by Jon Bender
“How much more of this tribute are you expecting before I am released?”
“You will continue on as my guest until I have brought the other kingdoms out of chaos. When that happens, you will be free to go. However, I think once you see the good I bring to these people, you will finally decide to join with me.”
Corin remained quiet during the remainder of the meal as Alexar talked about the prosperity he would bring to the world. He spoke only when asked a direct question, all the while brooding on his escape. With Nelix now in Bruxa, he would have to steal a horse to get to the General before Alexar sent word to kill them. It added a complication.
“I want to thank you for being so civil during your time here. Things could have been much more unpleasant for both of us,” Alexar said, pushing his plate away.
“It would have been pointless to make things harder on myself,” Corin said honestly.
“I completely agree. You are a reasonable man, which is why I hold onto hope that you will join with me. Together, we could be a force none could stand against.”
It was hard to take the man seriously when he spoke of reason. “I was just thinking the same thing about you. There is still time to take my offer, so I don’t have to kill you.”
Alexar leaned back, intertwining his fingers and smiling with real warmth. That gesture disturbed Corin more than anything the man had done before. “I sometimes wonder if I could follow you. Then you return to your normal self, showing me you are not yet ready to do what is needed.”
Corin looked hard into the man’s eyes. “I will do whatever is necessary to protect my kingdom.”
“If you were prepared to do what is necessary, you would have not come so close to losing everything,” Alexar said.
Corin trembled with the effort it took not to leap from his chair and throttle the man. “We will see,” he said, draining the last of his wine in a gulp. “Now, if we are done talking, I would like to return to my walk. I believe I have a half-hour left.”
“Not to worry,” Alexar said, his tone jovial once more. “You may have back any time I usurped. It is the least I can do for the pleasure of your company.” He nodded to the soldiers.
As Corin resumed his walk, he forced aside all thoughts of the mad king. He needed to focus on the halls. When he was sure he could walk them with his eyes closed, he decided to spend his remaining time in the garden. There, Eleanor found him, her face tight with concern.
“I heard the king summoned you. I was worried…”
“The ransom has arrived in Bruxa. That is all,” he said, giving her a comforting smile. The twinge of guilt was stronger than ever.
“I am glad,” she said, falling in beside him. “If they hadn’t come, the king would have killed you.”
“Well, there’s no need to be concerned for the moment.”
Looking over her shoulder at the guards, she slipped her arm through his and leaned in close. The feel of her pressed against him was invigorating, and her hair smelled faintly of flowers. Corin breathed the scent in deeply. “Will they come for you?” she asked.
Looking into her eyes, Corin wondered whether her being so close was an excuse to talk without being overheard. “I think they will wait and see how it goes.” She broke her eyes away and nodded. “Do you think it unwise for us to be seen together like this?”
“The king wants you to be comfortable. When the soldiers report back to him about this, it will only please him. Besides, I like being close to you. You make me feel safe.”
His heart wrenched hearing those words. Only his sense of duty to his kingdom stayed his tongue. “You don’t feel safe?”
She shivered against him. “Prince Ed’in has made… comments about taking me into his service. The only reason I haven’t been forced to yet, is because the king forbids it as long as you are pleased with me.”
Corin felt anger building. “If Alexar thinks you are making me content to be here, he will continue to protect you?”
She nodded. Corin stopped and turned her to face him. Leaning down, he pressed his lips to hers. Their bodies moved closer effortlessly, her arms circling his neck as his wrapped around her waist. He could feel the tension in her body slip away as her lips slowly parted. When they finally pulled apart, she struggled to catch her breath.
Corin looked into her eyes. “Do you think that will convince them?” he asked, tilting his head toward the soldiers.
“We should do it again to be sure,” she said, moving back for another kiss.
A throat cleared. “It’s time to return to your room, Your Majesty,” a guard with a missing front tooth said sarcastically. When Eleanor stepped away from him, the man looked her up and down, his eyes full of lust. “Perhaps when I’m done with my shift, you would like to take a walk with me?”
Corin stepped between them and stared hard at the man. The soldier placed a hand on his sword. Even armed and in his armor, he did not come close to Corin’s size or strength. “Take me back to my room,” Corin said with an edge of violence in his voice.
The soldier took a step back, his hand never leaving his sword. When he was out of arm’s reach, he looked over his shoulder to his companions and then turned about with as much dignity as he could muster.
Corin looked over to Eleanor. “Will you be bringing my evening meal?”
She gave a curtsy. “Yes, Your Majesty,” she said smiling.
Corin returned the smile and followed the soldiers. Walking back to the tower, two led the way up the stairs while the others stayed just behind him. In his room, he waited until their footfalls faded before moving deeper into the room. Kneeling next to the stand, he wiggled the back leg loose and hefted the heavy wooden club. It felt good to be armed. Soon he would use the makeshift weapon to take back his freedom. Replacing the leg, he sat on the bed and waited. Eleanor entered a little while later, carrying a tray with two plates of food and a pitcher of water. She had recently begun eating with him, saying that it was more convenient than waiting for him to finish and then returning to the kitchen. Setting the tray down, she sat opposite and poured them each a cup.
