“I figured Ven wasn’t your birth name.”
“I’m Savenek.”
Ari froze mid-stretch. “Savenek?”
He tried to nod but couldn’t. Yes, he knew it was an odd name and he’d never encountered anyone else with it before.
“What’s your father’s name?”
“Nathenek.” He felt better knowing she would be able to get ahold of the Brotherhood and his father. Ari could relay the necessary information about what they’d learned in Apethaga to them.
She covered her mouth with her right hand, her eyes going wide. Then she lowered her arm and took a deep breath. “I need to get you to Lakeside. From here on out, we won’t stop. I don’t care about the horses or eating.” She untied the horses and brought them closer. “I need your help to get you back on.”
Taking every ounce of strength he had left, he used his good leg and arm and stood, Ari wrapping an arm around his waist, trying to keep him upright as she shoved him onto the horse. Once he was in the saddle, she tied him to it, much tighter than last time.
She mounted her own horse and they took off. The jolting motion made Savenek vomit. He’d never vomited on a horse before. Sweat dripped down his face. It was bloody cold. And he smelled like death. The horses flew over the open land. Ari urged them faster as they headed for Lakeside. Savenek’s world went black.
Savenek woke up. He must be dreaming because Nathenek was sitting on a chair next to him. He blinked. Nathenek was still there. “Where am I?” he asked, the words gravely. What had happened to his voice? Where was Ari?
“You’re in the infirmary,” Nathenek said, leaning forward. “Don’t talk. Your body is still too weak.”
Savenek blinked again. It was the only thing he could do. He couldn’t feel from his neck down. His heart started racing. Was he going to die?
Nathenek placed his hand on Savenek’s forehead. “You’re burning up. I’m going to get the healer and let her know you’re awake. I’ll be right back.”
How long had Savenek been unconscious? Was he in Lakeside? Or was he back home in Emperor’s City?
An elderly woman entered. “I told you not to hover,” she scolded Nathenek. “Stand back and let me do my job.” She only came up to Nathenek’s chest, yet she had no trouble putting him in his place and ordering him around. Savenek instantly liked her.
She came over to Savenek’s bedside and looked at his eyes. “You’re finally alert. That’s a good sign.” She lifted Savenek’s arm and examined it. “The red lines are fading, but they’re still there. That means the poison is being absorbed by the new powder I’m applying, but it is still in your body.” She pulled back the blanket and examined Savenek’s leg. “This wound is still problematic. It needs stitches, but I don’t want to close it until the poison is removed.” She pursed her lips and turned to face Nathenek. “I can try to make the powder stronger. It might cause him to lose consciousness again, but it may be the only chance we have of saving his leg.”
“Do it,” Nathenek said.
There was some commotion on the other side of the door. Savenek could hear some of the words spoken.
“The prince from Fia is of no consequence,” one man said.
“Then why is he here?” another asked.
“There are rumors the Russek army is lined up along Melenia’s border. Fia thinks Russek plans to invade.”
“That’s preposterous.”
“I bet the prince is here to secure an alliance with Princess Allyssa.”
The healer huffed. “Grown soldiers gossiping like a bunch of school girls.” She shook her head and left. When she closed the door, she firmly instructed the soldiers to move on instead of gabbing in her hallways. The men apologized, and it quieted down.
“What’s…going on?” Savenek asked. How long had he been here? It felt as if he was swimming underwater. He closed his eyes, praying the sensation would pass. “Where’s Ari?” He opened his eyes and watched Nathenek, hoping to hear she was okay. That she’d managed to warn the empress. And what of the Brotherhood? What did they know?
“You’re in Lakeside,” Nathenek said. “You’ve been here for two weeks. I arrived a couple of days ago. You’ve been in and out of consciousness. The healer has been feeding you when you’re awake. She’s been applying various tonics, trying to get rid of the poison. While she managed to stop it from spreading, she hasn’t been able to clear it from your system. She tried something different yesterday. It seems to be more effective than what she’s done in the past.” He rubbed his face.
