“It's the least I could do to pay you back for all the years you have had my back, and the life you’ve shown me. Just stay safe and keep out of trouble.”
“Oh, trust me, I will.” Richard let go of Alex still holding on to her hands as he gave her an earnest look. “I do hope I will see both you and Jay soon.”
“Perhaps sooner than you would expect.”
“I sure hope so.” Richard smiled knowingly at her. “Listen, I have an uncle, Peter Cadwall, who lives in Clear Spring. I will contact him once I get to Ashland and let him know where I am. Once you are there, just find him, and he will relay the information to you.”
“I will. I promise. I'll find him and contact you as soon as we are there.”
“I look forward to seeing both of you soon. Don't let me down, Alex.”
“I won't.”
The two friends parted ways, but not for the last time, as they’d be seeing each other again soon. Bidding a farewell to his sister, Richard boarded a small vessel with the young man in uniform. Turning around he waved goodbye as the dingy bound its way towards the horizon, leaving his old life behind. Once the boat vanished into the night, a tearful Isabel came over and bowed to Alex.
“Thank you, Alex, for everything you did for my brother. I can never repay you for your kindness and what you did for my family.”
“Nonsense Isabel, it is I who can't possibly repay you or Richard for everything you did for me over the years. You gave me a family I always wanted and a life I had always dreamed of. I'm just sorry Richard can't stay here with you. But, maybe one day things will change, and you can see your brother again.”
“Don't worry too much about that dear. I'm just happy to know he’s alive. I promised my parents I’d keep him safe, and to be honest, Ashland is the best place for him.”
Alex smiled at Isabel and gave her one last hug before she too disappeared to a free world. The group of resistance members stood silently on the docks and watched as the lights of the ship containing Richard faded out of sight. Soon, the sun began to crest over the ocean surface, painting the sky a dark golden color. Resting his hand on Alexandra's shoulder, Henry exchanged a look with her while shaking his head in disbelief.
“You've done a hell of a job today lady. You are far more capable than I could have imagined. I'll keep your secrets safe, but you have to promise me that Thomas will not catch wind of this, I can't imagine he'd forgive me for dragging his sister into all this.”
Letting out a lighthearted laugh, Alex tried to imagine what Tom would say if he knew she just helped break a man out of prison. It would be in everyone's best interests if no one in her family found out. It would be especially prudent if no one else knew of her powers, as they would surely figure out what she was and why she was here.
“I don't foresee that happening anytime soon.” Alex stole another glance at the horizon. “But perhaps, it's best if we both got out of here, we can't risk getting exposed.”
“No, we cannot. I'll see you around Alexandra.”
With a wink, Henry turned himself into an eagle and took off with a great flap of his wings into the direction of his home. Not waiting to see him leave, Alex transformed into a swift to make it to the castle faster. Flying up with Cosmo in tow, she followed the shoreline back to the palace.
Safely in the confines of her room, listening to the rain batter at her window, Alex could finally take a breath and assess everything that happened. Looking in the mirror, she frowned at what she saw. Once a bright white, her dress was now stained in various shades of brown and clung tightly to her shivering body.
Cosmo grumbled in disgust, bringing attention to her smelling like she had just rolled around in manure. Peeling off her soaked clothing, Alex wrapped them up in a sack and hid it in the attic. Rupert would surely dispose of the ruined clothes for her later in the day if she asked. But for now, she needed to get herself, and poor Cosmo clean from the lingering taint of death.
Using her magic skills to draw a hot bath, Alex eased herself in, pulling in Cosmo with her. The cleansing water washed over her like a gentle hand wiping her clean. Warming up, she found herself relaxing in the tub.
Having scrubbed her pigrie clean, Alex released him to nap on her bed while she rested her head on it porcelain lip of the tub, soothing her aching joints and scuffed up knees. Exhausted from the excitement of the night, Alex allowed herself to slip away into the realm of dreams as the sun rose high above the palace shores.
