King Barjon’s eyes pierced Darmik’s, like he was looking for something. The truth perhaps? Or lies?
Surely, his father couldn’t have made the connection of who Rema really was. King Barjon crossed his arms, his eyes darting to the man standing outside the door. “I want you to tell me why the rebels saved Rema. Does she hold some importance among them? Family ties? Anything at all?” Darmik shrugged. “Emperor Hamen has heard about this. I don’t want him questioning your lack of competence.”
“I will use all of my resources to find out,” Darmik replied.
“Isn’t that what you’ve been doing?” King Barjon yelled, throwing his arms up in the air. “And what do you have to show for it?”
Nothing that Darmik could admit to. He knew where Rema was, who she was, and he had Trell. If Darmik admitted to any of this, the king would have Rema and Trell executed. Although Darmik felt obligated to protect his father and brother from harm, he felt the same compulsion toward Rema and Trell. No unnecessary killing.
Darmik needed to speak with Rema. He had to find out what she knew, how involved she was with the rebels, and what her plan was for the future. Darmik had to go back to the Middle Mountains.
“If you don’t find Rema and end these rebels, Emperor Hamen will send his army here and slaughter us all!” The king’s face reddened. “I won’t be murdered like the king and queen before me. Use the army and fix this mess. Or else I’ll take the army from you and do it myself.” The king’s arms were shaking, and there was fear in his eyes. Darmik had never seen his father afraid. It was unnerving.
Why would the emperor kill King Barjon? He was the emperor’s brother-in-law. The emperor put him in power. Why would he take it away?
And as far as the king taking over the army, Darmik couldn’t let that happen. His father would destroy it. Darmik had a responsibility to his men to take care of them, just like the ruler should take care of his subjects.
Watching the king pacing behind his desk, Darmik knew, without a doubt, that Rema would make a better ruler. His father only cared for himself. He didn’t deserve to rule.
“Oh, and one last thing,” King Barjon said. “Send a squad of men and bring that old, crazy man Trell here. I’m issuing a warrant for treason.”
****
Darmik entered the interrogation room. Trell lay sleeping on the rusty bed cot.
“Trell,” Darmik said, “Wake up.”
The old man opened his eyes. “What is it, boy?”
“You’re no longer safe here. I need to get you to another location.” Darmik helped Trell sit.
“Did Barjon put out a warrant?”
“Yes,” Darmik said, “for treason. He ordered me to send a squad to retrieve you.” Darmik pulled Trell to his feet. “And a man from Emperion is here.”
Trell’s face whitened. “The emperor knows,” he mumbled. “He wants all evidence of her existence erased.” The old man took hold of Darmik’s arms. “You have to save her. He’ll kill her just like her parents.”
“My father has already tried,” Darmik said, assuming they were talking about Rema.
Trell whacked Darmik. “Yes,” he said, “you weren’t very vigilant with that one. I hope you’re quicker on your feet than that.”
“I’m working on it,” was all Darmik answered. “But why does my father care about arresting you for treason?” Darmik asked.
“Many reasons.” Trell put on his cape and hat, preparing for the journey ahead. “You do understand her vast importance, yes?”
Darmik nodded. “She’s the blood heir to the throne and thus has a legitimate claim to it. The rebels want her in power. She can change everything.”
Darmik opened the trap door in the floor that led to the secret tunnel, then grabbed a torch and descended the stairs, Trell following close behind.
“It’s so much more than that. Don’t you understand?”
Yes, Darmik thought, she is the only hope the kingdom has to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to the island—and the people will support her.
“The emperor fears her,” Trell said, his voice bouncing off the walls in the narrow passageway as the men climbed down the stairs.
Branek and Traco waited for them at the bottom, so Darmik remained quiet. The group of four traveled through the tunnel and exited outside the city walls. A squad of men waited with Neco to take Trell to the first cave Darmik had discovered, on the day of Rema’s rescue, near the bottom of the Middle Mountains. Neco would return as soon as Trell was safely deposited there with the squad. If anyone saw the soldiers, they were heading out under the pretense of going to Werden to find Trell.
