by Rachel James
“Not long after Christmas.”
“And you never told me?”
“I suspected you might react like this, and I have been praying about how to approach the subject without putting you off.”
“Why? We do all right. We don’t need any of this hogwash. I thought you felt the same as I did.”
“Nay, Ryce, I never did. Not at any moment did I agree with your atheism.” Sherwin slumped on a rock and played with his hands. “I didn’t know what to do. Ryce, this is genuine. Not like our pagan heritage, when you pray and don’t get answers. God of the Christians, He is real. You can experience Him, too, if you call out to him and have a little faith.”
“I cannot live the Christian lifestyle. The things I’ve done…if there’s such a place as hell, I’m going there with certainty.”
“Aye, you are by choosing to do naught about it.”
He threw his hands in the air. “What can possibly be done to take back the bloodshed I’ve caused?”
“That’s the beauty. You can’t do anything, but Jesus, when He died on the cross, took your sin upon Himself so that He might die for you to have new life with Christ. All you need do is ask.”
“You’ve been had. Naught is as simple as that. Naught.” He’d had enough of this. He needed to find Teagen. “I’ve just remembered I’ve a small errand. If I don’t come back, cover for me, will you?”
“What are you up to?”
“I’m following my heart.”
The crate stopped moving, and the sound of waves crashed around her.
She was aboard the ship.
She gripped the sharp object tightly. At least she was not bound and had free hands to work. She poked the iron into a slight gap in the wooden crate, and the hole became bigger to the point where she had made herself a little peephole.
It appeared she was amongst the ship’s cargo. There was no lamp on, but a natural light source came from somewhere, perchance the cargo door.
She continued to make the gap bigger and tried kicking the gap with her foot, but the crate was too small for her to manoeuvre her leg around and into the right position. She opted for her elbow. The pain shot down her body as her arm penetrated through the roughened wood.
Crack.
She’d weakened the wall. Swaying her weight to and fro, she pushed on the crack repeatedly. With a mighty thud, she fell out and landed on the floor.
She glimpsed left and right. The coast was clear. She tiptoed to the galley’s stairs. They were loading the ship. She had to get up on deck without being seen, but shrunk down when hearing voices.
“I thought the plan was to go in a few weeks.”
“Well, the plan’s changed.”
“We’re not prepared. There’s no way we will have everything ready by tomorrow.”
“We got our orders. Quit grumbling. Let’s get this job done and head over to the tavern.”
“All right. How many more to take?”
“Ten.”
“Gimme a hand with them then.”
They walked away. This was her chance. She scurried on deck and scanned the boat. Now where?
She might swim for it. Studying the waves though, she changed her mind. She’d not last in that sea. A small boat dangled down the side of the ship. She glanced across at the sailors loading. Could she make it?
Without hesitation, she sprinted over to the other side and dove into the small sea vessel. She lay flat and shallowed her breathing so as not to be heard. She pulled the rope to lower herself into the water. She didn’t have much time. The moment they discovered the empty crate, they’d be after her.
The boat landed into the water with a crash. Gritting her teeth, she hoped against all odds she’d make it. The oars were heavy. She’d never rowed a boat by herself before, and the wind had picked up, causing the tide to grow choppier.
“Jesus, please get me through this. You calmed the storm in the Bible. Surely a small thing like helping me escape is easy for you.”
She paddled on, sure she would soon be discovered. A mist blew in across the sea. As long as she kept rowing, she’d reach land eventually if she wasn’t travelling full circle. At least if visibility was poor, she’d be invisible to others too.
She rowed for what seemed like hours. She was tired, her back ached, and her arms grew heavy. Pausing, she let the oars into the boat, put her head in her hands and sobbed. She cried tears for the loss of her father and the betrayal of a friend.
She could go on no longer. She’d run out of fight.
Chapter Nineteen
Ryce ran toward his boat. It was moored, waiting for his promised river ride with Teagen, which had not yet happened. When he’d won the prize at the tournament all those weeks ago, he’d never have known it would prove useful in a situation such as this. If he recalled correctly, the river had once been used as a way of importing goods and supplies, meaning it led out to the sea.
The strong current eased his boat out southwest toward Dyrahn shores. He rowed with the tide, which was just as well, and with the aid of a small sail, he would reach the mainland a lot quicker.
He’d been in the vessel over a day when the fog appeared. He must be nearing the harbour. The Dyrahn coastline was often obstructed with mist. He continued to row, although more quietly now, not wishing to attract attention to himself.
He paused and held his oars still. Was that a boat?
The vessel appeared some distance away, but despite the poor visibility, the appearance was clear. Ryce allowed the tide to draw him closer toward the other boat without using his oars, and his heart began beating faster. Someone appeared to be sitting. Was the person dead or hurt?
Perchance he needed help, but what if he was a Shieldok? He checked to make sure he had his sword at his feet and his dagger in his belt. Grabbing hold of the vessel’s rope, he pulled himself in.
The body slumped over the oars in an unnatural way.
“Teagen!”
He picked her up in his arms and gently placed her in his boat. How long had she been here? Had she been left for dead, or had she escaped? He took off his cloak and wrapped her up. She was frozen to the bone, and he needed to get her back to Angularem with haste.
