Daniel gripped his sword as both guards engaged Aric. He looked to the street, considering Aric’s instructions to go no matter what, but then the man grunted in pain. With more guards on the way, he wouldn’t last long on his own. Daniel stood, torn for just a moment, before rushing back through the gate. He wouldn’t leave a loyal friend. Catching one of the guards by surprise, he slashed down across the man’s arm. This gave Aric a chance to debilitate his own foe.
“Go!” Aric shouted, grabbing his shoulder and urging him toward the gate.
They both rushed through as the pounding of footsteps grew behind them. Taking the lead, Daniel ran down the street. Every one of his footfalls sent a fresh stab of pain to his ribs, cutting off his breath, but he kept moving. Swerving left, he led Aric into a dark alley. They had to lose the guards before he could get them to safety.
Weaving in and out of alleyways, eventually, all sound and sign of their pursuers died away. Daniel changed his course, taking the long way around to Ben and Mira’s street. When they arrived, he stopped at the corner to wait and make sure they’d lost the palace guards. Braced against the side of the building, he panted, but the agonizing pain made him dizzy. He swayed a little, but Aric grabbed his arm to steady him. Gripping his ribs, Daniel pushed away from the wall and moved toward Ben and Mira’s house. At the door, he knocked twice and then three times.
A few moments later, Ben opened it. The eagerness in his expression grew serious upon seeing Daniel’s face. He immediately reached for him, helping him inside.
“Daniel!” Mira gasped, rushing to him.
“I’ll be all right,” he tried to assure her, though he wasn’t all that convinced of it himself at the moment.
They led him and Aric into the living room, where several other believers were gathered. Daniel hadn’t even considered that tonight was their weekly meeting. They all looked at him, murmuring in concern.
After helping him ease down into a chair, Ben asked, “What happened?”
“Davira has taken the throne. Now, she wants me dead.” Daniel winced at the persistent throbbing in his chest as well as the circumstances. “I need a place to hide.”
The familiar forested hills of Landale had never looked so welcoming—so much like home. When they landed at the edge of camp, Jace took in the site of the cabins and released a deep sigh. Though he’d managed the journey, it would be good to rest and not spend the days traveling. Even after almost two weeks since his injury, he still hadn’t recovered his full strength.
Kyrin climbed off Gem first and then turned to make sure he dismounted all right. His splinted arm was cumbersome, but he’d learned how to work with it. By the time they all dismounted, everyone from camp started to gather around. Tyra bounded up first, her tail wagging frantically. Jace smiled and knelt down to pet her. She nuzzled his face, then sniffed at this injured arm.
He patted her head. “Don’t worry. It’ll be all right.”
He spotted Trask and Warin as he rose back to his feet. Trask’s smile said how glad he was to see them, though his face bore the remnants of bruises and healing cuts. The last time Trask sported such injuries, Goler had nearly executed him. What had happened this time? More questions arose in Jace’s mind when he saw Anne and her parents just behind him.
“Jace!”
His gaze jumped to the sound of his sister’s voice. She ran up to him, Elian only a short distance behind.
Her eyes grew wide and serious. “What happened to your arm?”
Jace glanced at Elian, and then at Anne and her parents again. They never all came out to camp except on special occasions.
“It’s broken,” he answered, distracted as his attention swung back to his sister. He frowned. “What are you doing here?”
Elanor raised her brows and looked over at Trask, who said, “It looks like we all have stories to tell.”
But they waited until after everyone had a chance to greet each other. The sheepish looks Marcus, Kaden, and Michael traded with their mother amused Jace. They had a lot of explaining to do.
“We’re all perfectly fine,” Marcus assured her, though she didn’t appear convinced.
Once everyone had helped them unload and unsaddle the dragons, they gathered in the meeting hall to catch up on all that had taken place in Dorland and here in Landale. It deeply saddened Jace to learn about Baron Grey, but he thanked Elôm that Elanor and the others had escaped Goler relatively unharmed. It could have ended in disaster. The sadness that hung around them over Baron Grey’s death was comforted by the fact that they now had support from Dorland and the prospect of new lives in Samara.