“Remember,” Trell whispered to Darmik, “her blood ties everything together. She is the weapon you need for peace.” He bowed, and then climbed onto a waiting horse.
Darmik watched his men ride off before returning to the interrogation room to remove all evidence that Trell had ever been there.
****
Darmik made his way to his bedchamber, located on the top floor of the castle. The posted sentries saluted him while he unlocked the door. Darmik entered the dark, unwelcoming room. He never allowed anyone, including servants, inside unless he was present.
After lighting a few candles, Darmik kicked off his boots and plopped down on the sofa. A soft knock came from the door. Who could it be? He hadn’t ordered any food. All he wanted was a few hours of sleep. The plan was to leave with a squad in the morning for the Middle Mountains. He needed to talk to Rema, so he could decide how to proceed.
Someone knocked again. Darmik opened the door and found a young chambermaid, holding logs, standing between the posted sentries.
“You ordered a fire, Your Highness,” the girl said, taking a step forward.
Darmik recognized her voice. He nodded, opening the door wider, granting her admittance. This was the pregnant chambermaid Lennek had been fooling around with. Closing the door behind her, Darmik grabbed the logs from the girl and put them in the fireplace. He waited for her to speak.
“I need your help,” she said, her hands clasped together before her.
“Explain,” Darmik said, taking a seat.
“Ellie suggested I talk to you. Can you help?” She touched her slightly bulging stomach.
A hint of panic swelled in Darmik. Was this girl devoted to Lennek? Perhaps testing Darmik’s loyalties? But Neco trusted Ellie.
“Your name?” Darmik demanded.
“Cassie.”
“And you’re friends with a chambermaid named Ellie?”
Cassie shifted her weight from foot to foot, unsure how to respond.
“I suggest you tell the truth,” Darmik said, rubbing his face. His eyes were heavy, and he had a long journey ahead of him. He hoped to get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep.
“We work together,” Cassie clarified. “Both of us were assigned to Rema.”
She had Darmik’s attention. “What is it you want from me? I offered you medical assistance at the military compound; that is all.”
Cassie moved to the window, looking outside.
“Drop to the floor,” Darmik demanded. Cassie did as instructed. He went to the windows, pulling the curtains closed. Then he reached down and helped Cassie to her feet. She was cold to the touch. Darmik moved to the hearth and lit a fire to warm the room.
“A little more discretion is called for,” Darmik said. “I am not like my brother.” Darmik never slept around. And if word got back to Lennek that a girl was in Darmik’s bedchamber, especially one Lennek had bedded, it would raise suspicion, to say the least.
Cassie’s face reddened, and she moved away from the curtained windows.
“There isn’t much time,” Darmik prompted. Cassie needed to leave soon, before anyone took notice.
“Can I fake the baby’s death?” she whispered, tears springing in her eyes. “This isn’t a life I want for my child.” Any baby conceived and born at the castle was considered property of the king and in his service for life. �
�Ellie thought perhaps you could help. She said you weren’t like them.”
“Time to go,” Darmik took Cassie’s arm, leading her to the door. He wasn’t sure she could be trusted.
“Please,” she pleaded. “I don’t know what to do!”
“Pull yourself together,” Darmik whispered in her ear. “Be patient. I’ll contact you. Do not attempt to get in touch with me again.” He pushed her out into the hallway. He needed time to think on the matter.
Rema
Rema was never one to back down from a challenge. Every day she ran, she constantly reminded herself that she couldn’t let Savenek win. He had assigned her five laps, plus an additional one each week. She intended to complete all six laps today. Finishing the second one, she smiled—only four more to go.
It seemed a majority of the inhabitants of the castle were out running in the early hours of the day. They sprinted on a narrow, dirt track that surrounded the castle but was still inside the wall. Luckily, the dirt was wet from the evening frost. Otherwise, it would be hard to breathe with so many feet trampling upon it.
