“You fool!” he said. “Jesse will see you! He’s looking this way.”
For a heartbeat everything stopped, then Bran moved, quickly ducking into the shadows. He waited breathlessly for the command from Jesse to seize him. When no alarm sounded, he relaxed his tight shoulders and leaned back against the wall next to Jax. “I’m sorry. That was stupid. I just wasn’t prepared to see her.”
“They’ve passed.” Jax sighed heavily. “I don’t think Jesse saw you, unless he’s really helping Teya like she said.”
“Helping her? I doubt it. He’d like her to think that, but who knows what he’ll do on his own. That was stupid of me. If Jesse knows we’re here, it could ruin everything.”
Jax shook his head. “If he didn’t see you, we have nothing to worry about.”
“Unless Teya tells him.” Bran closed his eyes in consternation. “But maybe I can do something about that.” Again, he opened the link to her and sent what he hoped she would understand as a warning. He felt a slight acknowledgment that could mean almost anything before the link closed. What was she thinking? He took another look at the departing horses and supply wagons. “Did you notice who else was riding with them?”
“Yes. A man with black hair was at her other side.”
“I thought I recognized him,” Bran said, relieved. “Good, that was her brother, Hewson. I know he’ll protect her as much as he can. She was sick and weak this morning. I wonder what happened.”
“They probably took more of her blood.”
Bran stood up straight. “I’ll bet you’re right. Even though Korban told her he wouldn’t, I can’t think of anything else that would affect her like that. So why was Korban in such a hurry to leave? I don’t think Turner expected him to go so soon.”
“I don’t know, but I don’t think it will be too hard to get ahead of them. They’ve got women and children to slow them down. We can travel faster and farther than they can.”
Bran nodded his agreement. “I hope Turner gets here soon, this waiting is killing me. Maybe we should follow them.” It was hard not to jump on his horse this minute and ride out after her.
“No,” Jax countered. “She’s too heavily guarded. We need to stick to the plan. The right time will come. You just need to be patient.”
It was a long wait. The sun had set before Turner came through the gates. He barreled through the garrison door, and called for everyone left there to gather. He was grim-faced, but a light of excitement shone in his eyes.
“I had a difficult time leaving. Korban had me watched, and it took a while to find out who was behind it and persuade him to tell me what he knew. But it was worth it.” He opened the bag he brought with him and pulled out several vials of sym.
“This was the king’s supply. Korban was looking for it, but I found it first. I don’t like using it, but you saw how Korban and his soldiers fought. We will have a better chance against him if we are prepared. I want everyone here to take a couple of vials and use them in the upcoming fight.
“I don’t know why Korban was in such a hurry to leave. I don’t think he knows of my plans, but we’ll have to be careful. I know the general route they are taking, so tonight, we’ll bypass them and meet up with the rest of our men. After a few hours rest, we’ll continue on with Bran as our guide. Any questions?” No one responded and he continued. “Let’s head out.”
As Bran and Jax turned to leave, Turner stopped them. “Don’t forget these.” He handed both of them two vials of sym each. “I know you don’t like it any better than me, but you’ll use it if you need it.”
Bran studied the vial, wondering if it was made from Teya’s blood. Turner was right, he didn’t like using it, but he would if he had to. A small seed of satisfaction rose to know that with the use of sym, he could even have a shot at Korban.
****
Teya woke in the gray light of dawn, tired and hot. Her fever was back, but she was too tired to care. As the sounds of breaking camp reached her, she burrowed under the covers wishing to be left alone. Yesterday, her pride had not allowed her to ride in the baggage wagons, but that wouldn’t happen today.
Iris came through the flap of the small tent they shared with a mug of steaming tea. “Here, drink this.”
“Thank you.” Teya fought dizziness to sit up.
“I’ve sent for Hewson,” Iris said. “You were moaning in your sleep all night. You may be able to cover it when you’re awake, but I know better.”
