Winter of the Wolf (The Desolate Empire Book 4)

by Christina Ochs

Unlike Maryna, she seemed calm, and merely raised an eyebrow when Anton caught her eye. A polite nod seemed to show that nothing had changed and they were ready.

  “Gods,” Trystan was saying after downing a half tankard of ale. “You can have the little princess. I’m in love with the Maxima. Look at those eyes. You can tell she’s a powerful woman.”

  “You like powerful women?” Karil asked.

  “I do now.” Trystan sighed and drank more ale.

  Anton kept a closer eye on the guards this time. They seemed bored and casual, which was good. He wondered where the rest were, but the innkeep supplied that information when they queried him after their meal.

  “There are about twelve more staying at the inn, along with the Maladene count in charge of the party,” he said. “That’s all we have room for. The rest of them are scattered around the bigger houses in town. The burgomaster made sure they’re comfortable, since they’re stuck here for a time.”

  “I didn’t spot the count at lunch.”

  “He doesn’t always eat here, though he usually comes for supper.”

  “Does he spend any time with the captives?”

  The innkeep shook his head. “None that I’ve noticed. Doesn’t seem on friendly terms.”

  “I shouldn’t think so,” Trystan said, turning to the others. “Let’s eat here tonight and get a look at this count.”

  Back at the burgomaster’s house, Anton tried to get a nap, since he hadn’t slept the night before and doubted he would tonight. It was hard to calm down with the rescue just hours away, but he slept an hour or so. It would be enough.

  They returned to dine at the inn as the sun was going down. But when they headed for their usual table it was occupied by a small man wearing a large hat. Anton offered what he hoped was a bland, courteous nod as he turned back, following Trystan to another table. The man in the hat didn’t even look up from his meal.

  “Think that’s him?” Anton muttered at Trystan when they’d taken their seats.

  “It must be. Only a Maladene aristocrat would wear a ridiculous hat like that.”

  “He’s tiny,” Karil offered. “Out to be easy enough to take him out.”

  “Don’t count on it,” Trystan said. “His type are often excellent swordsmen, so don’t underestimate him. With any luck, we won’t tangle with him.”

  “I’d like to,” Anton said under his breath. He’d kept watching the count, and saw the way he looked at Maryna, who avoided looking at any of them. He swore to himself that if the man had so much as said an inappropriate word to her, he’d kill him just for that.

  “Let’s go,” Trystan said, after they’d all eaten a bit, though it was hard to through the nerves. “Time to gather our forces.”

  Maryna

  After a whole night passed and nothing happened, Maryna became discouraged. “What is taking them so long?” she asked Natalya the next morning.

  “We have a lot of guards.” Natalya seemed far too calm, considering the circumstances. “They must plan carefully to pull this off.”

  “Well, I wish they’d hurry.”

  Maryna was relieved to see the boys at lunch and again at supper, though her heart was in her mouth, knowing Count Vega was so near. Even though she came up with no reason he should, she worried he’d learn something, or somehow prevent their escape.

  “It’ll be tonight,” Natalya said when they returned toward their rooms. “The red-head is in charge and he gave me a look.”

  “What kind of look?”

  “The kind that makes me certain they’ll come tonight.” Natalya chuckled. “You must calm down. This will not be easy, and likely dangerous, so you’ll need to keep your head about you.”

  “I know.” Maryna tried not to pout. She hated it when Natalya patronized her, especially when she’d survived the things she already had. And she doubted Natalya had ever loaded a pistol inside a burning house while Daciana Tomescu waited outside with a huge sword. If that wasn’t keeping your head, she didn’t know what was.

  But even Natalya didn’t pretend to try sleeping that night. They both sat on the edge of the bed, blowing out the candle at the time they normally fell asleep, listening to the inn as it turned quiet. Hopefully most of the guards would go to bed and sleep soundly.

  Finally, Maryna tiptoed to the window and looked down into the alley. The usual two guards paced below. Two more stood at the main entrance, and a few at their room door. Based on what she’d heard of both Karil and Anton’s exploits during her father’s rescue, she imagined they could each take out four apiece. She didn’t know the other boy, but if he was their friend, he was probably every bit as impressive.

