“There is still time to reconsider,” Jebido said. “We can try to find another way.”
I looked at my friend and shook my head. “There is no other way,” I said. “We all agreed on that.”
“If the House Agents catch you,” Jebido warned, unable to hide the worry on his face, “they will kill you before you can explain.”
“I’m aware of that,” I grunted. I took a deep breath, peering at the sun as it rose majestically over the hills. “It’s almost time,” I said, dismounting. I handed Angry’s reins to Sim and patted the big black affectionately, surprised when the horse grudgingly nuzzled me. I grinned, taking that as a good omen as I offered my hand to Sim.
“Good luck, my lord,” the big outlaw said gravely.
I nodded, moving to Jebido’s horse as I peered up at my friend. “If this goes badly for me,” I began.
Jebido held up a hand, stopping me. “It won’t. You just do what you have to do. We’ll be ready afterward to get you out of there.”
“You’re becoming more of an optimist every day,” I said with an admiring grin.
Jebido made a face as he thought about that, then he slowly smiled. “You know what, lad? I’m beginning to think you are right.”
I patted Jebido’s leg, then set my shoulders and turned away, heading down the narrow, beaten path toward the city. A butterfly danced gayly around me and I thought of Sabina, remembering that day in First Step and the butterflies that had delighted her so. I frowned at the thought of the girl, and instead turned my focus on where I put my feet along the steep path.
The morning sun was already getting hot, though it was still early. I was sweating as I walked, adding even more stains to the caked filth on my clothing as I reached level ground, heading for the open gates of the city. Merchants passed through the entrance with relative ease, with wary guards watching them silently from all sides. I was pleased, having been concerned that the gates might be sealed. Being this far south, Prince Tyden must have felt confident enough that his forces would detect any intrusion well before an enemy got close to Halhaven’s walls.
I began to shuffle along, my back bent, my wild, grey-powdered hair dangling loosely in front of my eyes. I drew a bottle from my cloak and took a long pull on it, burping and wiping the back of my hand over my mouth.
“Hey, you!” a guard shouted, pointing at me as I used a merchant’s cart to steady myself. “Where do you think you are going?” he demanded.
“To dine with the prince, of course,” I slurred, waving the bottle in the air with a flourish. “Where else?”
The guards all laughed as I took another drink, barely tasting the weak wine as I anticipated one of them turning me away. My momentary notoriety fled just as quickly as it had appeared, however, as the guards promptly lost interest in me and turned their attention elsewhere. I stumbled through the gates, head down, mumbling to myself, until finally I slipped away unseen down a back alley.
I slowly made my way toward the Holy House, playing my beggarly drunkard role whenever someone came close. Finally, I reached the majestic building and headed for the walled courtyard at the back. The wrought iron gates there were usually locked firmly, I knew, but this time the chain had been left loose on purpose just enough that a man could slip through. I pushed my way inside with some effort, then quickly crossed the courtyard to the entrance and stepped cautiously through the doors. The familiar sounds of the fountain gushing in the cloister greeted me as I turned and followed the right-hand passage, praying that I wouldn’t run into anyone. Jin had guaranteed the Daughters-In-Waiting would be at lessons, but there was always the chance that a House Agent or two could be around. I didn’t know what I would do if one of them tried to stop me.
I reached the stairs that led to the Daughter’s Tower undetected, then hurried up the winding steps until I reached the top floor. Two soldiers lay sprawled on the stone by the head of the stairs, a bottle lying between them. One of the men was snoring softly. I stepped over the still forms and crept along the passageway as voices echoed from the room ahead of me.
“I’m not sure I understand what brings you here at such an early hour, Your Highness,” a woman was saying. I recognized Daughter Gernet’s voice immediately.
“I was told that you wished to meet with me, Daughter,” a deep voice replied. Prince Tyden, I knew. “A most delicate matter that required discretion above all else. One that you wished to keep away from the eyes and ears of the palace.”
“Why, Your Highness, I asked for no such meeting! Who told you this fabrication?”
“Your girl did!” Prince Tyden said, sounding annoyed.
I nodded. So far, things were going to plan.
