Chapter Six
After a week of hard riding through the countryside of Fia, Allyssa had lost nearly all hope of escaping or being rescued. They hadn’t seen anyone in days. She was tired of being on the blasted horse. Every night, Soma dumped Odar and her on the ground, not even bothering to untie them while he slept peacefully with the luxury of a bedroll. He faithfully reapplied the paralyzing substance every ten hours. She feared that once it wore off, her muscles wouldn’t work properly. What she wouldn’t give to feel her arms and legs, to be off this horse, and to be back in Emperion.
A thick layer of dark clouds hid the sun, making it impossible to tell the time of day. Her clothes were soaking wet from a light rain that had been falling on and off. She’d never been so miserable.
“Russek is just over this rise,” Soma said, speaking for the first time in days. He carefully removed his arm from the sling and nudged his horse faster to gain momentum for the incline.
The three of them crested the top of the hill, and Allyssa’s breath caught. As far as she could see in both directions, Russek soldiers lined the Fia border, evenly spaced thirty feet apart. In between each soldier, a spike had been impaled into the ground, a decaying head skewered on top of each one. She wanted to dismount, run the other way, and never look back. However, neither her arms nor legs would obey her frantic, screaming mind. She glanced at Odar. His ever-present mask of indifference cracked; his eyes were wide with horror. The words he’d spoken not long ago rang in her ears. If we enter Russek, we are entering hell. It will change you, and you will never be the same.
As they descended the hill, her panic intensified. Once they passed the line of soldiers, she would be doomed. Soma tossed his long, black cape over his shoulders, revealing his tunic embroidered with the Russek royal family’s crest. Not a single soldier broke formation as they approached. She expected to be surrounded by these vicious men and dragged before the king. However, maybe they didn’t know her identity, especially if this was a secret mission sanctioned by Jana and Shelene, not the king.
They reached the line of soldiers. Her mind shrieked at her to run; yet her limbs wouldn’t obey. The man standing only a few feet away on her right didn’t even turn his head as they passed.
And they were officially on Russek soil. A shiver ran through her body. About a mile ahead of them, the lush, green valley butted up against large mountains capped with snow. Hundreds of black tents had been pitched at the bottom of one of the mountains.
“Is this a military base?” Allyssa asked, not remembering this location on her father’s war map.
“One of many,” Soma answered.
When they neared the tents, a squad of heavily armed soldiers dressed in battle gear marched out to greet them.
“Keep your head down,” Odar frantically ordered. “Don’t look defiant, yet do not appear meek. Remain calm and steady, and no matter what, do not lose your temper.”
She nodded, unable to speak as she scanned the tents, searching for the Russek flag flown when a member of the royal family was present. Relief filled her—she didn’t see it anywhere, which meant the king wasn’t there.
“Keep your mouths shut,” Soma commanded. For once, Allyssa agreed with him. He pulled their horses to a halt and waited for the soldiers to reach them. A curious move on his part.
When the men arrived, they stopped, still in formation. One took a step forward and asked, “Can we be of assistance?” Interesting that he didn’t address the assassin by his title of prince. With Soma’s cape still tossed behind his shoulders, the royal family’s crest was easily visible. There should be no question as to his identity.
“I sincerely doubt it,” Soma answered, his voice coated with ire. “I do, however, want a tent for the night along with some decent food.”
The soldier’s eyes scanned Allyssa and Odar. “And your guests?”
“Are none of your business,” the assassin snapped, leaning forward in his saddle.
The man gave a curt nod. “Follow my squad. I will see to a tent and food for you and your companions.”
Soma nudged his mount onward, pulling Odar and Allyssa’s horses close behind his. They followed the squad of soldiers whose armor clinked as they marched back to camp. The black tents stood in stark contrast to the vibrant green grass the horses trod over. They entered at the south end of the camp, and the squad broke formation, taking up guard along the entrance.
The squad leader waved Soma forward, taking them into the military base. They passed rows upon rows of black tents situated in neat, orderly lines. Dozens of soldiers moved about, some sharpening weapons, others sparring, many huddled around fires warming their hands. Most glanced their way as they rode by. However, as soon as they recognized Soma, they averted their gaze, their shoulders tensing at the mere sight of him. Given the brutality the Russek soldiers had exhibited, she found it inconceivable that these men feared the assassin. Her thoughts drifted back to how easily Soma had dispatched her and Odar’s men that night in town. How did he become so lethal at such a young age? Her skin crawled with the terrible realization that she didn’t stand a chance against him.
The squad leader stopped before a tent four times larger than the others. It had to be the captain’s tent. “Wait here,” the man said. “I will make the necessary arrangements for you.” He slipped inside. How strange that Soma didn’t insist on doing so himself.