“Just let me ride with the baggage. Being away from Korban should improve my health immensely.”
Iris chuckled. “That’s not a bad idea.”
Hewson entered, stoic as ever. Once again, he sang with Iris in beautiful healing tones. As Hewson pulled away this time, the pain etched on his face didn’t seem quite so bad. After recovering for a minute, Teya whispered, “We need to talk.”
“I’ll keep watch outside.” Iris ducked out of the tent and began to pack their bedding.
“I saw Bran yesterday at the garrison just outside the city gates,” Teya whispered eagerly. “He was with the king’s soldiers and wearing their uniform. I don’t know what’s happened. I thought he left with Rasmussen. Anyway, I’m sure he’s planning to help us. I just don’t know how.”
“That doesn’t make sense. The king’s soldiers are loyal to Korban now.”
“No, you’re wrong. It’s Chancellor Turner they swore fealty to. He ran the country, even when the king was alive.”
“So maybe Turner has plans of his own.” Hewson’s eyes narrowed. “What about the kundar? Iris said you know a way to get it off.”
Teya considered telling Hewson about Jesse. She didn’t have the nerve to tell him before now, but putting it off didn’t make it any easier. She took a deep breath. “Jesse wants to help. He’s the one who helped Bran and Jax escape. He told me he’d help get the kundar off before we reach the grove. He has plans to go against Korban, but I don’t know what they are. He hasn’t told me yet.”
Hewson’s mouth dropped open, then snapped shut with anger. “You don’t know Jesse. You can’t trust him. This is ridiculous. He’s Korban’s son. He’d never go against his father.” Hewson’s eyes smoldered. “He took our blood. He took your blood! He’s been doing it for years. Not only that, he’s hunted us down like animals. He’s a lying, manipulative…” Hewson trailed off. His voice had risen in volume and his chest heaved. He took a deep breath in an effort to gain control. “No. There’s no way he’ll help you. He couldn’t mean it. I don’t know what he’s up to, but it’s nothing good.”
Teya swallowed. Hewson was so upset that a part of her couldn’t help believing him. Then she thought about Jesse’s confession. Couldn’t someone change? Maybe all he needed was a chance. What choice had Korban given Jesse in all this? Couldn’t Jesse be a victim like the rest of them?
“You want to trust him,” Hewson said, accusingly.
“I want this kundar off,” she whispered. “I can’t do it alone. Even Korban told me I could defeat him without it. Once Korban’s powers are restored, it will be too late.”
“I’ll kill Korban,” Hewson said. “It’s not something you should have to do anyway, and it’s not something you need magic for either. Between here and the grove, I’ll find a way to do it.” His cold and unfeeling voice made Teya shiver. “I’m sorry you ever thought it was your responsibility.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but Hewson stopped her. “Don’t. You’re not the only person here with plans. Korban watches us, but not closely enough. He thinks we have no spirit, and that we’re so grateful to be going home that we will follow him blindly. That’s just what I want him to think.”
He paused when Iris poked her head through the flap to warn them that Korban and two guards were approaching.
“Don’t do anything foolish,” Hewson told her urgently. “I don’t need to worry about you getting in the way of my plans.”
“Hewson I…”
“Shh…I’m glad you’ve decided to
ride in the wagon today,” he said for Korban’s benefit, then left the tent. She heard him exchange a few words with Korban and, with worried exhaustion, she laid back down on her pillow.
Korban didn’t even bother talking to her, instead sending Iris to gather her things and situate her in the wagon. It wasn’t until they were on the road again that Teya finally concentrated on what Hewson had said. If he planned on killing Korban, it would have to be with a knife or gun. Maybe he thought he could filch one from a guard. What if he already had, and was just waiting for an opportunity?
Her stomach clenched with fear at the risk he was taking. Since beginning their journey, Korban kept a tight watch on the Kalorians. He had to know they would escape if they could. Guards surrounded them. Korban never came to them alone and unarmed. Someone was always with him, even if it was only Jesse.
