“We are together, and we still have friends out there who want to help us,” Aud said with a smile. “Focus on that. We are far from alone.”
“Thank you, Aud,” Sitnalta said. “I needed to hear that.”
* * *
Navor took the pigeon in his hand and put his letter in its compartment. He held it close for a moment before releasing it to the wind.
“Good luck,” he said to her as she flew in the direction of Colonodona. “Get my message to our friend.” He knew the bird would get to Ipsinki faster than he would be able to find him. He just didn’t know if the loyal duke would be able to do anything to help, or if his message would arrive too late.
“What are you doing?” Josiah asked. He had seen the Prince run from the deck and return with a pigeon. He was concerned about the young royal. Everyone was.
“I’m sending word to our friend in Colonodona. He needs to know what happened here,” Navor said. “We need people on our side who have a better understanding of the situation. I don’t want to be stumbling around in the dark once we get there.”
“This is a wise move,” Josiah said. “I would have done so myself before long. But to do so now might mean that our friend can intercept the ship.”
“That’s what I’m hoping.”
Josiah nodded. “I also feel that it would be wise for you to get some rest while you can. We are making good time, and I don’t want you to exhaust yourself before we arrive.”
“I know,” Navor said. “I just don’t know if I can. I’m worried for them.”
“We all are,” Josiah assured him. “But you can’t help them by wearing yourself out.”
“Okay,” Navor said. “I’ll try.” He turned and went to his cabin below deck. He knew he wasn’t going to be able to actually sleep, but he would make good on his promise to his captain.
He threw himself down on his bunk and realized just how bone tired he was. Since he had found his father, he had been running on adrenaline. He allowed himself to drift off, hoping that his efforts had not been in vain.
* * *
Ipsinki sat in his room above the tavern. He was thankful that the tavern owner was still on their side and could be trusted. Thanks to him, he had managed to stay in communication with all the others who had been fighting Wilhelm. He sat going through his correspondence and sighed. He felt as if all his efforts were for naught. No matter how he tried, he couldn’t get to Wilhelm. All he wanted was for Gerald to have his kingdom back. Under him, the people had been happy. They had lived in freedom. They had had a King they admired and respected, and that felt the same way about them. He grudgingly thought that at least Gerald and Aud were free — but at what cost? Willem had been a good kid. He had not deserved what had happened.
When he had been Supmylo’s captain, he hated losing men. He had been glad to give up the responsibility of overseeing the peace when Gerald had made him a duke. He reflected that it was ironic that now he was acting as he did as captain, but in secret, yet brushed it off as him just doing his civic duty.
A rapping at the window pulled Ipsinki out of his musings and he looked up to see a pigeon standing on the small windowsill. He pulled the window open and let the bird in. He noticed a letter tied to her leg and took it, offering the bird some crumbs from a loaf of bread and sat back to read.
As he made his way through the letter, he scowled in anger. He could feel the rage build as he could hear the frustration in every word. His Princess, his King, and his Queen had all been taken by Wilhelm’s forces. Navor was on his way to get them back. Ipsinki resolved to himself to do everything he could possibly do to help. He checked the date on the letter. It had been sent three days prior. That meant that Wilhelm’s ship would probably dock that evening. Ipsinki would be ready and waiting.
Chapter Twenty
In Wait
Ipsinki waited at the docks. He stood with a small group of fishmongers, trying to look as if he was interested in their wares. Occasionally, he would raise his voice to argue their prices. His hood was pulled up over his face as he kept to the shadows. Underneath, however, he wore armour. He had been waiting there since the day before. As soon as he finished reading the letter, he had gotten prepared.
The ship was delayed. He was told that rough seas had postponed many ships’ docking, angering several merchants. He had nodded in understanding at the news, and feigned upset that his “shipment” had not come in. He waited. He’d placed several of his men along the docks, unsure as to where exactly Wilhelm’s ship would be coming in. He had told them that they were to alert him to the location as soon as they knew it. He was going to do this alone. He would not be responsible for anyone else. Not this time. As much as he knew that his plan was crazy, he still felt the pain and guilt of Willem’s death. He was feeling jumpy and paranoid about everything that day. He wished he had a name and description of the ship so that he had a better idea of what he was looking for. There were several of Wilhelm’s vessels coming in and docking along the pier. He had no way of knowing which one held the Princess. He had to rely on his men’s loyalty to him.
The sun had set, and there was a distinct chill in the air. Ipsinki shivered in spite of his layers. He was standing around, and waiting for news, trying not to attract any unwanted attention. A young girl ran up to him, her bare feet slapping along the wooden docks, her loose hair flying behind her. She pressed a crumpled piece of paper into his hand and ran on.
Ipsinki surreptitiously read the paper:
The ship is to be docked 15 yards to the left of your location. Will wait for you.