The assassin dismounted. “You there,” he said to a young soldier passing by. “Hold the reins of my horses.” The soldier’s eyes widened in recognition, but he readily obliged. Soma pulled out a dagger and sliced through Odar’s bindings. “Can you feel your arms or legs?”
“A little bit,” he replied.
“Enough to stand?”
Odar shrugged. Soma reached up and yanked him off the horse, setting him on his feet. His legs shook, but Odar held his weight, remaining upright.
The assassin came around to Allyssa and sliced through her bindings. “What about you? Can you feel your limbs?”
“Not at all,” she admitted.
Soma wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her off the horse. Instead of setting her on the ground as he’d done with Odar, he swept her into his arms. Allyssa wanted to yell at him to put her down, but she couldn’t even feel his arm against the back of her legs. Shouldn’t she be able to stand like Odar? The paralyzing substance had been administered to them at the same time. What if Soma had given her too much and use of her legs never returned?
He faced the soldier holding the reins. “Take the horses to be fed and watered. Bring them to me first thing tomorrow morning.” The soldier nodded and left.
Allyssa’s legs started to tingle as if her limbs were asleep. She tried to move her fingers, but she couldn’t. Being vulnerable in the arms of her enemy terrified her.
A tall Russek soldier with long, brown hair exited the tent with a thick fur cape wrapped around his shoulders. He observed the three of them a moment before saying to Soma, “I have a tent ready for you and your…companions.”
Did he suspect she and Odar were prisoners? Soma hadn’t indicated they were. In fact, he hadn’t even revealed their identities. Perhaps he wanted to prevent word of their whereabouts from spreading.
“Can you help my friend?” the assassin asked, pointing at Odar. “He’s having difficulty walking.”
The Russek soldier raised his eyebrows but didn’t question him. Allyssa didn’t think he bought the friendship act. Nevertheless, he wrapped an arm around Odar’s shoulder, helping him walk. “This way.” He led them between the rows. About halfway down, the soldier stopped before a tent, releasing Odar, who swayed precariously on his feet. “Will this one meet your needs?”
“Yes,” Soma replied.
“Anything else?” he asked. Again, Allyssa took note of the lack of title.
“I want five of your best guards stationed around the perimeter of the tent and one inside.”
“So many? You are in the middle of a well equipped and very secure camp.” He tilted his head to the side, watching the assassin.
“Do not question my orders,” Soma barked.
The soldier glanced at Odar and Allyssa. “Very well.” He bowed and strode away.
Soma stepped inside the tent, plopping Allyssa onto one of the four cots before exiting. He returned a moment later, helping Odar through the tent flap with his good arm. The second they were inside, Soma let go. Odar crumpled to his hands and knees, his face white from the physical exertion. He crawled to the nearest cot, pulling himself on top of it.
Soma stood next to her cot. Reaching down, he pinched her knee. She felt a vague pressure, but no pain. He slowly slid his hand up her thigh until she gasped with surprise. The assassin smiled. “So feeling is returning,” he purred.
“Get your filthy hands off me.” She had nothing to defend herself with except words, so she continued, “I’m surprised the Russek soldiers treat their prince so casually.” She tsked. “A commoner tent? You must not be very important.”
His shoulders stiffened, and his eyes blazed with fury. “I am trying to blend in.”
She laughed, knowing he lied. Not once had he asked for anonymity. He was tolerated and feared, but not respected or valued. And he knew it.
“Where are the guards?” He ducked outside.
Allyssa glanced over at Odar. “Are you okay?”
He nodded. “What about you?”
“Feeling is starting to return.”
“You don’t weigh as much as me, so I’m sure the substance affected you more.”
Soma returned with a Russek soldier in tow. “You will be posted in here,” he told the man. “Make sure these two,” he pointed at Allyssa and Odar, “remain where they are.”
When the assassin left, the soldier positioned his body in front of the exit, blocking it completely. His head touched the ceiling, his wide shoulders pulled at his tunic, and his hand rested on the hilt of his sword. What chance of escaping did they have with this giant watching over them? Blimey.
***
Allyssa had been lying awake in the dark tent for hours thinking of ways to escape. Her mind reeled with possibilities. Only, none seemed likely to work.
The giant standing guard inside pushed through the flap and exited. She breathed a sigh of relief. The sound of liquid hitting the side of the tent reached her ears. Is he peeing? Gross.
“Goin’ ba in da?” someone asked.
“Ye. I be orda to sta in da. Canno figa out why. Neither seem threatn.”
“Don ken who da be?” the higher-pitched voice asked.
“Na.”
