Chapter Seven

 

Matilda fortified the barriers once more before settling down next to the fire. “It’s nice traveling with another Cosa,” she told Angela. “When I was with the others, I got so exhausted.”

Angela added a log to the fire. The flames momentarily flared, sending orange light dancing over her pale skin. Her eyes met Matilda’s. “I can imagine. And there were so many of you… how many again?”

Matilda mentally counted the whole crew she got stuck with when she decided to follow the four of them after they searched her magic in Gladin. She wouldn’t have changed her decision, though. Except for her choice to include Chad—she’d take that back in an instant. “Six including myself, plus horses.”

Angela gave her an appraising look. “That’s impressive.”

Matilda grinned. “I know.”

They fell into silence, the fire crackling between them as they skinned the fish they’d caught with Matilda’s Mahri net. It caught more than a regular net would by ensnaring living things when thrown. Handy thing to have when traveling. They were just past Johnston, two days’ travel from the castle in Jolen. Matilda had snacked all day, but the thought of a full meal of grilled fish made her stomach growl.

“Why did you want to help the Avialies?” Angela asked.

“I’m not going to let the Protectors rule this country,” Matilda said. “They killed my parents and they’re gaining more political power. They won’t—”

A loud crack cut her off, and her head snapped up towards the sound. Angela reached for the Mahri net and slowly stood. Matilda studied the area of trees where she’d heard the crack. They looked at each other and seemed to silently communicate. They crept toward the area, mumbling under their breath. It’d been ages since Matilda had properly been with a Cosa, and the feeling was invigorating as their magic blended together and grew stronger. It made her wonder why she’d spent so much time over the past few years either by herself or with Avialies. Matilda lit the area with Cosa light as Angela concealed them.

A man stood in the trees, and he balked at the light, covering his face. He turned to run, but Angela moved quick. She flung the net out, and it latched around his head. He yelled out, and she yanked back. Matilda didn’t even hold back her laugh—she couldn’t help it, he fell like a log. He couldn’t hear her, anyway. He started to scramble, but she pinned him down, putting her dagger to his throat.

He froze, his eyes searching the air in front of him. Angela crouched behind him and put her hands on his head. He cried out, and Matilda pushed the tip of her dagger into his skin, drawing blood. He stilled with a whimper.

Matilda watched Angela as she used her Zinna magic to look into his mind. Her eyes fluttered shut and her lips twitched. What could she see in this guy’s head? Memories, emotions? She didn’t know how Angela’s powers worked, but she knew that she could get information when she needed it as long as she could touch their head.

The man was skinny, short, and he looked so young. There was no way he was older than twenty.

After a moment, Angela opened her eyes. “He works for the Protectors. He’s part-Mahri, and he has contraptions around Nyad watching for magic folk from the Jolenian border.”

Matilda gritted her teeth, looking down at the man. “Did he see us?”

Angela shook her head. “No. He knows we’re two mixed females, though. He knows there’s Mahri, Cosa, and Zinna, but doesn’t know how it’s spread.” The words flew from her mouth quickly; Matilda nearly didn’t pick them up.

“Is there anyone else out here?”

“A couple Cosas are scoping the area. We should get out of here.”

“What about him?” Matilda stared at the trickle of blood on his neck. It’d stopped bleeding, but he was still whimpering. “Can you wipe his memory?”

“Yes, and then we’ll tie him up.”

She put her hands on his head once again. His expression turned blank, and his body went slack. They grabbed his arms and dragged him to a nearby tree. They tied him up, then fled back to their camp. Matilda threw the saddles back on as Angela put out the fire and gathered up the fish. The horses were reluctant, but they finally allowed the girls on. Soon, they galloped away, the only evidence of their stay a part-Mahri tied to a tree. Poor kid. How did he get pulled into this?

They rode for two hours before the horses became too tired to continue. They stopped in the middle of the woods again, dismounted, and collapsed on the ground. “Damn, we should have known it wouldn’t be so easy,” Matilda said, wiping sweat from her forehead.

“We’ll keep a watch tonight,” Angela said. “You find water, I’ll start the fire.”

Matilda nodded, pulling her cloak closer. The night’s chill had descended, the wind whipping past them. She found a stream nearby and lugged water back for the horses and for themselves. They’d need to keep a sentry watch for the Cosas. It was going to be a long night. She was definitely looking forward to it.

