Now that the shock of the man’s beauty had worn off, the news he’d sprung on her made her feel as if she’d stumbled into a frozen pond. Owen sent him? Did that mean her cousin was here in Melenia? She hurried after Ackley who stood at the entrance to the barn.
When she joined him, she saw Gytha’s wrists had been tied together and she was sitting on a bale of hay. The man who’d attacked Harley was similarly situated. The innkeeper presided over both of them.
“I sent one of the stable boys to fetch the watchmen,” the innkeeper said when he noticed Harley.
Before she could respond, Ackley said, “I have what we came here for.”
“That was fast,” Gytha mumbled, eyeing Harley. In the dim light of the barn, the woman looked more warrior than savior. Gytha lifted her arms, the rope dangling from her wrists.
“Hey now,” the innkeeper protested. “How’d you get free?”
“You don’t tie knots very well,” Gytha said, jumping to her feet. She strode toward Ackley. “Let’s get out of here.”
“You created a disturbance in my tavern,” the innkeeper said. “You fought with another patron.”
“She did nothing wrong,” Harley stated. “She only helped me when no one else would. You will let her go.”
“I can’t do that,” he responded, folding his arms in protest. “The law is the law.”
Ackley sighed. “Fine.” Quick as lightning, he spun and kicked the innkeeper’s head, knocking him to the ground.
Harley yelped in surprise. “What did you do that for?” Kneeling next to the innkeeper, she checked to see if he was still breathing. His chest rose and fell. He was alive.
“Let’s go,” Ackley said. “We don’t have any time to waste.”
Harley stood and observed Ackley and Gytha. They both had dark hair indicating they weren’t from this kingdom. So who were they, and why had Owen sent them instead of a fellow Melenian to retrieve her?
As if sensing her confusion, Ackley told her, “I’ll answer all your questions on our way.” Then he grabbed her wrist and pulled her from the barn.
Out in the alley, Harley struggled to break free.
“I’m sorry,” Ackley said, releasing her. “I just didn’t want you to say Owen’s name in front of anyone.” His brows pinched together as he watched her, making her feel oddly exposed before him.
She rubbed her wrists, attempting to ignore the memory of the soldier who’d tried raping her. And Lyle. Oftentimes he held her wrists together so she couldn’t push him away.
“We need to get moving,” Gytha said. “The watchmen will be here shortly.”
“I can’t leave.” Not after everything Ledger had done for her. If she disappeared, he’d be worried sick. Plus, he was a Melenia soldier. They needed to stick together.
“I promised Owen I would find you.” Ackley kept scanning the alleyway, as if he expected Russek soldiers would descend upon them at any moment.
She folded her arms and raised her chin in the air. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t go with you. I simply said that I can’t leave right this minute. There’s someone I need to speak with before we go.”
“The innkeeper is starting to rouse,” Gytha said, sounding irritated. “We don’t have time for this.”
Ackley groaned. “Just so you know, Owen insisted I treat you like my own sister.” He reached down, slinging an arm around Harley’s waist, then flinging her over his shoulder as if she were a sack of flour.
“Put me down!” she squealed. There was no way Owen would tell someone so brusque to treat her so informally. She pounded against Ackley’s back. How dare he behave this way?
“That’s one way to handle Owen’s pampered cousin,” Gytha said with a chuckle.
Pampered? Harley had been working at the inn and tavern for the past few weeks. She most certainly wasn’t pampered. There was nothing funny about this situation. And to think, Harley had appreciated Gytha’s help only minutes before. Well, she didn’t like the woman anymore. How could she be privy to such outlandish behavior?
Hanging upside down, bouncing as Ackley had the nerve to jog, Harley had no idea which way they were going. She pounded her fists against his back.
“Stop hitting me,” Ackley demanded. “You don’t need to be so difficult. I’m trying to help you. Unless you don’t want to see your cousin?” His voice turned softer, almost accusing at that question.
Letting her arms go slack, she replied, “No, I do wish to see Owen. But as I mentioned previously, I need to tell the soldier who helped me escape what’s going on. I hardly think that’s too much to ask.” Her head began to pound from bouncing upside down.
