Harley wondered where Melenia’s guards were and why they hadn’t they stopped these men from interrupting Oriana’s party. Cold terror slid down her spine as she recalled Lyle saying that a significant number of the king’s soldiers were gone.
Hollis leaned closer to her. “Hide,” he whispered, his urgent voice leaving no room for arguing.
Shaking, Harley inched backward, easing off the dais, doing as Hollis commanded even though her mind screamed that this could not be happening. Surely her uncle would stop these men. He’d have them all arrested for their insolence. After setting her goblet on a tray held by a wide-eyed servant, she crept toward the nearest pillar. She forced herself to move slowly while still facing the crowd to avoid standing out.
Hollis remained on the dais with the royal family, angling his body to block her from sight. Scanning the faces of those in the great hall, Harley still didn’t see a single Melenia soldier. At the pillar, she paused, watching the scene unfold before her. When the three foreigners reached the dais, the one in the middle stepped forward.
Her uncle shook his head. “I should have known King Drenton of Russek would be behind something like this. What does your father want, Prince Kerdan?” He practically spit the words out, each one laced with venom.
The man who’d stepped forward to address her uncle towered over everyone in the room. His wide shoulders gave way to heavily muscled arms pulling the fabric of his shirt taut. This man had to be a soldier, fighter, or killer. Not a prince. No crown adorned his head to indicate his position. His brown hair hung loose around his face. While Harley had heard rumors Russek’s warriors sported black war tattoos, she’d never understood what people meant until now. Black swirls, as if someone had taken a paint brush, covered the man’s cheeks and forehead, making him appear more animal than human. The thick furs draped over his shoulders only enhanced the image. Harley shivered.
“We are in need of soldiers,” Kerdan stated, his voice thick as it rumbled through the hall. “I’ve been sent to acquire men.”
“You won’t get mine,” the king spat. “I already told your father I won’t align with Russek against Emperion.” He took a step down off the dais and approached the warrior prince.
Harley used the opportunity to move closer to the curtain behind the pillar. As she slid back a step, Kerdan’s eyes locked with hers, momentarily freezing her in place, before his attention returned to the king. “No one has to get hurt,” Kerdan said. “I have the castle surrounded. You’re vastly outnumbered.” The king opened his mouth to respond, but Kerdan held up his hand, silencing him. “Cooperate and no harm will come to your loved ones.”
Sweat beaded on Harley’s forehead as the situation intensified. She glanced at her family. Queen Martie clung to Princess Oriana. Prince Oliver stood at the king’s shoulder, his hand on the hilt of his sword. Prince Oakley and Hollis moved in front of the queen and princess, as if trying to shield them.
“This is my daughter’s birthday celebration,” the king seethed.
“Then I suggest you comply so she makes it to her next birthday.” Kerdan withdrew his sword, the sound of steel slicing through the air.
Harley jerked as if the sword had cut her arm, a deep foreboding snaking through her. She needed to escape from the great hall and light the warning signal so soldiers from the neighboring towns could come to their aid.
Taking slow, measured steps, she finally reached the curtain off to the side of the dais. After a quick glance to make sure no one nearby watched her, she stepped behind it. A two-foot space separated the thick, heavy curtain from the wall. She’d done this so many times playing hide and seek as a child, that it came naturally to her. The fabric wouldn’t sway unless she pushed against it. Regardless, she couldn’t remain there. Her hands fumbled over the wooden wall until she felt the small latch, a little lower than she remembered. Pressing on it, a soft click sounded. Harley prayed the hinges wouldn’t squeak as she pushed the door open and stepped into the secret passageway made for an event such as this. After shutting the door, she pressed her ear against the wood, trying to hear what was being said in the great hall.
“Take the six members of the royal family to the dungeon,” Kerdan ordered. “Everyone else will remain in here. Seal the room.”
Panic flooded Harley. Kerdan must have mistaken Hollis for Owen. Would either the king or queen correct him? Or—Harley swallowed the lump forming in her throat—had Hollis willingly taken Owen’s place in order to keep the prince safe?
Several people screamed, and shuffling noises came from the other side of the door. Harley took a step back, hitting the wall. This could not be happening. It felt as if the floor beneath her feet tilted and the walls spun.
Standing there like a frightened cat would not help those she loved. Pushing off the wall, she felt around until her hand came across an unlit torch hanging on the wall. Lifting it, she shoved her hand into the iron holder, grabbing the lighter. It took her several tries before it finally lit. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Hollis had forced her to learn how to do this when she was only eight years old. At the time, she thought it ridiculous torture. Now she understood the necessity.
The turret was at the west end of the castle. With the torch at her side, she traversed through the passageways, being sure to keep the flames as far from her hair and dress as possible. There were two ways to reach the top of the turret where the warning signal was located. Harley could either climb the ladder accessible from the secret passageways, which seemed difficult in a dress, or she could enter the main portion of the castle and use the servants’ stairwell, which seemed the safer and quicker option.
When she came to the door closest to the stairwell, she pressed her ear against it, listening. Most exits were located behind large pictures or curtains, so when opened, no one would see. Playing hide and seek here as a child had been an all-day event. And even then, sometimes the cousins still couldn’t find one another. She never thought a child’s game would one day be vital to the survival of the royal family.
