The Outcast, page 42
part #2 of A Knight's Journey Series
The man who spoke stepped forward as though to make good on his threat. Rowan tensed and Nel cried out, but Illan Ishtar waved the man down.
“He is not yours to kill. This one will die, but not yet. He must answer for his slights against my house and my person. He must be punished.” He turned to Rowan. “Will you come willingly or must you be forced?”
“Don’t do this.”
“Very well. Kill the girl, then take him in chains.”
“No!” Rowan roared.
He pulled Nel close to him and held his sword out defensively. Guards on every side stepped forward, lowering their short spears with points aimed at Rowan. There would be no escape. He was surrounded on all sides by a wall of spears threatening to impale him.
“I’ll come. There is no need for this Ishtar. I will come.”
One of the guards to his rear thrust forward his spear. Pivoting, Rowan slapped it down to the ground. As another thrust came, Rowan grabbed hold with his free hand, yanking hard and forcing the man to stumble forward.
Nel screamed.
“Ishtar!”
Rowan blocked another attack. One more nicked his leg, as he dodged two others. He spun as fast as he could, using his body to shield Nel.
Soon he would grow tired. All it would take was one misstep. He was going to fail.
He remembered that Baird had died this same way, overcome by a circle of spearmen. How many had it taken? Five or six? More? Rowan faced almost twenty men.
He would never win this fight but maybe he could help Nel escape. If he attacked with abandon, he could force an opening for her. He would die doing so, but if he were going to die anyways…
He tensed, waiting for the right moment. There was no time to speak to Nel. He’d just have to trust that she would know to run.
“Hold!”
Suddenly, the spears were withdrawn, though not fully, as they were still held and pointed at him.
“Do you understand now, d’hag? You will submit to my will and face judgement.”
“You will leave her alone.”
Illan glanced at Nel coldly. “I care nothing for your woman. This way, she can watch you suffer.”
He snapped his fingers and something struck Rowan from behind. He fell and as he faded, he heard Nel screaming his name.
Chapter 46: Rowan
A gush of cold water thrown down on his face brought Rowan to life.
He felt the coarse ropes that bound his ankles and wrists. His mouth was muzzled by a gag tied around his mouth and he had no idea where he was.
Looking up from the ground, he could make out two men standing over him in the dark room.
“Leave me.”
The man holding the empty bucket bowed and left. Illan Ishtar stayed, staring down at Rowan with cold fury.
“The Buhli’dazzi want you dead. You, a greenlander. I don’t know why you interest them so, but a man from your own country has convinced the High Houses that you must die.”
Rowan fought to speak past the gag. He had so many questions but knew Illan Ishtar would never deign to answer him. But he had to try. Everything depended on it.
For all his effort, he could only produce unintelligible muffled noises. The sweat-soaked gag in his mouth forced a swallow and heave as he fought to keep from throwing up. Ishtar ignored his captor, enjoying his moment of revenge.
“Yes,” he continued, “the Buhli’dazzi want you dead, and yet I keep you from their grasp. I agree with them, of course. You will die. But I will make you suffer the humiliation of defeat before you die. I will see that you are broken for all to see. Your young lover, the common girl, she will watch you suffer.”
Rowan managed to spit the gag from his mouth. He coughed and spat on the floor, then spoke.
“You may kill me, but you can never take back the loss you suffered at my hands.”
There was a gleam in Ishtar’s eye as he stared down his nose at Rowan.
“Oh, how wrong you are. Tattercloak.” He spat the name like a curse. “I have arranged for a special bout in the arena. There is a man who very much wishes to fight you. He is named Dagget the mercenary. A brutish man from your country, but a fitting man to kill you.”
“You think that he can best me when you yourself could not?”
“Obviously not. But he will have the advantage of companions and you…you will have nothing but a sword and the many, many beatings you will receive before the match. I do not think you will even be able to stand, let alone duel.”
What hope Rowan had died as Illan spoke. He would ensure Rowan’s defeat. More than disadvantaged, it’d be impossible to win.
While rules were well established for fights in the arena, Ishtar would surely use his power and influence to bend and break them. Some things though were absolute. FIghters could not be denied a weapon of their choosing…at least that was something.
As if to punctuate his earlier statement, Ishtar backhanded Rowan hard enough to blur his vision. Another blow rattled his head and left him limp from the pain. More may have followed, but he could not be certain.
“You face your death with the rising sun.” He reached down and grabbed Rowan by the chin, bringing their faces together. “Try not to break before your fight. I have paid for a show and I expect you to deliver.”
With that, he left by the same door as had the man with the bucket. Rowan heard muffled conversation and the door opened again. Two men walked in, and Rowan felt the bruises before they’d lifted a hand.
Chapter 47: Eliza
Eliza waited patiently. Everything was ready to go. Tonight was the night she would escape.
She shook with nervous fear. If she failed, there’d be no second chance. Gannon would make sure of that.
Since deciding to flee, Eliza had done everything in her power to ensure success. She was confident that she’d adequately prepared.