  She stood at the window a long time, watching the guards. Suddenly, they were gone. Maryna counted to twenty, wondering if they’d changed, or if there was another delay. But no one came.

  “I think it’s time,” she said, her voice shaking.

  “Get your cloak on,” Natalya said, calm as ever. “And here is a shawl and your gloves. I imagine they’ll come through the window.”

  Maryna pulled everything on with trembling hands.

  Natalya already stood at the window, and opened it as Maryna approached. “You go first,” she said, beckoning her over.

  “But—” Maryna began, and she saw the ladder. Surely it wouldn’t be that simple? Looking down, she saw Anton holding it.

  “Come on,” he said softly. “We don’t have much time.”

  Maryna didn’t have to be told twice, and climbed down as fast as she could, though her heavy clothing got in the way. Strong arms lifted her from the bottom rungs and put her on the ground.

  “Oh, thank the gods,” she said, clinging to Anton’s arm.

  He smiled down at her. “It’s good to see you, Your Grace. Ah, here’s the Maxima.”

  Natalya came down a little more slowly, the box she always carried wrapped in a large shawl and slung over her shoulder.

  Anton lifted her down, then laid the ladder on the ground. “Now we must go, and quickly,” he said.

  “But the other guards?” Maryna whispered.

  “Watching the front and back doors. Don’t worry, we’re keeping an eye on them.”

  Only a thin layer of snow covered the ground, and Maryna’s shoes crunched so loudly she was sure the whole town would hear. The night was freezing, but she felt too warm, and now she was out in the open, she was frightened.

  Anton led them down the alleyway, then down a street and into a small square. There they were joined by Karil and the other boy, and several dozen soldiers they’d brought.

  “Can you ride a mule?” Anton whispered.

  Maryna nearly laughed out loud. “I can.”

  They turned another corner where more soldiers waited, mounted this time. Mules were brought for Maryna Natalya, and the boys. From that point, it wasn’t far to the village edge and the road leading into the mountains.

  They rode in silence for a time, Maryna constantly glancing over her shoulder, though no one came. “Won’t they chase us?” she asked no one in particular.

  “Oh, they will,” Natalya said, “but they might not know we’re gone for some time.”

  The boy with the red hair, who’d gone ahead, now slowed down so they could catch up. “There are seventy soldiers guarding our backs,” he said. “If the guards catch up to us, they’ll have a fight on their hands and it won’t be an even match.”

  “That’s good,” Natalya said, then raised her voice. “It ought to be safe to talk now. We are well acquainted with Anton and Karil, but I don’t believe I’ve ever had the pleasure.”

  They boy turned to each of them, moonlight flashing off his oddly colored eyes. “Trystan Martinek, Duke of Podoska, at your service,” he said, with a small bow from the saddle. “Though I must give credit for the idea for this mission to Captain Kronek.”

  “We had to find out what happened to you,” Anton said, smiling at Maryna. “We all thought you were dead for a long time, which was awful.”
/>   “My fault, sorry.” Natalya grimaced. “I’m surprised to be honest, that King Gauvain didn’t send anyone.”

  “He sent us,” Duke Trystan said. “We went to him hoping he had information as to your whereabouts. He’d received your letter, along with more information from King Arryk and one of your agents in Maladena. King Gauvain provided us with money and supplies. Then it was only a matter of asking our way across Tirovor.”

  “Was that all? And in the deepest winter, no less,” Natalya said with a wry smile. “Well, I’m grateful.”

  “Very grateful,” Maryna echoed, with a special smile for Anton.

  Braeden

  Braeden didn’t like anything about this. Bad enough Teodora was on their tail, but being forced to rely on Florian wasn’t much better. Braeden wasn’t at all sure he was trustworthy. But they were in such a hurry, Braeden didn’t even have time to consult with Gwynneth.

  The sledge had turned around and headed back the way they’d come while Braeden told Destler what had happened. Fortunately, he went along with anything Braeden recommended, especially once he saw Gwynneth didn’t protest.