When they had shared all the details of the last few weeks, they left the meeting hall, dispersing to different cabins for lunch. Jace gave Kyrin a smile as she went off with her mother and brothers while he followed Elanor and Elian.
Walking beside his sister, Jace asked, “How are you settling in here?”
“Quite well.” She shrugged. “Obviously, the smaller quarters take some getting used to, but everyone is so accommodating.”
Jace nodded, recalling when he’d first come to camp and how he’d missed having a private bedroom. At least his sister had a cabin to sleep in. Still, he wished for a way to offer her better. She was used to a much more comfortable life.
“I am glad to be out here,” she continued. “Now I can see you whenever I want.” She grinned at him.
“But you don’t get to go home now that you’re a known traitor.”
“I couldn’t go home before, either. Not unless I wanted to end up in an arranged marriage. And I was always in danger of discovery. Even at home. I’d rather be here, in the midst of things, than waiting around at Ashwood to see how everything plays out.”
She did have a point.
“My only concern now is Mother, but I know Uncle Charles will take care of her.” A bright smile bloomed on her face for such a serious discussion. “He visited while you were away.”
Disappointment took hold of Jace over having missed his uncle.
“He brought incredible news,” Elanor said, taking a little of the sting away, “James is a believer now.”
Jace stopped in his tracks and turned to face her. “Really?”
She nodded, still grinning. “Really.”
Jace stood in stunned silence. That was the last bit of news he ever would have guessed.
“Apparently, ever since the night you spoke to him, Elôm was working on his heart and gave Charles an opening to present him with the truth.”
Jace shook his head, still unable to speak. He’d carried a lingering regret over what he’d done to James that night, but the fact that it might have led to his change of heart filled Jace with joy. His throat clogged up a bit. Even if he never saw them here again, he, his mother, and both his siblings would be together one day. It was more than he ever could have hoped.
In the cool darkness just before dawn, Daniel pulled on a pair of rough workman’s clothing. Even when he used to disguise himself, he’d never worn anything this plain, but he prayed it would keep anyone from suspecting his identity. He gritted his teeth as he maneuvered his arms through the worn leather jerkin. Though he’d spent two full days in Ben and Mira’s care, his ribs still ached fiercely. Only time would heal that.
He left the bedroom and met Ben, Mira, and Aric in the foyer. Thank Elôm that Aric’s fight with the guards the night of their escape had only resulted in a minor wound.
“Ready?” Ben asked.
Daniel nodded, though reluctance weighed on his heart. He hated to leave this house—to leave two of the best friends he’d ever had. Would he ever see them again? The future was a mystery to him beyond today. All he knew was that it was too great a risk to stay here, and he had to reach the Resistance camp in Landale. He prayed Elôm would direct him after that.
However, before that could happen, he had to say goodbye. He faced Mira. The woman’s kind eyes welled with moisture.
“Thank you, for everything,” Da
niel told her. “I’m not sure where I’d be without you and Ben.” Dead, probably, or about to be, considering his execution was scheduled for this morning.
Mira smiled. “It has been a blessing to watch your faith grow and witness the miracle of it. I don’t know why Elon chose to send you to us, but I’m so thankful He did.”
Daniel put his hands on her shoulders. “So am I, and I do know the reason. It’s because you two are amazing at displaying His love. It’s your faith and encouragement that has helped me grow.”
Two large tears fell from her eyes, and she wiped her cheeks. “Goodness. You give us far too much credit.”
“Not at all.” Daniel hugged her as tightly as he was able with his aching ribs, his own eyes watering.
When they parted, Mira wiped her eyes again, though a few more tears leaked out. “You take good care of yourself. Elôm’s not done with you yet—of that, I’m certain. We’ll be praying for you every day. You can count on it.”
Daniel gave her a bittersweet smile. “Thank you. Please, pray for my mother as well.”