Chapter 28
Out of the Shadows
Dozing in the tub, a ruckus startled Alex from her slumber. Sounds of glass breaking and loud hollering rang out from downstairs. Shifting in the tub she noticed the water was still lukewarm, she couldn't have been in there long. Draining the water, Alex got out and dried off before wrapping the towel around herself. Back in her room, she stole a glance at the clock hanging on the wall, it was only six o'clock, far too early for any rational soul to be up.
Sounds of breaking glass, furniture being tossed about, and enraged screaming were still echoing up from the lower rooms. Something was not right, and even Cosmo sat up barking from his spot on the pillow. Slipping on her nightgown and slippers, Alex discreetly opened her door and stepped out into the hall.
“Rhee. Wee.”
“Stay here Cosmo.”
“Oink?”
“I’ll be fine. Get some rest little guy, we still have a long night ahead of us.”
“Hoink…” Cosmo grumbled as he flew back down to his cozy spot on the bed and watched his mistress shut the door.
A sick sense of foreboding came over Alex as she walked down the hallway towards the grand staircase. Tiptoeing down the stairs, she paused at the landing to study the disaster in front of her. In its entirety, the main entry hall looked as if a cyclone ripped through it. Shattered remains of statues, vases, and chairs were skewed about the wood floor. Petrified maids huddled in the room's corner shaking like leaves in the autumn breeze. The carnage continued down the west wing where more sounds of madness could be heard echoing in the halls.
Following the trail of havoc, Alexandra stopped before the west hall when one of the terrified maids grabbed hold of her arm. The servant girl fervently shook her head to warn Alex it was not safe to continue as her doe eyes grew wider with fear. Pulling the frightened woman's hand off, Alex reassured her everything would be all right and instructed her to find Rupert as quickly as possible. Advancing forward, she avoided stepping on the glass speckling the parquet floor from wall to wall, covering everything in sight.
Approaching one of the rooms of the corridor, Alex paused to listen. The passionate howling was coming from in there. Easing herself forward, she was hoping to sneak a peek when without warning a bust came flying out of the room past her head, exploding the window as it hit. Leaning her head past the door frame, Alex witnessed Quinton tearing the place apart, not even the wallpaper appeared to the safe from his wrath.
Tossing the room in his nightshirt, with disheveled hair and hysteria in his eyes, Quinton looked every bit like a madman he was. Spotting Alex from the corner of his eyes, he whirled around, fixing his gaze on her. Quin's nostrils flared at the sight of his sister, who was the cause of his problems.
No one needed to explain to Alexandra why her brother was enraged, she knew well enough he must have just learned about Richard’s escape. She wished she could have been there when Quin got news of his foiled plan but watching him tear the palace apart in a blind rage was equally amusing. Keeping herself from smiling at the grief her escapades had caused her eldest brother, Alexandra walked over with an innocent look on her face.
“What's wrong Quinton? Why are you so bent out of shape? Anything I can do help calm your rage dear brother?”
“You!” Quinton bellowed charging at Alex, thrusting his finger in her face. “How did you do it? Answer me.”
“Do what brother? I have no idea what you are talking about. Are you feeling all right?�
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“Don't you give me that sister. I know you did it. I know you broke that gray out of prison, the one you were all cozy with years ago. Now, tell me how you did it, and maybe I shall spare your life.”
“Honestly Quinton.” Tom came up behind Alex, yawning. He was still half-awake as he looked at his brother with grave concern. “Are you seriously implying Alexandra was able to sneak out of the castle and orchestrate a prison break?”
“I don't know how she did it, but she did.” Quinton turned to Alex and shook his finger in her face. “I know it was you, it had to be. No one else would go that far for that disgusting peasant boy.”
“What is the meaning of all this?” Arthur Hamilton stepped over the broken glass, shaking his head as he looked around the room.
“I think Quinton has lost his mind, father.” Alex smiled bemused “Or perhaps he has been taken ill by a curse of some kind.”
“I'd say. He is accusing our sister of staging a prison break last night.”