- M
Ipsinki smiled grimly as he pocketed the paper. It was time. He nodded at the fishmonger and ran down the docks. He saw the slip with the King’s ship slowly entering the port. All around the gangplank, heavily armoured men walked with broadswords sheathed at their hips. He waited impatiently as the ship made port. He feigned disinterest as it was tied off and watched as Wilhelm’s men began to disembark. Several trunks, crates, and barrels were being unloaded to be taken back to the castle. Men were patrolling the area, checking things off on long reams of parchment. Ipsinki swallowed, feeling overwhelmed. This was not going to be easy. His contact, a young man named Max, was waiting for him behind some crates that had been unloaded off of another vessel.
“They’re right through there,” Max said.
“I can see that,” Ipsinki replied. “How many?”
“I counted about thirty. They all have swords. There are three large trunks that they just took onboard. They are all brown with large brass hinges and locks.”
Ipsinki nodded. “Okay. Thank you for the information.” He turned to Max and handed him a pouch of gold coins. “Run along. I’m going to take it from here.”
“That's not fair!” Max whined. “I can help you!”
“Not today,” Ipsinki told him. “I have a plan, but I need to do it alone. Go home to your mother and send her my regards.”
“Fine,” Max said with a pout. “But I’m no kid. I can help.”
“I know you can. But not today,” Ipsinki repeated.
“Okay,” Max said, surrendering, “Good luck.”
Ipsinki watched him run off and turned back to the ship. The men continued to unload their supplies and started to put them on three wagons. He cursed under his breath when he thought about the trunks. There was no way he could get three of those out of here on his own; especially if their plan was to load them onto three different wagons. He would have to improvise. He took a deep breath, removed his cloak and joined them as if he had been there all along. He was thankful acquiring matching armour to what Wilhelm’s men wore had been easy. For all intents and purposes, he looked as if he belonged among them. Pulling his visor low, and walking with purpose, he surveyed everything that had been unloaded as if he knew exactly what he was doing. Inwardly, he prayed that everything would go according to plan.
* * *
In the brig, Sitn
alta stood trying to see out of the small window in their cell.
“Can you see what’s happening?” Aud asked.
“We’ve definitely docked,” Sitnalta said. “It looks like we’re home. I don’t know if they’re coming to get us yet.”
At her words, the door to the brig was opened and Frederic entered. Six men dragging trunks followed him.
“I need you each to get into one of these trunks and lie down,” Frederic said.
“And if I refuse?” Sitnalta asked.
“I don’t want to have to force you,” Frederic replied.
“Oh, like Jess did before?” Sitnalta snidely retorted, lifting a hand to rub the shrinking bump on the back of her head.
“I deeply regret what happened to you,” Frederic said. His eyes were downcast. He felt ashamed at what he had been reduced to doing, but could see no alternative.
“You don’t regret it enough to not be doing it in the first place.” Sitnalta was angry. She remembered Frederic from before, and to see him in this light hurt.
Frederic directed the men to open the cell. He stepped through and took the Princess by the arm. Gerald and Aud moved to stop him, but the other soldiers stepped between them before they could.
“You don’t understand,” Frederic whispered. “I have no choice.”
“There’s always a choice,” Sitnalta said.
“And if the choice I make causes harm to my family, what then?” Frederic asked. He looked deeply troubled.
“Wilhelm would do that?” Sitnalta asked in a small voice. She knew that she was being naïve. Her life with Supmylo had taught her that brutality was a common practice among some men and rulers. Yet, she still wanted to see the good in people.
“In a second.”
“I’ll get in the trunk,” Sitnalta said sadly. She stepped forward and allowed Frederic to lower the lid.
“I am so sorry,” Frederic whispered before closing the latches.
“So am I,” Sitnalta said as she lay in the dark enclosed space.
Frederic oversaw his men lock Aud and Gerald into their trunks and had all three carried up the stairs. As he walked across the docks he saw a man in armour striding towards them. The visor of his helmet was pulled down, and Frederic didn’t recognize him. The captain frowned.
“Soldier!” Frederic barked at him.
The man stopped and turned towards him.
Frederic was struck by a sense of familiarity about the soldier’s gait and posture. “Raise your visor, soldier,” he ordered.
The soldier approached. “I’m sorry, Sir,” he said. “My visor appears to be stuck.”
Frederic frowned. He knew that voice. “Come with me.” He walked off with the men following him. Sitnalta’s words echoed in his head. There always was a choice. He knew that. The time had come for him to make his.
They walked onto the dock and Frederic directed each of the trunks to each of the wagons. He sent one of his men to drive the first wagon to the castle. He turned to the others and sent them back to the ship, leaving himself and the soldier.
“I’ll take the second. I need you to drive the third,” Frederic said to him.
“Sir?”
“When you get to your destination, tell her I made my choice, and that I’m sorry.” Frederic paused and took a deep breath. “Also, if you could get my family some place safe, I would consider myself in your debt.”
Frederic walked to his wagon and mounted the driver’s seat without looking back. He flicked the horses and moved off towards the castle.
Ipsinki raised the visor of his helmet and climbed up onto his wagon. He was shaking. He’d thought that the second that Frederic had recognized him, he was done for. As he drove off down the road towards the forest, he reflected on what had happened. As soon as he had heard about the trunks, he knew his plan was flawed. He hoped that the King and Queen would find a way to forgive him.