They drew lots, and Matilda groaned when she pulled for the first watch. It was an uneventful few hours. She tried to keep herself warm and awake, but aside from that, nothing happened. Fortunately. After she woke Angela up, she welcomed sleep the instant she lay down.

 

* * *

 

The next day, they forced themselves onto their horses to continue the trek to Renaul. Getting past the city of Ridgefield proved difficult: every spot on the road near the city had checkpoints. They watched as travelers were searched and questioned before carrying on. Most of them were normal people, but they saw a Thieran questioned about his magic, alliances, destination, and more. The men doing the searches also had drawings of Sierra and Evan. These guys were thorough. They didn’t want anyone they disapproved of getting into their precious Wharfedale.

They snuck through a nearby field and narrowly avoided more men searching for people who were trying to avoid the checkpoints. Matilda could feel Cosa magic in the air, but she and Angela kept themselves hidden. By herself, it might not have worked. Another benefit of traveling with another Cosa. She needed to do this more often.

They had to go farther than they were planning because of the checkpoints, and traveled well into the night. Matilda was starting to wonder if they should have traveled during night and slept during the day this whole trip. That would have been much smarter. When they finally stopped, it was well past midnight. Angela had the first watch.

She shook Matilda awake after what felt like minutes.

Matilda groaned. “Time already?”

“No, but I’m going to fall asleep,” Angela said. “Talk to me or something.”

Matilda untangled herself from the blankets. The cold air hit her, and she gasped. “Oh, just go to bed. I’ll wake you up in a couple hours.”

Angela didn’t protest. Matilda wouldn’t have, either.

They switched off every couple hours until mid-day. When they felt somewhat rested, they set off. They’d reach Renaul by evening, and they’d need their strength then.

 

* * *

 

Dar worked in the stables more than anywhere else. Picking up horse dung, grooming the king’s horses, servicing the carriages: it was wonderful work. He and Mex worked for hours without a break, though he more than Mex, usually. Mex was a mild-mannered servant, but he knew Dar was a prisoner and watched him carefully.

One of the stable boys brought in a horse, and Dar stopped what he was doing. The saddle, the sleek black hair, the horse’s braids—it was his father’s horse. He glanced at Mex. “I need to go to the outhouse.”

Mex grunted. “Didn’t you just go?”

“No, that was for water,” Dar lied.

Mex waved his hand. “I’ll come looking for you in a couple minutes if you haven’t returned.”

Dar nodded, dropping his shovel. He jogged out of the stables and looked around the courtyard. His father was walking up the steps to the front doors of the palace, a house servant leading him. “Father!” he called.

Father turned around, his eyes wide. He ran down the steps, and Dar closed the distance between them. Father clapped Dar on the shoulders, staring at him. “So it’s true. I came here to see you. I couldn’t… come inside with me.”

Dar forced the lump in his throat down before speaking. “I’m working in the stables. Mex is going to be looking for me if I don’t return.”

“Then let him look for you,” Father said gruffly, grabbing Dar’s arm. “I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

“Sir Alastor…” the servant trailed off when he saw Dar.

Father let go of Dar and turned on the servant. “Take me to see Tisha.”

“I think the prisoner should stay here,” the servant said in a small voice.

Father came up the steps, leveling himself with the servant. The man shrunk back from Father’s intimidating stature. “I want to see Tisha.”

The servant nodded hurriedly and motioned for them to follow him. They fell into step behind him as he wove through the corridors of the palace. Dar smelled like horses: hay and manure, and he hadn’t bathed for a couple days. But he was so grateful his father was here, even though he knew he wouldn’t be able to negotiate his release. He would try his hardest, but Tisha and Kilar had no plans to let their prisoners go.

“Father,” Dar said quietly, “have you heard from the elders?”

“I’ve heard quite a bit,” Father said, shaking his head. “Evan killed my guards, Sierra’s with Lisbeth, the curse is broken.” He scoffed. “Yes, quite a bit.”

Dar glanced at the servant. “They’re all true.”

Father stopped in his tracks and stared at Dar. “What do you mean?”