Her plan, such as it was, was simple. In the past weeks, she’d memorized the patterns of her guards. They kept to a strict schedule, alternating pairs to ensure she was always watched. Except for tonight.
She’d noticed that, with a certain regularity, one of the guards would leave his post. After a time, she realized it was always the same guard. Every fourth day, one of the pair of night guards would leave his partner for a few hours and then return. She knew where he went from their conversations, but she preferred to ignore his reason for leave. His abuse of power disgusted her, but also gave her the opportunity she needed.
Tonight was the fourth night. She would wait for the guard to leave and then attack the one who remained. Not the best plan, but she would make it work.
A small sack nearby held the items she’d take with her. There wasn’t much: a single change of clothes, some coins and jewelry she could sell, and leftover food she had saved, all wrapped up in a bedsheet.
She wore layers of clothing to protect her from the cold. It was winter and, while the snow wasn’t deep, it covered everything, creating a blanket of white powder.
Voices outside signaled a changing of the guard. Eliza scurried across the room and pressed her ear to the door.
“Anything unusual happen today?”
“Nothing ever happens here. Her Highness knows enough to stay in there and keep quiet.”
“Always best to check. She can be unpredictable.”
“Aye. But she knows her place now.”
Anger coursed through Eliza and her jaw drew tight but she did nothing. She hated the way they spoke of her, but soon enough she’d be gone.
“Enjoy night duty. We’re going to get drunk and find women and beds.”
Once the shift change was complete, there was nothing but silence. Eliza lowered herself to the floor and peeked under the gap at the bottom of the door, making sure the men were actually there. She saw two pairs of boots; they were there, they just weren’t talking.
The one guard typically waited an hour or so before leaving his post. He likely timed his absence to avoid notice by anyone other than his partner.
Waiting had been easier earlier, but now that her moment was drawing near, she found herself growing impatient. She began shifting about, finding it hard to remain still but unwilling to move away from the door. It couldn’t be much longer.
But after an hour, the man was still present. At two hours, she began to worry. She could still see his feet though, so he hadn’t left.
“You’re usually gone by now.”
Apparently, the man’s companion was also curious.
“Normally. Not tonight. I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere tonight. Maybe not next time either.”
Eliza cut off a gasp, but neither of the guards seemed to have heard her. If the man wasn’t going to leave…
She couldn’t escape if both guards were present. One would have been difficult enough. She knew that two would easily overpower her.
“Why not?”
“Why do I need a reason?”
“‘Cause ain’t no man wants to work the night guard shift.”
There was a grunt of pain and then, “Just leave it alone.”
“I cover your ass almost every time we share guard duty so you can go and stick the servants.”
“Did it earlier. Ain’t got the passion now.”
“Liar. What happened?”
“Nothing!”
“Just tell me what happened.”
“The girl was caught with another guard! There. Are you happy now?”
“What’s that matter? Just go find another. None are gonna refuse you.”
“Don’t want another one. Liked Satella well enough.”
“Then find her and take her.”
“Don’t want used goods.”
“You’re going to moan about this all night.”
“I won’t.”
“You will, and I don’t want to hear it. Go and find someone else to cover your shift tonight.’
“But—”
“Go! I’m doing the both of us a favor.”
There was grumbling, but it was followed by footsteps.
Eliza leaned down and looked under the door to see only one pair of boots. This was it. This was her chance. If she didn’t seize this opportunity, there might not be another. And her time was limited. She didn’t know how long the guard would take to send another to replace him.
But what to do about the remaining guard? Could she really fight a grown man armed with a weapon?
She needed to knock him out. It was the only way to get past without him stopping or chasing her.
Or was it?
An idea cam to her. She began banging on the door. It could not be opened from the inside, but she could make the guard open it. She beat at the door with her fists and kicked with her feet.
“Shut up!”
“Let me out.”
“Be quiet and stay put. You know you aren’t leaving that room.”
“I am the princess. You will let me out.” She used her most authoritative voice
“I don’t answer to you.”
The anger was plain in the man’s voice. Eliza smiled. One thing she excelled at was annoying people. This man had been annoyed enough to send his partner away. It would be simple enough to get him to—
The door swung open, throwing her off balance. She scrambled backwards, frightened despite planning this very outcome.
The guard towered over her, a scowl twisting his face.
“I will not listen to your banging all night. If you won’t shut up, I’ll beat some sense into you.”
He turned to go when Eliza said, “I would see to it that you’d be punished.”
Her words stopped him. His hand clenched the door, knuckles growing white.
“Perhaps you don’t know your place,” he said, turning to face her, leaving the door behind him open. If it closed, even he would need to wait to be let out. “A few bruises will teach you. Nothing too obvious, but I doubt King Gannon will mind.”
She backpedaled as he stepped towards her. Backing into the hard wall, she knew she had nowhere to go. She’d put some distance between them, but he was closing that gap. His eyes were cold.
It was easy to feign terror. Eliza reached behind her with a trembling hand, finding her salvation. Hidden in her sleeve was a long, thin piece of wood she had splintered from the back of her dressing table.
