The Heart Between Kingdoms

by Mary Dublin

  "Of course, Your Highness," Lord Anglian said, his tone more rigid than disrespectful. "Both your price and your gratitude are accepted. I only suggest that in the future you consider examining who you prioritize in your friendships."

  For a moment, Brennan feared that Daniel would be the one to lash out then, but the prince was merely silent for a moment before shaking his head. "Your advice is appreciated, but you should expect me to continue basing my exchanges on what is justly owed."

  Lady Anglian bowed her head. "A wise decision, Your Highness."

  A sigh of relief escaped Brennan when the lord had nothing left to say. The tension in the air thinned, though it didn't completely fade. It could have gone smoother, yes, but Brennan couldn't imagine a better way to deal with a man like Lord Anglian. Clearly his sense of entitlement was well-established long before Daniel had arrived, seeing as the lord wanted the trade agreement delivered in person in the first place.

  "I thank you for your time, Lord and Lady Anglian," Daniel said, easing up somewhat.

  Brennan rolled his eyes, wishing he could scold Daniel for that. Their time? He supposed it was better than storming off without another word.

  "And I apologize for the sudden change of plans, but my men and I must depart soon," Daniel went on. "As I said. My father isn't gone yet, and I'll appreciate any time that I can spend with him."

  "Give him my best," Lord Anglian said, surprisingly sincere. "We look forward to your rule, Prince Daniel."

  The prince gave a heavy pause, expression unreadable. Then he nodded. "I will do everything in my power to ensure that Mirrel has a ruler it can be proud of."

  With that, the audience was over.

  The smell of horses was strong in the air as Daniel's party trotted toward the palace. The prince paid no mind, however, his mind occupied enough to distract him from any odor. He rode slow, his eyes roving the branches of passing trees with a stern gaze.

  He's gone. Just gone.

  "You alright, Your Highness?" Ryan was the knight closest to him, riding about ten yards ahead. Normally one of his most skeptical of guards, the man had been made practically giddy from Lord Anglian's summer wine.

  "I'm just fine," Daniel called back. His smile was little more than a pleasant grimace. He had managed to both muddle the exchange with Anglian and lose track of a friend—a very small friend—all in the span of a few hours.

  Esmae is going to murder me, he thought. And then her father will do it again.

  "You've just been keeping quiet, sire," Ryan went on. "You need some refreshment for the journey?"

  Daniel shook his head. "I'll be glad to indulge when we get back. Until then, I better leave the drinking to others."

  The blond knight shrugged his mailed shoulders. "I'd need a drink after an audience with that louse Anglian."

  "I can hardly blame you," Daniel muttered.

  Ryan gave a hearty laugh, shoulders shaking as he raised his flask back to his lips. The prince set his gaze ahead again, all the while wondering how he could possibly track down something smaller than his hand. Brennan could be anywhere out here in the southern stretch. Alone, and small enough for any wild animal to snack on.

  Something prickled on his shoulder. He was about to reach up and swat it off when a tiny hand pressed to the side of his neck. His breath caught. "You're riding slower this time," the little voice remarked in his ear.

  The prince smiled truly. It turned into a grin, and then a laugh.

  "Brennan," Daniel breathed. His relief was so great, he had to stop himself from turning his head to address the fairy directly. Instead, he kept his gaze on the horizon and focused on the faint sensation of little feet grappling for purchase.

  "I was worrying out of my mind!" he murmured. "How did you… Where were you?"

  "Told you I was fast," Brennan panted boastfully.

  Tensing his hands on the reins, Daniel glanced subtly at the horses and their riders spread around him. There were too many riding behind for him to discreetly get a look at his shoulder. It made him nervous.

  "Someone's going to spot you there," he continued in his lowest voice. "Sun's still high."

  "If you didn't feel me climbing on, I don't think we're in danger of any of the others noticing me," Brennan retorted.

  Daniel had to admit, he had a point. "I still don't like it," he murmured.

  A sigh rattled next to Daniel's ear, and the tip of a wing tickled against his neck. "I can go back to the trees."