The healer returned carrying a small bowl. She smiled at Savenek and then applied the medicine to his thigh. His eyelids grew heavy and he fell asleep.
The following days, Savenek was in and out of consciousness. However, when he was awake, he remembered where he was and what was going on. Every day, the healer came and checked on him. Every day, she exclaimed that he was improving. And every day, he felt a little better, his head a little clearer, and his body a little more energetic.
After another week passed, Savenek was finally able to sit upright and eat on his own. What scared him the most was that he had no movement in his leg. The healer claimed that the paralysis was only temporary, and he would make a full recovery—it would just take some time.
Nathenek never left his side.
When the healer determined the poison was fully gone from his leg, she stitched the skin together. It unnerved Savenek when he couldn’t feel the needle puncturing his skin. He tried not to think too much about it.
In another week, he had full range of motion in his arm and the skin had completely healed. That was about the time he started to be able to move his toes. Relief overwhelmed him.
One morning, the healer brought Savenek’s breakfast earlier than usual. He was lying on his side, facing away from the door.
“Is he still sleeping?” she whispered.
“He is,” Nathenek replied. “Leave the tray with me. I’ll see that he eats.”
Savenek wanted to tell them that he was awake; however, a yawn overtook him before he could say anything.
“What is it?” Nathenek asked, his voice low and filled with concern.
Savenek decided to pretend that he was still sleeping. Was there something they weren’t telling him? Had the healer lied when she’d said he would regain full use of his leg?
“There is someone who wishes to visit,” she replied.
“Who?”
“A man of great importance.”
Nathenek hesitated and then replied, “Of course.”
Savenek heard the tray being slid onto the side table.
“Is there something else?” Nathenek asked.
“I saw the mark.”
Nathenek didn’t respond.
Savenek didn’t have the mark of the Brotherhood yet, so she had to be referring to Nathenek’s mark. Did the healer fear him? Admire him? Or want him gone?
“The young woman who brought him to the castle was granted entrance by her father. That is why I’m tending to him personally and why no one else has set foot in this room.”
“I understand,” Nathenek said.
“You can trust me not to say anything to anyone. If I can help you in any way, please let me know.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll inform him that he is well enough for a visitor.” She exited the room.
Nathenek stood and started pacing.
Savenek rolled over and sat up. “Morning.”
His father barely acknowledged him.
Reaching over, Savenek grabbed the tray and put it on his lap, taking a bite of the porridge. “Everything all right?” he asked around a mouthful of food. He assumed a member of the Brotherhood was coming to speak to him. Maybe the Brotherhood needed more information about the poison or something he’d encountered in Apethaga.
His father sat on the chair. “How are you feeling today?”
“Better.” He continued to eat, waiting for his father to reveal what was on his
mind. When he didn’t say anything else, Savenek said, “How’s Ari?” He’d asked about her every single day since he’d been alert enough to voice the question. His father never told him anything about her. Maybe he didn’t know. But Savenek wanted to see her with his own eyes to make sure she was okay.
Nathenek rubbed his face, not responding, just as he’d done every day when Savenek posed the question.
After he finished eating his breakfast, he slid the tray back onto the side table. “Want to play a game of cards?”
Before Nathenek could answer, the door creaked open and a man entered. Savenek didn’t recognize him, yet he looked familiar. He was tall, far taller than Nathenek, with wide shoulders, muscled arms, short blond hair, and blue eyes. The man scanned the room, his focus settling on Savenek. He pursed his lips and shut the door behind him.
“It has been a long time,” the man said to Nathenek.
“It’s good to see you, Neco,” Nathenek responded.
Neco? As in the emperor’s most trusted and loyal advisor? One of the empress’s inner circle responsible for overthrowing the previous false ruler? He was a legend. What was he doing here? And did Nathenek know him?
