Oath of Destruction

by Jennifer Anne Davis

  “I’m only going because if I don’t, you’ll go alone.” Marek headed into his dressing closet to change.

  Savenek couldn’t help but smile. That was exactly what he would have done if Marek had refused to go.

  Once Marek was dressed, they climbed out the window and down the side of the castle.

  “Follow me,” Marek whispered. He led the way over to the military garrison. “We can exit through the military gate.”

  That was certainly easier than climbing over the wall while trying to evade the sentries on duty.

  Once in the town, they headed south. “What exactly are we doing?” Marek asked.

  “Going to the Alleyway Inn.”

  “And then what? I take it we’re not going there for a drink.”

  “There are two men from Telmena staying there. I want to talk to them.” Actually, Savenek wanted to knock them out and search the room they were staying in. He hoped to find some correspondence stating why they were there and what they were planning to do. Given that he’d found those other two men from Telmena with poison not that long ago, these men warranted a thorough investigation.

  Thankfully, Marek didn’t argue. He nodded his head to the right, and they headed that way.

  Since it was late, not many people were out and about. They easily traversed the streets until they came to a narrow alley.

  “It’s down here,” Marek mumbled, leading the way. About thirty feet into the alley, there was a door with a sign above it reading Alleyway Inn. Marek opened the door and stepped inside.

  Savenek entered after him. There was a small taproom to the left with only a handful of tables, most of them empty. He patted Marek on the shoulder and stepped around him, entering the taproom. Savenek went straight to the bar, leaning on it with his elbows.

  “Can I get you something?” the bartender asked. He was a middle-aged man with a thick beard.

  “Cup of ale,” Savenek mumbled.

  The man poured ale into a cup, then handed it to Savenek. Taking a sip, Savenek casually moved to where he could survey the room. Marek was nowhere in sight. Excellent.

  “I have two friends staying here,” Savenek said to the bartender. “Both not from around here. One usually wears a ring in his ear.” He took another sip of his ale.

  “Yeah,” the bartender replied. “Second floor, third door on the left.”

  Savenek nodded his appreciation. After tossing a coin on the bar to pay for the drink, he left the taproom and headed for the narrow stairwell. Halfway up, Marek joined him. Without saying a word, the two men crept along the hallway until they came to the third door on the left.

  Savenek withdrew a dagger from his boot. Marek did the same before nodding he was ready. Savenek put his hand on the doorknob, counted to three, and burst into the room. One man was sitting on the bed tying his boots while another was staring out a small window. Savenek ran over to the man on the bed, smashing his elbow into the stranger’s face. The man crashed back onto the mattress. Savenek rolled the man over, hitting him on the back of his head and knocking him out.

  Marek had managed to incapacitate the other man as well.

  Rushing over to the door, Savenek closed and locked it.

  “Now what?” Marek asked.

  “Check the room.” Savenek grabbed one of the satchels, starting to rummage through it. He only found clothes and one knife. He searched under the bed, in the chest of drawers, and in the closet, but found nothing. “Any luck?”

  “No,” Marek said.

  “Let’s check the clothes they have on.” Savenek rolled the guy on the bed over, searching his pockets. Not finding anything, he opened the man’s jacket and felt around for a hidden pocket. Nothing. The guy had a hole on his right ear, which meant he wore an earring, so Savenek was certain the guy was from Telmena.

  “There’s this,” Marek said, unfolding a piece of paper he’d found. “It says: Midnight under the bridge. Nothing else.”

  There was only one bridge in Lakeside. Savenek guessed it was about an hour away from midnight. “Let’s drop these two off at the City Guard and then head to the bridge. We’ll pretend to be these guys.”

  Marek rubbed his face. “You’re assuming they don’t actually know whoever they’re meeting.”

  “It’s a gamble,” Savenek admitted. “But I think it’s worth it.”

  “I can’t believe this, but I agree with you.”

