But Marcus stopped him. “One person is better. Not as suspicious, and easier to slip away if there’s trouble.”
Though Kaden frowned, he resisted arguing.
Marcus checked his weapons. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“Careful,” Kyrin told him.
Marcus nodded and desce
nded the stairs. When his footsteps died away, Kaden walked up to the trapdoor. “I’m going to keep watch.”
As he disappeared, Kyrin looked around at the others. “Let’s make sure we’re all ready to leave as soon as Marcus gets back.”
They stood and stretched their legs. It was good to get the circulation moving through their cold limbs again. Kyrin returned Jace’s cloak and made sure Meredith’s was secure. Then they waited. Kyrin mentally ticked off the seconds. Soon it turned into minutes. A heavy silence built around them. When she estimated fifteen minutes had passed, she traded an anxious look with Jace.
Finally, Liam spoke. “He should’ve been back by now.”
Kyrin hugged Meredith a little closer to her side. She had to believe Marcus was fine, but what would they do if he didn’t come back? Before she had an answer to that, Kaden appeared at the door, his voice sharp in warning.
“Soldiers!”
Sam’s gaze strayed to the door of the small palace study. No sound had come from the other side since the guard had changed about an hour ago. With no windows, it was difficult to tell how late it was, but he guessed the time drew near for their plan to take place. He breathed steadily. He must remain calm and ready for action. And drastic action it was. Though he had expected someday to have to leave Valcré, this was a bit more dramatic than he’d envisioned.
His gaze dropped back to the Scrolls spread out before him. Never in all his years had he been so blessed to read so much of Elôm’s Word. And to find verses he’d never heard before! What an indescribable joy. If only Daican knew that, instead of weaknesses he could exploit, the Scrolls were filled with knowledge that would only empower the believers of Elôm. Sam clasped his hands in front of his face.
“Oh, Lord, help me get these words to them. Whatever happens to me, preserve Your Word to give strength to Your people.”
The doorknob turned. His eyes popped open as Aric stepped in. It was time. Sam rose, and Aric crossed the room to meet him.
“Everything is in place.” Aric glanced at the closed door. “Once you take care of the guard, your way should be clear until you reach the gate. If you get past them, I pray Trask and the others can get you and the Scrolls out of the city.”
“You’re sure you won’t be suspected in this?”
“I highly doubt it if I’m unconscious during your escape.” Aric pulled a cloth and small vial out of his pocket and handed them over to Sam. “Are you ready for this?”
“As ready as I can be.” Sam quickly rolled up the Scrolls, placing each one in his satchel. He then pulled the cork from the vial. An acrid scent wafted into the air, and he avoided breathing too deeply as he soaked the cloth with the liquid. “My father has been trying for years to get me to return to Arda and run for senate, but here I’m about to drug Emperor Daican’s head of security and make off with the King’s Scrolls. Somehow I doubt that’s the sort of thing my people would look for in a government representative.”
Aric chuckled wryly.
Sam met his eyes. “So what about you? Are you ready?”
Aric gave a nod. “May I wake to find the emperor livid over your successful escape.”
They grinned at each other, before becoming serious once more. If things went wrong, Sam would be in the dungeon awaiting execution when Aric came to. With this understanding passing between them, Sam placed the cloth over Aric’s nose and mouth. A moment later, he grabbed the man under the arms as he went limp and eased him to the floor. There would be no going back now. Murmuring a prayer, Sam grabbed his satchel and tipped over a chair so it clattered loudly against the tile floor. He then dashed across the room and pressed himself against the wall beside the door. It opened.
“Sir?”
The guard stepped into the room. Sam moved toward him. The blond-haired man spun around, and Sam recognized Collin. With a dumbfounded, but determined, look, Collin reached for his sword. But Sam was faster and much stronger. He grabbed him and wrapped one arm around him while pressing the cloth to his face. Collin put up an admirable struggle, but quickly succumbed to the drug.
Now it was time to get out before anyone discovered the two unconscious men. Sam closed the door and strode through the dim halls as fast as he dared, keeping a watchful eye. He had a dagger hidden in his jerkin and, while very proficient with it, thanks to his brother, he wouldn’t stand a chance against a group of armed guards.
The entrance drew nearer. Let me not meet with any trouble, Lord.
“Sam.”
He froze at the voice that echoed from the hall to his right. His eyes fell on Prince Daniel, who jogged to catch up to him, and his stomach sank.
The prince slowed as he neared. “I was just coming to see if you wanted to join us for supper. I’d sure prefer your company to my father’s or my sister’s at the moment.” He made a face.
