All That Glistens

by Pelaam

  “Give me a few minutes to get a physician for Taima, then I will ride to Amand.” Hanne spoke quickly, already on his way to the door. “No one will question me leaving the palace. You can’t go, Citlali, and Kyle isn’t known by the warriors guarding the fortress.”

  “You’re right, Hanne. See to Taima first. I’ll take Kyle to my rooms. He can hide there for now. I’ll get Achai to muster my men and be ready for Amand’s arrival.”

  “Good. I’ll give you Helki’s report on Taima before I leave. Take care, Citlali.”

  “Thank you.” Citlali ran to him and kissed his cheek. “You stay safe, too, Hanne.”

  With a quick glance up and down the hallway, Hanne slipped out of the study, immediately drawing himself up to his full height and striding confidently toward the stairs. He turned a corner into another hallway and almost ran into a woman coming in the opposite direction.

  It was Halona, a handmaiden of Citlali’s, who remained cold and antagonistic toward him. Hanne cared little for her feelings and started to move around her.

  “Can I help you?” she asked tersely.

  Halona, like a small number of other Fey within the palace, remained suspicious of Hanne, but he gave little consideration to any of them. Hanne’s concern was his husband firstly, and then getting to Amand.

  “Prince Taima is unwell. I'm seeking Lady Citlali's physician, as I was requested.” Hanne kept his reply as curt as Halona’s.

  “You'll get lost. Leave it to me. Wait here.” Halona whirled around and set off at a run.

  Although Hanne scowled at her retreating back, he could do little else. She would find the way quicker than he could, and he just wanted someone to be able to ease Taima’s discomfort.

  A few moments passed before Hanne saw Halona returning, a cowled figure at her side. Relief swept through Hanne. Soon Taima would have something to treat his sickness.

  As they reached him, the cloaked figure drew a sword, and three armed soldiers came at a run.

  “Drop the sword, Duende.” Lonato threw the cowl’s hood back. “You are all so predictable, so foolish. Citlali thinks I’m unaware you all believe me a traitor. For all the good it will do you, she's right. I’d planned to get rid of Taima by marrying him off, profitably of course. Then I’d isolate Citlali, and either marry her into another estate or, so very sadly, lose yet another of my beloved cousin's family in a tragic accident. Unfortunately, Citlali has put me in the position of acting on the latter. Taima is worthless regarding marriage after rutting with you. However, he will make a perfect concubine for me.”

  The thought of his beloved husband in the hands of a murderer and traitor, coupled with Lonato’s sly, smug voice was more than Hanne could bear. With a roar of fury, he attacked, despite being outnumbered and unarmed. Lonato’s men clubbed him to the ground and kicked at him when he lay unprotected.

  “Enough!” Lonato shouted out. “I want him alive. He’s valuable to Amand and the boy. He will make a good hostage to that end. I’ll take Taima to my quarters in the mine, for now. I need to make my move against Citlali swiftly.”

  Hanne glared murderously at Lonato while the soldiers secured him with ropes. Then they hauled him to his feet. Hanne still lunged at Lonato.

  “You will die. You have my promise on it.” He spat at Lonato, but Lonato only laughed.

  “Take him to the cells and set a guard. I’ll be back for you, Duende.” His lips curved into a cruel smirk. “It will hurt you more to be kept alive, forced to watch Taima in my bed, than anything else I could do to you in a torture chamber. A most fitting punishment for both of you. Silence him!”

  A rag was shoved into Hanne’s mouth and secured in place. Struggling futilely, Hanne was dragged away.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  If Hanne could kill by a single look, the guard the other side of his cell would long since be a corpse. But that was beyond even the skills Hanne possessed as a warrior.

  The guard sat with his back to the entrance of the cell, making occasional taunting comments about what Lonato would do to his beloved Taima.

  Hanne hated this Fey every bit as much as he did Lonato.

  But the man had intelligence enough to remain out of his reach, smirking at him from his position of safety. The guard resumed reading, bored with taunting Hanne who paced like a caged animal.

  I must break free.

  Movement at the doorway caught Hanne’s eye, and he locked gazes with Kyle.