  "No, stay," Daniel said after a beat of deliberation, hearing the heaviness in Brennan's voice. "You'll draw attention if you fly off now."

  "If the prince insists." The smirk in Brennan's voice alone was as vivid as actually seeing it. Daniel felt the slightest shift of weight on his shoulder as the fairy settled down to sit.

  "And try not to move around," Daniel added for good measure. It would be his luck to have one of the riders spot Brennan while he was still experiencing the relief of having him back. But most of the men were deep into their own conversations amongst themselves, or drinking. Daniel tried to relax, though that was even harder to do when bringing up the meeting. "Lord Anglian was nearly impossible, but he finally accepted—"

  "Yes, I was there."

  Daniel's eyes widened. "You were? Where?"

  "The rafters," he said dismissively. "I arrived in time to see him accept the agreement." His tone took a turn towards grumbling. "And in time for me to see him lie to you."

  "Lie?" Daniel frowned, bemused. "What do you mean?"

  "Right at the end, he said he's looking forward to your rule!" Brennan exclaimed, as if it had been eating away at him. "Didn't you notice? He was clearly lying!"

  Daniel had to clench his jaw to keep a laugh at bay. "I forget how sensitive you fairies are about that sort of thing. But I'm afraid questionable tone of voice isn't acceptable justification to go to war."

  Brennan huffed. "Unchecked, that attitude of his could be a problem."

  "Whatever his attitude, the agreement is settled," Daniel said calmly, trying to ease himself as much as Brennan. "You shouldn't work yourself up over it. You sound exhausted enough as is. Get some rest while you can."

  "While I can?"

  Daniel nodded apologetically, pausing when he realized he could disrupt Brennan's perch. "We'll be moving faster at sundown, once the horses are rested and the air is cooler."

  "Oh? You mean to tell me that you were moving slow for the horses' sake and not because you were worried about finding me?"

  The chuckle that escaped Daniel was more like a shudder. "Don't make me think about that. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't shown up. You're staying this time, aren't you?"

  "If you mean I'll be in your pocket while this beast is galloping, I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline."

  Daniel groaned under his breath. "I have half a mind to insist, you know."

  "You won't lose me. With all due respect, fairies are built for flying more than they are for…"

  While Brennan continued on, Daniel found himself listening less and less. Not for lack of interest, but for cause of another sound catching his ear somewhere in the distance. He couldn't quite make it out, but it grew in volume. Guttural and low.

  "Daniel?" Brennan shifted on his shoulder.

  Slowing Amos to an amble, Daniel glanced over his shoulder. Small, sleek shapes were darting through the grass. As he watched, incredulous, the men in the back of the party turned. They shouted, spurring their horses into panicked gallops.

  "Hounds!" the cries carried up.

  The panic was instant. Ryan turned in his saddle, looking at Daniel with wide eyes that had lost all giddiness.

  "Your Highness, go!"

  Before Daniel could even think to spur Amos, the horse fell into panic along with the others and started galloping away from the bays that erupted from the oncoming hounds. They had found what they were hunting for.

  Breath catching, Daniel attempted to take control back, only to he
ar Brennan give a cry of alarm, followed by a grunt of effort to hang onto his perch on Daniel's shoulder. Taking the reins in one hand, the prince threw the other to his shoulder to snatch Brennan as carefully as the mayhem would allow. He held the squirming fairy to his chest, dividing his attention between keeping his horse under control and frantically surveying the situation.

  His mind raced to ensure men escaped the hounds, while protecting Brennan and not crushing him in the process. Before he could figure out a plan for either of those tasks, he heard the hounds closing in fast.

  To his horror, they were bounding out from amongst the surrounding trees as well. Daniel caught glimpses of riders weaving amongst the vegetation, galloping parallel to the royal company.

  Highwaymen in dark masks.

  Somewhere behind, a horse whinnied in pain. Daniel threw a glance back in time to see the hound that had snapped at its leg, causing the panicked animal to rear up on its hind legs and throw its rider off. Other horses shot off in other directions.