He thought of the letter his mother had given him through Aric—a letter that urged him to run far away and start a good life somewhere. The sort of life she knew he’d always wanted. Tempting as it was, that wasn’t the life Elôm had called him to pursue.
“I think, given time, she could turn to Elôm. But I worry for her. My sister has proven that, beyond our father, family doesn’t matter to her.”
“Of course we’ll pray,” Mira promised.
“We better get going,” Ben urged.
Daniel nodded, though he’d do almost anything to put off this moment. “Goodbye, Mira.”
“Goodbye, Daniel.”
They hugged again, and her tears flowed more heavily. Daniel had to blink hard to keep his own from spilling. He then forced himself to turn and follow Ben and Aric out of the house. The emotions weighed heavily on him, but the cool air helped relieve some of it. A fine mist fell from the dark sky, but that made it less suspicious to pull up his hood and hide his face.
Ben led the way out of the courtyard and into the street. Daniel looked around, his heart beginning to pound. This was one of the most dangerous parts of their escape plan. They made their way through the city toward the docks, and Daniel’s muscles remained taut until they reached one of Ben’s warehouses. Here, one of his employees, who also attended the weekly meetings, waited with a loaded supply wagon. He greeted them quietly, and then Ben turned to Daniel. Now it was time for the final goodbye.
“This should get you past the city gates,” Ben said. “Elôm willing.”
Daniel drew a deep breath. Every moment they stood here brought risk of discovery, so he offered his hand to Ben, and they clasped arms. “You are one of the most honorable men I’ve ever met. Thank you for the risks you’ve taken for me.”
“I would do it again and more.”
They embraced each other, and before Ben released his arm, he said, “Keep seeking Elôm. He will direct you.”
Daniel nodded firmly. “I will.”
Trading their goodbyes, Daniel climbed up into the wagon and stepped into one of two empty barrels. He crouched down and tried to get comfortable, but his ribs protested no matter how he sat.
“Will you be all right in there?” Ben asked.
“I’ll have to be.”
With that, Ben lowered a round board into the barrel that Daniel braced up just above his head. Then came a thudding sound as Ben covered it over with potatoes. Any bit of light disappeared, and Daniel sat in the darkness. A couple of minutes later, he heard Ben jump down from the wagon. It then rolled forward, and Daniel drew the best breath he could manage. He was leaving Valcré.
As the wagon rolled through the city streets, he struggled to brace himself against the bumps and jars. Even the slightest jolt set fire to his ribs. He squeezed his eyes shut to block it out. After all, what was worse? This temporary discomfort, or hanging in the dungeon waiting for his sister to come torture him?
Without being able to monitor their progress, the journey to one of the city gates seemed to stretch on forever. Claustrophobia was just setting in when the wagon jerked to a halt. Daniel’s eyes popped open, and his heart hammered at the sound of muffled voices. He couldn’t make out any words, but then someone stepped up into the wagon bed, their footsteps clumping against the wood.
“Open the barrels,” a stern voice commanded.
Daniel’s heart pounded so loud, he was sure it echoed in the barrel. He held his breath as the cover was pried off above him. Seconds passed. Finally, the guard moved on to the next and Daniel let out a painful breath. Sweat rolled along the sides of his face, down his neck, and into his shirt, but he didn’t dare move.
After an eternity, the wagon rolled forward again.
“Thank You,” Daniel gasped.
He knew they had passed through the gate when the cobblestone gave way to rutted dirt road. He had to bite down on a groan as they rolled along. Another long while elapsed, and his muscles cramped to the point he wondered if he’d be able to straighten out once they did stop.
But, finally, they came to a halt, and the cover lifted off his barrel. The driver scooped out the potatoes, and in a moment, he had the board out and helped Daniel stand up. Daniel braced himself against the rim of the barrel to let the blood flow through his limbs while the driver freed Aric. He breathed deeply of the clean air. He hadn’t even realized how stale and close it had gotten in the barrel.
Once Aric was out, they climbed down from the wagon and shrugged on the supply packs Mira had put together for them.
Looking down from the wagon, the driver said, “Elôm protect you on your way.”
