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Ethan entered the Tavern and found a stool in the farthest corner where he had a clear sight of people entering and leaving. He’d tucked a smoothed piece of wood in his mouth, so it fit easily between his teeth. He hoped as long as he had that to chew on, any unwelcome words that might come up would be bitten back and contained. It was a trick his father had shown him for whenever they entered an unfriendly town and had to watch how they talked to people.
He recalled one time when they’d had to make a run for it after Ethan had let loose his opinions. His father, Stephen, had pounded him on the back, chuckling, “You’ll learn how to contain yourself with age, son. The fire to spread King Shaydon’s word usually burns fiercer in the young. After a while, you’ll learn to test the waters and find other ways to get your message across without blasting everyone.”
Ethan feared that time wouldn’t come soon enough.
A card game went on in one corner. The men wore leather adorned with fur, such as the royal hunters wore. Hadn’t Tarek’s father been part of that group, along with Tarek, himself?
“You’re cheating again!” Roared one of the younger members, slamming his hand on the table. “I’m sick of you stealing my earnings.”
The fellow next to the young man kicked his chair, spilling the boy onto the floor. “If you can’t take the burn, then don’t play with the flames, whelp.” They all laughed. Chairs scraped over the floorboards as the circle closed, leaving the youngster out.
He slowly stood, dusting off his pants with a scowl. As he passed the barman on the way out, the owner, a balding man with a robust build chuckled and called the boy over. “Why do you keep going back to play, Sal? When will you learn?”
“I was on a lucky streak in the beginning.” Sal scratched his head with a worried shake of his head. “Jonas, what will I tell Ma? I have nothing to bring home now.”
Jonas filled a mug with frothy amber liquid and set it on a tray, then grabbed another one. “You deserve to have your hide whipped. How else will you learn?”
“I need to learn how to play better.” Sal folded his arms over his chest. “Well, at least before I try to win back what they’ve stolen from me.”
The barkeep continued to glare at the boy. Ethan chewed harder on the little chunk of wood. Keep your opinions to yourself. Keep them to yourself.
Finally, Jonas pushed the tray laden with mugs aside, closer to Ethan. He wondered where that tray was going. Another table was full of guards, one of them the fellow he’d been following. The one who would be on duty watching the Curian in the next couple of hours. Ethan had been trying all week to slip some of Stitch’s potion to the guard. He had to be extra careful to not get caught in the act, and he needed to make sure he was close to the general who’d assign a replacement when the guard took ill.
He also had to make sure he didn’t give too much and kill the man.
Ethan wiped his sleeve across his forehead. Sweat drenched his collar and the back of his tunic.
The hunter moved closer to the bar. “I’m not making enough to feed my family. Pa was assigned to some station down in the valley. He’s not around to help with finding food. Our allotment from the crops is gone. It barely lasts a complete season, no matter how careful Ma is. I’m trying to find ways to make what little I earn go further.”
Jonas propped his elbows on the counter and leaned in closer to the boy. Ethan had to strain to hear over the boisterous laughter coming from the gambling table. His troop ate their meal quietly, watching the hunters with disgust. At least he wasn’t the only one who felt that way.
“Sal, don’t you keep a few kills back for yourself?” Jonas asked.
Sal’s eyes widened as he glanced back at his comrades. “We’re not supposed—”
“Like the rest of that lot follows any rules. You always keep the small game for yourself. If you make a kill, you keep the skin and trade it here in the village.”
“But— Captain always takes the skin. Never said what he does with it.” Sal rubbed at his forehead. “C-can I really do that? I j-just assumed it was against the law.”
“Law schmaw. You watch what the others do. Pay attention.” He poked Sal between the eyes. “They won’t tell you anything. You figure it out on your own. Now, the shoemaker will take hides. Don’t you accept less than five racas for a deer hide. Got it? Small game, you can either bring to me or the butchery.”
“But he only works for King Dar—”
“He will do any business he can. You can tell him I sent you. He’ll give you a fair trade on whatever you can get.” Jonas returned to the keg and filled one more mug. “Now, I have a hankering to serve fish tonight. If you think you can put your energies into running down to the river and be sure you’re not seen, I’ll pay you half a raca for each one you bring me.”
