by Rachel James
“He will plan to strike soon.”
“How much time do we possess?”
Ryce lifted his arms in the air. “Your guess is as good as mine. Mayhap days, or even weeks.”
“In which case, we must act fast. Now we are aware of his intentions, we can make preparations.”
He stood. “Ryce, get fixed up and meet me in the hall. You too, Sherwin. Time we called a meeting.”
“Are you well, Princess?”
Teagen glanced at her maid. “Aye, thank you. I don’t suppose you can fetch me some clean clothes. These are ruined now.”
“Goodness, you’re right, what on earth did you do?”
“I had to make bandages for Ryce. But you never did like me wearing it anyway.”
Lunet laughed. “Nay, I should be grateful the good Lord answered my prayers.”
“You were praying I’d rip my tunic?”
“Not quite. Rather you’d embrace a little more femininity in some of your choice of clothing.”
“Oh? Well put.” She gave her maid a small smile.
“I think you forget sometimes who you are, Teagen.”
“Perchance. I find it be easier than dealing with the responsibility to which my title entails.”
“But if you ignore them, these problems will only be here for you to address another morrow. What’s the point in delaying the inevitable?”
“So, the solution is to wear a pretty dress and all of a sudden I’ve embraced my true calling?”
Lunet helped her out of the water. “Nay, Princess. You spent a large part of your life as an orphan and a slave. Yet, you were born to be a princess. Not to wear elegant clothing, or live in luxury, but so that you be a leader. Your people look to you as an example, for direction, kindness, even sacrifice. You possess this in you, but will you embrace, or deny it?”
“Niall is the chieftain, not me. To be honest, I’m uncertain as to what my role is.”
“Well, I pray the Lord reveals it to you soon enough. Just make sure you’re ready.” Lunet helped dry her hair. “In the meantime, let’s get you looking a little more ladylike.”
“As opposed to what?”
“A wild animal springs to mind.”
Teagen glanced around the hall and studied the faces. She’d gathered Ryce had informed Niall of their encounter with the Shieldok, but it appeared no one else was aware.
Niall banged the table to get the people’s attention.
“Good morrow to you all. You must be wondering why you are here.” He paused and gazed across the hall. “We believe Dyrahns plan to invade Angularem.”
Niall waited for the noise from the crowd to quieten.
“Now, we know not when they will strike, but the likelihood is very soon. A plan in motion is imperative to ensure we are ready to defend—if and when they attack.
“Guards already patrol the fort, but this is not enough. We need soldiers stationed in all areas of the island. Garreth, how fares the watchtower?”
“It can be made ready shortly.”
“What about the villagers?” said Teagen. “They should move inside the fort walls for protection, surely?”
Niall nodded. “Aye. Ansgar, can you see to them? Try not to alarm the people. Reassure them this is purely a precautionary measure. We’ll be a little overcrowded for a while, but we’ll have to live with it.”
Ansgar cocked his head to one side. “We’ll need the room within the fortress grounds to make weaponry and the necessary supplies in case the fortress is seized. It might be wise to alert the villagers of the procedures in the event of an attack. If guards are stationed at the watchtower, they will give us enough warning to move the people inside the gates.”
Niall stood in silence for a time, and Teagen caught her breath in fear the men might disagree. “You’re right. We need not worry the villagers yet. Besides, this may all be for naught. Still, no harm in being prepared.”
Niall walked into the middle of the room and addressed the entire crowd. “The important thing is to remain on our guard, be ready, and be cautious. We’ve all a part to play in preparing for this. Garreth, I want you to oversee the running of the watchtower. Ryce, you’ll be in charge of defence strategy and weaponry. Teagen—”
She held her breath again. She couldn’t imagine what her role in this would be.
“You’ll be responsible for ensuring food supplies and materials are in the stock rooms in case we are seized.”
“But—”
“You’re experienced in this, am I correct?”
“Aye, but what about...?”
“Confer with the cook, find out her needs, and make sure you get it.”
She nodded numbly. It wasn’t what she expected him to say, but it made sense. It was something she was adept at. Perchance she had a part to play after all.
Ryce glanced up from his meal later that eventide and noticed Teagen’s absence. They hadn’t had a chance to talk since they’d got back, and now the atmosphere around the fort was serious, subdued even.
“How’s the side?” asked Sherwin.
In truth, he’d forgotten all about his wound. “Fine.”
Sherwin studied his face. “You’re quiet tonight.”
“Just thinking.”
“You still need to inform me what happened.”
Ryce rubbed the rim of his cup with his finger. “She saved me, Sherwin. We were walking through the forest, and somehow, we got split up. I backed in my tracks to look for her when Kenric pounced on me. Everything happened so fast, I blacked out before I could go after him. My last thoughts were...he’d kill Teagen too.”
“So, where was she?”
“I know not, but she managed to find me and drag me to the watchtower, which was a good thirty feet in distance, using her own cloak. She could have frozen to death.”
“And she bandaged your wounds.”
“Aye.”
“She’s a brave girl, I grant you.”