“That soldier wouldn’t even look at me when I passed him on the way here.”
“I was glad to put him in his place,” Corin said, stabbing a small potato.
“He was armed, and you weren’t.”
“I am sure they have been commanded not to harm me unless provoked. If Alexar found out he had injured me without genuine threat, I doubt the consequences would have been pleasant. Especially with the ransom so close.”
She put her fork down and folded her hands in her lap. “I have never had anyone stand up for me like that. My father always insisted that if I couldn’t defend myself, I deserved whatever happened.”
“From what you have told me about him, I don’t think he and I would get along very well.”
“He doesn’t really get along with anyone,” she said quietly
Corin ate silently for a while, washing down his food with the water. He was about to ask her to tell him more about Alexar’s children when she leaned in and kissed him. Recovering from his surprise, he pushed the tray out of the way and drew her closer. He lost track of time and was disappointed when she broke away. Standing, she walked to the door and pushed it shut before returning to stand in front of him. As she traced her hand along his clean shaven face, he placed his hand over hers. He had never felt so drawn to a woman before. He had always known that he was destined to marry a noble lady to carry on the bloodline. With his fate assured, and the concerns of his kingdom always on his mind, he had never given much thought to romance. Finding someone he truly cared for was the last thing he had expected from captivity.
She lifted his hand in her soft grip and guided him to his feet. Their bodies were so close he could not help but breathe in her flower smell. Her body radiated heat, filling him with an unfamiliar warmth. He wrapped his arm around her, and she burrowed deeply into his chest, her lips nipping gently at his neck. The feeling of her b
ody pressed against his stirred something in Corin that had been asleep all his life. The stirring quickly became a whirlwind, and he knew it was more than lust. He longed to be with her, and knowing that his feelings were real only increased his desire. And she was showing him that she felt the same. As her hand gripped the side of his neck firmly, he allowed himself to wonder what their life together would be like. His eyes found the cell to his door and reality came smashing down, shattering his fantasy. His people were in danger. They needed him.
The thought crashed into him like a cold bucket of water. Stepping back, he put his hands on her shoulder, pushing her to arm’s length. The hurt in her eyes stung him deeply, but he could not cause her more pain. She pulled away and turned her head.
“I’m sorry. This just isn’t the right time,” he said softly.
When she looked back at him, her face had hardened. “I understand. I wish we had met under different circumstances. I care for you, Corin, whatever happens,” she said, a measure of strength returning to her voice.
“I hope you will continue to come see me.”
“I will. I know you’re only trying to protect me.”
He nodded as she gathered up the tray. Opening the door, she stopped and looked back at him one more time and then was gone. A minute later, he heard boots coming down the hall. The soldier with the missing tooth looked into his room with a smirk.
“I knew you weren’t man enough,” he said with a laugh, then closed and locked the door.
Corin collapsed on the bed, wondering if he had just made a mistake. He may never get out of here, so why not take what pleasure he could? The question made him angry with himself. He was becoming too comfortable with his captivity and needed to escape. He had made the right choice for both of them.
The next day, Eleanor brought him breakfast and a new book. Picking up the leather-bound tome, he read the title, Love’s Escape. “A favorite of mine,” she explained. “It’s about a princess who falls in love with a common boy, but she is promised to another. I know it isn’t the type of book you usually ask for.”
He looked up from the book. “Thank you. It will help pass the time.”
She gave him a small smile. “I will see you when you go for your walk.”
“How does it end?” he asked as she turned to go.
“Are you sure you want to know?” He nodded. “They run away together, leaving their responsibilities behind, and live happily ever after.”
Corin looked down at book with regret. “If only that was how life worked.”
Eleanor gave him sad smile and turned to leave. Sitting down, he turned to the first page and began reading. Hours passed without his noticing. Finally, the door to his cell opened, revealing the soldier with the missing tooth. Standing, Corin moved to the door and held the man’s eyes with a hard stare when he smirked. He was in no mood to hear anything the vile man had to say. Taking the hint, the guard stepped aside and let Corin pass without speaking. Eleanor met him at the bottom of the stairs with her usual warm smile. As they walked, Corin picked a random path that allowed him to go over his route once more without being discovered. Time passed at a strange pace. It flew by as he lost himself in their conversation, then crawled as he considered what was about to happen.
After the allotted time had passed, the toothless soldier whistled rudely through the space in his teeth. Corin was not able to resist kissing her one more time, even though it felt cruel. A hand grabbed his shoulder roughly, turning him back to the tower.
“I’ll see in you in a little while,” she said, smiling.
Shrugging the soldier’s hand off, he locked a glare on him and waited for the man to step away before heading back. When they reached the stairs leading up to his cell, he mentally prepared himself. When the toothless soldier took a place directly behind him, Corin could not help but smile at his luck. They led him up, as on every other day. Corin waited until they reached the last landing.