Teya needed to find out what Jesse had planned. When he’d taken her blood, he’d told her that she had to wait until they were on the road before he could help her. They were on the road now. Were all his words lies?
After stewing for an hour, Teya was ready to get back on a horse. The enclosed wagon stifled her, and she needed to see what went on outside. She pulled on her boots and opened the flap in the back. Two startled guards looked up at her, and she quickly let the flap fall.
That left only one other option and she took it, stepping over some supplies toward the front. She climbed over the back of the seat and sat down next to the wagon driver.
His eyes widened in surprise. “You should be resting, miss.”
“I’m not tired anymore,” she said, realizing it was true. She felt stronger today. “If you don’t want me here, then get someone to find my horse and I’ll gladly leave.”
He shrugged. “Stay then. I’m not going to stop the whole procession just for one girl. Korban wouldn’t like it, and I don’t want to be on his bad side.”
“That makes two of us,” she said, and caught the barest hint of a smile on his face. They rode in amiable silence while she studied the terrain. It wouldn’t be long before they reached the plateau and the stunted trees. Beyond that, came the boundary of the Destroyer and her blood ran cold knowing she would be unable to stop it with the kundar still around her neck.
Korban expected her to give him the tones that would keep it at bay. He would probably use sym made from her blood to do it. With a huff of despair, she looked for Jesse, but couldn’t see that far ahead. Anxiety set in. She needed to know if he’d help her or not, and she needed to know now.
A short time later, they stopped for the noonday meal, and she scrambled down from the wagon. Finding her strength improved, she strode toward the front of the procession. The startled cry of the driver alerted the guards and they surged after her. She panicked, and turned to run, but didn’t get far before someone grabbed her.
Instinctively struggling against the firm hold, she didn’t realize it was Jesse until he spoke. “Hold on,” he said. She quieted while he turned to the guards and told them to return to their places. “Where were you going in such a hurry?”
“To find you,” she gasped. “We need to talk.”
He nodded. “Let’s go back to the wagon. That’s where I was headed in the first place.” His tone held a hint of exasperation. “I told Korban I would check on you, and it would help if you’d stay put. And if you’re going to plead illness, at least you could act like it.”
She held back a retort, realizing that he was probably right. What had possessed her to take off like that? Fear. Time was running short. By tomorrow they would be in the Destroyer’s path.
She waited until they were back at the wagon before speaking. “We’re getting close to the boundary,” she said. “If you’re going to do anything, it needs to be now.”
He handed her some bread before he replied. “Tonight,” he whispered. “I’ll take the kundar off. Until then, try not to do anything conspicuous. I’ll come to you.”
His gaze held hers, and the truth she saw there made it hard to think he was lying. Could Hewson be wrong about him? “Do you really mean that?”
A light lit up in his eyes that she’d never seen before. “Yes. Can’t you feel it? The grove. I know where it is from here.”
“Oh.” Surprise, then sadness overcame her. “No. With the kundar on, it is lost to me.”
Jesse’s face crumpled in sympathy and he touched her cheek with tenderness. “Not for long. Tonight we’ll take it off. What do I need? How did Bran do it before?”
She swallowed before answering, hoping she wasn’t making a mistake. “He used a string of some kind that was coated with gun powder. It melted through the metal and let the darkness escape. Korban will feel it when the kundar is broken.”
Jesse nodded solemnly. “I know, but I plan to be far away from here when that happens.”
“What do you mean?” Teya tensed in alarm.
Jesse knew he’d said too much and tried to cover it. “I mean we need to leave camp to be safe from Korban. Otherwise, we’ll never get the chance to take it off.”
“I don’t think that’s what you meant at all,” Teya said. Silence slipped between them like an open chasm, too wide to cross. “What are you planning?” He didn’t answer immediately, and something inside Teya snapped shut. “You want to go ahead with me, don’t you? And get to the grove before your father?”
