Thrown to the Wolves: The Legend of Hannah & Eli (Shapes of Autumn)

by Veronica Blade

  No longer caring if Eli knew where I hid the bow, I lifted the branch, slid the bow under the boulder, then swept the leaves and brush back under the rock. I turned and left without another word.

  Once in my chamber, I pulled the dagger from my bodice and slipped it under my pillow so I could easily reach it. With the king plotting against me, I could not take any chances. Given his age and strength, he would easily overpower me, but a weapon might take him by surprise and afford me a chance to run. I needed any advantage I could get.

  † † †

  The next morning, the werewolf king held out his arm and I slipped mine through his. All eyes followed us as he swaggered down the long hallway toward the great hall.

  “How are you settling into your new home?” he asked. “I trust you are finding everything to your liking.”

  “Yes, I am in want of nothing, Your Majesty.” I peered over at him and smiled. It would not do for him to know I had learned of his treachery. “I am acutely aware of the great honor you have bestowed upon me.”

  “Very well.” He patted my arm and grinned, his yellow teeth just visible beyond his long beard. “Let us dine.”

  Everyone bowed as we entered the great hall. Once we took our chairs at the table, the chattering resumed and I tried to look busy with my gown to avoid eye contact with the king. But I could not put him off for long or he might become suspicious.

  With tremendous effort, I met the king’s gaze. “I understand Prince Edward will be calling on us any day.”

  “Yes, the Prince of Wales and his family take immense pleasure in their own importance. They will arrive, and I will smile and present his family with gifts. After a while, they will be reassured of their great superiority and leave me to my business.”

  “I cannot help but wonder why you allow the humans to rule.” Though I had to pretend to support him, I prayed a man such as he would never rule over humans. “Surely, there is a way for you to take your rightful place?”

  He brushed a finger under my chin. “Naïve girl. In order to triumph over humans, I would need to increase my army. The higher the werewolf population, the greater risk of losing my throne. Another werewolf could rule and reap the benefits of my hard work.”

  “Very clever.” I smiled. “This way, you maintain all control over our kind.”

  “Exactly. The humans are rarely a bother. They seldom travel the eighty miles to visit. When they do, they stay a few days and take their leave.” The corner of his mouth curled up. “I have my ways of dealing with those who believe themselves to be above me.”

  His ways of dealing with them probably involved blackmail or other such devices. I could only imagine the secrets my king could gather by coercing a shape-shifter disguised as a pet into the royal castle. Intrigue was the last thing I wanted to worry about though. I had enough on my mind just figuring out how to escape with my life. And when I succeeded, the king would be but a memory.

  “I must compliment you on your fine gardens,” I told him. “I have never seen anything like them.”

  He gathered my hand into his and squeezed. “When you are my queen, this will all be yours, my dearest Hannah.”

  For only an instant before he murdered me. Inside, I seethed, my free hand clenching into a fist. I wondered if the king would prefer to do it himself or have someone else kill me while he was out with a hunting party. I suspected he would choose the latter where he may provide himself an alibi. So long as no one doubts the king’s innocence, he can blame it on the shape-shifters and he would have his war.

  And Eli… how would he find death? Would his head be on a pike outside the castle walls as an example for any would-be traitors? What about his beloved, who was trapped in a cage and could be killed so easily? That, I felt certain, was a task the king would save for himself.