  Savenek removed the top sheet from the bed and handed it to Marek. “Roll your guy up in here.” Savenek then took the other blanket and wrapped it around the guy on the bed, tying each end together. Once done, he hefted the body up on his shoulder. “Blasted bugger weighs a ton.”

  Marek hoisted his guy up on his shoulder. “Let’s go.”

  “I’ll follow you. Get us to the closest City Guard station as quickly as possible.”

  Marek nodded and exited the room, heading down the narrow stairwell, the guy’s head smacking against the wall as he went. Savenek followed closely behind, hoping they didn’t have to travel very far. Out in the alley, Marek headed south. Savenek had to readjust the body he was holding a couple of times, making sure he didn’t drop it.

  After four blocks, they arrived at a City Guard station. Inside, only two men were on duty.

  “I’m Marek, head of Princess Allyssa’s personal guard. This is Prince Savenek.” He dropped the body he was carrying to the floor.

  Savenek did the same. He massaged his shoulder, glad to be rid of the weight. “I need you to lock these men up in separate cells. I will send a soldier from the castle to transfer these prisoners to another facility tomorrow. Understood?”

  Agreeing, the guards hurried around the desk to reach the prisoners. Keeping both men wrapped in the blankets, they dragged each one into a cell.

  Not having any time to waste, Savenek and Marek left. “Which way to the bridge?” Savenek asked. He thought it was east of here.

  “To the left.”

  He was right. They headed in that direction. Savenek hoped they reached the bridge before whoever it was they were supposed to meet arrived. He wanted time to make sure the area was secure.

  They traveled about ten blocks until they reached the lake. Jogging through the park, they made their way to the bridge.

  Savenek sent Marek north to do a sweep while he checked the south end. Not seeing anyone or anything of concern, he headed under the bridge where the water lapped against land. There was approximately eight feet from the water to the bridge, just big enough to hold a clandestine meeting.

  A few minutes later, Marek joined him.

  “All good?” Savenek asked.

  Marek nodded.

  Remaining under the bridge, Savenek watched southward while Marek kept an eye on the north. Crickets chirped in the distance.

  Savenek hoped there weren’t more than two people who came. Ideally, he’d like for it to only be one person. He shoved his hands in his pockets, trying to stay warm. The minutes ticked by.

  “Someone’s coming,” Marek whispered. “Only one individual.”

  “Protect my back,” Savenek said. He turned to face the oncoming person while Marek took up watch from the other direction, making sure they weren’t taken by surprise.

  A single man approached. “Good evening,” he said with a deep voice.

  Savenek didn’t hear an accent. “You’re late.”

  The man smiled. “But I’m here.”

  “Hurry this up,” Savenek said.

  The man stopped three feet away from Savenek. He wore nondescript clothing. “My partner and I arrived this morning. We are in position.”

  Savenek wondered what they were in position for. He needed to give a generic answer. “Good. Do you need anything?” He blew his breath into his cupped hands, trying to warm himself.

  “Na,” the man said. “I already gave the third group their vial.” He reached in his pocket, then pulled out a small canister. “Here’s yours. Don’t break it—it’ll kill you.”

&n
bsp; “I know.” Savenek took the canister, trying to keep his hand steady even though it was shaking. He slid it in his pocket. The lid had better be on nice and tight. “Same plan? No changes?”

  The man nodded. “Once the king and queen arrive, if the signal is given, put yours in the lake and drinking wells. The other group is going to get it into the castle. I’ve got the inns.”

  “Will do.” Since Savenek knew this was a Telmena phrase, he said, “Luck in days.”

  “And in nights,” the man replied. With a final nod, the man left.

  Savenek turned to go. Marek was nowhere in sight. He hoped Marek was following the man. They needed to know where he and his partner were staying so they could be apprehended. Savenek also had to figure out where the third pair was since they already had the kepper poison in hand.

  Why could nothing be simple or easy? Rubbing his forehead, Savenek decided there was no point in freezing his arse off under the bridge. He headed back to the castle, knowing Marek would return there after he’d tracked the man to where he was staying.