Sal’s eyes widened. “Seriously? You’re not playing me like them, are you?”
Jonas shook his head. “No. I like your Pa. He’s helped me get rid of a few disorderly customers from time to time. I owe it to him to help his family while he’s away. So, get on with you. See what you can catch and bring it to the back door. I don’t wish,” He jerked his head toward the table of guards, “them to find out.”
“Oh,” Sal nodded as he backed toward the door. “Got it. Thanks, Jonas.”
Ethan spat the chunk of slobbery wood into his palm. Had the barkeep offered to help the boy? The lad’s family seemed to be struggling. He recalled Tarek talking about how he’d hunt to help keep his family fed, but the game was scarce around the castle. And getting worse, from what he’d heard. Hunters had to travel higher up in the mountains or down into the western valley where the people were rumored to be wild and dangerous. At least, that’s what he’d heard from the other guards.
“What do you need, Lieutenant?” Jonas turned toward Ethan, brows furrowed with irritation though the man seemed to try hard to keep the feelings out of his tone.
Ethan scrambled for something to explain his sitting alone. Of course, the barkeep would be suspicious.
“I need nothing, sir.” Ethan didn’t want to sound too kind, but the man’s helpfulness had touched his heart. Maybe there was some good here, after all. Maybe he was being too harsh about how he viewed the townsfolk. “Is that going to the guard’s table?”
“Yep. Did you wish to order?”
Ethan moved off his seat. “No thanks. I’ll take it to them.”
Jonas kept his hand on the tray. “Now why would you do that? Seems strange you haven’t already joined them. Did they send you over here to keep an eye on me? Make sure I filled the mugs with real mead, instead of the watered-down stuff they accuse me of?”
Ethan shrugged, playing as if he were found guilty. “I’ll assure them it came straight from the keg. This time.”
He needed to take care of what he said, how much he gave away. The barkeep might be suspicious if he knew how much Ethan had heard. “Heading over to join them now, anyway.” Luckily at that moment, his captain entered the tavern. That meant it was almost time for the changing of the watch. “Now that my boss is here.” He added for good measure.
Jonas shoved the tray toward him. “Fine. Tell ‘em there’s more stew if they want seconds.”
Ethan took the tray. Now to figure out how to slip the draught to the right man. Maybe if he put some in all of the mugs, they’d think the stew was bad. Would that bode ill for Jonas? He decided to take the risk. When the barkeep turned to check his mead barrels, Ethan added a few drops to each drink and quickly tucked the vial back into his pocket.
He reached the table just as the Captain took a seat. “Well, look who finally decided to join us,” he said, clapping Ethan on the back as he set the tray down a little too hard. Mead splashed onto the tray and table.
“Easy there, Yeath,” chastised the guard who stood before the castle entrance. None of them ever got Ethan’s name right, and he never saw the point of correcting them. The less they knew about him, the better.
Captain’s brows furrowed. “Is that your name? Though it was Maythan.” He shrugged and reached for one of the mugs, but luckily, they’d all been snatched up. “So, I spoke to his Majesty last night. Doesn’t seem we’ll be burdened with guarding the girl much longer. He feels confident he has her in hand. He can take care of her if she does get out of line.” Captain snapped his fingers and ordered a mug of his own.
Ethan took a seat at the far end of the table. Capt’n had to be talking about Katrina. Since the gala, he’d not had a chance to speak with her or her servant. Stitch’s plan had to work. It sounded as if they were running out of time.
One of the other men let out a hearty laugh. “That’s what he thought about that other one. She showed ‘im, dinnit she?” The guard was rewarded with a sharp elbow jab in the ribs.
Captain glared the man down. “Watch your tongue. You trying to lose it with your smart remarks?”
The man shook his head and sank low in his chair.
Ethan sneezed into his hands and slipped the wood back into his mouth. Without a doubt, that was his sister they were talking about. He bit down hard to hold in the scolding words.