The weariness from moments before evaporated. Renewed energy surged through him along with an urgent desire to return home. This woman had endured so much, and yet all she ever did was give of herself.
He glanced across at Teagen as he took hold of the rudder. Her complexion was pale and lips blue, and the mist clung to her tousled, limp hair. She looked like she’d not eaten for days.
The journey back proved easier than before, with the wind picking up they neared Angularem waters by nightfall.
Teagen groaned and mumbled incoherent sentences. She was disorientated. Had they given her something?
“Try to stay awake, Teagen. We’ll be there soon enough.”
She didn’t respond, and her eyes rolled back readying for sleep.
“Let’s converse. What shall we talk about?” He racked his brain. What could keep her awake? Having a one-sided conversation would prove difficult.
Teagen started to shake violently. He’d seen this before, and time was against them. If only Sherwin was here, and they had some furs!
When land came into view, he dared not believe his eyes. Sure enough though, the trademark Angularem fortress stood majestically on the cliff top. As soon as they were within a hundred yards of the island, the guards on patrol had spotted them.
“Who goes there?”
“It’s Ryce. Fetch Sherwin.”
“Ryce? What are you doing?”
“Do as I say and get Sherwin. Now!”
By the time they’d washed ashore, Sherwin, Niall, and Cinnia came to give a helping hand. Sherwin grabbed hold of the boat’s rope and pulled it along the beach until the boat anchored. “Is she conscious?”
“Aye, but she’s not making much sense.” Ryce lifted Teagen and handed her over to Sherwin. Cinnia rushed next to hi
m and covered her in a warm blanket.
“I’ll take her to the infirmary. Ryce, you come with me.”
“Were you followed?” Niall asked.
“Not that I’m aware of, but it was misty, so who knows?”
“Where was she?”
“I found her in a boat just outside the Dyrahn Harbour.”
Cinnia gasped. “Was she left for dead?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Perchance she escaped, in which case, we may soon be visited,” said Niall.
“I’d be prepared for the unexpected.”
They got her on an infirmary bed where Sherwin placed an ear against her face. “She doesn’t appear to be breathing.
Ryce froze. “She can’t be dead. Check again.”
Sherwin glanced across at Cinnia. “Go and fetch some coverings. She’s chilled to the bone.”
“So, she might be all right?” asked Ryce.
“God only knows.”
Cinnia soon came back with more thick animal furs.
“Good. Now Cinnia, strip her of her cold clothes and wrap her in these.” He looked at Niall and Ryce. “Men, do you mind?”
Ryce returned Sherwin’s gaze. “Oh, right, of course.” He left her bedside and pulled a drape across. Unsure of what to do with himself, he sat on a chair, his head in a daze. Niall paced with his eyes closed. He must be praying.
Not for the first time, Ryce thought about it too.
Eadward stared at his pathetic excuse for a steward with exasperation. Why did he continue to keep this fool of a man in his employ? He kept his voice controlled. “The princess has escaped?” he repeated.
“Appears so, my lord.”
“Did she get any help this time?”
“We know not.”
“Well, how did she escape the crate?”
“She must have used something to break out of the box.”
“How could she do that if her hands were tied?”
“Er...she was not bound, sire.”
“You imbecile!” Did he have to do everything himself? “Any idea where she has gone?”
“It’s presumed she’s returned to Angularem, sire. A boat is missing.”
“So, they’ll be aware of our plans before too long.” He perched himself on his bed. “Go and get Kenric. We need to re-strategize.”
Sherwin pulled back the drapes. “Well, her breathing is steady. I hope she will wake soon, and when she does, she’ll require complete bed rest for a time. Sire, would it be possible to send for Lunet to assist?”
Niall stood. “Aye, of course, anything you need. Will there be any long-term damage?”
“I pray we caught her in time. She was only unconscious for a short while. We’re fortunate Ryce found her when he did. A moment longer, and we’d have an entirely different outcome on our hands.”
Niall nodded and turned to Ryce. “Forgive me. You were right after all. I guess I just didn’t want to believe she was in danger again.”
“Worry not, sire. The main thing is she’s back. Now perchance we can focus more on defending the island from the people who took her.”
Niall patted his shoulder. “We’ll make preparations at first light.” He held out his hand for his wife. “Come, Cinnia, we’d best leave these folk to it. I’ll send Lunet down when I see her.”
“Thank you, sire.”
Ryce fell into the seat next to Teagen and ran his fingers through his hair.
“Oh no, you don’t. On the next bed.”
“I’m fine, Sherwin, really.”
“I’ll be the judge, thank you.”
Ryce obliged.
Sherwin examined the palms of his hands. “Are your fingers numb?”
He gazed down. They were blue like Teagen’s. “They are a little tingly.”
“Mmm... How are you on your feet, any dizziness when you stand?”
“Perchance.”
“I think you’ve been too cold for too long. Naught some rest, warm surroundings, and a nutritious meal won’t fix though. To be sure, I’d like you to stay here for the night where I can keep an eye on you.”