  Even at the distance between them, Hanne could smell the man’s fear, but Kyle nodded at him. Hanne pointed to Kyle, then to the guard, and then crooked his finger to indicate he wanted Kyle to somehow get the guard closer to him.

  “You, guard.” Kyle kept his head high and strode into the cells. “Lord Lonato wishes me to check on the prisoner.”

  “Who are you? Stay where you are!” The guard stood instantly.

  Allowing himself a slow smile of satisfaction Hanne waited, poised and ready, as his guard stepped backward instinctively as Kyle kept up his rapid advance. It was all Hanne needed. With a roar of fury, he lashed out his tail, wrapped it around the throat of his enemy, and squeezed tightly.

  Despite his desperate struggles, the guard couldn’t break the crushing grip. Hanne dragged him twisting and writhing across the stone floor. He grunted, hefting the struggling guard upward, while the guard choked and wheezed, clawing uselessly against Hanne’s tail.

  The moment the guard’s body slammed into the bars of his cell, Hanne grasped the man’s head, released the grip of his tail, and twisted savagely, unleashing all his hatred into the move.

  The sound of snapping bone was loud in the sudden silence. Hanne dropped the corpse, immediately turning his attention to Kyle. The man stood frozen, staring at the body on the ground, clearly stunned by the violent display.

  “The key is on the table. Hurry, man!” Hanne shout broke through Kyle’s shock, and he ran to obey.

  Kyle’s hands shook when he turned the key in the lock, but at least Hanne was free.

  “You have my thanks.” Hanne squeezed Kyle’s shoulder gently, wanting to convey his gratitude, but also turning him away from the sight of the guard’s crumpled body.

  “The Lady Citlali went to alert her men.” Kyle didn’t resist as Hanne led him from the cells. “We heard Halona bragging to one of Lonato’s men that you’d been captured.”

  “It’s worse than that. Lonato has taken Taima. I must go after him. He’s at the mine. If we don’t pass Citlali on the way to the stables, tell her to send one of her men to Amand.” Hanne removed a couple of the gold beads from his braid. “These were presented to me by Amand himself. Her man should offer them as proof he comes from me. I’ll go after Taima. Tell her to get her men and Amand’s to the mine as quickly as they can, but stay back until they hear from me. I don’t want Taima’s safety jeopardized. Promise me you’ll do this.”

  “Yes. I promise.” Kyle took the beads, keeping them clenched in a tight fist.

  “Good.” Hanne nodded. Then he ran as if every demon in the underworld pursued him. I will not fail you, Taima. I am coming for you, my love. I swear it.

  ****

  His knowledge of the forest was second to none and it also ensured that Hanne could approach the mine unseen. A couple of Lonato’s men already bore silent testimony to Hanne’s prowess as a warrior. Hanne barely glanced at the shrubs that concealed their bodies.

  A mixed group of old men and women, cloaked, shuffling slowly, and bearing baskets were permitted entrance into the mine. Hanne went back to the dead guards. Taking one of their cloaks, Hanne tore it and rubbed it vigorously in the dirt. He’d need to crouch, but the hood would conceal his Duende features. If he was challenged—Hanne drew a dagger, palming it in his left hand—he’d take care of them as he had the others.

  Taking a wide semi-circle, Hanne waited for the next group of humans wanting to enter the mine. Bending low, Hanne shuffled behind them. Whether the humans didn’t notice him or just didn’t care the
re was an extra was of no consequence to him. All Hanne’s attention was on the Fey guards.

  A few barracking remarks and disdainful looks were all Hanne faced. At the first opportunity, he slipped away from the others. Pressed hard against the cold stone walls of the mine, Hanne raised his head, sniffing the air. Several moments passed, and Hanne took a few steps in different directions before deciding on his way forward.

  Even before they’d become mates, Hanne was certain he’d know Taima’s smell anywhere. His beloved’s scent was faint, and subtly altered, but Hanne knew it. Letting his senses guide him, Hanne went deeper into the mine, scooping up an empty basket that lay discarded. He didn’t know how many more guards there might be, but at first glance, Hanne could pretend to be a human by keeping his cloak around him and holding the basket.