Ryce leaned in his seat. “You’ve not heard the best bit,” he said, his mouth holding back a smile. “We spent all morrow hunting in the forest and didn’t get one thing. The moment I’m out cold, she goes by herself, kills a rabbit, and I wake to the aroma of it cooking over the fire!”
Sherwin roared. “Looks like she does better without you trying to help her.”
“I thought the same myself.”
“So, what do you think happened to Kenric?”
Ryce hung his head. “I know not. I hope he’s still not around. I surmise he’ll return to Dyrah and report back to Eadward. Which means we’ll have at least a week before they might return. Perchance more.”
“He was foolish to attack you. They’ve lost the element of surprise.”
“Mayhap he thinks I’m dead.”
“Either way, it’s not safe for her to go outside of the fort now, at least by herself.”
“You’re right.” Ryce got up and picked an apple from the table.
“Where are you off to?”
“To search for Teagen. I’ve not had the chance to thank her.”
He went outside but didn’t find her. He strolled past her chamber and bumped into Lunet. “Lunet, where is the princess?”
“Having dinner, the last time I checked.”
“Nay, she wasn’t there when I left. I thought she might have retired to bed early.”
“She’s not in her room. Perchance she’s taken a walk. Try checking the beach.”
“All right. If you do happen upon her, tell her I am searching for her.”
“Of course.”
Ryce ran down the steps, his heart racing. He was being overprotective. He went over to the spot on the shore he knew she was fond of.
Something is not right.
She wouldn’t disappear without telling anybody. He glanced up at the guards on duty. Surely, they would notice something.
“Ansgar,” he shouted.
The soldier leaned over the tower wall.
“Have you seen the pr
incess?”
“Me? Nay, I’ve been here all night.”
“Any suspicious activities from your viewpoint?”
“Nay, it’s been quiet tonight.”
“Listen, I can’t find Teagen—if you happen upon her, please send word.”
“Aye, sir. Should I put out an alert?”
“Nay. I’m a little jumpy tonight, after everything that’s happened. Just keep your eyes open.”
“Aye, sir.”
Ryce headed back to the hall. He’d check again. She must have returned by now. As he entered, he bumped into Niall.
“Ryce, do you know where Teagen is? She said she’d be down for dinner.”
“She’s not in her chamber.”
“What? Cinnia hasn’t seen her either. Is Ansgar aware?”
“Aye, he is keeping an eye out.”
Niall rubbed his chin. “Perchance she’s in the cellar, checking on the supplies, or in the church praying.”
“I could check them for you, sire.”
“Tell you what, you go to the chapel, and I’ll search the kitchen.”
Ryce nodded and headed for the sanctuary. Strange visiting this place again. It looked different by night. An altar stood at the front of the church, the Sancta Biblia resting upon it. The chapel was empty. Frustrated, he slammed the door.
Where could she be? He checked the stables, even the bathhouse. He went to the guardroom. Her bow and arrows were still in storage. Thank goodness she’d not gone hunting. Walking back outside, he leaned against the wall and looked up into the sky. The clouds from the storm had long since passed, revealing a starry eventide. It would make a decent night for sailing.
And then it struck him.
Kenric had taken Teagen.
Chapter Eighteen
Teagen clawed at the side of the pitch-black container. She remembered walking to the hall for dinner and being grabbed from behind, a nasty smelling cloth placed over her face. She had awoken in pure darkness.
She started to breathe too hard and fast. She’d never been good in close spaces, ever since the night her father had died, but this was the extreme. This was what nightmares were made of.
She scratched at the wood again, desperate to break free from her prison, but to no avail. She screamed, shouted until her voice rasped with pain. No one came to her aid.
A sudden movement caused her to tumble, her cheek grazing upon rough wood. She rocked, up and down. She must be at sea. Where were they taking her? Her stomach lurched.
Tears streamed her cheek, and a rising sob lodged in her throat. Under normal circumstances, she would have considered herself a brave girl.
Unless small, dark spaces were involved.
Then she was anything but courageous. She closed her eyes. It seemed silly, but she found comfort in them being shut. She had an element of control.
She recalled the first time. The screams. The tears. Her father.
“I love you, you know that, don’t you?” he had said.
She remembered the look in his eyes as he bid farewell. He knew it was his time to die, and he’d wanted to make sure she lived.
The darkness saved her life. It was not a prison, but a haven. A place of safety.
Her breathing slowed as she sensed God’s calming presence. He would get her through this.
Somehow.
When Teagen woke again, she was still in darkness. “You did what? That was not part of the plan, Kenric.”
Teagan straightened. King Eadward. She leaned against the crate, straining her ears to listen to the muffled voices.
“I’m sorry, sire, but I seized an opportunity.”
“Your mission was to spy out the land, unnoticed. Now we are simply giving them time to prepare their defences!”
“Aye, I thought you might say that.”
“What have you done?”
“I stole the princess.”
“Princess Teagen?”
“The very same.”
So, she had been taken hostage. What would the king do with her? Surely, she’d be more valuable alive than dead, unless he wanted to evoke Niall’s wrath as he once before did.