  Daniel cursed under his breath when he faced forward again. The robbers and hounds were disbanding the group faster than he could think. He liked to think Amos was more resilient than most horses, but several hounds sinking their teeth into his hide could mean that Daniel would be thrown off next.

  "Get to the trees," Daniel told Brennan, loosening his hold on the fairy. "As high up as you can. Go!"

  "What?" Brennan grabbed at Daniel's fingers desperately to keep from falling out. "No! I can't! I can't leave you now!"

  Daniel didn't bother to keep his voice lowered as he stole a look downward. "That wasn't a request!"

  Brennan's fierce gaze matched his own. He did not move.

  The prince jerked his head up as a rattling bark ripped through the cacophony of hoofbeats and screams. A blur of sleek black cut in from the corner of his vision. The hound singled out Daniel, and dug in its heels before his horse. Amos jerked, rising on his hind legs with a terrified whinny. Daniel dropped the reins and dug his fingers deep into the coarse mane, commanding Amos forward. The hound yelped as the heavy hooves pounded past, and took off snapping at its heels.

  Daniel's heart hammered in his ears. He could barely keep himself on the saddle, and to his dismay, his men weren't faring any better. Horses rammed each other off course in their panic. At least four of his knights were scrambling to outrun the dogs on foot, dodging the contents of spilled saddlebags in the thick grass. There had to be ten dogs terrorizing the field now. Daniel couldn't get a read on how many bandits were riding beside them, but he could make out the outline of a quiver in the broken silhouettes. A cloaked man reached for an arrow.

  Guarding Brennan in a cage of gloved fingers, Daniel spun Amos around to face his men and bellow, "Get down!"

  Despite the chaos, the knights were quick to obey Daniel's call. The next instant, arrows flew from between the trees, cutting through empty air as the men ducked. Though Daniel dropped his head as well, it seemed that none of the arrows were aimed directly at him.

  "To arms!" Daniel shouted. "Bring these cowards out of hiding!"

  Arrows continued to fly and dogs continued to pounce, but weapons were being drawn. There was no telling the number of bandits that had descended upon them, and the element of surprise gave a vast upper hand, but once stealth was taken away, Daniel had no doubt they could be overpowered.

  Rather than spur Amos in the opposite direction, Daniel was prepared to race into the fray. He looked down at his hand, determined to convince Brennan to fly to safety, but the words lodged in his throat when crushing pressure closed around his calf.

  The hound threw its weight backwards viciously, causing Daniel to lose his balance on the saddle. Knowing he had no more leverage to pull himself back up, he had no choice but to follow through with the wrenching heaves of the dog. Even as pain raced up his leg, he remembered to release Brennan, who thankfully had the sense to fly out of his hand this time.

  The ground came up mercilessly to meet Daniel, knocking the wind out of him. The sudden motion spooked Amos, but Daniel was too preoccupied with the hound to track where the horse went. Jaws locked firmly on his boot, the dog let loose a menacing growl as Daniel scrambled to unsheathe his dagger.

  Light exploded from beside him and hit the dog squarely in the face. The pressure on Daniel's leg disappeared as the dog yelped and darted off.

  Daniel whipped his head to the side to find Brennan, panting with his hands still raised.

  "Thanks," he rasped. He tugged the dagger free of its sheath and tried unsuccessfully to sit up. His lungs were still tight. He could scarcely breathe.

  His mouth went dry as flashes of black charged from the woods. In a neat, unified line, the shadows that had been stalking them burst into the light. Seven of them. A wave of arrows flew from those of his knights that hadn't been thrown off their horses. But the dogs kept them moving, and only a handful of the arrows hit anywhere the near the bandits.

  What I would give for my bow right now.

  He tried once again to rise to his feet, this time managing to get his bearings.

  "Prince Daniel!" A chorus of panicked bellows came from around the field. Sir Ryan was the first to charge towards him, hand outstretched to help him aboard his own steed.

  The momentary relief that blossomed in his chest vanished as something clubbed him hard on the back on his head. He tried for Ryan's hand, but he couldn't reach. He was falling, gasping again.