“Grace said they broke the curse,” Dar said. He glanced at the servant again, who was still walking on. He motioned for his father to continue after him as he started walking again.

“They? Who?” Father asked, his brows knitted together.

“Her and Sierra.”

“Sierra…” Father trailed off. “Well, yes, that’s what everyone is saying, but… I didn’t… it couldn’t possibly be…”

“Grace wouldn’t lie about this,” Dar said quietly. Especially not while she was under a love potion. He wondered if Tisha and Kilar were brewing more for when the first would wear off, or if they had other plans for her. It made him shudder just thinking about it. They shouldn’t have so much control over her life.

“But then…”

The servant stopped in front of a door. They were still on the ground level, deep in the castle. The servant knocked, and after a moment, a voice called for them to enter. He opened the door, motioning for Father and Dar to go first. Dar took a deep breath before following his father inside.

They walked into a study, the wall lined with books, the rugs rich red. Tisha sat at a desk, but he stood when he saw who it was. He glared at them, then told the servant to return with Kilar. The servant shut the door, and Tisha looked back at Dar. “Why aren’t you working?”

“I brought him here,” Father said. “I’m not leaving without him. You can’t arrest him and keep him here like he’s a common criminal!”

“We don’t keep common criminals at the palace,” Tisha said. “We keep the most dangerous ones closest to us.”

“What have you charged him with?”

Tisha said nothing for a moment. He walked around the desk and leaned on the front of it. “Avialies are not supposed to be in Renaul without permission from the Protectors.”

“I’ve been trying to get permission for weeks now,” Father said, taking a step closer and pointing at his chest. “I wanted to see Evan when I found out he was alive, but you barred us out. You’ve ignored my letters, ignored my messengers, ignored my Zinna contact—”

“I will not be contacted by Zinnas,” Tisha said harshly.

Father rose his voice. “What have you charged my son with?”

“Why don’t you tell him, Dar?” Tisha asked.

Dar clenched his teeth. “I’m charged with helping prisoners escape Rahuda. Sierra and Evan.”

“Rahuda is my jurisdiction,” Father said, his eyes on Tisha. “I didn’t approve of those men searching everyone who came into the city.”

“Royal jurisdiction is higher than that of a governor,” Tisha spat. “We arrested Evan and Sierra Avialie, and your son helped them escape. He may have even killed some of your guards and assisted in Jared Cosa’s murder.”

“They were unjustly arrested!” Father yelled.

“They kidnapped a lady of the court,” Tisha said, his voice calm.

Dar shook his head. They couldn’t keep spreading these lies. “Grace left willingly.”

The door opened, and Kilar and Prince William came in. Tisha bowed low. “Your Highness.”

William’s upper lip curled once he saw Dar. Dar kept his expression blank, though he felt the same disgust whenever he saw the prince.

“Your Highness,” Father said with a bow. Dar followed suit, hating himself for it. “I’m here to vie for my son’s release.”

“Your son helped royal prisoners escape,” William said.

“I don’t believe those prisoners were arrested on just grounds in the first place,” Father replied.

“Then he should have consulted you or another authority. Instead, he helped them escape, stole royal property, and possibly killed royal guards.”

“When will his trial be?”

William chuckled. “It depends on whether we feel he deserves a trial.”

Dar’s stomach lurched. Not for the first time, he wondered what his fate would be here in the palace. Death? Lifelong imprisonment? Perhaps some kind of torture?

Father’s jaw tightened. “What are you basing your convictions on?”

“Eyewitness accounts,” Tisha said. “We have quite a few guards who saw him there.”

“Which guards?”

“You honestly think we would tell you who they are? So you can go pick them off?”

“I would never! I only doubt that your witnesses are reliable and trustworthy men.”

Tisha waved his hand and rolled his eyes. “This coming from an Avialie.”

“I have done nothing,” Father snapped. “I have governed Shyra well, and the Avialies there have never been a problem.”

Kilar scoffed, his hands in his pockets as though they were discussing the weather. “The only problems we’ve had with the Avialies since the curse have been from Shyra! That ridiculous prophecy, your nephew killing half a dozen guards. That one—” He pointed at Dar. “—traipsing all over the country with a lady of the court. Shyran Avialies headed the attack in Nyad.”