  Once inside, Savenek went straight to his office. After he lit a candle, he sat at his desk. He wrote a letter to the Brotherhood detailing the events of the evening. Savenek informed them he wanted the men in the City Guard prison taken to a secure location and questioned. He wanted someone to speak with Marek to learn the location of the second pair. Then he wanted them arrested and taken to the same secure location. Lastly, he wanted that third pair found. He folded the letter, then placed it in the locked box of correspondence with the Brotherhood. Once that was done, he headed back to his room.

  Fully dressed, he crawled onto his bed and fell asleep, shoes and all.

  Savenek knocked on the door to Neco and Ellie’s wing. Neco opened the door. “You look as if you haven’t slept,” Neco said.

  Savenek didn’t know if he truly looked that bad, or if Neco somehow knew he’d been out all night. Not acknowledging the remark, Savenek turned to his guards and instructed them to remain in the hallway. The last thing he needed was for the men who guarded him to witness this spectacle.

  Neco led Savenek down a narrow corridor to a spacious sitting room. Several windows were along one wall, bathing the room in early morning sunlight. Ellie stood in the center of the room, waiting. Neither Mayra nor Marek were anywhere to be seen. When Savenek had inquired after Marek, one of his guards told him Marek had returned to the castle early this morning.

  Savenek swallowed. He needed to pretend Neco was just another man—not one of the greatest military leaders of all time. Not his hero. Not one of the most powerful men in Emperion.

  “Good morning, Your Highness,” Ellie said, curtseying. “To what do we owe this honor?”

  Bullocks. Neco and Ellie were going to make this as difficult as possible. “I have come to speak to you about your daughter, Mayra.” Neco hadn’t invited him to sit so he stood there, trying not to appear nervous. Allyssa had suggested Savenek wear his tunic with the royal family crest embroidered on the front. He’d listened to her, wanting to impress Mayra’s parents, but now he was sweating from the thick clothing.

  Neco stood next to his wife, folding his arms across his chest, waiting for Savenek to continue.

  “I had the pleasure of working with your daughter in Apethaga. While there, we became friends. She is intelligent and kind. I wish to get to know her better.” When he’d practiced this speech, it had come across more eloquent and refined. Right now, his tongue felt two sizes too big for his mouth. Blasted. He was never this nervous. Even his hands were sweating.

  Ellie smiled. “May we dispense with pleasantries?”

  “Please.” He just wanted to know if he could court Mayra.

  “Have a seat.” She motioned toward the chair.

  Savenek did as instructed. Neco and Ellie sat on the sofa across from him. Savenek recalled staying in Mayra’s family estate a few miles from Lakeside when he’d been recovering. This room had a similar feel as that house—lighter walls, well-worn dark rugs, paintings of horses. It wasn’t ostentatious but warm and homey. He rather liked it here.

  “Our daughter speaks highly of you.” Ellie had the same kind smile as Mayra.

  “I care for her a great deal. With your permission, I wish to court her with the intention of marrying her.” There, he’d said it. Was it getting even hotter in here? He tugged the collar away from his neck.

  “I’ve spoken to Mayra on the issue,” Ellie said. “She cares for you, too.”

  “But we have some concerns,” Neco added.

  “I understand.” Not really, but it seemed the right thing to say. Sweat beaded on his forehead. He didn’t want to wipe it off. It might draw attention to the fact he was nervous.

  “We hadn’t intended for her to marry a prince,” Ellie said. “Being married to you will present some complications.”

  Savenek wiped his hands on his thighs, waiting for them to explain.

  “We haven’t groomed her for such a position,” Neco stated.

  A valid concern that Savenek needed to address. At least Neco and Ellie were considering it instead of outright saying no. He held onto that. “I believe Mayra is more than capable of being a princess. She has grown up at Allyssa’s side and understands what the position entails.” Mayra was elegant and refined. She would make the perfect partner. In fact, she would probably help him be a better prince.