  The mine opened into a huge chasm, a few wooden buildings ahead and several passageways leading off from the central hub. Hanne approached one cautiously. Taima’s scent was stronger now. Dropping to a crouch, Hanne sidled up to a window, risked a quick glimpse inside, then ducked down quickly.

  An almost overwhelming fury swept through Hanne. Both Amand and Citlali had been betrayed. No wonder Lonato had been confident, knowledgeable, and felt unassailable. Lonato did indeed hold Taima captive, but they weren’t the only people in the building. Along with more guards were Halona and Ebba. Lonato had spies in both our camps.

  It was too risky for Hanne to attack. Taima was tied to a chair, helpless, too easy a target for Lonato. But at least Hanne knew where he was. Then Hanne froze, his stomach churning ominously as he heard snatches of Lonato’s boasts, his voice becoming loud before fading away once more. Hanne shook his head in silent, desperate denial, and he dropped to sit on the ground.

  “—too late for you now— bear your fate in a few short months—may salvage something from— your loss—”

  “I had so little time with Hanne.”

  “—move swiftly— take you through the mine’s ravine—”

  It was almost more than Hanne could bear. His beautiful beloved was … dying, and Lonato was taunting him. Hanne rolled to his knees and hit the ground hard with his fist, envisioning Lonato receiving the blows.

  Forcing himself to calm down, Hanne closed her eyes and offered a swift prayer to every god he could think of to keep Taima safe until his return. Lonato could be wrong. Hanne would not give up hope until Helki, the physician Taima trusted most, said all was lost.

  Feeling as if his heart was crushed, Hanne backed away. He needed to get reinforcements and needed them quickly. Once Lonato got Taima across the ravine, there was just a short distance from the far side of the mine to the river. The river would carry them swiftly into Lonato’s own lands, and Hanne feared once Taima was there, he would never see his husband again.

  I have not abandoned you, Taima. I’m coming for you. I swear.

  The thought was branded in Hanne’s mind. Get fighters and rescue Taima. That was all that mattered. Not the mine, not Citlali’s estate, or even Amand’s.

  They are nothing compared to the life of my husband.

  Hanne ran.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Tied to a heavy, ornate chair, Taima could only sit and stare, still in a mix of shock and disbelief. Disjointed memories flashed in his mind. Hanne leaving to get a physician, then Hanne’s face morphing into Lonato’s, leaning over him. Something pressed over his face, and a sweet, sickly scent. Then he’d awoken in this room.

  To his horror, Taima found that he hadn’t suffered from some kind of sick and twisted nightmare. And the reality was worse than any dark dream. He was Lonato’s prisoner. As he fought off the effects of whatever drug he’d been given, Lonato and Halona taunted him mercilessly regarding Hanne.

  While Taima hated the thought of his husband locked in a cell, and at Lonato’s non-existent mercy, at least his beloved was alive. And where there was life, there remained hope. But Taima’s shocks hadn’t ended there. Ebba sauntered into the room, which explained how Lonato knew so much of Amand’s movements.

  But the final revelation left Taima’s mind spinning. He stared ahead, unseeingly, trying to come to terms with it.

  “I had so little time with Hanne.” He shook his head, speaking more to himself than those in the room. The news had shaken him to his very core.

  There was no time to think of anything other than his immediate predicament. All else had to wait. Taima needed to find a way to escape Lonato. Taima looked from Halona to Ebba. Judging by their angry and jealous looks, neither had known of the other’s existence, and each now regarded the other as a rival for Lonato’s favor.

  Perhaps that jealousy is a weapon I can use? Taima twisted his wrists, testing his bonds, wondering if he might be able to work a hand free.

  “The thing to do now is move swiftly.” Lonato paced back and forth, away from Taima toward the window and back again.

  He reminded Taima of a caged predator. Taima had never been so afraid in his life. Not just for himself. Other lives were also at risk, and Taima had no idea how he could turn the situation around.

  Lonato stopped in front of him. “I’ll take you through the mine’s ravine.”