  My throat constricted at the thought. Was there no way to save her? Save Eli? Likely not.

  ~~~

  Chapter SIX

  Prince Edward arrived the next morning and my day was spent at the king’s side, first at a jousting tournament, then the musicians entertained us during supper. I was rarely spoken to and my responses were almost never required. That was just as well, because the strain of pretending contentment had worn on me.

  Much to my relief, Prince Edward and my king disappeared after the feast, which left me to find amusement on my own. I did not mind. I stopped in my chambers to shift into my wolf form, since showing our true selves in the bailey later and risk exposing ourselves to the humans would not do.

  I shuddered to think what would happen if the human prince discovered he was in a castle full of werewolves. If word spread that we existed, armies upon armies would descend upon us. Though we were much stronger than humans, we were outnumbered more than a thousand to one. Surely they would hunt us to extinction. I could not wait until the guests departed so I could morph and run in the bailey.

  Once I had run out the wolf cravings, I left my room to amble down the long, empty corridor toward the library. As I neared the doorway, the smell of leather and old parchment tickled my nose. Books lined the walls, to the very top of the high ceiling. I kept to the lower level since it took less effort and less commitment. I did not want to become engrossed, lose track of time and miss my chance to see Eli. Not that he would necessarily show. But if he did, I intended to be there in the woods.

  As I ran my fingers over the rows of worn spines, my bones ached from exhaustion, stress and sleep deprivation. Werewolves healed quickly, but we still needed rest — though we needed much less than humans — to rebuild our strength. Tomorrow, I would feign fatigue and make up for lost sleep.

  But tonight, I would roam the castle grounds via the tunnels. Later, I would go to the forest in search of Eli. He knew about the traps beyond the forest and the posted guards. What else did he know that might help me or his beloved?

  My urge to tell him about the rat in the king’s chamber nearly overpowered me. But if I revealed his love’s location, would Eli put himself in danger to save her? My stomach churned at the thought. I would tell him before I fled the castle. For now, I just needed to see him and gather any information I could.

  But I had to admit, at least to myself, Eli’s assistance was not the only reason to seek him out. Two meetings and I had already grown attached — for bringing me a bow, advising me on my escape, and keeping my confidence. Mostly, I admired his loyalty. He knew the layout of the castle and grounds, knew the dangers that could befall him. If anyone could escape, it was he. Yet he did not. Because he would not leave his love.

  I wished it was me he refused to abandon.

  I shook my head, desperately rejecting those feelings. I barely knew the man. Besides, not only was he a shifter, he was already taken. As was I — to the king, no less.

  Still, I longed to see him.

  † † †

  Luckily, humans needed more sleep than werewolves and retired early. And their poor vision made them even less likely to see me dashing into the forest. For now, only the guards worried me.

  I ran through the trees, stopping where I stowed the bow and quiver, and blew out a breath in relief. Still there. This discovery bolstered my faith and trust in Eli.

  Warm tingles spread through me when I sensed him. I turned slowly and met his gaze, offering him a tentative smile.

  He did not return my greeting as he took a cautious step closer. “Hiding more weapons?”

  “No.”

  “It is dangerous for you to be out, milady.”

  “I suppose it is.” I bit my lip. “But I hoped you might be willing to share anything else you know. The king believes you will never leave without your… wife? Comforted by that knowledge, perhaps he speaks freely around you.”

  “She is my sister.”

  I released a shaky breath. “Oh.”

  “Imparting much more information than I already have may not be wise, milady. I fear that if you know too much, you will come to believe you can do something that cannot be
done. And you will be killed for attempting it.”

  “Unfortunately, I have no choice.” I waited a breath. “I… overheard a conversation that was not meant for me.”

  His brows lifted expectantly.

  “He means to kill me shortly after we marry.”

  Eli’s forehead furrowed. “Why would he murder his own wife?”

  “He intends to blame it on someone else.” I gave a shaky laugh, knowing I should be more specific. But I hoped it would not come to that. I intended to escape before the king ever involved Eli. I never wanted him to be in my situation, faced with the choice of staying and dying or running and being hunted. His decision would be made more difficult since running would mean leaving his sister behind. “So you see, I have no choice but to go.”

  “I do not know why anyone would murder his own wife, yet after my dealings with him, I cannot doubt it. I will help you, if I can.” He turned away from me and ran a hand through his straight, blond hair. “Several times a year, His Majesty travels for a fortnight amongst the villages in his realm, to inspect the land and collect taxes and such. This is to remind everyone of their true sovereign.”

  “Like what Prince Edward is doing now.” Surely the castle will seem less like a prison with the king gone. “When will this trip take place?”

  “He departs in about a week, soon after the prince is gone. Many of his men will go with him, which will leave the castle and grounds with fewer guards for you to get past.”

  I wanted to suggest that he, also, take advantage, but I already knew he would not leave his sister. In his shoes, I would not either. But I had to try. I inched toward him. “And less guards in your way as well.”

  He stood a breath away, eyes cast down toward me. They softened for a moment before hardening again. “You should not be here, much less plotting ways to get yourself killed.” His jaw tightened when I did not move. “I have nothing else to offer, no other information. Do not come here again. If you get caught—”

  “They will kill me?” I finished for him, standing my ground and lifting my chin. “No matter the path, that is my fate. And if you are right and they punish me with death, then I will be most pleased with a little conversation before I die.” I waited to let him absorb that. “You may be one of only three people in the entire castle with no agenda.”

  “I cannot help you any more than I already have.” He held out his hands and backed away. “You have no business with a shape-shifter.”

  The next moment I was alone.

  † † †

  The following morning, Mrs. Benton opened the drapes and gave me a withering look over her shoulder. Please do not make me regret showing you the tunnels. I find myself lying awake worrying about you long after I should be asleep. I can only hope you are being clever while you risk your life.

  I propped myself up on my elbows. I swear to you that I am taking all precautions. I am in no immediate danger. You have my word.

  Mrs. Benton squinted as though that would force the truth from me. “Let’s get you dressed.”

  Once I was fit to be seen by my king and the Prince of Wales, I joined them for mass, then we feasted on roasted beef, fresh baked bread and vegetables from the king’s garden. As usual, I was meant to be seen and appreciated from afar, but not heard.

  Knowing the meal would drag on, I ate slowly to keep myself busy. After what seemed an eternity, the king rose from his chair. “Shall we make a trip to the smithy?”

  My stomach flipped. I would see Eli. I could not speak with him in public, of course, but just laying eyes on him would be enough until after dark when I met him in the woods. If he showed up.

  “As you wish,” Prince Edward replied with a nod.

  My king thrust out his elbow and I looped an arm through his. We made our way out of the great hall, paraded through the long corridor until finally, we met cobblestone outside. Eli stood in front of the smithy at the enormous slab of iron, a light breeze blowing his blond hair. The sleeves of his billowy white shirt were rolled up, the open collar showing tanned skin. He struck the hammer against the red hot metal of the sword and looked our way. My gaze met his and my blood hummed.

  Your heart is beating wildly, my dear, the king told me silently. Does this shape-shifter frighten you? If he bothers you in the slightest, I shall do away with him.

  No, milord, I answered, casting Eli a wary glance for the king’s benefit. I have never met one before and he is disconcerting. Just look at his clothes. Why, he is positively savage.

  The king patted my arm, still entwined with his. He will not hurt you or anyone else. I have made sure of that.

  And I knew exactly how he had ensured everyone’s safety. Or rather how he had rendered Eli harmless and unable to leave. My blood boiled at the king’s cruelty, but as we stood near Eli, I struggled to keep my calm. It would not do for me to lose my temper, especially in front of our guests.

  “Excuse me, my dear. I am sure His Highness would like to look at our fine swords,” King Mortimer said.

  I stepped aside and he motioned the prince to follow him into the smithy. All the guards followed, leaving me standing beside Eli. I could not stay but for a moment or risk drawing attention to myself.

  The servants had not come with us, and the king and prince were too far away now to sense me speaking telepathically. I hope you are well, I told Eli.

  Go with them, he ordered. You must not take the chance that he will notice you are missing.

  I watched him from under my lashes as I pretended to arrange my gown. You will be there tonight, yes?

  Absolutely not. He glared at me. Stay in your chambers where you are safe.

  I cannot. I spun and dashed off to join the others. I hoped to see Eli later that night, but he had made his intentions clear. Deflated and dejected, I stepped into the dim light of the smithy and hugged the walls as my king bestowed a bejeweled sword upon the prince. Imparting gifts was certainly a brilliant way of manipulating royalty, although I guessed my king combined that with other methods of maintaining control.

  † † †

  After dinner, I retired to my chambers and morphed into my wolf form. I missed the space the bailey provided and could only hope our human guests departed soon.

  As exhausted as I had become from lack of sleep, I belonged in bed. But for reasons I could not explain, I was drawn to Eli and could not stay away. I needed to see him. The fact that he could very well be the only one in the entire castle, other than his sister, who could identify with my situation only made me want to see him more. And I hoped that he might tell me something that could help me save her.

  Once the castle quieted, I went to our spot in the woods. To pass the time waiting for Eli, I checked to make sure my bow and quiver were where I had left them, along with the sword and scabbard. Assured they were safe, I scanned the perimeter, wondering where the guard’s traps might be laid. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

  My limbs weighed heavy with the lateness of the hour. I needed rest. I promised myself I would stay in tomorrow and catch up on sleep. But if Eli did not show tonight, I would have to go out again tomorrow night. The next day, I would be absolutely ruined from sleep deprivation.

  Exploring the woods, I stayed close by in case Eli appeared. Minutes stretched on and I could not afford to stay out any longer. I switched direction to head back to the castle and froze.

  “Why are you here?”

  Pivoting, I came face-to-face with Eli just three feet away. He scowled, his body rigid and motionless.

  I shrugged. “I have more questions.”

  He shook his head and backed away. “Go.”