The guard who guarded Katrina downed his mug in one gulp. “I for one am glad to hear this. That little wisp innit nothing like that last wench with the fiery red hair. She was such a sneaky little thing. Always managing to slip me a sleeping drought. That’s how she got past me on my watches. Glad to be rid of her. This’n don’t do nothing unless the king tells her to.”
Wench? Ethan clamped down so hard, that he feared his teeth might break. He focused on his muddy boots. Hopefully, the potion would kick in soon and do the justice that knave deserved.
Captain also didn’t seem impressed with the guard’s outburst. “I seem to recall you tend to nap on duty no matter what you are watching, Siras. That’s why you’ve been moved to days. Matter-of-fact, you better watch your consumption, man, because if you fall asleep one more time, you’ll find yourself shoveling out the stables.”
The captain’s lunch and drink arrived at that moment. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed his men. “You all know where you should be. Off with you.” Then he pointed in Ethan’s direction. “Except you, Yeath. Stay a moment while I have a word.”
Ethan almost swallowed the wood chunk in his shock. He nodded, trying to cough up the object blocking his airways. Benches scraped the floor as the men stood and began filing out. Captain motioned for Ethan to move closer.
Once the last of the guards left, the Captain dug into his stew. Between smacking bites, he managed to say, “Been watching you, lieutenant.”
Ethan’s heart raced like he had a pack of wolves on his tail.
“You mind your own business and do your work. That’s hard to find here. Not sure where you came from, but it’s rare to find one so dedicated to his service. Seems you’re being wasted out in the garden. Good work deserves good rewards. How would you feel about moving into the castle, boy? Maybe directly in the kings—?”
“Uh, I’m actually fine, sir—”
“Or perhaps I can give you Siras’ position. Because even if we may not have to watch the girl much longer, she is still important to his Majesty’s work. We cannot get careless. Not when he is so close to getting what he wants from her.”
Ethan sucked in a sharp breath of air, then tried to cover it with a cough. “What does—” Ethan paused to make sure he used the correct term that wouldn’t send his Messenger abilities into a tantrum, “—his Majesty... um, want from her? If I may ask. I’m simply curious, sir. All along I thought he hated the Curians.”
The Captain laughed. “The Curians are all dead, boy. Where are you getting your information from?”
“Oh, I... uh....” How did he talk his way out of this? “She seems to like books, sir. I assumed. Wrongly, it seems.”
“Indeed.” He finished off his stew, then ordered another bowl. “The girl is some kind of linguist. Knowledgeable of the secret languages. It’s no secret that he has a couple of linguists on hand to help him decipher certain texts he has collected. I heard that these texts will help him become invincible.”
Was any of this true? Ethan needed to find out. Before he could ask more about it, the tavern door burst open and three white-faced guards rushed in. “You poison us on purpose, Jonas? Serving us bad stew!”
The captain pushed his empty bowl away. “What’s this?”
Ethan buried his face in his hands. Oh no, what kind of trouble had he caused the only decent human he’d met here so far.
* * * *
A pounding sounded at the door. Katrina hesitated, wishing Brie would hurry and return from the kitchens.
She opened the door enough to peek out through the narrow crack. To her surprise, Darnel stood in the hallway. Beside him, a boy held a vase full of pink and white roses from those growing in the garden. Katrina’s brows rose in surprise. “What’s this?”
“A thank you gift.” He gave a slight bow, then motioned for the boy to take the offering into her room. “For your patience and help. My little way of letting you know how much I appreciate what you are doing. I know it hasn’t been easy.” He looked around her suite.
Like her small room back in Denovo, she liked to keep everything neat and in a designated place. Brie had moved the desk closer to the balcony window so she’d get a little sun. The fussy woman claimed she was as pale as the merpeople. When Brie had ever seen the elusive merfolk was beyond Katrina. But the woman had said her family traveled a lot before being brought here.
“Where is your servant?” Darnel asked, anger pouring into his gaze like hot liquid.
Katrina had forgotten he insisted they always be together. “I asked her to bring my lunch here. I didn’t care to dine in that drafty dining hall alone.”
“She what?” His voice rose, frightening her.
