by Jody Hedlund
“Keep cutting!” I shouted, as the footsteps behind me drew nearer. “Sever it at once.”
The vibration resumed, but only for a moment before the rope snapped. Two slats from the end, I launched myself forward, scrambling for something to grab, something to keep me from falling to my death below.
Even as I slammed into the stone edge, several pairs of hands groped for me, managing to clutch my arms and shoulders. Though the impact against the side of the ravine knocked the breath from my lungs, relief swelled inside, especially as I heard the bridge crack and fall away.
Curly and Ty and others drew me up. As I straightened, hands reached out to clasp me and pat my back. Some of the slaves wept openly with joy. Others whispered prayers of gratefulness.
Amidst the shouts and cries of the soldiers clinging to the bridge, which now dangled from the opposite side, I glanced to the moon and the stars. Dawn was only a few hours away. I had no time to waste if I wanted to reach the palace in time for the ball.
At my side and watching me with undisguised admiration, Curly seemed to be waiting for my next instructions. His men stood behind him, also waiting.
Before I could issue my next instructions, he lowered himself to one knee, and his men followed suit. “My lord.” He bowed his head. “I pledge ye my fealty for as long as I have breath.” His men spoke the same words, solemnly and without hesitation.
In Scania, amongst my own people, I was accustomed to such subservience. But here, at this moment, their devotion brought a swell of strange emotion to my chest. I should send them all on their way to Inglewood Forest, far away from the queen. And yet, if I denied them, I’d dishonor them.
At the very least, I must make clear my plans and the danger involved. “You know that I go to Kensington not only to save Lady Gabriella but also to destroy Grendel once and for all. If I succeed, I shall almost certainly incur the queen’s wrath.”
Curly stood, and the others did likewise. He braced his feet apart, unsheathed his sword, and lifted it. “Together we’ll face whatever befalls us.”
Gratitude swelled within me toward these brave men who could give of themselves so freely even when so much had been taken from them. I withdrew my sword, raised it, and touched it to Curly’s. “May God go with us.”
Chapter
15
Gabriella
The cobbled path leading up to the palace was noisy and crowded with all the maidens and their caravans arriving. My retinue of servants and knights rode close by, and we only added to the chaos. I didn’t mind that we’d slowed our pace. Now that we were here, my courage and resolve seemed to have slipped away as easily as the warmth of the midsummer day.
Clouds piled up overhead, obscuring the blue sky and threatening rain. The air was laden with a damp chill that permeated the light linen cloak and hood I’d donned before leaving at daybreak. Lord Query had risen at the early hour to accompany me to the royal city. He followed closely behind me, tasked by the duchess to make sure I arrived at the palace on time.
“My lady,” Sir Lucan murmured with a glance toward Lord Query. “It’s not too late to turn back.”
I avoided my loyal knight’s gaze. Once he and the other servants had learned the true reason for my return to Rockland, their happiness had turned to sorrow. Now the pain and frustration in their eyes was too much to bear.
“I must do this, good sir.” I wished I could ease the heartache of these dear servants, or at least make them understand why I had to sacrifice myself.
Sir Lucan didn’t say anything more, and as we wound farther up the stone road, I shifted in my saddle so I could take in the view of the countryside. To the south, the walled city of Kensington spread out in all directions, reaching to the edges of the Foothill Plains. The fields there formed a patchwork of green and gold, the best farmland of Warwick with streams and rivers flowing out of the Gemstone Mountains, providing a natural means of irrigation.
Though I couldn’t see beyond the plains to the south, I knew the land there gave way to the arid Siccum Desert, where very little could live or grow. Aside from the towns and estates built along the foothills and the once-prosperous mining communities, the rest of Warwick’s industry came from the few coastal towns known for fishing.
To the north of the castle, the Gemstone Mountain range rose into a glorious array of tall peaks. I searched the gray rocky tips above the dark-green tree line until I found Ruby Mountain. It was too distant to see anything clearly, but my heart ached from missing the people I’d left behind.