“You must be Savenek,” Neco said. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Savenek reached his hand out. He couldn’t believe he was in the same room as this man.
Neco hesitated a moment before taking Savenek’s hand and shaking it. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Savenek wasn’t sure who would be telling to Neco anything about him, and he didn’t ask. Something about the man’s presence stunned him into silence.
“How did you know I was here?” Nathenek asked, his tone more friendly than interrogating.
“My daughter, Mayra, asked me about a tattoo and mentioned your name. I was able to piece it together from there.”
“Does anyone else know we’re here?” Nathenek asked.
“No.” Neco folded his arms across his chest. “I came here to evaluate the situation and decide how to proceed.”
“I heard Russek invaded Melenia.”
“Yes. And Prince Odar of Fren is due to arrive this week to seek the princess’s hand in marriage. Emperor Darmik is moving troops north. It looks like we’re going to have a war on our hands.”
There was something about the way Neco spoke, something about his mannerisms that seemed…familiar. Although, Savenek couldn’t place it.
Nathenek said, “I suggest we stick with the original plan.”
“Do you want me to make any inquiries before we decide?”
“No. Given the state of the kingdom, I think a hasty exit is in order.”
“Is Savenek well enough to travel?”
“Not to Emperor’s City in his condition.”
Savenek hated that they were talking about him as if he wasn’t even there. And that his condition referred to his useless leg. He despised being an invalid.
“I have a home about a day’s journey from here. It’s a simple country manor on a plot of land. Why don’t you go there until Savenek fully recovers?”
“I think that’s a wise decision.”
“I’ll arrange for transportation. When Prince Odar arrives, there will be a great amount of confusion. It will be the perfect time to leave. No one will notice.”
“Thank you.”
Neco nodded. “I have one last question. Who knows?”
Savenek had no idea what he was referring to.
“Besides the empress and emperor, I am the only one. Although, now that this has happened, I think your daughter figured it out and told the healer. Can they be trusted to keep this secret?”
“Yes. And I will personally ensure neither one breathes a word of it to anyone.” Neco clasped his hands behind his back. “I can understand the reasoning behind it, but I’m honestly shocked.”
“She thought it would be best if no one knew.”
Neco faced Savenek. “I understand you’ve trained your entire life and plan to join the Brotherhood?”
“Yes, sir,” Savenek responded.
“Emperion is lucky to have you,” Neco said. “With war coming, you should rethink joining the Brotherhood. I suggest you remain at my home and heal. Don’t go rushing off to fight in this war. There will be a lot of senseless deaths. When it’s all said and done, we’ll need young people like you to lead the next generation.” He looked pointedly at Nathenek. “You have one job to do. I expect you to do it.”
Nathenek nodded. “I will. Something like this won’t happen again. I won’t allow her sacrifice to be for nothing.”
Again, Savenek had no idea what the two men were talking about. He wanted to ask, but there was no way he could be so rude or forward in front of Neco.
Neco handed Nathenek a piece of paper. Nathenek examined it and then returned it to Neco. Neco slid it in his pocket and moved to the doorway where he paused and looked back at Savenek. “I want to thank you.”
“For what?” Savenek asked.
“Protecting my daughter.”
“Ari?”
“Mayra,” he corrected him.
Bloody hell. She’d told him her name was Aryam—Mayra backwards. Apparently, they’d both had their secrets. He couldn’t believe he’d been with Neco’s daughter. Neco. One of the greatest military men of all time. No wonder Ari was so adept at taking care of herself. Savenek felt like a fool. “It was my honor,” he answered. “Can I see her before I leave? I’d like to thank her for saving my life.” He also wanted to ask her if he could officially court her. But there was no way Neco would allow his daughter to marry someone like Savenek.
“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” Neco answered. “Rest assured, she filled me in on everything that happened. All information has been passed on to the Brotherhood.” He exited the room.