He started to step into her room, but Katrina blocked the way. She was alone, besides his little servant boy. She’d not allow him entrance. Surprise replaced his anger. She almost found the transition comical. “Sir, I’m alone. It wouldn’t be proper for you to enter.”
“But it’s my—”
“That does not give you leave, sir.” She planted her hand on the doorpost while keeping the other on the door handle. “I have standards and will live by them, even here.”
He took a step backward. “Of course. Forgive me, Katerina. Sometimes I forget myself.” He gracefully smoothed the fabric of his jacket. “Would you care to join me for lunch? I could order service in the garden.”
“No, thank you.” Katrina didn’t like where any of this was going. At first, she’d been surprised by his charm and grace. She’d even thought, or hoped, that she might influence him to return to King Shaydon, even if he couldn’t stand hearing her beloved king’s name.
She’d hoped that with a bit of kindness and open-mindedness, she might make a difference. Until the night of the gala where she’d overheard enough gossip to be reminded of who she was dealing with.
Whispers of Darnel’s plans for the invasion circled the ballroom like a cyclone. Nearly everyone she passed was talking about some secret weapon he boasted of obtaining. A surety they would succeed and once the invaders turned and fled, everyone would be free to live as they pleased. They all believed that Darnel wanted nothing more than to be left alone to rule his mountain fortress in peace.
What fools.
They didn’t seem to have any understanding about King Shaydon.
Where had they come from, Katrina wondered?
Even still, that question bothered her. Before she’d been so overtaken by the news that Stitch and Ethan had come for her, she’d asked a couple of people during the gala where they came from. None of the towns were familiar to her, and once again, she longed for her lovely library where every question was sure to be answered somewhere in the vast shelves of books.
Only one town was familiar to her. She was saddened to learn they’d turned from Shaydon. What would happen to the others in this part of the land? If the unspeakable happened, and Darnel did win, no town or city would be free from his hands.
Darnel continued to stand before her door, his hands tucked behind his back. He studied her for a long moment as if trying to read her deepest thoughts.
She didn’t feel him probing her mind.
His brows were furrowed as if he was in the process of working out a difficult problem. Finally, he blinked and his countenance relaxed a little. “Very well. I’ll leave you to...” his gaze scrutinized the room once more. “Whatever you were doing.”
“I’m reading the last book you gave me. So far, I’ve found nothing too important about it. It’s mainly a ledger, or journal, about some of the daily events happening during a season years ago, yes? I believe it was written during harvest time, for it made mention of a ... of the farmers who needed help working their fields to bring in the crops.”
She sighed as she looked at the open book resting on her desk. “I had hoped that maybe, there might be a mention of my parents. But, I’m afraid I don’t even know their names.”
Darnel folded his arms over his chest and leaned against the door jam, taking on that casual tone he sometimes had when he lowered his guard and spoke freely to her. As if he considered her an equal. Or maybe even a friend. A shudder went through her.
“I think I have a book that will show your lineage, dear Katerina. If you are honestly curious.”
“What? How would you know? I thought you couldn’t read the Curian language.” Was he trying to trick her? Or trying to throw off her guard?
“The book,” He pushed away from the door and stood over her, his hard expression returning. “Consists of names and dates. Any fool can make those out. There were similar record books in the library when I came to live here. I assume this book is also a record of births, as are the others. That is how I knew your real name, my dear.”
Two things hit her at once. First, he held a record of her past. She would be able to learn who her family was and what they did. Perhaps from there, she could find out how they knew to send her away and maybe explain why they didn’t escape with the remnant.
“Will you allow me to see this book?” she asked.
He offered a nod. “For you, anything.” He placed his hand on his chest. “I do consider you a friend, Katerina. So far, you’ve been generous with your patience. I hope you’ll soon consider me a friend, as well.”
Was it possible to make friends with a viper?
She evaded the question by asking another. “Would you mind if I spent some time in the library? I sorely miss my books. For some reason, they bring comfort to me.”
Would those record books explain who lived here before he’d taken over the mountain fortress? She’d read a couple of books about Racah, but most of her time had been spent looking for information about her lost people and helping her friends with their queries. But now that the question hung in the air....
