‘How did you get this?’
‘Stole it from Rastran. An old crewmate of mine taught me a few things about picking pockets.’
Kylen threw the key to Bodel, who released the others.
‘We freed the other prisoners as a distraction,’ Kylen explained, ‘but I don’t know how long it will keep the guards busy. We should go.’
As Kylen led the way out of the dungeon, Zastra struggled to keep up. Her limbs felt as if they belonged to someone else. They joined the flood of prisoners pouring out of the dungeons. A line of soldiers tried to hold back the tide. Kylen floored one with a swift punch and wrenched a sword from the hand of the second. Weaponless, the man turned and fled, along with many of his fellows. The prisoners piled after them. A black-robed mindweaver pushed through the mob, bodies falling away before some unseen power. Kylen took up a fighting crouch, but the mindweaver lowered her hood. It was Polina.
‘There you are! I’ve had such trouble finding you. When I heard about the prisoners escaping, I guessed you had something to do with it. I stole a robe. It’s chaos.’
A loud crackling sound from the direction of the courtyard made them all jump.
‘Fire-fountains,’ Polina explained. ‘Celebrating Thorlberd’s ascension.’
Celebrating the murder of my parents, Zastra thought bleakly.
‘Good.’ Kylen marched towards the courtyard. ‘What with the fire-fountains and the escaped prisoners, most of the guard will be distracted. We might slip through the gates unnoticed.’
Zastra called her back.
‘I’ve a better idea.’
Chapter Forty-three
The corridors were deserted and the crackling of the fire-fountains together with screams of delight from the courtyard drowned out their footsteps. It was ironic that Thorlberd’s celebrations were helping cover their escape. Zastra had to lean on Kylen for support as she led the way to her father’s old office. There was no one guarding it. No doubt the sentries had been called away to deal with the prison break. The door was locked.
‘Myka, I don’t suppose your skills run to unlocking doors?’
Myka shook his head, so Zastra aimed a kick at the door. But her leg shook with the effort and she made no impact. Kylen pulled her aside and set to work, using the noise from the fire-fountains as cover as she pounded the lock with the heel of her boot. The lock snapped out of the door frame and Kylen shoved the door open with her shoulder. Zastra hobbled past her and into the antechamber behind the office. She knelt by the fireplace, searching for the hidden mechanism her father had used ten years ago to open her way to freedom. If only he had come with her then, how different things might be. But he had stayed behind to try and save their mother.
‘Hurry, Zastra!’ Kylen had positioned herself by the outer door to keep watch. ‘I think someone is coming.’
Zastra roused herself from her memories and ran her hands round the inside of the mantel. Her fingers caught on a metal pin. She pressed, but nothing happened. Then she tried pulling it. With a grinding noise, the stone slab at the back of the fireplace rotated to reveal stone steps leading into the dark. Zastra felt a familiar constriction in her chest. She backed away.
‘Are you all right? Bodel looked at her in concern. Zastra didn’t trust herself to speak. She waved the others into the passageway. Not again.
Kylen came up behind her, plucked one of the lamps from the wall and took Zastra’s hand in her own. It felt warm and strong.
‘You can do it,’ she said quietly. ‘I’ll be with you the whole way.’
With a shuddering breath, Zastra forced herself into the dark passageway. She had just enough presence of mind to reach back and shove the metal pin back in place, whipping her hand away as the stone swung back in place. The less Thorlberd knew about how they had escaped, the better chance they had.
The journey down the passageway was like all Zastra’s worst nightmares rolled into one. Only the strong pressure of Kylen’s hand holding hers kept her moving. Halfway down, Joril came to a standstill and put out her arm to block their way.
‘I won’t go any further until I know what this is all about. What did Rastran mean when he said I was the right age?’
‘We haven’t time for this,’ Kylen snapped, but Joril just folded her arms across her chest. Zastra had no idea how to deal with such stubbornness. Findar had always been so pliant and gentle. It seemed that his twin sister was different. Bodel came to their rescue. She shoved Joril bodily forward.
‘Don’t be silly. Do you want Rastran to catch us all?’