“I’ve been wondering how you made it here,” Ackley said. “There’s no way you could have managed on your own.”
“Where’s the soldier at?” Gytha asked. “I can go and get him.”
She was about to answer when Ackley came to an abrupt halt. Harley peered around him, trying to see what had caused him to stop.
Gytha withdrew a dagger, stepping in front of Ackley and blocking Harley’s upside-down view.
“Put Lady Harley down,” Ledger’s furious voice demanded.
Ackley chuckled, the sound laced with menace, making the hair on Harley’s arms rise. She wanted to cower. How did her cousin come to know this man? Luckily Ledger was a skilled fighter, trained by the king’s best men. He would be able to best Ackley and free Harley from her current predicament.
“Who are you?” Gytha asked, almost sounding bored.
“That’s none of your business,” Ledger replied, a hint of affront seeping through. “Now don’t make me repeat myself.” The sound of steel sliced through the air.
Realizing that this could turn nasty and someone could get hurt, Harley cried out, “Put your weapons away.” The last thing she needed was to be run through with a sword simply because she was being carried over Ackley’s shoulder. “And set me on my feet so we can discuss this civilly.”
“Maybe I don’t want to be civil,” Ackley said, his voice low and sultry.
Harley shivered. His grip around her thighs tightened, making her heart beat faster.
“I can’t place your accent,” Ledger stated. “Which means you’re not from around here.”
“That is correct,” Ackley said. “Now if you’ll excuse us, we have somewhere to be.”
Knowing Ledger wouldn’t back down, Harley intervened. “Apparently my cousin sent these two to fetch me. The woman, Gytha, just saved me from an unpleasant encounter inside the tavern. They don’t mean me any harm—even though I am being treated atrociously at the moment.”
“Your cousin is here?” Ledger asked, his voice losing its hard edge.
“According to these two individuals.” Perhaps that was why Rayne and Milard hadn’t returned yet. If Owen sent Ackley and Gytha to retrieve her, then when Rayne and Milard showed up, he probably insisted they remain there, assuming Ackley would be successful in his endeavor.
“And you intend to take Lady Harley to King Owen?” Ledger asked.
Harley stilled. King Owen. She wasn’t used to people addressing her cousin that way. The formal title felt odd. All her life, he’d been Prince Owen. With three older siblings, no one ever thought he’d inherit the throne. The role he now had to fill was an enormous undertaking and would require support. She would help him in whatever capacity she could.
“That’s the plan,” Gytha said. “Her cousin asked us to retrieve her. Are you the soldier who’s been helping her?”
“I am,” Ledger replied.
“Then you’re welcome to join us,” Ackley said. “Let’s go. The sooner we’re out of here, the better.” He started walking. Lowering his voice, he said, “Owen won’t be pleased you’re dallying with a common foot soldier.”
“Excuse me?” Harley said, sure she’d heard him wrong.
“It’s obvious the guy’s in love with you. You shouldn’t encourage him.”
Harley patted Ackley’s back. “You can set me down no
w.” Ledger was not in love with her. They’d simply been through a lot together and had formed a friendship.
“We need to move quickly before the watchmen catch up with us.”
“I’m perfectly capable of walking.” She wasn’t an imbecile.
Ackley swung her upright, setting her on her feet. “All I’m saying is that if you were my sister, I wouldn’t approve. I think I know Owen well enough to know he’ll probably want to end that guy for taking your innocence.”
Harley had known Ackley for less than an hour, and already she couldn’t stand him. Furious, she took a step closer, and slapped him.
Ackley
Ackley blinked, momentarily stunned. Harley had slapped him. Not that it hurt—he barely felt it. He just didn’t anticipate her standing up to him. Until that point, he’d thought of her as a weak, timid little thing. Not bold enough to slap a man she’d recently met. Lifting a single eyebrow, he stared down at her, trying to intimidate her. Only, he found his confidence shaken. How could he possibly be intimidated by her?