He nodded again. “I suppose you would find comfort in them, being you are a full-blooded Curian. Even I enjoy sitting in the library. I have a fondness for books, as well. Which I suppose was why I took so many while I had the chance.”
She tried not to cringe at his reference to his attack on her people. His forces had killed her people. She couldn’t forget that, no matter what.
“Shouldn’t your maid have returned by now?” Darnel asked, the ice returning to his voice again. “I’d hate to have to punish her. You seem rather fond of the woman. I used to be, until—”
“Good day, your highness,” Brie greeted as she rushed up the stairs with a guard following. “Cook delayed me with his chatty gossip. I suppose you know how he can be, sire.” She squeezed past with a tray of food. “Here you go, Miss. We have a nice lamb stew today.”
Katrina noticed the guard wasn’t the regular man, and today he was alone. Usually, there were two of them. The guard gave her a quick look, followed by a wink before he moved to the side of the door and took his post.
Darnel looked around. “There are supposed to be two of you. Where’s your comrade soldier?”
Why was Ethan still here? That meant Stitch hadn’t left, either. Where was the dear centaur? Was he safe? If he was harmed because of some thoughtless attempt to rescue her, she’d never forgive herself.
“They took ill, sir,” Ethan answered, keeping his gaze forward. “Hopefully not some kind of plague. I was assigned to take over this duty for the time being.”
“Sir?” Darnel moved to stand before the guard who quickly ducked his head. “I am the ruler of this land and expect to be respected as such.”
“My apologies...sire.”
Ethan’s voice sounded off as if he was talking around a clump of food or another object. So far, Darnel didn’t seem to recognize him from the night of the gala.
What was he still doing here? Darnel would kill him if he learned who he truly was. Or use him as bait for Alyra.
Darnel didn’t seem appeased by Ethan’s apology. Katrina had to do something to distract him. “Darsiderus, do you suppose I can visit the library after I’ve had my lunch? If you are not busy, no?”
He quickly turned toward her, brows raised. “You wish me to accompany you?”
Not really, but she needed to take his attention off Ethan. “Who better to show me around than the owner? I’m sure you know where the best books are kept. Correct?”
A small smile played across his elegant face. “Correct indeed, my dear. I will meet you down there.” He turned to Ethan. “Guard, you will accompany Katerina and her maid to the library and wait outside the door while she is there. I do not wish to find out that the two of them are not together again. If they need something from the kitchen, use one of the call bells.” His gaze locked on Brie who gave a nod of understanding. “Very good. I will allow this time to pass. Brie, do not leave your mistress’ side again. At all.”
“Yes, your highness.” Brie bowed, bending on her knee before him.
Katrina had to look away.
“I’ll see you soon, my dear.” With that, the door closed with a loud click. He no longer insisted she remained locked inside.
At least, despite being caught apart, Darnel was still lowering his guard. Maybe she needed to let him think she was warming up to him more than she was. The thought turned her stomach sour.
Brie grabbed her arm and lead her to the desk. “Sorry we were caught, Miss. Young Ethan, the smart whelp, figured out how to get himself assigned as your guard. Clever lad. He’s a wily one like my Tarek. No wonder they got on so well.”
Katrina sat down in the chair so hard, that her teeth knocked together. “If he’s discovered, Brie... we must be so careful. I’m not sure he can hold his tongue this close to Darnel.”
“Best get used to calling him by his proper title, Miss.”
“Never. And he knows better than to expect that of me.” Her fists clenched in her lap. She hated, hated, hated this game she’d landed in. Maybe she needed to make a run for it and hope for the best. Except, if she did, and they were caught, Stitch and Ethan would be killed on the spot. She’d not risk that.
“Come Miss.” Brie removed the lid on the tray. “Tis not hot as when I first served it up. Got to talking with that boy, comparing notes. He says I...uh, you know, they’re heading this way.” She sat on a stool beside the desk, excitement bubbling up and causing her hands to fidget with her apron. “He’s also heard about some weapon that Master’s got. They all sure were cocky with themselves, thinking they has the upper hand.” She smiled and propped her chin on her knuckles. “Sure wonder what ol’ Darnel has up his sleeves. He’s a sly one, isn’t he?”