Joril pulled a face, but she began to move. At long last, a change in the air told Zastra they were nearing the end of the passage. It was night outside and no light filtered into the tunnel, but she dropped Kylen’s hand and rushed forward, gulping in the sweet fresh air, only to find a cold blade pressed against her neck. She tensed, until she felt the serrations.
‘A fine greeting, Ithgol.’
There was a grunt and a lamp was unshaded to reveal the Kyrg, holding five horses. Ithgol lowered his scythal and thrust her backpack into her arms.
‘Nothing to say, Ithgol?’ Kylen remarked. ‘No word of congratulation on us still being alive? And I thought we were beginning to be friends.’
‘Only five horses?’ Zastra said, in dismay. ‘There’s not enough to go round.’
‘Trust me, these were all that could be had,’ Ithgol said.
‘I’m not coming with you,’ Bodel said quietly.
‘But you must! It’s not safe,’ Zastra protested. Bodel’s welfare was not her only concern. The healer was the only person who seemed able to handle her sister. Bodel took Zastra’s hands in hers.
‘Now that I know our Joril is safely out of the castle, I can focus on looking for my Bedrun. I’ve searched for her every winter, but without any luck. Now I don’t have to keep checking on Joril, I can try further afield. Don’t worry, my dear. I can look after myself.’
Zastra squeezed her hand.
‘I can’t thank you enough. When you find Bedrun, tell her I’m sorry. She didn’t deserve to be caught up in all this. None of you did.’
Bodel turned to Joril.
‘You must mind Zastra and do as she tells you. She’ll take care of you from now on.’
‘That’s not fair! I don’t even know these people,’ Joril protested. ‘And I still don’t know what’s going on.’
‘Don’t take on so. You always said you wanted to meet a better class of person,’ Bodel remarked drily.
‘Rebels and Kyrgs? I’d have been better off staying in the bakery.’
‘We should leave,’ Ithgol growled. Behind them, the hissing and whooshing of the fire-fountains had stopped and the sound of a distant bugle floated across the air. One of their horses, a fat grey pony, began to whicker. Kylen took charge.
‘That sounds like an alarm. Myka, can you ride?’ He nodded.
‘Born and bred round horses.’
‘Good. You children double up. Take the brown mare, she looks the strongest. Zastra can take the grey. It looks slow and steady enough for someone in her state. Ithgol and Pol can fight it out over the other two. Quickly now.’
Bodel helped Joril up behind Myka.
‘I hope you will understand, my dear. We did what we felt we had to. I beg that one day you’ll forgive us.
‘Forgive you? What do you mean?’ But Bodel had already turned and disappeared into the darkness.
Zastra felt Ithgol lift her up onto the broad back of the grey pony. She was so weak with exhaustion that she barely knew what was happening. All she could do was grab the reins and cling on as they set off.
Chapter Forty-four
They rode through the night. The poor quality of their horses meant they could manage no more than a brisk trot. Kylen insisted that speed was more important than stealth and so they travelled by tracks and even roads where they provided the shortest route. Fortunately, they met no one. The villages they travelled through were completely dar
k. Everyone must be asleep or gone to the castle for the celebrations. The horses were sweating and panting as they approached a staging post attached to a small inn. Kylen dismounted.
‘Let’s see if we can exchange horses. These are dead on their feet.’
‘We should take a break,’ Polina said. ‘The youngsters look done in and Zastra has nearly fallen off twice.’
Zastra, who had allowed her eyes to close just for a moment, sat up and blinked furiously to rouse herself.
‘We can’t afford to stop,’ Kylen said shortly.
‘Let’s at least try and get some food,’ Pol insisted. ‘Zastra, when did you last eat?’
Zastra tried to remember. She had been given nothing during her imprisonment. No food, and little to drink for nearly two days. Together with what Rastran had done to her, it was no wonder she felt so weak.
‘It might appear strange if we didn’t take some refreshment,’ she said, hopefully.
‘I don’t care how odd it looks,’ Kylen cut in. ‘Our only chance is to outrun Thorlberd’s soldiers.’
‘We waste time,’ Ithgol growled. He strode towards the staging post.