  ~~~

  Chapter SEVEN

  “Please,” I begged. “You are the only one I can talk to.”

  “I doubt I can be of any more service to you, milady.”

  He was probably right. I searched for something he might know, any question that might keep him with me. “What sort of traps await me?”

  Eli turned
away and ran his fingers through his hair, then faced me again. “Pits so deep that a werewolf could not claw his way out, giant iron jaws that clamp shut and could sever a foot, and nets too strong to break and too fine to slip through.”

  But a shifter could change into a bird and be free of all the traps. I took a deep breath and exhaled, stalling so he might stay longer. “How many shape-shifters are in the castle?”

  “Only my sister Isabella and myself.”

  This was not good news. “Are you sure there are not others here like you?”

  He inclined his head. “Positive.”

  I spun around so he could not see my face. Eli’s declaration confirmed the shape-shifter in the king’s chamber was indeed his sister. My throat thickened. “Why does the king keep you?”

  “My work is among the finest in the country. Possessing my weapons strengthens the king’s army in battle.” He lip curled into a sneer. “And I cost him very little to keep.”

  Searching the immediate vicinity, I spotted a log and sat. “You can turn into anything you wish?”

  He shot me a sidelong glance. “How does learning about shape-shifters help you formulate your escape plan?”

  “It does not.” I lowered my gaze and softened my voice. “But it gives me insight into you.”

  He stared at me a long moment and I began to regret my honesty. “You should not be here, least of all with me.”

  “I am well aware of that.” I folded my hands in my lap and looked into his eyes. “Yet I am still here.”

  Eli swallowed, then turned away. “We may turn into any animal we wish. The closer it is to our own weight, the easier to stay in that shape for lengthy periods.”

  “So, for instance, you could not stay as a rat for very long?” I asked, thinking of his sister.

  “A few hours at the most, then I would need to return to my human form.”

  “And if you were unable to?” I pressed my lips together.

  “It would be torture and I would become weaker.” He tilted his head. “Thinking of ways to make me suffer?”