Rema focused on maintaining a slow pace, so she wouldn’t tire too soon, although it was difficult to remain at that speed with so many people whizzing past her. Rema’s toes were cold, but her body quickly warmed, despite the frigid air. Keeping her head facing forward, she continued jogging, concentrating on steadily breathing in and out, and not on the other runners.
A pair of men passed her. She thought she heard one chuckle, but she wasn’t sure. One of them glanced back at her and smiled before his running partner shook his head and gave him a shove, throwing him off balance. The two ran with steady strides, and finally as they rounded the corner, Rema caught a glimpse of their faces. The man who did the pushing was Savenek. They rounded the corner, and were gone.
Three laps down. Three to go.
Rema’s legs burned, and her chest clamored for air. She forced her thoughts on something other than running, hoping the time would pass quickly. Although she had only been out of the infirmary for a week, Rema’s days had fallen into a routine. She woke up and ran the torturous laps. When she finished, she slipped off among the trees, gagging and puking until her body calmed down. After breakfast, she worked with Savenek on basic hand-to-hand skills until the midday meal. Then Savenek taught her how to wield a sword. They always joined a group in the afternoon for skills training, allowing Rema the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of things without Savenek having to teach her.
Savenek was an excellent instructor, and Rema understood why Mako had insisted he work with her. Their sessions were always intense and focused. They never discussed anything personal. Savenek always ended the workout right when Rema was about to fall over, unable to continue. He pushed her a little further each day, always seeming to know exactly how far to go without pressing too hard.
Rema spent most of her free time with Vesha. Audek occasionally joined them for a meal or a game after supper. Rema never talked to Savenek outside of their practice sessions. Whenever she did see him, he either ignored or didn’t notice her. He never mentioned their race or riding horses. She came to learn that Audek and Savenek were best friends and often together; however, when she was with Audek, Savenek never came around. Rema suspected he wasn’t over her beating him in the race and, although he taught her, he was never going to be friends with her—which was just fine with Rema.
She rarely saw Mako even though she was staying in his rooms. Not once had she seen Savenek there. He was up and out before she awoke, and he didn’t return until after she went to bed.
Four laps down. Two to go. Rema tried staying to the outside of the track, allowing people to pass her on the inside. Her legs shook. Most of the people running had completed their assigned laps and headed inside to eat.
Coming around a corner, Rema veered a little too far off the track and hit a patch of ice. Trying to keep her balance, she tensed and threw her arms out. She managed to stay upright, but her leg cramped, and she pulled a muscle. Biting her lip, she refused to scream. Forcing herself to jog, tears sprung in her eyes from the pain. She would finish the laps. Quitting wasn’t an option.
****
After breakfast, Rema’s leg was so tight, she could barely walk. The last thing she felt like doing was drilling with Savenek. He’d probably make fun of her injury. Rema intended to try to hide it from him, if that was possible.
Limping down the hallway, she ran into Vesha.
“Are you on your way to meet Savenek?” Vesha asked.
Rema pursed her lips. “Unfortunately. I really don’t feel like working with him today. I could use a break.”
“Yeah, he can be intense.” Vesha laughed. “I’m heading up to the infirmary today. Several children are ill, and my mother needs my help. Want to join me?”
“Can I?” Rema asked, hope blooming in her chest. A day off from training was just what she needed.
“Of course. I’ll send a message letting Savenek know.”
The girls headed up to the top level. Rema hadn’t been back to the infirmary since she was released. Although Nulea was strict, Rema missed the skilled healer.
Almost a dozen children were sick. Nulea was busy attending to several injured men who just returned to the fortress the day before. Nulea assigned Rema and Vesha to watch over the kids.
Rema spent the morning making sure the children had water to drink and a fire roaring in the hearth. She placed cool washcloths on their foreheads if they were running a fever. Sometimes, they simply needed a hand to hold. Rema gladly sat at many bedsides, offering comfort where she could.