As his foot fell on the last step, he allowed it to slip while throwing his weight back into the guard behind him. When he was sure toothless could not recover his balance, Corin grabbed the rail to arrest his own fall. He turned his head just in time to see the man tumble backwards down the stairs. Corin felt cool steel press under his chin. The soldier standing on the last landing held the other end of the sword.
Toothless groaned from the bottom of the stairs, rolling onto his back and holding his leg. When Corin made no move to attack, the sword-wielding man sheathed the blade. “Take the idiot to the healers,” he said to the other guard behind Corin.
As toothless limped away, the remaining two guards continued with Corin, who let out a quiet sigh of relief. This part of his plan had the most room to go wrong. He risked either not hurting the soldier at all, or killing him outright, which would have put the others on alert. Back in the cell, the soldiers moved out of sight and Corin rushed to the stand, pulling the leg free.
His blood pumped for the first time since he had been captured, and he relished the feeling. For the first time in months, he felt like he was in control. His hands shook with excitement. He returned to the door and stood against the wall just to the side. He called out for the soldiers. Taking slow, even breaths to calm himself, he wrung the club and waited. As a boot came into view, Corin leapt out, using all his strength to bring the wooden weapon down on the first soldier’s head with a thud that reverberated up his arms. The man stumbled back, his eyes unfocused as blood began flowing freely over his face. Corin brought the club down a second time with a sickening crack, and the man crumpled to the floor. The second guard, still in shock at the sudden attack, struggled to pull his sword from its scabbard. Stepping over the unmoving soldier, Corin charged forward just as the sword came free. Knocking the blade to the side with his club before the soldier could bring it to bear, Corin reversed the swing and connected with the soldier’s cheek, crushing his face and creating a large crack in his club.
Panting over the dead men, Corin could feel the warm stickiness splattered across his face. He dragged the men into the room and did his best to scrub the blood off his face and hands at the small wash basin. He then stripped the least bloodstained of the two uniforms. The clothing and armor were a tight fit, but he managed to squeeze into them with some effort. In the hall, he retrieved a fallen sword and slid it into the scabbard. The familiar sound of steel sliding on leather was more pleasing than he remembered. There was no going back now. He closed the door to his cell and took his first step toward freedom. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, he found the area clear of people. He had timed his escape carefully. Most of those who lived or worked in the palace would be taking the evening meal now. It took all his willpower not to run. Instead, he walked with purpose, just another soldier on patrol. Coming to the second turn on his predetermined rout, he came face to face with Eleanor carrying a tray of food. She froze like a startled doe, her eyes widening in surprise.
She looked behind her and turned back. “You’re escaping?” she hissed.
“I can’t stay here,” he said.
“Take me with you.”
He looked into her eyes and knew he had no choice. “Stay close, and don’t make any noise.” She nodded and set the tray on the floor before falling into step behind him.
The halls remained empty for several more turns, but he knew their luck could not last forever. As they rounded the last corner before the exit, he caught sight of two soldiers. Their backs were to him as they stood speaking quietly to each other. Ducking, he pressed Eleanor against the wall, holding a finger to his lips. When he peeked again, the men had taken no notice of them and continued down another passage. Counting slowly to ten, he stepped out and quickened their pace toward the door. Passing through, they walked out into a stable yard under the light of the half-moon. As expected, only two men guarded the closed gate. Staying close to the wall, they crept to the stables.
They crept over the straw-covered ground, the smell of manure growing strong. One of t
he stabled horses whinnied softly and stomped a hoof in irritation. At the other end of the building, Corin crouched in the shadows with Eleanor pressed close to his back.
Turning around, he leaned close to her ear. The scent of her hair covered the odor of the stable. “Get two horses saddled and be ready.”
She nodded and slowly stepped away. The soldiers ceased their conversation to look at something on the other side of the gate. He would never get a better opportunity. Drawing his sword slowly, he moved to the entrance, ready to sprint the remaining distance. As he stepped into the moonlight, a horse whinnied, causing the two soldiers to turn in his direction. They froze in shock.
Something small and cold pressed against the base of his neck. “I’m sorry, Corin.”
His arms were on fire. The coarse rope used to hang him from the pulley above had chaffed his skin raw and small trickles of blood slid down his arms onto his neck. His feet were bound to an iron loop that prevented him from swinging too far. The dungeon cell was similar to his first one, with the exception of a small table on which an oil lantern cast a sickly light over an array of metal instruments. The place smelled of defecation and urine. A scream echoed from down the hall, only to stop abruptly. Corin shivered.
Turning his head caused him to sway slightly, and the movement sent a wave of pain from his wrists. He knew looking at the table would only increase his fear, but he had to know what was there. Corin could make out a dozen handled tools with curving blades and sharp tips. One particularly disturbing instrument had a flat metal plate sporting dozens of what looked like small hooked nails. Ignoring the pain, he turned his head back quickly.
The screaming began again, leaving him with mixed feelings of gratitude and regret that whoever the man was, he was still alive. It went on for several minutes before finally waning to a whimper. A loud bang of an iron gate and the flickering of torches on the passage outside his cell announced the approach of people. Through the bars on his door he saw the dirty, greasy haired jailor who had kept watch over him since his arrival.