  “And she will be a target,” Ellie said. “So will your children.”

  “Since she will be a princess, she will have her own security detail. I would like for you to choose the men most capable of protecting her.” Before Neco could respond, Savenek added, “And let’s not forget, I was trained by the Brotherhood. I grew up in Nathenek’s home. I am able to keep her safe.”

  Ellie stood and went to the side table, pouring herself a cup of water. A tactical move so Savenek couldn’t see her face. Had he convinced her or not?

  “I always knew this day would come,” Neco said, leaning back against the sofa and propping his right foot on his left thigh. “And I still find myself ill-equipped to handle it. Mayra is my baby girl.”

  Ellie joined him on the sofa, patting his leg.

  “I had no idea you were alive,” Neco said. “Rema didn’t tell me what she’d done. I hope you can understand that you being here is a surprise to us all. I’d never considered Mayra marrying a prince because we didn’t know you existed. I feel like if you’d grown up here, I would have had time to decide whether you’re worthy of my daughter and to come to terms with the possibility.”

  “However,” Ellie interjected, “if you’d grown up here, Mayra would probably consider you as a brother, and a relationship between you may never have blossomed.”

  Savenek realized he was going to have to court Mayra’s parents as well. He would have to spend time with them so they could get to know him.

  “I see both Rema and Darmik in you,” Neco said. “While I don’t know you that well, Mayra has told me enough that I have a sense of the person you are.”

  “I think the two of you are meant to be together,” Ellie said softly. “I think fate threw you together in Apethaga.”

  Neco raised his eyebrows at Ellie, mirroring Savenek’s shock.

  “If Mayra wishes to be with Savenek,” Ellie said, “I think we must honor her wishes. I have no objections to them courting.”

  Savenek breathed in a huge sigh of relief. One approval. Now for the second one.

  “I still have some reservations,” Neco said. “If you were anyone other than Rema and Darmik’s son, I wouldn’t even consider it. However, Rema and Darmik are like family. Which makes you one of us.”

  “What are you saying?” Savenek asked.

  “I will allow you to court my daughter,” Neco said. “However, I insist you court for a year. Then, if you wish to marry, we will discuss it at that time.”

  “That seems fair.” Because really, what else could he say? That he didn’t want to wait that long? That he was too impatie
nt? Neco would smack Savenek over his head, and for good reason.

  Neco stood. Savenek did the same, placing his right fist over his heart. “I promise to honor your daughter.”

  “You better. Because if you hurt her in any way, I don’t care who your father is…I’ll kill you.”

  Allyssa

  Allyssa needed to speak with Odar. However, she didn’t particularly care to be alone with him. Somehow, it made her feel guilty. As if she was being dishonest with Kerdan whom she missed dearly.

  At court, appearances were everything, so Allyssa instructed Mayra to take a letter to Odar inviting him to meet Allyssa at one of the inner courtyards where everyone would see them together. If they were to pull off this engagement, people needed to believe it. She also wanted to move quickly so they could end the threat from Telmena as soon as possible. Allyssa was eager to get on with her life.

  Strolling into the courtyard, she headed toward the fountain. It would help block out their conversation. When she neared, she saw Odar was already there waiting for her. She motioned for her guards to stay back so she could speak freely with him.

  “I thought Kerdan may be here in Emperion with you,” Odar said.

  “No, he’s busy being crowned the king of Russek and making sure there is peace among his people.” She wished Kerdan was there with her. She missed his quick assessment of a situation, his intelligence, his piercing eyes, and the way he treated her as an equal instead of a weak woman. Blimey. She missed everything about him.

  “Well,” Odar said. “Him not being here certainly makes this easier.”

  Easier for Odar, but not for Allyssa. “We need to talk about Telmena.” Not her love life. She had no intention of discussing anything with him other than what was absolutely necessary.

  He scanned the courtyard before lowering his voice and answering. “My parents don’t want to be involved in this mess. My father ordered me to come here and clean it up—by whatever means necessary.”

  “Explain.”