A light blush spread across her cheeks from the cool night air. Her blonde hair stuck out in several directions from him having held her upside down. For a split second, he imagined her legs wrapped around his waist while he ran his hands through her wild hair, enjoying a jaunt in the sack with her. But then he remembered she was Owen’s cousin. And a pampered, entitled, weak woman at that. He just hadn’t expected her to be so attractive. Her eyes narrowed, and her hands balled into fists as her chest rose and fell, fury emanating from her entire body.
Forcing himself to look away from her heaving chest, he met her eyes and said, “That was a very stupid thing you did.”
“Likewise. Don’t ever treat me so disrespectfully again.” She put her hands on her hips. “There is nothing going on between me and Ledger.”
Ackley folded his arms, assessing Harley. While she certainly looked slight at five feet three inches and a hundred and ten pounds, her striking blue eyes hinted at underlying intelligence and something else he couldn’t pinpoint yet.
“Where’s Gytha and Ledger?” she asked.
Sliding his causal demeanor back into place, he glanced behind him. Gytha came lumbering along with Ledger slung over her shoulder. “What happened?”
Gytha rolled her eyes. “He tripped and smacked his head.”
“Is he all right?” Harley asked.
“He’s fine. He’s already starting to rouse.”
Ledger moaned.
Ackley chuckled. “The lout knocked himself out?” He laughed again. “You sure know how to pick them.” He smirked.
“I don’t need this,” Harley stated. “I’ve dealt with enough men like you that I won’t stand for it any longer. You and Gytha can return to Owen. I will remain here with Ledger. Once he is capable of walking, we’ll travel to the cove and meet up with everyone there. For now, it’s best we part ways.”
Idina would chastise him to no end if he didn’t return with Harley. Especially if it was his fault for toying with her. He needed to rectify this situation—quickly. “Lady Harley,” he said in an overly formal voice. “Would you be so kind as to accompany me along this delightful alleyway?” If she wanted fluff and someone who exuded court etiquette, he would give it to her. The last thing he needed was her storming off. And one thing was certain—he would not leave without her.
Her shoulders rose and fell as she took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. “Are you mocking me?” Her voice was crisp and refined.
He smiled. “I would never dream of mocking someone so graceful and lovely as you.” Of course he was making fun of her. She made it way too easy to do so.
“We’re going to have company,” Gytha mumbled, adjusting Ledger on her shoulder. “I hear men shouting not far away.”
In order to exit the city, they needed to make their way to the bottom level. Ackley quickly thought over the path they needed to take. Never in his life had he seen a city built into the side of a cliff like this one. Kreng had to be fifty stories tall with hundreds of staircases and ladders connecting each level. They were currently on the tenth level—where all taverns and inns were located.
Ledger groaned. Good, they needed him awake so he could walk. Having Gytha carry him was not ideal.
“Fifteen feet and closing,” Gytha muttered.
From the sound of the approaching footsteps, Ackley counted four people. One heavier man, two of average weight, and one lighter fellow. Would it be easier to dispose of the four men? Or should they hide and evade them? He glanced sidelong at Harley, trying to figure out how quickly she could run. However, it wouldn’t matter with Ledger semi-unconscious.
Ackley sighed, then stretched his neck from side to side. “The three of you stay here.”
Gytha slid Ledger onto the ground near Harley’s feet. “I don’t get to partake in the fun?”
“Next time. I promise.” He winked before turning to face the four approaching men.
Since the alleyway was dark and narrow, he’d have to be careful not to cause too much of a raucous and rouse the people staying at the nearby inns. While most windows appeared dark, he had no doubt eyes lurked behind some of them. The last thing he wanted was attention. The less people who knew what they were doing and where they were going, the better.
Four men came within view. “What’d you do to the innkeeper?” the heavier one on the left asked.
Not wanting to bother with small talk, Ackley withdrew his dagger. He needed to lure them in closer in order to knock each one out.
“Authorities have been contacted,” the skinnier man said. “We don’t want any trouble.”