  “We must find a safe place and regroup,” Braeden said, swinging into the saddle after someone brought Kazmir to him. He intended to bring up the rear and guard against whatever might come from the city. Knowing Teodora, she would pursue them without delay. Destler joined him there and Braeden decided to bring him in on at least part of the plan after sending Trisa to scout the road ahead.

  “With the empress in town, we might have to make unlikely friends,” Braeden began.

  “How unlikely?” Destler seemed ignorant as to Florian’s identity.

  “We might have to temporarily ally ourselves with the peasants.”

  “I don’t like that at all.”

  “Neither do I. But the nobility will be on Princess Viviane and Teodora’s side, so that leaves the peasants on ours.”

  Destler shook his head. “I wish I could get the princess and her children safe to Terragand and leave this godsforsaken place behind.”

  “Me too,” Braeden said. That had been his first thought. Take Gwynneth and the children to Terragand as fast as they could. But now he had a deal with Florian and they needed to work out what was next. “But I doubt we’ll get far without help. We’re short on supplies, and we can’t get what we need from just anyone.”

  “True,” Destler said, frowning. “This has turned into quite an adventure. I never dreamed of this sort of excitement when Prince Dristan ordered me to escort the princess to Isenwald.”

  Braeden wondered how far Destler would go to help them. He seemed devoted to Gwynneth, so perhaps there was some use in that. “Are you still willing to do whatever it takes to get her home safe?”

  “I am.” Destler looked glum. “Though I’m sure Prince Dristan must be wondering what’s happened. Still, I can’t abandon her now.”

  “It will be dangerous. She and I both have a price on our heads.” Braeden looked around and dropped his voice so the soldiers riding near them couldn’t overhear. “Anyone who turns us in or kills us will get a hefty bag of coin, and anyone opposing Teodora will get a pardon.” He took a deep breath. “That includes you, I’m sure.”

  Destler looked genuinely shocked, for which Braeden was grateful. “Why Count Terris, of course I won’t turn you in. That would be dishonorable in the extreme. And that aside, I can’t think Teodora means you any good.”

  Braeden chuckled. “That’s one way of putting it. Considering how she’s already tried getting rid of me and Princess Gwynneth before, I doubt we’d survive five minutes in her presence.”

  They rode in silence for a little while, and Braeden continued. “The peasants will become aware of the deal sooner or later and they are unlikely to have your scruples.” He didn’t trust Florian, and in spite of his sad story, or maybe because of it, was even more suspicious of him. If turning in Gwynneth and the children might get him revenge on his father, he might not hesitate a second.

  “We’ll have to be on our guard.” Destler looked grim but determined and Braeden was glad for his presence.

  By now the sledge was long gone, but Florian had told Braeden they’d be guided to where he was taking it. After some time went by with no pursuit from Kronfels, Braeden rode ahead with Destler to see what was happening. At a nondescript spot in the road, Trisa and a cluster of peasant men waited.

  “These fellows will lead us to the princess,” Trisa said. Braeden was grateful for how quickly she’d caught on to what was happening. He’d fill her in on the details later.

  Now into the woods with you,” a man said, his eyes growing wide at the sight of so many troops. “We’re to cover your tracks, though that won’t be easy with this number. Be nice if it would snow.”

  “Just a little,” Braeden agreed, turning Kazmir to follow a peasant as he led them into the woods. He noted that they weren’t too far from the road that led to the Herbst estate and hoped they wouldn’t run into the count or anyone associated with him.

  But they saw nothing and no one for quite some time as they followed the peasant along no plain path, winding their way through the trees. If the sledge had come this way there was no sign of it. Braeden grew uneasy as the day wore on with no sign of anyone. But just as he was ready to confront his guide, the man led them into a clearing.

  “The big force can camp here,” he said, “though don’t build any fires until after sundown. We can’t risk anyone seeing the smoke during daylight, though the woods are thick enough they won’t notice fires after dark. You can come with me,” he said to Braeden, and then led him on another league.

  Braeden was happy to see a little house like the one where he’d first met with Gwynneth and Florian, and even happier to see all of them inside. He tried to thaw out while Devyn plied him with questions.