“Yes, I want to go to the grove, and if there’s some way to stop my father without killing him, I want to do that too.” When Teya didn’t respond, he continued. “Korban kept me with him and took care of me. He’s not all bad.”
“No, but what he intends is.” Teya bit back her frustration. Jesse wasn’t listening. Korban would never give up until he had what he wanted, at the cost of everything else.
“I’ve got to get back,” he said, clenching his jaw. “I’m going to get what I need to take it off. Think about it. I’ll come to you tonight.”
He walked away, leaving her in turmoil. Leaving to take the kundar off had to be better than staying here with it on. Then she could come back and help her people no matter what Jesse wanted. And she would be strong enough to do it. But whatever happened, there was one thing she could take care of right now.
“I’m ready to ride. I want my horse,” she told the guard. He motioned to another guard to get it and once she sat in the saddle, she rode eagerly up the ranks toward her brother.
Hewson rode closer to Korban than Teya wished and she knew he was trying to carry out his plan. As she drew up next to him, he jerked back, startled, then slowed until they were in the midst of the Kalorians.
“I thought you were resting,” he growled. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“There’s something you need to know. We’ll be reaching the boundary of the Destroyer soon. I want to give you and our people the tones that will hold it back. If we band together, our combined voices might be enough to save us from the Destroyer.” She glanced around carefully to make sure no one could hear what she had to say next. “I won’t give Korban the same tones.”
Understanding lit Hewson’s eyes. If they could save themselves, the Destroyer would take care of Korban and his soldiers. Hewson nodded with approval, but Teya stopped him. “I don’t know if we’re strong enough. Do you want to chance it?”
“If there’s nothing better, then yes.”
She knew he still meant to put his plan into action, and there was nothing she could do to stop him. With great reluctance, she nodded and sent the tones floating to him in a gentle whisper. “For the Destroyer.”
These words of explanation traveled through the Kalorians like a wild fire, followed by the tones until everyone knew and heard. The Kalorians had become expert at sending messages in this subtle way, without the guard’s knowledge. They covered it by making idle conversation, and drawing away the guard’s attention with their limited magic.
Teya fought her trepidation that she had just doomed her people. The Destroyer was strong while they were shackled by the kundar.
Taking her kundar off before they faced the Destroyer might make the only difference between life and death for them all.
The rest of the day, Teya’s stomach was tied up in knots. She decided that Hewson had a knife hidden somewhere, because he watched Korban like a bird of prey, and a couple of times appeared to be moving in for the kill.
Each time her breath caught in her throat. After the second time he was thwarted, she was afraid he would recklessly rush in and be cut down before her eyes. Luckily, he was levelheaded enough to know when he couldn’t succeed.
Evening came and with the crawling shadows, the landscape changed. The leaves on the trees were no longer green, but withered to a dull brown. The yellowed grass and moldy bracken leant an air of foul smelling decay. Over the rise, the trees took on the shape of twisted monsters, and not far beyond that lay complete desolation.
Under Korban’s direction, they retraced their route to the last small stream of fresh water to wait out the night. He placed a heavy guard around the Kalorians, splitting them into two groups, the men in one, and the women in the other, with the heaviest guard on the men. The only tent set up for privacy was his.
Teya sat beside Iris and tried to get comfortable. She shivered in the gathering darkness and huddled with the other women and children around the fire Korban had allowed them. This heightened security was different from the night before, and Teya wondered if Korban did it because of their closer proximity to the grove, or if he suspected they planned something against him.
It certainly thwarted Jesse’s strategy to take Teya and leave. Had Korban found out about that? Finally drifting off to sleep, the approach of muffled footfalls jerked her awake. She sat up to find Jesse crouched beside her. He motioned her to be quiet and helped her up. Once out of hearing range, he spoke. “Korban wants to see you.”
Teya was prepared to tell Jesse that she would leave to get the kundar off, so this request surprised her. “Why?” she asked. “What does he want?”