“Prison break? What prison break?” barked Lord Hamilton
“The gray… her gray... the one who worked here... the one you fired for trying to seduce her.”
“What about him Quinton? I have not seen the young man since you insisted something was going on between us.”
“You know perfectly well sister. You know I had that dog arrested, and that I was going to have him put down this morning. But you… you must have intervened.”
“You had one of my citizens arrested? On what charges?” Lord Hamilton looked vexed upon Quinton's revelation.
“On the conspiracy to commit an act of war by assassinating a government official.”
“Where is your proof son? Why was there no trial? Why was I, the king, not informed about any of this?”
“I don't have proof you old bag of bones. All I know is that he is a member of the resistance, the same one responsible for the attempt on Philip’s life.” Distraught, Quinton faced his father. Still unwilling to admit defeat, he pointed his hand at Alex. “Can't you see father, she is trying to turn you against me like she always has. She broke a traitor out of prison, killing a good deal of our men in the process. You must punish her.”
“You mean the man you had imprisoned without a trial, and no evidence to back up your claim? The man you intended to have put to death this morning without saying a word to me. And now, you once again claim with no evidence, that your sister is a traitor to Manevia?”
“The guards told me the prisoner escaped with the help of two pure-bloods, both white, a male and a female. The woman could use fire, air, and water magic. Then—”
“Brother,” Tom interjected, “you know perfectly well no mage can use more than one given element. What you are suggesting is not only preposterous, it's downright impossible.”
“Silence! You damn fool you,” Quinton spat at Tom, “she has got you all fooled. She only pretends to be incapable, and pathetic.” Turning his attention to Alex, Quinton waved a fist in her direction “I'm on to you now sister. Brilliant act, truly brilliant, but you won't get away with it. I know what you are, you're a—”
“Enough!” Lord Hamilton barked as his eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared “I've heard enough of this nonsense. Not only did you arrest a man with no evidence, and sentence him to death with no trial, you have the audacity to accuse your sister of something physically impossible. Apparently, you have lost your mind. A few days in the reflection chamber should do you some good.”
“But father... can you not see... don't you know what she is?”
“I said I’ve heard enough, Quinton. You need time to clear your head, the pressure of succeeding me has got the best of you.” Lord Hamilton took hold of Quinton by his right elbow and turned to look at Tom. “Thomas, if you don't mind, could you assist me in taking Quinton to the reflection chamber.”
“Absolutely, father.” Tom took hold of Quinton's left elbow.
“No, you can't, you can't do this to me.” Quinton protested while being dragged away kicking and flailing.
Covering her mouth, Alex stifled a small giggle at the sight of Quinton getting just what he deserved. Looking around at the mayhem left behind in his wake, Alexandra was glad she would not be around for when he got out of reflection. Perhaps now, she could get some rest before getting ready for her grand escape to Ashland. Turning to head down the hall, Alex was halted by a stern yet gentle voice coming from behind.
“Miss. If I may have a word with you?”
Turning her head back to face Rupert, who had come out of the shadows with a grim look on his face Alex felt a tinge of guilt wash over her. Once more, she got the feeling the butler knew a lot more than the average servant. Getting ready for a lecture which was sure to follow, Alexandra nodded her head and approached her long-time confidante.
“Of course, Rupert. What is on your mind this fine morning?”
“If I may be so bold Miss, that was very careless of you last night. You could have gotten yourself killed.”
“How... how do you know it was me?”
“I told you, it's my job to know what my young mistress is up to. Noble as it was to save your friend, you should take more caution in the future. Next time you may not be so lucky.”
Feeling ashamed, Alex knew the man was right. The three of them did get lucky last night. If it were not for the old wolf coming out of nowhere, she, and her companions would be dead by now.
“I know Rupert. I’m sorry. I promise I will be more careful from now on.” Taking the butler's hands in hers, Alexandra smiled bitterly at him. “I sure am going to miss our talks, my friend.”
“No need to feel sad Miss. Old Rupert will always be around for advice when you need him.”