‘Wait,’ Zastra said hoarsely. ‘Pol should go.’
‘Ithgol, stop.’ Kylen’s firm command drowned out Zastra’s whispered suggestion. ‘Polina has the best chance of persuading them to give us what we need. Myka, go with her. Make sure we don’t get fobbed off with the worst nags. I can tell from the way you ride that you know about horses.’
Myka gathered their exhausted mounts and he and Polina headed for the inn. A few moments later, a woman emerged with a lamp and led them across the road to the stables. While they made the deal, a serving boy brought out a tray of steaming mugs. Zastra offered silent thanks to Polina for disobeying Kylen’s instructions, and downed the chala so fast she scalded the roof of her mouth. She felt her strength returning with the sweet liquid. Polina and Myka returned with six horses. None of them would have been considered suitable for a Grand Marl’s stable, but they were an improvement on what they had ridden thus far.
‘You must have spent all our money,’ Zastra remarked. Polina gave a rueful smile.
‘Actually, I paid only for the chala, and that was because I felt guilty. I used mindweaving to convince the stablemaster our five horses were worth these six in exchange. It was a poor deal, and she is likely to pay for it when the mistress of the house wakes up. But I thought we should save our last few tocrins. Other stablemasters may not be so easily persuaded.’
Kylen took up one of the horses and checked the harness.
‘Never thought I’d be congratulating a mindfogger, but that was well done.’
Since they each now had their own horse, Kylen decided they might risk a canter. The staging post was soon far behind them. The sun was up before they eased the horses to a walk. Joril took the opportunity to pull alongside Zastra.
‘What did Bodel mean? About forgiving?’
Zastra tried not to notice how green Kastara’s eyes were. So like their mother’s. She deserved to know the truth. Even if it meant she would hate Zastra forever.
‘We should water the horses,’ she suggested.
‘Good idea,’ Polina responded. ‘I’m famished. Do we have any food left?’
Ithgol rummaged in his pack and found a handful of dry biscuits and some nuts. It was all that remained of their supplies. As they nibbled their sparse rations, Zastra told Joril, or Kastara, as she would be again from now on, the truth. How Zastra had made the difficult choice to leave her sister behind with Bodel and Dalka all those years ago.
‘That’s what Bodel meant about forgiveness. You mustn’t hold it against her for lying to you about your inheritance. She did it to keep you safe. If you wish to blame anyone, then blame me. I left you behind. I’ve regretted it every single day. To miss you growing up, not knowing whether you were safe…’
She wasn’t sure what response to expect. Anger and disbelief perhaps. Both would be justified. Instead, Kastara broke out into a huge grin of satisfaction.
‘A Grand Marl’s daughter!’ she exclaimed. ‘I knew I was meant for more than a bakery. Oh, I wish I could tell Lylian. And Grejor and all the others who treated me like a servant.’
Myka rolled his eyes. ‘Just as I thought I was starting to get some of that nonsense out of your head.’
‘And I have a brother? Does he know about me?’
‘He does now, although like you, he’s only recently learnt who he really is.’
‘What’s he like?’
‘He’s a lovely lad. Quiet, thoughtful.’
‘Are you certain they’re related?’ Myka asked. Behind his head, a distant speck in the sky caught Zastra’s eye.
‘Quick, into the trees,’ she cried. They barely made it to cover before a migaradon passed overhead. Some leagues further south it swooped down and disappeared for a few moments before struggling back into the air and continuing due south.
‘Spreading the word,’ said Kylen grimly. ‘Now every stable hand and innkeeper between here and Port Trestra will be looking for us.’
‘Not all of us,’ said Zastra. ‘Rastran didn’t see Pol and Ithgol. A mindweaver with a Kyrg bodyguard shouldn’t raise suspicion. They could even pretend they are searching for us. As long as the rest of us stay out of sight, we still have a chance.’
‘Perhaps we’d be safer avoiding the roads and going cross country,’ Polina suggested. Zastra tried to catch Kylen’s eye, but the Sendoran didn’t seem to want to look at her.