They would be deep in the pits at this time of day, laboring to fill their buckets with rocks. Hopefully, not for many more days. Once the queen no longer had Grendel or the heart of the fairest maiden for her alchemy, she wouldn’t be able to produce any more gems. Without jewels, she’d have no reason to send slaves into the rat-infested bowels of the earth. Of course, the queen might find an excuse for the continued killing and the utilization of the heart of the fairest maiden, but her task would be much harder to accomplish without rousing suspicion.
While I was thankful Benedict and Alice would be safe with my aunt, I wouldn’t be satisfied until all my friends were delivered, including Vilmar. Though his sentence was only for a few more months, anything could happen during that time, and I feared for him. More than that, I longed for him in a way that was entirely foreign. Against my will, my thoughts strayed to him. His handsome face and light-blue eyes were emblazoned in the forefront of my mind. The softness and warmth of his kiss lingered with my every breath. And the kindness and nobility of his every action burned in my soul.
Such thoughts were futile and only made me question what I needed to do. I distracted myself by peering to the east of the city to the wide valley and the deep waters of Wraith Lake. The cliffs along the far edge sheltered Grendel somewhere deep within. On the side closest to the city, sheep and goats and cows already grazed within a central pit that had been built years ago to contain the slaughter. Opening to the shore, the grassy area was low and level, walled in with stones taken from the surrounding mountains.
In a few short hours, I’d be standing in the center of the arena waiting for Grendel to make his appearance. A shudder formed in the pit of my being and worked its way outward. At the moment it found release, a chilled wind drifted from the lake as if to confirm my fear.
I slipped my hand into the pocket of my skirt and skimmed the scabbard and smooth knife handle underneath my chemise. I’d easily located the knife that had belonged to my father. I’d hidden it in the far reaches of my wardrobe, never planning to touch it again, much less use it. But now, thanks to Vilmar’s training, I wasn’t afraid of it and could wield it with some proficiency. Would that skill be enough?
With a slight shake of my head, I threw off the self-doubt. I had to remain positive and keep my anxiety at bay. At the very least, my time in the mine had taught me to persevere during my darkest moments, never give up, and fight back against my fears. I would do that tonight and do it to the best of my ability.
“There she is,” said someone nearby. “The queen.”
The murmuring increased, and the traffic all but halted. I peered up at the grand castle that was built partly into the walls of the mountains. A regal woman and several important-looking noblemen stared down at the winding path.
From the distance, I couldn’t see the queen’s features entirely, but her beauty was clear both now and from times past when I’d met her. Her long ebony hair fell to her waist and glittered with jewels. In contrast to her hair, her skin was as pale as starlight. She held herself rigidly, her chin angled up and her shoulders stiff, giving off an aura of both power and majesty.
Was she examining the maidens and even now choosing which of us she’d sacrifice to the monster? After the hours of preparation, I hoped I glowed with beauty. As soon as we arrived at the palace, my servants would finish preparing me, fashioning my hair into long curls and attiring me in a shimmering emerald gown—the queen’s favorite color. Ul
timately, no matter what I might do or say, the choice belonged to the queen. I must be beautiful enough to catch her attention during the ball.
I studied her again from afar. If only I could get close enough to plunge my knife into her heart to put an end to her reign and avenge my father’s death. I averted my gaze, and shame rushed in. My father wouldn’t want me to take a life for his, not when he’d died in an attempt to put an end to violence.
As much as he’d disagreed with the queen over various policies during the years as her advisor, he’d always worked toward peaceful resolutions and advocated kindness. He’d oft quoted the Holy Scripture verse that said: “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”
I’d always carried his wisdom close to my heart. But over recent months, had I allowed my bitterness and need for revenge to cast a cloud above the need for kindness?
If he’d been alive, what would he say about my plans tonight? Would he approve?