Smiling, Alex reckoned that perhaps the old man didn't know everything. Otherwise, he would have known this would probably be the last conversation the two of them would ever have. Sadly, as much, as she wished, Alex could not take Rupert with her. Turning away, so her butler did not have to see the tears in her eyes, Alex put on her best smile. The less Rupert knew of her plans, the safer he would be once the family discovered her gone in the morning.
“You're right Rupert. I guess the lack of sleep is getting to me.”
“I think you're right Mistress. Best get upstairs and go back to bed, you have a long night ahead of you.”
“Thank you, Rupert.”
Politely nodding her head once, Alex turned away from her friend and walked down the hall, tears streaming down her face. Wiping them away, she reminded herself this was no time to be sad. If she wanted to be with Jay and live a life free of pure-blood constraints, there was no other way, she had to run, and she could not let anyone know.
Watching his mistress walk down the hall, Rupert smiled knowingly. The girl was finally making a choice to run, she was fulfilling the destiny she chose for herself. As always, the master was right, and now Rupert would have to join his charge in a new land. Seeing the girl he raised vanish down the hall, the butler turned to return to his duties before he too would have to flee this cursed land.
Back in her room, Alexandra collapsed on the bed next to Cosmo. Not bothering to pull the covers over herself, she closed her eyes to take a quick nap. There was still so much left to do: packing the trunk, getting some funds, and maybe even leaving a note or two before she disappeared. But Alex was exhausted from the events of last night and needed to rest before she left this life for the excitement of the new world.
Chapter 29
A Clash at the Tavern
Dreaming pleasant dreams of a life with Jay and Andy, Alex was startled awake again, this time by a loud rapping on her window pane. The clock above her said it was seven o'clock, she slept late and now only had an hour or so to get ready to leave. Getting out of bed, Alex threw off her nightgown and put on her dress. Once more, a loud rapping came from the outside. Turning to the noise frowning, Alexandra spotted a pigeon sitting at her window, tapping the glass pane wi
th its beak.
Moving closer to open the window, Alex felt a sickening sense of danger form in the pit of her stomach. The bird flew into the room with a great deal of urgency and landed right on her lap. There was something tied to its leg. A piece of rolled-up parchment stuck out from a red ribbon. Releasing the bird of its burden, Alex unrolled the paper to read the words splotched from the rain.
Alexandra,
I hope this gets to you in time. Seems your friend, Jay, is in grave danger. Dalton was not home upon my return to Crowning. I grew concerned, so I questioned my men, who informed me he left for Manevia. They said Mathis had not returned from his mission to some tavern in Winter Haven and that Dalton was on his way to find him. I know of only one place it could be, The Black Paw. I'll be on my way to assist you as soon as I can, but please Alexandra, go to Jay and stall Dalton for as long as you can.
Yours,
Henry
“Oh no…” Alex dropped the parchment to the ground, “Cosmo, Dalton is after Jay.”
With a great sense of dread, Alexandra’s heart sank like a rock into her stomach. Dalton was a dangerous opponent, more so than Quin, and Jay would be in trouble if Dalton confronted him. Not giving the matter much thought, Alex grabbed the parchment off the floor and burned it before she flung herself out of the window. Transforming into a swift before she hit the ground, Alex flew towards the castle wall, fighting rain and gale force winds along the way. She knew there was no way she would make it to The Black Paw in time by flying, she would have to go by foot once she cleared the palace gates.
Straining against the wind, Alex made it over the wall. Plunging towards the cobblestone street, she changed into a wolf, hitting the ground. The rain came down harder, making her white fur glisten with the moonlight as she ran through the village. People screamed, gasped, and jumped out of the way, but Alex paid no attention to them. Continuing to run towards the outskirts of town, she ducked in between carriage wheels and hooves of horses. Fighting the raging storm, Alex pressed on until she made it to the dirt road leading to Jay’s. Blood pumping, she pushed herself even harder, praying she would make it there in time.
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