Daniel thanked him, and then stood back as he drove off. He watched him for a moment before his gaze turned in the direction they had come. Though he couldn’t see Valcré through the trees, he knew it was there, along with his sister and all the guards who would search for him for days yet. He shook his head at the way life had been turned upside down in the span of just a couple of weeks—his father had died, his sister had usurped his throne, and now here he was, an exile escaping his own city.
Anne smoothed her hands down the front of the wedding dress that had once belonged to Trask’s mother. With a few alterations, it fit her perfectly. Her motions were as much to smooth any wrinkles as to calm the butterflies tickling her stomach. She wasn’t so much nervous as giddy with anticipation. Four days had passed since everyone had returned from Dorland. It had given them a chance to settle in and rest from their journey home. For Anne, the days had been incredibly full and busy with preparations, and yet they’d seemed to drag. But, it was here at last—the day she would become Trask’s wife.
She turned to her mother, Elanor, and Kyrin, who were helping her get ready. Her mother smiled even as tears wet her eyes.
“You look breathtaking,” she said.
Anne grinned. She couldn’t wait for Trask to see her, especially in this dress. She knew how much it meant to him.
A moment later, her father entered the cabin. He paused a moment, looking her over. His smile and watery eyes matched her mother’s. He shook his head. “Look at you. You look beautiful.”
Anne gave him a warm smile, thankful the signs of his confrontation with Goler’s men had faded. “Thank you.”
“Everyone is ready if you are.”
Anne nodded and took his arm. She was more than ready.
Together, they left the cabin and walked to the meeting hall. Though the clouds hung heavily, the rain held for now. Surrounding the meeting hall, canvas and lanterns hung in the trees so they could still enjoy their celebration outdoors and avoid the rain. Yet, at this point, nothing could dampen Anne’s mood, not even a full-blown thunderstorm. As long as she was Trask’s wife at the end of the day, that was all that mattered.
At the door to the meeting hall, her mother, Kyrin, and Elanor entered first. Before following them, her father looked down at her.
&nbs
p; “You will always be my little girl, but I’m so happy you and Trask will finally be together.”
Anne rose up to kiss his cheek. “Trask might be the most important man in my life now, but that will never change how much I love you.”
Her father squeezed her hand and then led her inside. Anne noticed immediately how packed it was. There was hardly any space at all except for the cleared path to the end. Anne’s gaze followed it to where King Balen waited to preside over the ceremony. After all, Trask had teased that soon they might all be citizens of Samara anyway. Her gaze shifted from the king, straight to Trask. He stood at the end of the aisle, his eyes glued to her. The smile on her face grew to the point she didn’t think anything could wipe it away.
As they drew nearer, she saw how Trask’s eyes shone and moisture sprang to hers as well. She had to blink to keep her vision clear. How adorable he looked being so close to tears. They’d both waited so terribly long for this. She almost couldn’t believe it was really happening.
Yet, when they reached the end and her father handed her off to Trask, the reality set in, and her heart pattered. Together, the two of them stood before Balen. Anne gazed up at Trask, delighted by his adoring smile. Never in a million years could she have doubted his love for her, and she counted herself incredibly blessed. Parts of their relationship had been rocky and uncertain at times. There were even moments she doubted this day would come or if they would both survive to see it. But they were here. It was happening.
When Balen asked Anne if she took Trask as her husband, she responded with an eager “I do” that she spoke as a lifetime promise. Then, after all the years of longing and waiting, he pronounced them husband and wife. Joy raced through Anne as Trask pulled her into his arms and kissed her like he never had before. All around them, cheers and applause erupted so exuberantly that it set Anne to giggling before they even parted from their kiss.
Jace smiled as he watched Trask and Anne. While everyone else talked and enjoyed the celebration meal under the canvases outside, those two had eyes only for each other. Jace didn’t blame them after how long they’d waited. They deserved such a moment of uninterrupted bliss. Trask had sacrificed so much for the people in this camp, and Anne was such a good friend to Elanor.
Exiles Page 40