  The chilling words jolted Taima, and he looked up at Lonato. Even without the many taunts he’d heard—that Citlali and Amand would have too much to do protecting their estates to be concerned over his fate—Taima already knew he had to find a way to escape for himself. But the thought of the ravine … his stomach churned.

  No one will be able to spare the time to care about me. Even Hanne will be needed by Amand. I must find a way to get free myself. Despite Taima’s determination, the thought of the ravine made his blood run cold. He feared great heights and the only way to cross the chasm was a narrow stone bridge.

  Taima knew he had to do something—and soon.

  “What of me?” Halona came over to Lonato, her voice dark and seductive. “Am I coming with you?”

  “And I?” Ebba’s voice was low and feral. The Duende woman glared with undisguised hatred at her rival. At a signal from Lonato, unseen by Halona, Ebba smirked and sauntered forward. “Of course, I could stay at Amand’s fortress. After all, my position isn’t compromised. I was far more careful.”

  Drawing alongside Halona, Ebba turned sharply and thrust a small dagger she’d palmed deep into her rival’s chest. Taima shuddered as Ebba smiled, a movement of her lips only. Her eyes were devoid of emotion as Halona crumpled to the floor.

  “Well done, my dear. Lonato brushed a kiss to Ebba’s cheek. “After all, we don’t want to clutter ourselves with unnecessary baggage.”

  The sight sickened Taima and he looked away, struggling against his restraints as Lonato opened his arms to welcome Ebba into an embrace.

  A choked sound of pain made Taima look up sharply.

  Ebba staggered back, her eyes wide with shock and fear. Taima winced at the deep, bloody wound in her chest. It had come from Lonato’s own dagger.

  Smiling, Lonato ambled to Taima and, with his bloody dagger, sliced through the ropes that held him. He pointed to the fallen women and then to Taima with the dagger’s point. “Don’t try and resist me, boy.” Lonato’s voice was nothing more than a cold, sibilant hiss that made Taima shiver. “I’ll have you as my concubine, but if I have to, I will kill you. Poor Halona, as if I would waste my time marrying a woman beneath me. As for Ebba, she was half-Duende. She never stood a chance, but she was a useful informant.”

  “You’re a monster.” Taima pushed his nausea aside and glared with undisguised loathing and hatred at Lonato. “I will kill you the first opportunity that arises.”

  “You forget yourself, boy. More than just your own life is hostage to me now.”

  That silenced Taima. He was painfully aware of his situation, especially when Lonato tapped his throat with the dagger. I won’t let Lonato intimidate me, but now isn’t the time to resist. There are other guards in the room. I must pick my time.

  Instead, Taima let his head
and shoulders droop, pretending to capitulate. He would wait for a better opportunity. Taima didn’t resist when Lonato turned him around and secured his hands behind him.

  “Much better.” Lonato smirked. “Now I have just a few things to sort out here and then we head to the chasm. Once on the other side it’s a swift journey by boat to my people. Then I can send more reinforcements to ensure Citlali, at least, is defeated. From her estate, I can march on Amand’s fortress. Let us see how long he stays there once he knows he cannot come out through his own front door. You two.” Lonato indicated the soldiers who’d remained by the door. “Return to Citlali’s palace with as many men as can be spared from here. Start the coup. Reinforcements will follow.”

  The soldiers saluted and left the room. Taima watched silently, biding his time as he was thrust toward the door. Taima hesitated at a groan from behind them, but Lonato shoved him hard away from the dying woman.

  “She’ll die soon enough. No matter how hard Duende are, they bleed and die like us all.”

  At the heartless words, Taima shuddered. Rightly or wrongly, both women had loved Lonato, and in return had been used and betrayed. Lonato had killed them both as if their lives were of no consequence. The realization only reinforced Taima’s own precarious position.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Keeping to the shadows, Hanne made his way back to the entrance of the mine. The guards weren’t as alert as earlier in the day. One was preoccupied by an attractive human woman, and the other wasn’t at the entrance. Hanne took full advantage, racing into the forest.

  Within minutes, Hanne had reached his horse. Leaping astride it, he headed at break-neck speed toward Citlali’s palace. He had ridden for only a few minutes when faint, echoing sounds reached his ears.