“Jin, explain yourself!” Daughter Gernet demanded, her voice rising with anger.
I crept toward the arched entrance, crouching low as I carefully peered inside the rounded room. Daughter Gernet sat on a bench at the table, her hands in her lap, her features twisted with displeasure. Prince Tyden stood by the fireplace, a look of irritation on his young face as he glared at Jin, who stood next to him, holding a scroll. I drew my knife, waiting for the agreed-upon moment as I hid in the shadows.
“A simple oversight,” Jin said curtly, not looking at her grandmother. The girl turned her back and faced the fire, ignoring the priestess as the older woman sputtered in indignation. “If you would only look at this, Your Highness, it will explain everything,” Jin said calmly, holding up the scroll and unraveling it.
Prince Tyden peered at the writing, then frowned. “I don’t understand,” he said, grabbing the scroll. He bent over, leaning closer to the fire to see the words better. “What does any of this even mean?”
Now was my chance, I knew. I launched myself forward, ignoring Daughter Gernet’s horrified gasp as I swept past her, the knife raised. The prince straightened and turned, sensing his danger just as I reached him. He raised a hand to ward me off and I slapped it aside, then plunged the knife into his stomach. Blood spurted instantly as the prince fell back in shock, clutching at himself. He stumbled on the hearth, grasping for the mantle, but his hand slid off the smooth stone and he collapsed to the floor with blood pooling under him. Jin stood unmoving, her hands clasped to her mouth. I guess she hadn’t expected so much blood. We shared a look, then I turned to go, stopping as my eyes met those of Daughter Gernet.
“Hadrack?” the Daughter asked uncertainly. Despite my powdered hair and disheveled look, I knew she had recognized me beneath my hood. Daughter Gernet stared at me in horrified disbelief. She glanced down at the dying prince. “What have you done?”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I had no other choice.”
Then I started to run.
27: Coronation
I made it to the courtyard outside the Holy House before the first sounds of alarm arose. I raced across the cobblestones, tearing off my filthy cloak as I ran. Beneath it, I was wearing the livery of a groom. The irony that I was posing as a caretaker of horses hadn’t been lost on me, but we’d needed something that would allow me to move freely without being noticed. As a groom, I now fit that requirement perfectly, as there were so many on the streets of the sprawling city that they all seemed to blend together. I squeezed through the gap in the gates, then began to run north along a deserted back alley.
Few, if any stable boy’s had grey hair, I knew, so I paused at the first horse trough that I saw and dunked my head into the cold water, washing the powder away. I straightened and shook, sending water flying in all directions just as footsteps sounded from behind me.
“Hadrack?”
I turned, feeling a knot of dread in my stomach. Malo stood twenty feet from me; his usually placid face creased with torment.
“Why?” Malo growled as he took several paces forward. His hand fell to his sword hilt.
“Wait,” I said, holding up a hand to him in warning.” There’s no time for this.” I glanced around for a weapon, dearly wishing I had Wolf’s Head, or any other sword for that matter.
The knife I wore in my belt would be useless against a man like Malo.
“Do you know what you have done?” Malo hissed. I could see the fury burning in his eyes.
I glanced over my shoulder. The alley led onto a wider street, where I could see horses and people moving briskly along. I licked my lips and looked back at the House Agent. Could I make it to the street and lose myself in the traffic there before Malo caught me? The man wasn’t as big as I was, but I’d seen how fast he could move and I realized that I probably couldn’t outrun him.
“Malo, you have to listen to me,” I said. Malo drew his sword purposefully, the blade ringing off the silver-ringed locket at the head of his scabbard. “You don’t know the full story,” I added, taking a step back.
“All I know is you have brought ruin down on us all, you traitorous bastard,” Malo said through clenched teeth. “Everything we’ve worked for is destroyed because of you.” He stopped three feet from me, his sword tip at my throat. “Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you right now.”
“Because Shana will die and Lord Corwick will win,” I said, knowing my only chance was to reason with the House Agent. I knew I couldn’t tell him the entire truth. Not yet anyway, but hopefully I could give him enough that he’d let me go.
Malo grunted in surprise. “What does that mean?”