‘Kylen is right,’ she said. ‘Our only chance is to stay ahead of the pursuit. Besides, we are already late for the rendezvous.’
They remounted and continued south. Their horses soon began to falter. It was clear they could not go much further. Kylen brought them to a stop.
‘The migaradon landed just over the next ridge, so I would guess there is a garrison or another staging post. Time for Polina and Ithgol to try their luck. We’ll circle round and meet you on the other side.’
When they cleared the top of the ridge, they saw a large village below, with plenty of soldiers milling about, some on horseback. Pol and Ithgol headed towards it, leaving the others to skirt round the western edge of the village, where a large thicket provided cover. Kastara and Myka began to lag behind, deep in conversation. Zastra was happy to let them do so. A friend to talk to was probably just what Kastara needed at present. Unfortunately, she didn’t appear to have the same option. Kylen strode out ahead as if she couldn’t bear to be near her. Zastra broke into a jog to try and catch up, but she pulled up almost immediately. Her joints were so stiff and swollen that every movement was excruciating.
‘Slow down, Kylen. I feel like all my limbs have been put on the wrong way round.’
‘Serves you right.’ Kylen continued to stride forward.
‘Some sympathy would be nice.’
‘You don’t deserve any.’ However, Kylen slowed her pace enough for Zastra to catch up. The air was muggy but warm. They broke out of the copse and onto a vista of flat farmland. The horizon was lost in a haze of mist. Somewhere beyond that mist lay the Sea of Golmeira.
‘What shall we do if Mata hasn’t waited?’ Zastra asked, to break the silence.
‘Do you think she would leave without you?’
‘I told her not to risk staying beyond Moonscrescent. And she’s used to obeying orders. Unlike some.’
Kylen rounded on her.
‘You wish we’d left you to Rastran’s tender ministries?’
‘Of course not. What’s wrong? Why do you hate me? Is it what happened in the tunnel… my weakness?’
Kylen aimed a swiping kick at some long grass.
‘It’s not that. You entering that passage is probably the bravest thing I’ve ever seen.’
‘Brave? I was shaking so hard I thought there was an earthquake.’
‘I think Pol is right. Dark passages awaken the trauma of that night your parents were… were murdered. But you didn’t let
it beat you.’
‘Then why can’t you bear to look at me?’
Kylen swung round to face her.
‘You nearly got yourself killed, trying to do everything by yourself. When will you learn to let others help you?’
‘I didn’t know you cared.’
Kylen muttered something in which the words “fool”, “idiot” and “Golmeiran” featured heavily. Zastra thought better of asking the Sendoran to repeat herself. It didn’t take them long to circle round to the south side of the village. A short time later, Ithgol and Polina appeared leading six horses. Ithgol’s face was so red it matched the glow of the setting sun.
‘What happened?’ Zastra asked as she reassured a skittish filly.
‘One of the soldiers was able to resist mindweaving. She noticed that we’d ridden the horses so hard that they’d be no use until next Moonscrescent. Their exchange value was low.’
‘Then how…?’ Ithgol flung himself onto a broad-backed mare and urged it into a trot. Zastra noticed that his scythals were missing. Polina blew out her cheeks.
‘Apparently good steel is valuable. Enough for the balance and a little extra gift.’
Polina pulled a slab of toffee from inside her black robe and shared it out. Zastra sucked on her piece gratefully, then spurred her mount towards Ithgol to give him his share. He took it without a word. She offered her sword as replacement for his lost weapons, but the Kyrg spurred his horse to an even faster trot. Zastra did not press it further. That he had given up his precious weapons to help them escape was perhaps the most remarkable thing of the whole adventure.
Chapter Forty-five
Brutila stood outside Thorlberd’s office, crunching her knuckles and glowering at everyone who went in. The Grand Marl had assembled the entire council of mindweavers and she could hear his remonstrations booming through the walls. His voice died and moments later a horde of red-faced mindweavers tripped over themselves in their haste to leave. Shout as much as you like, Thorlberd. If you had let me interrogate Zastra none of this would have happened. The girl would not have been fit to walk, let alone escape.
Tales of Golmeira- The Complete Box Set Page 68