  “I don’t know much,” Braeden protested. “Except that we have to lie low for a while.”

  “Not for long,” Florian said, poking at the fire in the hearth. “Teodora will waste no time gathering her forces, so we must strike first.”

  “You still want to keep this thing going?” Braeden couldn’t believe it.

  “I do.” Florian turned a cool gaze on him.

  “I need to get the princess out of here,” Braeden said, looking at Gwynneth, who was strangely silent. “I don’t think there’s any way to get to Princess Viviane at this point.”

  “I disagree.” A slight smile twitched at Florian’s lip. “This is the perfect opportunity to kill both Princess Viviane and the Empress Teodora.”

  Anton

  After the introductions, Maryna turned to Anton and said, “I thought you were dead too. We all did.”

  “It was close,” Anton said, “and I was lucky. But it’s a long story, and I’ll tell you all about it later.” He felt shy around Natalya Maxima who was as beautiful and intimidating as ever. He and Maryna would have time to talk on the long journey back to Kronland.

  “I can’t wait to hear it,” Maryna said. “And also why you thought I was dead, and how you came to find out I was alive.”

  Anton laughed. “That’s an even longer story.” He nearly said he’d seen her father not too long before his death, but stopped himself. He wondered if she knew. Looking at her bright, happy face, he had an awful suspicion that she didn’t. She’d been a captive since it had happened, and it was unlikely anyone would have given her the news. Anton didn’t want to be the one to do it, so he forced a smile and rode on in silence.

  They’d already started climbing into the mountains with the narrowest part of the pass not far off, when they saw a mass of soldiers ahead, the moonlight glinting off of bright armor.

  “Halt!” Trystan shouted, pulling forward. Over his shoulder he said to Anton, “Stay with them.”

  Anton pulled out both loaded pistols. “Whatever happens, stay close,” he said, and both Maryna and Natalya nodded.

  He’d thought they were in the clear, but it seemed not. Now they
’d drawn nearer, Anton saw the man with the hat at the head of the opposing force.

  Beside him, Maryna gasped, and Anton laid a hand on her arm. “I won’t let him take you.” He’d die before allowing that.

  “Get out of our way.” Trystan rode straight ahead, coming to a stop only when his mule and the man’s were nose to nose.

  “I think not.” The man spoke heavily accented Olvisyan. He swept off his hat in a mocking bow. “Cornelio Vega, Count of Avela, in the service of Queen Beatryz of Maladena. These women are her prisoners and you will return them to me.”

  “Or what?” Trystan somehow sounded both bored and scornful. “I have seventy heavily armed soldiers at my back. If you stand in my way you and all of your guards will soon be dead.”

  “Perhaps.” Vega shrugged. “However, your numbers mean nothing in this position. I’m surprised you walked into such a terrible spot without sending scouts ahead. But then, you are young and obviously inexperienced. Now if you’ll just turn the prisoners over, you’ll live to learn from your mistake.”

  Anton felt embarrassed that he hadn’t thought to check ahead before leading their troops into this narrow defile. They could easily be ambushed from the cliffs above.

  Fortunately, Trystan didn’t seem to feel the same way and matched the Maladene’s haughty air. “You don’t know where my scouts are,” he said with a toss of his head. “For all you know, they might be behind you.”

  Vega shrugged. “Then I’ll deal with them when they appear. For now, you’re trapped, unable to go forward or back.”

  “Oh, I’ll go forward.” Trystan drew a long sword. The cold metal shrieked as he pulled it from its scabbard and Maryna whimpered.

  “That’s a big sword.” Vega drew one of his own, a small, thin one. It looked ridiculous next to Trystan’s, but something told Anton this man shouldn’t be underestimated.

  At that moment there was a commotion at their rear. Without turning around, Trystan said to Karil, standing at his side, “Go find out what’s happening. Whoever it is, don’t let them through.”

  Then he said to Vega, “Stupid of you to split your force. If you’d put them all in front you might have had a chance. How many do you have behind you? Fifteen? Twenty at the most?”