She surged forward suddenly, surprising the guard. Remembering the swordplay Rowan had taught her, she thrust her makeshift dagger forward, aiming for the guard’s thigh. His chest was protected by metal armor, but his legs were only covered by leather.
Her aim was true but her strength failed her, the sharp edge only barely penetrating the material. Still, the guard howled in pain and she thought she saw some blood.
“You little bitch! You’ll suffer for that.”
Eliza responded by kneeing the man between the legs. He let out a gasp and fell to the ground. She crossed the room in an instant, grabbing her bundle and slamming the door behind her. The lock clicked.
She’d done it. She had escaped her cell. Now she just needed to escape the castle grounds and go to Estion or Barrinell. She could get help there. Rally people to help her stop Gannon and his war.
She stood to leave and heard a dull thump from behind the door. In her haste, she had left the guard alone. He was trapped in the room just as she had been. Not even a key would unlock that door from the inside.
Soon his pain would lessen and he would begin calling for help. He might even break down the door. Eliza didn’t know if that was possible, but she didn’t want to find out. Her time was short and she needed to be gone.
Fortunately, the man would not likely be discovered until his replacement partner arrived. Gannon had ordered her wing of the castle cleared, first to hide her existence and now to keep her isolated so none would know she was a prisoner. Now that would work against him, making her escape easier.
She hurried down the hallway to where she knew there would be a servant’s passage. There was a back corridor that would take her to the first floor near the gardens. That area was unlikely to be guarded.
The night was eerily silent. Every step sounded loud, echoing through the halls. Eliza winced, sure that someone would hear her.
Eliza froze at the sound of footsteps. Someone was coming down the hall in her direction. Light flickered from beyond a corner, casting a shadow of the person holding the candle.
There was no time to think. A door to another servant’s passage was just behind her. She didn’t know where it led, but she could hide until the approaching servant passed.
Eliza rushed to the door and pulled it open, only to slam into another body as she rushed inside.
There was a gasp and Eliza looked up to see Tilly staring at her, eyes wide. The sound of footsteps grew nearer and the light brighter.
Before the maid could say anything, Eliza shut the door, easing it the last bit to keep quiet.
“Princess, what are you doing?” Tilly gasped, but Eliza quickly placed a hand over her mouth to silence her. She stared at Tilly and silently mouthed, “Please.”
They waited as the footsteps drew nearer. Eliza held her breath, willing Tilly to stay still and not call out. Panic rose within her but faded as sound of the footsteps faded.
“What are you doing?” Tilly asked as soon as Eliza released her.
Eliza shushed her. They needed to be quiet.
“Go back to your room and pretend that you never saw me. I trust you Tilly, and I do not wish to see you hurt because of me.”
“You’re leaving,” the maid gasped, her eyes widening.
“Escaping,” Eliza corrected before she could think. It was the wrong thing to say.
“I’m coming with you.”
“No, you’re not. If Gannon catches me, he will kill you for helping. It’s bad enough that you’ve seen me.”
“I cannot leave you, Princess. I would have helped you, had I known your plan. You are in danger here.”
“That’s why I am leaving. Alone,” she added for emphasis. But in the back of her mind she wondered, if it was the right decision. Gannon had promised to punish others if she ever tried to escape, exploiting her empathy. Would Tilly really be safer here?
“I will not allow you to leave alone. I can help you, Princess.”
Eliza struggled with her indecision, but Tilly made up her mind.
“I know a way out of the castle that is unguarded. Every other part of the grounds is watched, but I could distract the guards. I promise you—”
“There is a secret way off the grounds,” Eliza said. “I only need you to help me find my way out of the castle, and quickly.”
Tilly nodded.
“Follow me.”
* * *
Eliza hurried across the grounds, Tilly following her. She had done her best to dress for the cold, but her cloak was scant protection from the wind and though her boots were waterproof, they were not insulated for warmth. She had done well, however, to wear her riding skirts. They were thick and she didn’t have to hike them up to keep them from dragging through the snow.
A sound made the princess start. She almost tripped forward but Tilly caught her and they stepped into the shadows out of sight. Fear gripped Eliza. Had her escape been discovered?
“Did you hear that?”
Tilly glanced about wildly, but she shook her head.
They waited for several moments, but heard no sounds of pursuit. The alarm had not been raised.
How long do we have?
Eliza glanced at Tilly. Her maid had helped her escape despite the risk. If Eliza lost her nerve now, then her escape would be for nothing. Gannon would kill Tilly to punish Eliza and there’d never be another chance.
She breathed deeply and then forced herself to move. The pair continued onwards, doing their best to stay silent and keep to the shadows.
What am I doing? I don’t even have a plan. I thought myself so smart, but my plan was only to escape. I do not even know who I can turn to for help.
Eliza stopped, Tilly halting behind her. The maid was breathing heavily, her breathe visible in the cold night air. She wore the spare cloak Eliza had packed, but it was not enough. She would need to put on more layers as soon as they could afford to stop.