Perhaps he’d laud me for my willingness to sacrifice myself for the greater good of all the maidens this summer and the years to come. Perhaps he’d laud me for wanting to eliminate slavery in the mine pits. Perhaps he’d even laud me for learning to wield a knife so I might defend myself against Grendel.
But in all my scheming, he wouldn’t want me to shift my focus from the light of what was true and right to the darkness that could eat a soul and leave blackness in its place.
As the traffic around us began to surge forward, I nudged my mount and pushed thoughts of my father from my mind. I needed to stay focused on what I’d come to do without letting anything distract me. If that meant I had to allow in some darkness to accomplish my deed, in the end it would be worth the cost.
Vilmar
From a hidden spot on the flat roof of the livery and blacksmith, I crouched next to Curly and Ty, peering down at the inner bailey. The area teemed with horses and knights who had already delivered their maidens and were now tending to their mounts and gathering around several large fire pits for feasting.
Though cloudy, the evening sky was still bright and would be for several more hours on the longest day of the year. The daylight would make our escape with Gabriella more difficult, but I was determined to get her away from the castle and Wraith Lake as fast as I could.
“The maidens be inside already,” Curly whispered.
I fought back my frustration that we’d arrived too late to intercept her before she entered the castle. Curly had described the chaos and confusion that ensued while the caravans of women were climbing the hill to reach the palace, and we’d hoped to wind through the crowds, mingle with the masses, reach Gabriella, and sneak her away with no one the wiser for her disappearance.
However, as Curly had led the dozen or so of us men through the backcountry trails, we happened upon a hunting party and needed to hide until they passed. Though we ran the last miles and pushed ourselves to the brink of exhaustion, we missed our opportunity to snatch Gabriella.
The others who’d accompanied us now waited by Wraith Lake. I’d wanted Ty to stay with them, but he’d insisted on remaining by my side. This time, only gratefulness welled up for this faithful servant who had nothing to gain in my venture and wanted to help nonetheless.
With time slipping away, I needed to act soon to ensure I had enough time not only to hide her, but also to return and offer to battle Grendel. Curly had assured me that, if I stepped forward and presented myself as a contender to fight the berserker, the queen would allow it. Others had done so over the years, especially fathers and sons who’d hoped to eliminate Grendel and in so doing protect their daughters and sisters.
None had ever succeeded, and the queen would assume I would fail as well. But with my background, I would hopefully have an advantage. Not only had I received weapons training from the best warriors in Scania, but I’d also watched the best knights in my country battle against the berserkers. Though I’d been but a boy at the time, I still remembered the techniques they used to lure and trap the madmen.
Besides, my companions would be nearby and, at my signal, would come to my aid. Together, we would defeat Grendel.
“I shall go in and get her.” I started to rise.
Curly yanked me down. “Ye cannot just walk in the main door. The queen has extra guards stationed throughout the palace for keeping away desperate families and lovers.”
Apparently, I wasn’t the first person to try to rescue one of the women, but I hoped I’d be the last. Once I killed Grendel, no other maiden would have to suffer this custom ever again.
“I must go in,” I insisted.
Curly was silent for a moment, his keen gaze studying the palace. “They’ll be starting the dance erelong. Maybe ye can creep inside and pull her away then.”
My mind whirled with the possibility. How would I be able to haul her off without everyone seeing me? Especially with the grime of the mines filling every crevice. “I shall need to bathe and don the appropriate attire.”
Both Curly and Ty lifted their brows.
“I’ll attend the dance as a guest. As I’m twirling with Gabriella, I’ll guide us toward the side of the room, to a secluded area. Once there, we’ll sneak off.”
Curly nodded, his red hair wild and untamed in the dampness that permeated the summer air. “That might work. I know a place by the buttery that leads down to a cellar entrance. Ty and I can wait for ye there.”
“But transforming the master?” Ty gave me a once-over that told me I looked as bad as I smelled.