“We share a room. Why do I need to be in the infirmary?”
“I’ll be staying to monitor Teagen. Besides, I thought you’d want to be with her?”
“I do, but why would you think that?”
“Because you’re in love with her.”
Ryce blinked. “I’m what?”
“You heard me.”
“Of course I’m fond of her. As I am you. But love? ’Tis a crazy serious kind of word that sends shivers down my spine.”
“That would be the result of your condition. Still, be in denial.” Sherwin continued organizing his tools.
“What makes you say something like that?”
Sherwin laughed. “Ryce, how long have we known each other? Eight, nine years?”
He nodded.
“You are the most level-headed, predictable, stable man I know, and yet the moment this woman entered our lives you changed. Think on it. Do you even recognize who you are right now?”
He had to admit, Sherwin had a point. It wasn’t like him to act so impulsively. He never acted on something if it hadn’t been planned.
“What am I going to do?”
“Only you can work through it, friend. I don’t envy you.”
He lay his head back on the pillow, wallowing in its softness. “I always thought you had a soft spot for Teagen.”
“Who wouldn’t? Doesn’t make me want to marry her though, so my life remains simple.”
“Whoa, who said anything about marriage?”
“No one said a thing.”
Ryce lay back, exhausted, adjusting his head to view Teagen. Sherwin was right. He did love her. He’d known for a while. The trouble being, he understood she could never love him in return. Not if she ever found out the truth of her father’s death.
The dark and unfamiliar room was so cold. “Papa! Don’t leave me.” Why couldn’t she get warm? Something heavy weighed upon her, trapping her in. She pushed off the covers, but then she grew chillier. “Papa! I wish you’d come back. I’m frozen.”
“Teagen, you’re having a nightmare. Hush now.”
That didn’t sound like her father. “Where’s Papa? Where’ve you taken him?”
“Teagen, lass, you be safe.”
“What’s the matter?”
“She’s confused, muttering in her sleep.”
Teagen did not recognize this voice either. “Who’s there? Do not near me. My father’s the king.”
The heaviness returned to her, but the extra warmth was comforting.
“Teagen, wake up now.” Someone slapped her face.
How dare they!
“Come on, hon.”
She opened her eyes. Candles littered the otherwise dark room.
The infirmary. “Is my leg still broken?”
Lunet laughed. “Nay, lass, you’ve been missing for days, and Ryce found you in a boat.”
She stiffened at the sound of his name. Her sight adjusted to the light. She scanned the room, and three pairs of eyes stared back at her.
She had been dreaming. Her father was long gone and wouldn’t be returning to comfort her now.
“Are you ready for something to drink, Princess?”
Teagen nodded. She managed to drink half before pushing the cup away. “Argh, what was that?”
“You don’t want to know.”
“What time is it?”
“I should think an hour before sunrise.”
Aware of Ryce watching her, she gave him no direct eye contact, although noticed him shifting uncomfortably on the bed. Was he unwell too?
Sherwin sat next to her and felt her forehead. “Good, you’re warmer. How do you feel?”
“Confused.”
“To be expected, I’m afraid. You’ve been through quite an ordeal. I don’t suppose you remember any of the past couple of days?”
Aye, she remembered well enough.
Too vivid to have been a dream. “Kenric kidnapped me and took me to King Eadward.”
“What did they wish from you?” said Sherwin.
“Eadward didn’t want me at all. Kenric thought the king could use me as leverage and avoid a battle. It seems, however, Eadward wants an excuse for one anyway.”
“So they let you go?” her maid asked in disbelief.
“Oh, nay. They held me in a small crate and placed me aboard the ship. They were going to take me with them when they journeyed over here, but I managed to escape. I had to get back to warn Niall of their intentions.”
Ryce got out of his bed and sat closer to Teagen. “You mean, you broke free by yourself?”
“Aye, although I did not get very far.”
“By the gods, Teagen, you never cease to surprise me.”
She found herself being drawn to his deep steel eyes. He is a killer.
Sherwin seemed to mistake her shivering for the cold. “Let’s get you another blanket. Now, rest.”
Ryce pulled his boots on. “Don’t fret yourself, Sherwin, I’m fine. I need to speak with the king.”
“Now?”
“Aye, if what Teagen says is true, then time is a luxury we no longer have.”
Chapter Twenty
Teagen huffed and pushed the heavy blankets away from her. They were suffocating. Stretching her legs, she crept out of bed and leaned out of the window, breathing in the rich scent of morrow dew. If she spent one more day in this confined infirmary, she’d lose her mind.
The place was quiet. Not even the servants had yet risen. She glanced across at Lunet. Still asleep.
Now was her chance.
She grabbed the warm clothes that lay on the chair beside her and dressed with haste. She might not die of cold, but she ran the risk of death by idleness. She had to find something useful to do, but what?
She strolled into the courtyard and gazed up at the battlements. Only the night guards were still on duty. She stifled a laugh. They looked like they needed some company.
She stopped by the kitchen, heated up some porridge, and drizzled it with honey. She grabbed an apple for herself, and balancing her goods on a tray, she scampered up the fortress tower.