“Then perhaps you should turn around and leave me and my companions alone.” Ackley palmed his dagger, making sure they saw it. When they made no move to leave, he took a few steps toward them until they were only three feet apart. After envisioning each move he’d make, he struck. Spinning, he kicked the guy on the right, easily knocking him down. The man on the left rushed at Ackley. Ackley twisted and slammed the hilt of his dagger against the back of the large man’s head. He collapsed. One man took off running. Only one opponent left. Ackley flung his elbow up, smashing the guy’s nose. He flopped to the ground.
Ackley hadn’t even broken a sweat. Normally, he didn’t fight untrained civilians. However, this situation couldn’t be helped.
He returned to his companions. “We need to get out of here before more men come looking for us.”
“Did you kill them?” Harley demanded.
“No.” He wasn’t a monster. “They’ll all be fine.”
Ledger stood, swaying slightly. Harley wrapped her arm around his waist, steadying him.
“Can you walk?” Ackley asked.
Ledger nodded.
“Good. Let’s go.”
The four of them made their way to the ladders where they descended to one of the lower levels. When a group of people came into view up ahead, Ackley turned down a dark alley to avoid being seen.
“Where are we going?” Harley asked, glancing behind them.
“I’m trying to keep us hidden.”
“I don’t understand why. Just tell the authorities Owen is here and we need to be on our way.”
“Kreng isn’t part of Melenia.” Didn’t she know this?
“Your point?”
“They could keep you here,” Ledger answered. “Use you as a bargaining chip with King Owen. Or they could turn you over to Russek in exchange for leaving the city alone. Either way, it’s something we can’t risk.”
“Oh.”
“Also, no one knows King Owen is here,” Gytha added.
“It would be prudent to keep Owen’s presence hidden for now,” Ackley said. “It’ll give us the element of surprise when we attack Russek.” He didn’t know why he bothered explaining any of this to Harley. Clearly, she had no military knowledge. Owen had said she was sheltered. But this level of naivety was downright appalling—even for a woman.
They descen
ded to the bottom level where most of the stores were located. As they made their way to the northern end of the city, dozens of people milled about. Ackley hadn’t expected so many people to be out at this late hour.
Wanting to blend in, he caught Gytha’s attention, then tilted his head toward Ledger. Gytha nodded in acknowledgment before cozying up to Ledger and slowing their pace. Ackley slid his arm around Harley, pulling her in close. Instead of melting against his body as he expected, she stiffened.
A group of men headed their way. Harley was not playing the part. She probably had never been properly courted by a man and had no idea how to act with one.
“Relax,” Ackley murmured. “We want anyone who sees us to think we’re a couple out for a nightly stroll.”
“Why do we have to be a couple?”
“So no one will suspect us. Authorities are looking for four people. That’s why we split up.”
She didn’t look his way as she said, “We can be a couple without you touching me so intimately.”
A chuckle escaped his lips. “I hardly think this is intimate.”
Harley stopped walking. When she looked up at him, her blue eyes beckoned him to lean in closer. For some strange reason, his breathing sped up. He brushed her hair over her right shoulder, fully exposing her ear. “Now this is slightly more intimate,” he whispered, his nose gliding along the side of her soft neck, breathing her in.
Harley shivered.
The group neared, so Ackley maneuvered his body, gently pressing her against the side of the nearest building. He tilted his head as if about to kiss her, blocking her face from those passing by. Her body stiffened, and panic flashed in her eyes. He remained that way—inches from her—without his lips touching hers.
As the group passed, Ackley kept part of his attention on the men and the rest on the beautiful, but frightened, woman before him. Sweat coated her forehead even though the night air had a cold bite to it, her skin seemed unusually white, and her entire body shook. He raised his eyebrows, hoping she’d offer some sort of explanation. She averted her eyes.
Now that the men had passed, Ackley took a step back, putting some space between them. Only one conclusion could be deduced from her behavior—she’d been harmed in some way, probably during the takeover. While he wanted to discover to what extent, this was neither the time nor the place to do so. He was there to escort her to her cousin. Owen could speak with her about what took place. If she provided names, Ackley would hunt down those responsible for hurting her and dispose of them with pleasure.
Sword of Rage: Reigning Kingdoms, Book 1 Page 8