Not hearing any noise, she placed the lit torch in a holder on the wall. She pulled the door open and slid out behind the curtain, being careful not to ruffle it too much in case someone lurked nearby. She was just about to take a step when footsteps came from the corridor to her right. Afraid to move and accidentally shift the curtain, she froze. Pinching her lips together, she breathed slowly and waited, trying not to shake from fright. This was just another game of hide and seek.
“I understand your concerns,” a male voice said softly.
“I don’t think you do,” another male voice hissed. “Things have already deviated too far from the plan. Why is the royal family in the dungeon? They are supposed to be dead.”
“That’s because my stepbrother, Kerdan, is in charge.”
“Why is he here?” the man whispered.
“His father asked him to plan this entire invasion. But don’t worry, come morning, everything will be as it should and Kerdan will be dead. Once he’s out of the way, no one will stop you from executing the royal family.”
Harley
Harley started violently shaking. Executed. This man wanted her uncle, aunt, and cousins dead. Since Hollis was in the dungeon in Owen’s place, he would be killed as well. She had to do something to prevent her family from being murdered.
“You’re going to assassinate Prince Kerdan?” the man whispered.
“With immense pleasure,” the other replied, his voice slithering like a snake.
“That wasn’t part of the plan. I won’t have you pin it on me.” Panic laced the man’s words.
A throaty chuckle rumbled a few feet away. “You forget who you’re speaking to. If I were you, I’d watch my tone.”
A shiver swept through Harley’s body. She needed to get out of there, but she was too afraid to move with the men so close by.
Another shuffle sounded only a few inches away. “Of course, Prince Soma. My apologies.”
“Don’t use m
y name, you fool. Now take me to my supplies before someone sees me.”
“I have everything you requested hidden in a room down this corridor.” Footsteps headed to the left. “I’d like to set aside some time tomorrow for us to discuss a loose end.”
“I won’t be here tomorrow. After I do what needs to be done, I’m going to Emperion. There’s someone there I need to deal with.”
When the voices and footsteps faded away, Harley reached back, finding the clasp and opening the hidden door. She would have to reach the turret the other way since Prince Soma and the person he’d been talking to had gone down the corridor she needed to use.
Back in the passageway, she grabbed the torch, her arm shaking. It felt like she was going to vomit as the gravity of the situation overwhelmed her. Unable to waste a single minute, she forced her legs to move, heading toward the turret. Based upon the conversation she’d just overheard, Kerdan wanted the royal family alive, at least for now. He probably needed King Coden to sign a treaty or declaration. Since Kerdan had locked the nobles in the great hall, it seemed logical to assume he would try negotiating with the king, using the nobility as a bargaining chip. However, Prince Soma planned on assassinating Prince Kerdan. Once that happened, he’d said the royal family would be executed. A fierce determination filled Harley—she would save her family or die trying. She started jogging since there wasn’t much time for help to arrive.
At the base of the turret, she examined the tall ladder positioned in the middle of the circular stone tower. After hanging up the torch, she wiped her sweaty hands on her dress, then grabbed hold of the first rung. She started climbing, trying not to step on the hem of her dress and slip.
Harley climbed five stories before reaching the top of the ladder. She flopped onto a small rectangular platform, panting as she looked out of the opening carved into the wall. She had to go through it in order to light the signal fire. Taking a calming breath, she climbed out to a narrow stairwell about five feet high that led to the top of the turret. Wind whipped around her face, causing her hair to unravel, making it hard to see. Afraid she’d plunge to her death, she gathered her hair together, tying it in a knot before kneeling next to the large pile of wood.
Not daring to look over the side for fear she’d become disoriented and fall, she grabbed the lighter, focusing on it. With shaking hands, she tried to get a spark. It didn't work. She attempted it again, doing it just as she’d been taught. Nothing happened. Tears filled her eyes. Her family was going to die if she didn’t get help. All that stood between her and salvation was a single flame. Her brother’s voice filled her head, calmly instructing her how to light the fire. Focusing on his words, she did as he said. An ember flared, catching on the kindling. Relief filled her as thick black smoke rose into the sky for the nearby towns to see. It was the signal that the castle was under attack and to send help.
The heat from the fire became intense, forcing Harley to crawl back to the stairwell. As she descended the steps, her breath caught. Surrounding the castle, hundreds of enemy soldiers dotted the landscape. She scanned the area looking for fellow Melenians. A group of about fifty stood huddled together in a hastily constructed pen surrounded by a half dozen spears sticking up out of the ground, a head skewered on top of each one. Bile rose in the back of her throat at the horror of Melenia soldiers being beheaded. What an awful way to die.
With shaky legs, she climbed back into the turret. As she descended the ladder, she heard men shouting the words smoke and fire. She needed to hide before someone found her in there. In too much of a hurry, her right foot slipped, her chin smacking one of the rungs, jarring her head. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she clutched onto the rung, hanging on for dear life. She frantically flailed about until her feet found purchase and she steadied herself. With a wildly beating heart, sweaty palms, and shaking arms, she hastily descended the rest of the ladder. When Harley neared the bottom, cold fingers curled around her ankle, startling her.