Her body tensed as her capsule shook. The crate opened, and intense light poured in. She squinted her eyes, cowering into the corner like a wounded animal.
“Get her out.”
Kenric lifted her out of the box and threw her to the floor. She landed at the king’s feet. “Now, Kenric, no need to treat our guest in such a way,” the king said as he crouched to examine her. He stroked the side of her face, the hatred never leaving his eyes.
“I wonder what I should do with you now you are here.” His old hand ran down her hair.
She tensed at his closeness. “Don’t touch me!” She slapped his cheek before thinking of the consequences.
He touched the cheek she had hit. “Your mother said the same thing, a long time ago.”
“Pardon?”
“Come now, don’t look surprised.”
She stared at him. “Are you referring to her death?”
He smirked. “I didn’t kill her. Your father found out about us, and she ran from him and fell.”
She clenched her fists. “You lie!”
“I don’t answer to you. Your mother and I would be together if not for your scheming father. She said she’d made a mistake. That she was going to leave him. I vowed I’d seek retribution. It took years of planning, ’tis why we invaded Elmetia. Of course, I had intended it to include all his offspring. The question is, do I kill you now, or anon?”
“My brother will come for you.”
“How true. Using you as bait is the most viable option.” He circled the room. “It seems far too easy though. I’d like to get hold of those traitors you harbour. I must confess I find the whole circumstance quite ironic.”
Teagen raised her brow. “How do you mean?”
He laughed. “You are as dimwitted as your mother. I mean the man training your own men to kill me is the same person who killed your father. Niall has no idea, I presume.”
Teagen gasped. “You lie!”
The king tilted his head. “Ah, have you taken a little fancy to our handsome warrior? I wouldn’t be surprised. Most women do, from what I understand.”
He clucked his tongue. “I tell you the truth. Ryce worked for me. He did anything I bid of him. In fact, I believe your father was Ryce’s first kill. It earned him the high status he so recently ran away from.”
“And Sherwin?”
“What about him? Not much juicy information to share on him, I’m afraid. I admit, it was a shame to lose him—my new physician is useless.”
Eadward walked over to the window, his back to her. She cast her eyes to the floor. What could she do?
A shiny object caught her attention. She slumped to the ground and covered the item with her body. She winced in pain as the sharpness cut into her skin.
The king moved away from the wall opening. “I do not tolerate betrayal. They helped you escape and disobeyed my orders. So I’m afraid when we invade your precious little island, they will be slain as collateral.”
He walked over to her and cupped her chin in his hands. “I’ll admit, having you as hostage may yet prove invaluable.”
He turned to Kenric, who waited in the shadows. “Lock her back up and prepare the troops. We travel on the morrow.”
“Sire, we need to go after her,” said Ryce.
Niall held his quill mid-air. “We know not for sure she’s been taken.”
“I can sense it.
“You didn’t strike me as the sort of person who followed his gut. I thought you relied upon hard evidence.”
“Under normal circumstances, that is true.”
Ryce paced the king’s chamber in frustration. How could he convince the king to act on this? “Sire, she is your sister. If we don’t go now, we might lose her.”
Niall winced. “Don’t you think I know that? Has it not crossed your mind this is what Eadward wants? For
us to deplete our troops and squander our focus? This is a decoy.”
Ryce ran his fingers through his hair. “Don’t forget Eadward was planning her execution to lure you to himself. I doubt he would readily give up on the idea.”
Niall rubbed his neck. “Nay, I cannot risk it. We must trust the Lord on this one. We continue as planned. Teagen will turn up soon enough, and we’ll discover this to be a grave misunderstanding.”
His blood boiled. “Trust the Lord?” he echoed. “That is all you’re going to do? Well, that God of yours is no Lord of mine.”
“He could be if you’d let Him.”
“Forgive me, sire, but I think this a feeble time to evangelize.”
“You couldn’t be more wrong, Ryce. None of us know when our fatal hour will come upon us. The question is, are we ready to meet our maker?”
The conversation wasn’t going as he’d planned. He just wanted permission to take some soldiers and go after her. Every fibre in his being told him to follow his heart, but his head had other ideas. He followed orders. Perchance Niall was right. She’d only been missing a day.
“Very well, sire, I’ll continue with the defence strategy.”
Niall seemed saddened by something, but didn’t speak. He nodded and waved him off.
Ryce had to get some air, and walked out into the courtyard. He spotted Sherwin.
“Any news?”
“Nay.”
“Oh? I thought the king might sway for his own sister.”
“Apparently, I am to put my trust in ‘the Lord.’”
Sherwin shifted uncomfortably, taking a sudden interest in a speck of mud on his shoes.
“Sherwin? Are you all right?”
Sherwin looked up. “Aye, of course.”
Ryce remained unconvinced. “Surely you don’t agree with him?”
“I’m disappointed you can’t go after the princess.”
He folded his arms. “But...?”
“Perchance having a little faith might not be such a bad thing either.”
Ryce studied his friend. “Nay. Not you as well.” He threw his hands over his head and spun round. “When?”