I told the House Agent about my capture and meeting with Lord Corwick and Hervi Desh. Then I described how they had schemed to win the throne, and how they had coerced me into helping them. Malo’s sword began to waver, and then it dropped to his side as I continued to talk.
“So, by killing the prince, you save Lady Shana,” Malo said when I was through. “But by doing so, you’ve effectively laid our kingdom at the feet of a madman.” He sheathed his sword, a little too forcefully, I thought. I needed to be careful—I wasn’t out of this yet. Malo frowned as he worked it out. “What makes you think Lord Corwick won’t kill Lady Shana once he becomes king?”
I took a deep breath. I was ready for that question. I just had to tell Malo the lie without him becoming suspicious. “Because I have something that he wants in exchange for her.”
“And what would that be?” Malo asked.
“The codex,” I said, hoping the House Agent would be so surprised he wouldn’t realize that once Lord Corwick was king, he’d have no use for it. He could side with the Sons no matter what the codex said.
Malo blinked several times in surprise. “You have it?”
I’d sent Niko to Halhaven the day after I had returned to Witbridge Manor, informing Daughter Gernet and Malo that the codex was long gone from Waldin’s cave. I had debated mentioning that I knew where it was, but then decided to omit that. Only Sabina and I knew where it might be, and even she had only a vague notion. I saw no reason to divulge anything to Daughter Gernet until after I’d dealt with Lord Corwick. If, indeed, I decided to tell at all. I had also mentioned that I’d had nothing to do with the First Son’s murder, though I liked to believe they knew that from the beginning.
I shook my head. “No, but I know where it is.” I put my hand on Malo’s shoulder. “You have to trust me, Malo. After all we have been through, you know I wouldn’t betray you or Daughter Gernet. If my plan works, I will get Shana back alive, finally be rid of Lord Corwick, and the Daughters will have all the power over the House they desire.” I squeezed. “But, all of that can only happen if I get away from Halhaven.”
Malo studied me, his face and eyes clearly showing his indecision. Finally, he poked a finger into my chest. “You had better be right about this, Hadrack,” he growled. “Because if you lied to me just now, then there won’t be anywhere in this world where you can hide from me.”
I returned with my men to Witbridge Manor and said my goodbyes all around. The Outlaw of Corwick was now wanted in the South, just as much as the North, and I couldn’t risk the lives of anyone else, should someone think to come looking for me here. I didn’t know what Malo would do with the information that I’d given him, but I couldn’t chance Daughter Gernet’s rage, should she decide to send House Agents down upon Witbridge. I knew there would be little threat to anyone else without me here, so I was leaving.
“How long do you think it will be, my lord?” Finol asked. He still held little Walice in his arms, tucked away in a swathe of blankets. I was just as impressed by his devotion as I was surprised by it.
I shrugged. “Who can say? We’ll probably know more after Prince Tyden’s funeral. I doubt Lord Corwick will wait long after that before making a move. I don’t want to be seen before he does.”
I mounted Angry and shifted Wolf’s Head on my hip, glad to have the weapon back where it belonged. My father’s axe was sheathed across my back, the familiar weight also a welcome return.
“Where will you go?” Jebido asked me.
I grinned. “My father took me on my first hunting trip in Bloomwood Forest when I was a boy,” I said wistfully. “I think I’ll go there.”
Jebido frowned. “How will we find you?”
I tugged on Angry’s reins, turning him toward the gate. “There is a small village to the east of the forest,” I said. “When the coronation date has been set, leave a marker along the treeline facing the village. I’ll return when I see it.”
Then I started to ride, quelling the emotion threatening to rise in my chest as I left my friends behind. I paused on the crest overlooking the holding, staring back at the manor house. Would I ever return to this place that had sheltered me and helped me to grow? I turned away, motioning Angry onward until the buildings and walls were lost from view.