Katrina stirred the warm stew, but couldn’t bring herself to eat. “We need to find out what his plan is, but I don’t know how.”
Brie leaned back against the wall. “You’ll figure it out, Miss. You’re a smart one, too.” She pointed to the medallion still hanging around Katrina’s neck. “And you has favor. A’tween all three of us, we’ll get it worked out. You keep playing nice. Master likes that. Always did. I think, deep down, he just wanted someone to care about him, you know?”
She took a roll from Katrina’s tray and broke off a small chunk. “They’d always said when the princess was a wee one, she adored him. And he adored her. He was a happier fellow back then. For a while. Then as she grew and started seeing his cruelness, she drew away.”
Alyra adored Darnel? She was such a young child when she was taken from her family. Most likely, she was easy to sway once he’d managed to wipe her memories of her family. Or most of them. He could be charming when he wanted to be.
“Doubt he’ll want to make that same mistake with you, Miss. He’ll behave and put on his best act. Take advantage of that. Didn’t he say he’d do anything for you?”
Yes, but would he? Katrina wasn’t so sure. He certainly would not share his secret plan with her. No, he was only keeping her around because she had something he needed. Well, he had things she needed, too.
Forcing herself to eat the stew, she asked Brie to find a casual, yet pretty dress for her to wear downstairs. Brie said she knew just the one and brought out a simple light green frock with a billowy white undershirt that would keep her arms covered. Though her markings had faded significantly, they remained visible and needed to be kept hidden. “This should do. He’ll like that you are wearing the dresses he had made for you.”
Katrina blew out a long, steadying breath. She could do this. She’d play along and be his friend. Hoping he might change was a lofty dream, but at least, she might find out some useful information to help Issah once he arrived.
She already knew Darnel dabbled in things nobody should disturb. Entities from the netherworld that shouldn’t be tampered with. If his plan had anything to do with those loathsome beings, she needed to know. Issah needed to be warned about what his army might be faced with. She would find out the truth.
Once she was dressed, she told Brie to let Ethan know she was ready to go. She wanted to speak to him but had to be so careful. Darnel was supposed to be waiting for her in the library, but she couldn’t be sure he wasn’t watching her through his scope.
As they reached the stairs, an idea came to her. She had the Curian journal Darnel had loaned her in her hand. She let it slip from her grasp. It hit the stairs and bounced down several steps. Both she and Ethan moved to retrieve it.
As she stooped to take hold of the book, her hand rested on his arm. “We must be very careful, Ethan. You and I cannot be caught speaking. You will have to go through Brie, understand?”
He nodded as he slowly reached for the book, not daring to look at her.
She gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “I’ll not risk anything happening to you. Or Stitch. Alyra loves you so much. You are important to her.”
His gaze locked on her at that moment. “You are important, too. I’m willing to do whatever Sha...” He glanced around then spoke in a voice barely above a whisper, “whatever Shaydon requires of me. I have nothing to fear.” Her hand slipped from his arm when he reached up and moved her hair, so it covered her ear. “We can go, tonight if you are willing.”
“I am, but...I need more time.”
He grasped her book. “I wish to know what that snake is up to, as well. I’ve heard enough to know the rumors have substance. My sister has shared all her memories of this place with me. Even the scarier ones. I know what he’s capable of.”
“We need to find out, don’t we?”
Ethan nodded. “I think so. Maybe we are here for this very reason? Either way, let’s not waste this opportunity.”
“Come along, Miss.” Brie urged, pushing her way in between them. “Take your book and let’s get going before someone comes along.”
Ethan stood and offered her his arm. She took it, wondering at the warmth of his touch and the pondering expression on his handsome face.
Katrina gave a nod as she hugged the book to her chest.
“Well, Miss Katrina, where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Ethan led her down the stairs like a gentleman. His optimism encouraged her trembling heart so when she reached the doors, she tilted her chin up and entered.
She needed answers and would do whatever was necessary to get them.