“Didn’t expect to find a woman lighting the signal,” a man with a thick accent mused. He yanked her.
She tumbled to the floor, her back stinging in pain and the air knocked out of her. The man reached down, grabbing her arms and lifting her upright. As she dangled in his grip, gasping for air, fear overrode the pain and she kicked at his stomach, trying to get him to drop her. If he’d just let go, she could run away and hide in one of the storage closets.
Tightening his grip, he slammed her against the wall of the turret, pinning her in place as he towered over her by at least two feet. “Who are you?” he demanded.
Her mind screamed in panic, trying to think of a way out of this mess. “I have information for Prince Kerdan,” she blurted, a crazy plan forming. If Kerdan died, so would the royal family, which meant she needed to prevent the prince's assassination.
The Russek soldier raised his eyebrows. “You just lit the signal fire. You are no friend to Russek.” He gripped her harder, as if trying to intimidate her.
Dangling above the floor, she shoved her fear away and summoned every ounce of arrogance she had. “One of your own plans on killing your prince. Apparently, no one is a friend to Russek.”
The man loosened his grip, his brows furrowing. “Where did you hear that?” His deep voice rumbled with menace.
“I’ll only speak to Prince Kerdan.”
“How do you know that’s not me?”
A good, loaded, dangerous question. Swallowing, she said, “Because I’ve met him before.” She now understood why the prince chose not to wear a crown or clothing to indicate his position, thus allowing him to blend in with his soldiers. During a takeover or battle, it would be wise to switch places with another soldier to not stand out like a target.
The man set her on her feet and took a step back, observing her. Seconds went by. Harley raised her chin, refusing to cower before him.
He nodded. “Let’s go.” Clutching her upper arm, he dragged her out of the passageways and into the servants’ corridor.
Fear flared inside Harley. She had no idea if this man was going to toss her outside the castle, take her to Kerdan, or do something far more nefarious with her. Not having any other options, she decided not to fight or argue with him, her mind scrambling to come up with a backup plan if this didn’t go as she hoped.
Loud, boisterous voices of foreigners resounded up ahead. Harley stifled her panic. If she wanted to negotiate with Russek soldiers, she needed to be brave and bold.
“In here.” The man led her into the kitchen where a dozen men sat around a rectangular table, talking with one another as they shoveled food in their mouths. All of them had large, squared shoulders with furs draped over them, confirming Harley had just walked into a room full of enemy soldiers. The man escorting her shoved her forward, and she stumbled.
All twelve men turned to scrutinize her. “Who’s this?” asked one of the soldiers toward the middle of the table.
Harley recognized him as Prince Kerdan. She tried to find her voice to respond; however, no words came out.
“I found her in the turret,” the man behind her announced. “She lit the signal fire.”
“Why did you bring her here?” Kerdan inquired, setting his spoon down.
“She has information for you.”
Kerdan took a drink from his cup, then stood and approached Harley, his eyes scanning her from head to toe, assessing her.
She craned her head up, forcing herself to meet his eyes. “Prince Kerdan.” Her voice came out shaky. She imagined her mother scolding her for being frightened before a group of brute soldiers. Clutching her hands together, she tried to keep her chin high, summoning her inner strength. In order to save her brother, she needed to convince Kerdan to let him go.
“You were on the dais with the royal family.” He folded his arms, tilting his head to the side as he continued to observe her. “Are you related to them? Or perhaps you are engaged to one of the princes?”
She didn’t want to reveal her relationship
to the royal family quite yet, so she refused to answer.
“How’d you escape from the great hall?” he asked, his voice curious and not threatening as she’d anticipated.
Of course, that could be a ploy to lure her in to trusting him. She considered lying but decided against it because she didn’t have much time. “The secret passageways.” Since the man had found her at the bottom of the turret, the passageways must have been discovered. She felt better revealing information they’d already ascertained.
Kerdan considered her. “What’s your name?”
“It’s not important.” Not that he would recognize her name anyway since her mother was related to the queen, not the king.
The corners of his lips pulled into a tight smile, and she realized her error. Only someone important would say that. Wanting to change the subject rather than reveal she was the king’s niece, she said, “I overheard information you’ll find vital to your survival.”
“We just imprisoned Melenia’s royal family and took over the castle. Why would you want to help me?” He raised his eyebrows, awaiting her response.
She found it interesting he didn’t question the validity of her news, but rather, her reasoning behind wanting to aid him. She swallowed, considering her words carefully. It felt as if she stood on thin ice, small cracks splintering out from under her feet. “The royal family is alive because of you.” She hoped the truth kept the ice from shattering completely. She needed him to keep her family alive.
“I gave strict orders that no harm will come to them. We are only here for soldiers.”
As relieved as she was to hear that, she scoffed at the notion that needing soldiers justified the invasion. While the royal family hadn’t been harmed, there were dead Melenians outside the castle. Families would be grieving from their losses.
Sword of Rage: Reigning Kingdoms, Book 1 Page 2