The sun had just begun to descend from its zenith when Estallion burst into the garden. Thibalt and Miera both jumped up with fright.
"What's wrong?" asked Thibalt.
Estallion dropped his hands to his knees and began to breathe heavily. He held his left hand up for a moment of silence and then stood up. "Sorry about that," he said in between breaths. "Just ran all the way from the Guardhouse."
"Must be important news," said Miera.
Estallion nodded to Miera then turned to Thibalt. "The Queen has been kidnapped by Dargonian assassins. They were led by a disciple, named Novokai...or something like that." He paused with an apprehensive look and Thibalt felt a sinking feeling rise in his stomach.
Miera let out a cry. "Will they attempt a rescue?" she asked.
"The Honour Guard are preparing to leave as we speak. Thibalt...," said Estallion his tone becoming grave.
"Tell me," Thibalt said, closing his eyes.
"He is with the Queen," replied Estallion. "But take heart in the fact that he still lives."
Thibalt's face was quickly drained of its colour and he began to sway. Miera and Estallion helped him sit back down and then he looked up at Estallion. "You are sure of this?"
Estallion nodded quickly. "He was accompanying the Karmanian Emissary and was captured along with the Queen."
Thibalt did not want to believe this. His little brother captured by the Dargonians. He suddenly felt angry at himself. He never should have let him go off by himself. Christill had always relied on his protection.
"The Honour Guard are leaving any moment, Thibalt," hurried Estallion.
Thibalt turned to Miera. "I must go," he said, though there was reluctance in his voice.
She nodded and tried to hold back the tears that were welling in her eyes. "Go and bring back your brother. That way he will be here for our wedding."
"Wedding!" whistled Estallion, though they ignored him.
Thibalt embraced her in one last hug. "I want you to take your family to the City of Skiye. Find yourself some shelter and keep them safe. You will find money in a small chest under my bed. It should be enough for food and transport."
"Will you meet us there?" she asked, worriedly.
"When I return I will find you there," replied Thibalt, though he doubted whether he would be returning at all.
Miera rubbed her eyes and ran out of the garden weeping. She knew that the likelihood of Thibalt's return was low, but she had to hold onto hope.
Estallion lowered his hand to help Thibalt up and said, "We need to go now. We can meet them at the southern gate."
Thibalt followed Estallion around the house to the stable. They mounted Esree and Falgo and then rode back to the house. They both quickly gathered what they would need from their rooms. Thibalt took his short sword, a gift from Estallion, and a small mace that he had won in a game of chance. Estallion grabbed his sword and dirk and also packed his hand crossbow. They then left the house, riding down to the southern gate of the city.
They arrived at the small gate which opened up to a thin path in the mountains and found Ludvic waiting for them.
"Come on, the others have already left," called Ludvic.
As they approached him Estallion replied, "Why Ludvic how nice of you to wait for us. I never knew you cared."
Ludvic took a swing at Estallion with his hand but missed. He then spurred his horse and moved through the gate, followed closely by Thibalt and Estallion.
Thibalt's stern eyes betrayed his troubled thoughts as they rode. I will find you, Brother, he reassured himself.
Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One) Page 64