“You attacked us!” Dar glared at him, unable to remain silent at that.

“My son and the others were only trying to break the curse,” Father said.

Tisha shook his head, tutting. “At one point, I thought you might have been different from the other Avialies. I thought we could reason with you. I should have known that we cannot change a creature like you.”

Father’s hands clenched into fists, but he said nothing. Dar knew his father had tried to appease them, tried to do what they wanted in order to protect his family and his state. But he should have known they’d turn against him.

“We will be giving punishment to those who deserve it.” Tisha’s eyes flicked to Dar, then back to Father.

Father turned to the prince. “Your Highness, I beg you to reconsider.”

“I am not the person you should be asking to reconsider your son’s fate,” William said coolly. “If it were up to me, he’d be dead already.”

Father glanced at Dar, whose eyes were on the prince.

William glared at him. “You should get back to the stables, where you belong.” He looked at Father. “You shouldn’t be here, either.”

Father inclined his head. “I’m only trying to free my son.”

“It won’t happen,” William said, his voice coming out harsh. “Do you understand? He’s not going anywhere.”

Father looked at the men in the room, then at Dar. His expression was apologetic. Dar shrugged, giving his father a half-smile.

“I’ll walk you both out,” Tisha said, stepping forward.

The three of them walked in silence to the stables, where Dar brought out his father’s horse. “I’m sorry, Dar,” Father said quietly.

“Father, don’t be,” Dar said.

“How is Lady Grace?” Father asked.

Dar bit his lip, nodding. “She’s well. Safe, for now.”

Father turned to Tisha. “Is there anything I could do for Dar’s release?”

“No,” Tisha said without hesitation. “He’s responsible for what he’s done, and he must answer for his deeds.”

Father pursed his lips, then grabbed Dar in a gruff hug. He whispered into Dar’s ear, “I’ll keep trying. I promise I’ll return for you.” He pulled away and mounted, his eyes watery.

“I suggest you tie up any affairs you may have in Shyra,” Tisha said, backing away. “It will only be a matter of time before Avialies will not be welcome in Haltar any longer.”

Father ignored him. “Stay well, Dar.”

Dar nodded to him. “You, too, Father.”

He left as quickly as he’d come. Tisha chuckled before walking out of the stables.

 

* * *

 

That night, Dar lay in his cot, trying not to let hopelessness consume him. He was so helpless. He would try to escape if he didn’t fear what might happen to Grace. If Mex and Jon weren’t watching him on every side. If Cosa magic didn’t permeate every inch of the castle. But mostly because of Grace. He would risk the other dangers, but he wouldn’t leave her behind, no matter what promises of freedom he might have.

He was just about to doze off when an apparition appeared in front of him. A hazy, gray image of a familiar girl. A Zinna communicating with him—and only him. “Dar, I’m Angela. I’m helping the Avialies with Matilda. Are you alone?”

He shook his head, glancing at the sleeping men around him. A guard stood just outside of the door.

“We’re trying to organize a way to rescue you, Grace, Vin, and Amina. The elders are going to arrange a meeting with the Protectors to reach a treaty. It will serve as a distraction. Matilda and I will break through the barriers to help the four of you escape. Are you willing to help?”

He nodded, his heart pounding, and he sat up.

“I need to ask you some questions about the castle. Do you know how many Cosas are working for the Protectors?”

He shook his head.

“Do you have any idea? Even a guess?”

He held up one finger, then five, and shrugged. Hopefully the message got through. He wished he could communicate with her without speaking, but only Zinnas could do so over a distance like this. He wondered where they were.

“Okay. Are Tisha and Kilar staying at the castle right now?”

He nodded.

She went on with dozens of questions: how many servants, how many prisoners, how many guards, when and where did he work.

“I have to go. I think they suspect my contact because the barrier is growing stronger. When will you be alone tomorrow?”

The only time he was alone was when he was in the outhouse, and he had limited time there. He held up nine fingers: the ninth hour. She nodded and vanished.

The next morning, the ninth hour came, but Dar was stuck helping Mex with a horse’s broken hoof. Angela appeared again, and when she asked if he was alone, he shook his head. She reappeared four times before he finally escaped to the outhouse. He could finally nod, and she asked more, detailed questions. They slowly put together a plan.

 

* * *