I spent two weeks in the sprawling forest of Bloomwood, resting, hunting, and fishing. It was, I would wager, two of the finest weeks of my life. Whatever was going on outside my sanctuary was beyond my control, and I used the time to reflect on all that had happened and what I hoped to achieve with the rest of my life—should it continue beyond the next few weeks. I didn’t know if the gambit I had set into motion would work, but I did know I needed to be patient and see it through. My greatest concern was for Shana, which was what I fretted over in my furs at night. Would Lord Corwick keep her alive until his coronation? I had gambled that he would, knowing that his promise to do so would be the only thing that could draw me back into his clutches. But if I was wrong, then the woman I loved was already dead, and even if we won in the end, I knew that I would have lost everything. It was a heavy burden to bear.
At the beginning of the third week of my self-exile, I met a man hunting deer along the forest's southern edge. He was a strange little fellow, with a rounded back, grizzled face and bald pate covered in painful-looking sores. His bow was fashioned from a stout ash branch, which he threatened me with like a club when I appeared from the trees.
“I’m just passing through,” the man said with a whine to his voice, his eyes searching the bushes furtively behind me. “I ain’t doing nothing wrong.”
I glanced down at the dead fawn lying at his feet, an arrow protruding from its shoulder. “Then lucky for you, this little fellow was kind enough to stick himself on that arrow of yours,” I said, my lips twitching in amusement. The little man looked down at the fawn, his face falling as his mouth worked, trying to say something. I held up a hand. “Rest easy, friend. One fawn among hundreds won’t be missed. Besides, this land is no longer a Royal Forest, so what is there to fear?”
“But it is a Royal Forest,” the little man said. I could see the look of regret on his face the moment the words were spoken, as he knew he’d just admitted to a crime. “Er, I mean, it was,” he added weakly.
“A Royal Forest by who’s decree?” I asked, sensing that something might have changed in the halls of power.
“Advisor Desh,” the little man whispered, looking over his shoulder as though he expected Desh to pop out from the bushes. “The new king will be coronated next week, and the Advisor has claimed many of the forests of the South in retaliation for its failed support of the heretic, Prince Tyden.”
&n
bsp; “Ah,” I said, nodding my head. I’d checked for a marker three days ago, but there had been nothing. There probably was now. “So, it’s begun then.” The poacher looked at me in confusion. “Never mind,” I said to him. I unhooked a string of fish that I had draped over my shoulder. “Here, I won’t be needing these.”
The little man took the fish, gaping at me as I turned and headed back to my camp. “Hey, where are you going?”
“To a coronation,” I said over my shoulder.
The day of Lord Corwick’s coronation turned out to be cold, rainy, and miserable. A fitting start to a rein that I was determined would not last nearly as long as some believed. I’d learned from Jebido that Prince Tyrale had mysteriously died three days after his brother’s funeral, clearing the way for Lord Corwick to claim the throne. The death had been considered suspicious, but even so, there had been little dissent at the lord’s claim. The kingdom had been torn in two this past year, and the people were weary from so much savagery and bloodshed. I imagine they would probably have accepted anyone on the throne, if only to move on.
I was relieved to hear that Shana had been seen every day since her imprisonment, walking the palace battlements alone. My gamble had paid off, at least so far. Son Oriel was now the First Son, which had caught me by surprise, though in hindsight, I should have seen it coming. As for Hervi Desh, the advisor was temporarily in charge of the kingdom, as Ganderland’s rules were clear during a transition of power. No king could sit upon the throne until after his coronation. I could only shudder at the thought of what Lord Corwick must be planning for Ganderland once he became king.
Advisor Desh had moved quickly after Prince Tyrale’s death, ruling in favor of the Sons over the Daughters, who had now been relegated to something resembling glorified servants as the Sons consolidated their hold on the House. Jebido told me that the First Daughter had collapsed at the news, and her health was so grievous that Daughter Gernet had been tasked with attending the coronation in her place. Learning of the First Daughter’s ill-health was unwelcome, but even so, I was looking forward to seeing Daughter Gernet and, hopefully, Jin as well. I thought of my dear friend, knowing the apprentice and I would be the only two in the palace fully aware of what was happening. Would all our scheming work out, or had something gone wrong over the past weeks? There was no way for me to know for certain.
The Wolf On The Run (The Wolf of Corwick Castle Book 3) Page 39