Sam hesitated, seeking the best excuse. “I apologize, my lord, but I have an important meeting with some friends of mine.”
He glanced up and down the hall. So far, it was still clear.
Daniel’s shoulders sagged. “I see. Well, perhaps tomorrow then?”
“Perhaps.” Regret pulsed in Sam’s heart. He’d always sensed an opening with the prince, but had never found the opportunity to pursue it.
Daniel’s brow creased as he stared at him. “Are you all right?” His gaze snagged on Sam’s satchel. At first, it meant nothing, but slowly an understanding dawned in his expression. His amber eyes widened and rose again to meet Sam’s. “That’s not what I think it is, is it?”
Sam licked his lips and tried to swallow through his parched throat. “I can’t lie to you, my lord.”
Daniel’s gaze darted around the area before settling on Sam with great intensity. “Go, quickly, before anyone knows.”
Sam let out the breath that had remained trapped in his lungs. “Thank you, my lord.”
“Just don’t get caught,” Daniel said in a sharp whisper.
Sam gave a single nod and hurried on his way. A murmured prayer rose to his lips. “Elôm, somehow make Yourself known to him. He’s searching and needs You.”
By the time Sam let himself out of the palace, his heart pumped hard. He was so close now, but the courtyard seemed to stretch for miles. Maintaining a steady pace, he approached the gate. In the last few yards, he hardly dared to breathe. When he saw the guards, he gave a nod of acknowledgement and kept walking. In that moment came the echo of the palace doors being flung open.
“Stop him!” a voice rang out.
Sam drew a sharp breath. Someone must have found Aric and Collin already—much sooner than he’d hoped.
The guards immediately jumped into action, but Sam dashed past them and through the gates, where he searched the dusky streets.
“Sam, here!”
His gaze fell on Tane, and he sprinted toward the waiting group. The commotion behind him grew—a signal that it wouldn’t be long before Auréa’s full security force was in pursuit.
Kyrin’s heart leapt into her throat as Kaden rushed down and pulled out his sword.
“Where are they?” she asked.
“Heading this way.” Kaden turned to her and motioned with his free hand. “Get up by the door. Make sure you stay quiet.”
Kyrin gathered Meredith and her younger brothers, and they huddled up by the trapdoor while Kaden, Jace, and Liam faced the stairs with their weapons ready. For a long moment, Kyrin’s pounding heartbeat drowned her ability to hear anything, but then the thud of footsteps drew near. Muffled voices drifted into the tower.
Meredith whimpered. “I’m scared.”
“Shh,” Kyrin whispered gently, and hugged her close. Please don’t let them come in here.
They waited another minute or two. A glow of light came from just around the curve in the stairs, and Kyrin gasped. Someone was inside. No one moved, but her younger brothers’ eyes rounded. Meredith buried her face in Kyrin’s shoulder. Elôm!
The light increased and boots scraped against the steps
. Any moment they would be found and it would be over. A shout echoed outside, and whoever was on the stairs paused. Kyrin held her breath. A long second later, he turned away and left without checking the rest of the tower.
The air gushed from Kyrin’s lungs, and the men’s tense forms relaxed. Thank You, Elôm! Outside, the soldiers moved off, and silence fell again. Kyrin rested her cheek against Meredith and focused on moderating her racing pulse. Tremors passed through her limbs. She hated this city.
The scrape of a second set of footsteps made her go rigid, and her heart almost stalled this time. Meredith released a squeak of fear, but it was Marcus who appeared around the corner. He breathed out loudly.
“Is everyone all right?”
“Yeah,” Liam answered, sounding winded as he lowered his sword.
Marcus’s eyes shifted back to Kyrin and their younger brothers as if to be sure. “I saw the soldiers leaving, but couldn’t tell if they had anyone.”
Kyrin worked to speak around her own gasping breaths. “What kept you?”
She couldn’t see Marcus’s face very well, but his expression sobered.
“The General is still here in the city.”
A lightning-like streak of fear shot into Kyrin’s core, sending a cold wave through her body. “You saw him?”
Marcus nodded.
“Did he see you?”
“He did, but I led him and his men to the north before doubling back.”
“You’re sure you lost him?” Kaden asked, his voice slightly raised.
“I’m sure. But we need to go. If they don’t find any sign of me, they may return.”
Kyrin pushed to her feet, ready to leave immediately. Her grandfather’s doggedness terrified her. If anyone could find them, it would be him. She could just imagine him surrounded by a force of torch-bearing soldiers, ready to hunt them down and drag them to the emperor.