Chapter Twenty-One
The Forest
Kralc moved through the crowds, unseen by those he passed. To those who saw him, he appeared to be merely another old merchant. He watched the crowds going about their daily business. Merchants hawked their wares as servants from the castle and from other homes roamed around the busy streets of Colonodona’s capitol, buying what they were required to bring to the homes in which they worked. At first glance, it all looked as if it were an ordinary day in an ordinary kingdom. Yet Kralc could sense an undercurrent of discontent, of anger that permeated the air all around. The people were deeply unhappy. It was only a matter of time before the people who were actively resisting came out of the shadows.
Kralc arrived at the gate of the castle and was stopped by the guards.
“Who are you?” asked one of the guards at the gate. “State your business.”
“I am but a lowly traveller,” Kralc responded. He focused his energy into appearing unimportant. Forgettable. “My business is none of your concern.” It had been some time since he had had to use his magic in this fashion. He had spent so long away from people. He smiled as the guard started to appear unconcerned that this stranger was trying to enter the castle.
The guard blinked as though he were waking up from a long sleep. His brain felt foggy, and he was having trouble focusing.
“Proceed,” he said.
Kralc stepped through the gate and began to send out tendrils of power, hunting for a sign of his coin. He felt it had to be somewhere in the King’s home. He would want to keep it safe and close by. Kralc walked, using his body as a form of a dowsing rod. He knew he’d find it eventually.
The wizard meandered through the gardens feeling nothing. He soon made his way into the castle itself and walked up and down the hallways, up and down the stairs, and through each and every room he found. Weaving a rudimentary glamour around himself, magically appearing to be someone he was not, he was able to do so unimpeded. After several hours, he was still fruitless in his search. He saw a man being dragged from a room up ahead and felt a tingle in his fingers and toes, urging him forward. He walked on, ignoring the imploring look on the face of the man being dragged away. His coin was in the room ahead.
Kralc reached the door. The tingling was stronger. He knew the coin was somewhere behind the door in front of him. Kralc reached out for the handle. If Wilhelm were in there, he would be dealt with. The coin would be his once more, one way or the other. He grabbed the handle and let go with a harsh cry. A shock of pain had traveled up his arm. He looked down at the palm of his hand and saw raw skin and blisters where it had come in contact with the metal. Kralc snarled in frustration. The room was protected. The coin was protected. He would not be able to get it. Not this way. He turned on his heel and vanished. If he couldn’t take the coin, he would find someone who could. He grit his teeth together, preparing himself for the task at hand. It appeared he would have to work with the Princess after all.
* * *
Ipsinki tossed his helmet to the ground and scrambled to undo the latches on the trunk. He threw the lid open and was thrown backward onto the ground as Princess Sitnalta flung herself up and into his arms.
“It’s you!” she exclaimed. “I was so scared. I am so happy to see you though. Where are Aud and Gerald? Are they here? I can’t believe it’s really you!”
Ipsinki felt a rush of joy that the Princess was unhurt and was safe once more. He allowed himself a moment to hold her close before extricating himself from her arms and standing.
“My Princess,” he said. “I am so sorry. I was only able to bring you to freedom. We weren’t given much time to plan. I regret that I was not as prepared as I should have been. I...I made some horrible mistakes. I'm afraid that I've bungled everything.”
Sitnalta looked up at him with sadness in her eyes. “My dear Ipsinki,” she said. “I am sure you did all you could. We will save them. I have to believe that. Aud told me that we have friends. We are not alone. We are never alone.”
Ipsinki smiled. �
�You are far too wise for your years. You are right.” He turned and picked up his helmet. “Speaking of our friends. I need to write to Prince Navor. He needs to know you are safe. I also need to find a safe place to hide Frederic's family. After what he did, they need to be taken care of.”
Sitnalta nodded. “Thank you for all you’re doing for us,” she quietly said.
“You’re my family,” Ipsinki replied. “Why wouldn't I do everything I can to help you?” He blushed and turned away.
Sitnalta looked around at where she was, and her mouth dropped open in shock. Ipsinki had brought her back to the clearing with Najort’s cave. She hadn’t been back there since the night he had died. She felt her heart flutter wildly in her chest. Her mouth felt dry. She wanted to cry.
“Why did you bring me here?” Sitnalta asked.
Ipsinki turned back to the Princess. He could hear the sadness in her voice. “What do you mean?” he asked.
“Why here? Why out of all the places you could have brought me, why here?”
“I remembered that this was where you were hiding when you ran away from your father,” Ipsinki said. “You almost succeeded in hiding from him permanently. It seemed like a safe spot.” He looked at Sitnalta, taking in the expression on her face. She looked as if she were in pain. “Is there a problem?”
“It’s just that, well, this was Najort’s home,” Sitnalta said. “That cave was his house. It’s where we lived. I haven’t been back since...”
“He died,” Ipsinki finished for her. He closed his eyes and took a breath. He felt as if he had personally inflicted this pain upon her. He felt awful. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you...”
The Kingdom Thief (Sitnalta Series Book 2) Page 11