Savenek sighed. Leave it to him to find the woman of his dreams and for her to be miles out of his league. He’d known it was too good to be true.
Even though Savenek would have liked to see the castle in Lakeside beyond the four walls of his room in the infirmary, he was glad to be leaving. He’d had enough sitting around and doing nothing; it was starting to drive him mad. Plus, he couldn’t stop thinking about Ari. If his leg had been strong enough, he would have gone looking for her and just hoped Neco wouldn’t kill him for seeking his daughter out. Yup, it was definitely best he get far away from this place.
There was a great deal of commotion going on. Even from his windowless room, he heard people constantly running by in the hallway and orders being shouted. He knew Prince Odar was due to arrive today, but still, it seemed a bit much. The guy was just a prince. He hoped the prince didn’t notice Ari…or Mayra. Savenek had a hard time remembering her real name. Did she feel the same way about him? When he’d told her his name, why hadn’t she revealed hers?
Nathenek clasped a cape around his shoulders, pulling the hood over his head to conceal his identity. He picked up another cape, handing it to Savenek. “Put this on.”
Still sitting on the bed, Savenek draped the cape around his shoulders as best he could. Then he swung his legs over the side of the bed.
“Since you can’t walk, I’m going to carry you,” Nathenek said.
He didn’t want to be carried like an invalid. “No way in hell.” What if Ari saw him?
Nathenek raised his eyebrows. “Then how do you propose you get from this room to the stables?”
“With your help.” He had one good leg. All he needed was for his father to support his weight.
“Fine.”
Nathenek helped him stand. Savenek’s good leg shook from the effort. His bad leg was completely useless.
“There are two members from the Brotherhood outside your door,” Nathenek said. “They’re going to make sure we make it to the carriage without incident.”
That seemed unnecessary for someone like Savenek. But that was one of the reasons he loved the Brotherhood—they made sure to take care of their own.
Nathe
nek wrapped an arm around Savenek’s waist, supporting most of his weight and helping him move forward. “It would be easier if I carried you,” he complained.
Savenek laughed. He’d lost a good twenty pounds since being in here. He pulled up his hood, and they exited the room. Two men also wearing capes stood in the hallway with their swords drawn. One motioned for Nathenek to follow him while the other man trailed behind Nathenek. They made their way through the dark hallway and out a small door. Savenek squinted in the bright light of day. Nathenek grunted and Savenek tried to stand a little straighter, but his one leg couldn’t hold any weight.
The bright light disappeared when they entered the stables. A small unmarked carriage stood waiting for them. One of the men opened the door, and Nathenek helped Savenek climb in and sit on the bench seat. Savenek slid over, making room for Nathenek. His father shut the door. “Aren’t you getting in?”
“No. I’m going to drive us.” Nathenek briefly spoke to the two men before climbing on top of the carriage.
A moment later, Savenek heard his father give the word and the horses took off, the carriage lurching. This was not going to be a pleasant journey. They rode out of the stables and back into the bright light of day. Savenek pulled his hood lower, trying to block out the intense light.
They rode off the castle grounds. He wished he could open his eyes and at least see the place. However, he’d been in that dark room for a solid month. It would take his eyes a while to adjust. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, he decided he would come back here one day. He would see Lakeside, Ari, and maybe even the empress and emperor.
After traveling for most of the day, they came to a fairly large country manor on excellent farmland. Nathenek pulled the carriage to a stop and climbed down. He opened the door and helped Savenek out, supporting most of his weight as they made their way to the house.
“There aren’t any servants here,” Nathenek said. “It’s just the two of us.” Inside, he led Savenek to the sofa. “I’m going to get some firewood. Stay here and rest.”
After his father left, Savenek examined the room in greater detail. A large stone fireplace took up most of one wall, there were two sofas and four chairs arranged facing inward, and a low table in the center of the room on a well-worn rug. The place had a warm, cozy feel to it.
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