  Two black riders dismounted. One barked an order—he seemed to be controlling the dogs. The other made a beeline for Daniel. The prince threw up his dagger in a desperate attempt to fight back. The masked man twisted his wrist away with astonishing ease. Daniel squirmed as a damp cloth was clamped over his nose and mouth. His legs and arms turned leaden in seconds.

  Chapter

  Four

  Panic crept up Brennan's arms and legs, tingling all the way to his head and chest. His breath came short and quick. He'd had no choice but to bolt out of the fray, and guilt twisted his insides for it. The risk of being seen was too great. Or worse—not being seen and then killed because of it.

  "No," he growled, his fingers digging into the edge of a leaf he hid behind. The whole tree seemed to quake with the chaos of the behemoths' battle below. He wanted to believe the knights could save Daniel, but when the two cloaked men descended on the prince, an awful sense of dread overrode any belief that things were going to turn out alright.

  The knight that tried to help Daniel was furiously wheeling back around on his horse, but before he could close even half the distance, two other bandits were upon him, along with several dogs snapping at his mount. He was too distracted to see what Brennan saw: Daniel's limp body being pulled onto one of the cloaked men's horses.

  The sky was red with the sunset, and it would soon be dark. The dense woods, however, were dim enough on their own. Like moving shadows, two of the enemy horses and their riders—with Daniel—slipped into the growing darkness amongst the trees, deeper into the forest. Meanwhile, the other bandits were left behind to keep the knights occupied.

  The distraction was more than enough to prevent them from realizing which direction Daniel had been taken, Brennan realized with a hiss, bolting through the branches to follow Daniel's kidnappers.

  It wasn't a random attack of highwaymen. The prince had been targeted, and there was no telling what was planned for him. But Brennan hadn't the slightest idea of how to stop them. Sparking a dog was one thing, taking down two grown humans when he was already exhausted was an entirely hopeless other thing.

  The urge to fly somewhere, anywhere for help consumed him, but it would be no use if he didn't know where the bandits were taking Daniel.

  With that thought rooted firmly in his mind, Brennan didn't dare let the galloping kidnappers out of his sight.

  The glossy hides of their mares winked in and out view between branches. After about a mile and a half of flying through moss-heavy branches and craggly clusters of leaves, the rid
ers took a sharp turn left and pulled on the reins. Brennan smacked right into a pinecone in his haste to keep up. He gave it a violent shove and glided across the clearing to find the bandits were dismounted in a dense patch of oak. The branches were so numerous here, it created a darkness like midnight.

  "Gentle with him. Can't afford to have any cuts on him when we give him back." A booming voice rang out amidst spots of torchlight.

  He watched tensely as a monster of a man slipped off his horse with an impact that cracked through the forest. He was the one who had incapacitated Daniel. "I know what I'm doing," the hulking man growled. "You don't give me orders, mind you."

  The horses were hastily tied up in the brush. It strange to see Daniel carried over the shoulder of another man. The prince had never looked small to Brennan by any stretch of the imagination, but that monster could carry him over his shoulder like a child.

  The torches filed in a line and vanished through a narrow gap in the cliff face. Brennan squinted, glancing around the forest uncertainly. There would be no cover like trees or moss inside a passage of stone and sand. No branches to perch on, or leaves to hide behind.

  But leaving Daniel at the mercy of those criminals simply wasn't an option.

  Wiping sweaty locks from his face, Brennan spread his wings and flew after them, never far from the rumbling voices.

  He stuck as close to the walls as he could without bumping the rough stone with his wings. The cavern branched off into other paths, giving him the extra task of recalling which direction to go to reach the exit. He glimpsed some turns that led to abrupt dead ends, while others dragged on into darkness. He shivered at the thought of getting lost in there. His glow, of course, could offer illumination, but it could be his doom while trying to remain undetected.

  More voices came from down the path. Others had been waiting in the cavern, Brennan realized. He swallowed thickly, wondering what in the world was happening. There had been mention of not hurting Daniel, but somehow that felt all the more chilling. Who were they preserving him for?