After feeding the children their midday meal, Vesha said that the kids needed a nap. Two sisters, ages six and ten, shared a room. They missed their mother terribly, but she was too busy working in the kitchen to be with them. Understanding their loneliness, Rema asked them if she could tell them a story to help them go to sleep. Both girls eagerly agreed, so Rema told them all about her horse, Snow, and racing through the forest with her friend, Bren.
The girls listened until their eyelids drooped, and they both fell fast asleep. Rema was afraid to leave them in case either awoke. She didn’t want them to be alone. Grabbing a blanket from the edge of the bed, Rema wrapped it around her shoulders, curled up in the chair, and fell asleep.
She awoke to voices yelling.
“What is she doing here?” Mako demanded.
Rema quickly sat up, her leg still stiff.
“She is helping with the sick children,” Nulea answered. It sounded like they were just outside the door in the hallway arguing.
“Rema could get sick.” Mako’s voice was harsh. “She is supposed to be training with Savenek, not working here.”
Nulea laughed. “I have several patients that need tended to. Rema offered. She’s been invaluable today. She’s excellent with the children, and should help more often. Perhaps she’s found her profession here.”
“You have no idea,” Mako responded. “Rema will never step foot in the sick ward unless she is ill. Do you understand?”
There was a long pause.
Why couldn’t Rema help at the infirmary? Was Mako so desperate for warriors that he couldn’t spare her? Rema glanced at the girls, still fast asleep. She stood and made her way to the door, slipping out into the hallway.
Mako and Nulea stood facing one another. Nulea’s face seemed honestly confused, while Mako’s was red with anger.
“What’s going on?” Rema asked.
“Nothing,” Mako answered. “But you’ve been assigned to train with Savenek. You are not authorized to work here. Let’s go.” Mako grabbed her elbow, steering her away from the infirmary.
Rema had difficulty walking, but Mako dragged her along without noticing her injury.
“Where are you taking me?” she asked.
“To my office,” he said. “We need to talk.”
She was tired of everyone dictating what she did. For once, Rema wanted some control over her own lif
e. Pulling her arm free, she stopped walking. Mako spun around to face her, his eyebrows pulled together in confusion.
“Whatever it is, just tell me now. I’m going back to my bedchamber to rest.”
Mako came closer, concern filling his face. “Are you feeling unwell?”
“I’m fine,” Rema said. “I’m just tired from all of the physical activity.”
His face immediately softened. “Of course. Why don’t you rest for the remainder of the day? You can resume your training tomorrow.”
“Thank you.”
Heading down the corridor toward Mako’s rooms, she saw Savenek. He had just closed the door and was headed straight for her. She hesitated, not wanting him to see her injury. He was focused on something in his hands. When he was five feet away, Rema moved to the side and averted her eyes. Savenek passed by without so much as a nod. She wasn’t sure he’d even seen her. Rema relaxed, leaning against the stone wall.
****
“Rema,” Vesha said. “It’s your turn.”
“Oh,” Rema glanced down at the cards in her hand, then at the ones lying on the table. She completely missed the previous play.
“You aren’t even paying attention.” Vesha sighed.
“I’m sorry. I’m just really tired.” Her leg still ached from the run earlier that day.
Vesha’s focus shifted to the entrance of the game room. Her body went stiff, her cheeks turning red.
Rema knew who must’ve just walked in. She kept her eyes focused on the cards in her hands.
“Hi, Vesha,” Savenek said, giving her a quick nod. He never looked Rema’s way. Savenek went over to a group of guys gambling at a large table in the center of the room. He sat down and joined them.
Rema picked up another card from the pile, and laid down a pair. “Your turn.”
“Oh.” Vesha looked back to the cards in her hand.
“Do you get a chance to talk to Savenek very often?” Rema asked.
Red (The True Reign Series) Page 12