Curly assessed me as well. “Aye, ye be needing some work if ye hope to pass for a nobleman.”
“Can you aid me?”
“I can be getting ye clothing and hot water. Beyond that, I’m no good.”
“If you find those items,” Ty whispered, “I’ll take care of the rest.”
An hour later, I was ready for the ball. Curly had located garments in the servants’ quarters amongst the mending pile. Though the tunic needed a few stitches to close up a gaping hole under one arm and the hose required the patching of a rip in the backside, Ty had worked magic not only on the clothing but on me. In an abandoned part of the cellar devoid of servants, he helped me scrub two months of filth from my body, washed and trimmed my hair, and helped me shave.
By the time I hovered on the outer edges of the milling crowds in the grand hall, I blended in so well no one glanced my way. The atmosphere was decidedly quieter and more somber than any ball I’d ever attended, even with the cheerful music the minstrels were playing on their flutes, fiddles, and lutes.
No one was yet dancing, and I scanned the crowd for Gabriella, hoping to identify her by her red hair. At the pause of the music and the silence descending over the gathering, I shifted my attention to the double grand staircases made of gleaming marble and the rounded balcony connecting them.
In the center and poised above the hall, the queen stood, elegant in a gown with layers of gauzy green and bedecked with spotless ermine. Her dark hair hung in long waves and glittered with what appeared to be dozens of pearls and diamonds. The crown resting on her head also gleamed with hundreds of iridescent jewels.
For a queen in her midlife, she had retained a youthfulness and beauty that would have made her a contender for the fairest maiden if such a thing had existed when she’d been younger. Although elegant, her bearing contained too much haughtiness for my liking.
At the commotion around me, I realized the lords and ladies had lowered themselves to their knees and bowed their heads, and now I was the only one standing. Something inside me resisted having to bow to this queen. She wasn’t my ruler. I didn’t owe her my allegiance. And I most certainly didn’t respect her, not after everything I’d learned about her.
But I forced myself down to the ground. I needed to blend in better and exert more caution until Gabriella was safe. After several more long moments of silence, the queen spoke. “Let the presentation of the fairest maidens
in the land begin.”
As I rose with the others, I realized the queen was staring directly at me, her green eyes cold and yet inscrutable. My failure to immediately bow had garnered notice. Or perhaps she was curious because I didn’t cower before her like everyone else.
Using the self-control I’d developed during my time in the mine, I pushed down my rights along with my pride. I dropped my gaze and bowed my head, attempting to show her the subservience she commanded of her people.
When the music began again, this time softer and more melodic, I glanced up to see that the maidens had started their procession. Thankfully, the queen’s attention was diverted from me. From each of the staircases, the women descended, pausing briefly on each step as though to give the queen plenty of time to assess them. Attired in vibrant green gowns and with flowing hair, the sight of so many beautiful women would have been breath-taking, except I could only picture the brutality awaiting one of them in a few short hours.
At the image of blood darkening the green, anger sliced through me. How could the queen perpetuate this sickening ritual year after year, not only putting the women and their families through this choosing process, but then subjugating a helpless maiden to Grendel’s slaughter? How dare she? And for what gain? So she could have more wealth for herself? More jewels for her hair and gowns?
My fingers found the hilt of the stolen sword at my hip, and I gripped it tightly. I understood more clearly why Gabriella wanted to kill Grendel, why she’d been willing to sacrifice herself if need be.
At that moment, Gabriella arrived at the top of the grand staircase to my left, the last of the two dozen women. The layers of her fluttering emerald gown served to highlight the paleness of her skin and the golden red of her hair that swirled in long, wavy curls. Her features glowed with an almost ethereal beauty, more so than I remembered.
My heartbeat raced forward into a thundering gallop, first in awe of her beauty, but then in dread. She was easily the fairest woman present. And tonight of all nights, beauty was a curse.