Even though these soldiers spoke the same language as Allyssa, they had a thick, heavy accent, which made it difficult to follow along. Mayra had once told her that the key to understanding various dialects was to think of the language as a song. All the words were familiar; she just had to learn their rhythm. The two men started to talk about hunting, so she listened, trying Mayra’s technique in order to understand them better. After a few minutes, the inflections on certain syllables became clear. As the words washed over her, the men’s accent vanished.
“Did you hear Prince Kerdan arrived today looking for King Drenton?” the giant soldier asked. “Too bad the king left three days ago.”
“I heard Prince Kerdan became ill during the battle in Melenia. Many thought he would die,” the higher-pitched soldier responded, pride etching his words. He must be glad his prince didn’t pass away. Was Prince Kerdan well-liked by his men? Did these soldiers reflect the brutality of their prince?
“Who did he come here with?”
“Only a handful of his elite guard.”
“Did he look sick or injured?”
“No.” There was a pause. “But when someone asked if he was feeling better, he became furious. Almost took the man’s head off.”
The soldier chuckled. “Have you met the prince before?”
“I have not had that honor. Although, I have met Prince Soma.”
“Prince Soma doesn’t count. He only bears the title of prince because his mummy somehow convinced our king to marry her after the sudden death of the queen.” His voice sounded bitter, upset even.
“I’ve heard Princess Shelene is easy on the eyes.”
“It doesn’t matter how beautiful she is; she will not marry well because she’s a bastard-born child with no claim to any throne.”
Allyssa tried to keep track of everything these soldiers said in case she could use this information later.
“I wish we’d get this bloody war over with so I can go home. I don’t know why the king is so hell-bent on invading Emperion. It doesn’t feel right,” the high-pitched guard mumbled. Allyssa strained to hear them.
“I think this war is because of Queen Jana,” the giant whispered. “Emperion threw her sorry arse out of their kingdom, and now she wants payback. The king is doing it for her.”
“I’m sure the war won’t last long. Not with Prince Kerdan on our side. He’s the best we’ve ever had.”
“Are you awake?” Odar whispered, startling her.
“Yes.” She rolled over to find him kneeling on the ground next to her cot. “Have you been listening to the soldiers outside?” she whispered, hoping they couldn’t hear her.
“I have.”
“What do you know of Prince Kerdan?” Allyssa had met King Drenton years ago, but had never met his son. Nor had she studied anything about him.
“He’s a military man, always training with his army, and he’s rarely at court.”
“Even though he is heir to the throne?”
“Yes.”
Since Prince Kerdan was so focused on the army and fighting, his men must reflect his thirst for battle. “Do you think Soma will hand us over to him?” The thought of being used against her parents to win the war made her sick.
“No,” Odar whispered as he climbed onto the cot next to her. “Soma has kept our identities quiet for a reason. I believe we’ll leave at first light before Kerdan even knows we’re here. Soma is taking us to Jana and Shelene, of that I am certain.”
If the queen and her daughter were going behind the king’s back, perhaps there was hope. “Do you think we might find sympathy in King Drenton or his son?” Maybe they could incite an internal conflict, taking the focus off conquering Emperion.
“King Drenton may not know what’s going on behind his back, and he might be furious with Jana for doing this. However, he has still murdered thousands of innocent people. He could never be sympathetic to our cause. He started this war, and I believe he’ll finish it or die trying.”
The gruesome memory of those severed heads on spikes was seared into her mind. Odar traced his finger along Allyssa’s face from her forehead down her cheek, across her jaw, and over her lips.
“I’m scared,” she admitted.
“I won’t let anything happen to you.”
He couldn’t make or keep such a promise when they were at the mercy of a sadistic madman. “Let’s try to escape,” she whispered. The giant was still speaking quietly to the guard on the other side of the tent flap. If they were going to leave, it had to be now.
Odar ran his hand over her hair, gently stroking it. “It’s not possible. As soon as the soldier stepped outside, I lifted the edge of the tent and found guards posted around the perimeter of it. Besides, we are in the middle of our enemy’s camp in Russek. If we’re caught, we’d be killed.”
They were running out of options. “I think we should risk it.” They were probably going to be killed once Soma delivered them to Jana. And if she didn’t kill them outright, Allyssa would rather be dead than used as leverage against her parents.
“I promised your father I’d protect you, and that’s what I’m going to do. I won’t risk you dying.”
“Some things are worse than death.”
“I know,” he mumbled. “But once we arrive at court, we’ll have access to servants and workers who might be willing to smuggle us out in exchange for immunity. There are options—don’t give up hope.” She didn’t share his optimism. “Just remember that I love you—no matter what happens.” His lips gently brushed hers. She closed her eyes, breathing in the smell of him. His hand squeezed hers. “I better move back to my own cot.”
“Stay.” The warmth from his body comforted her.
“If Soma finds us together, he’ll know the depth of my feelings for you.”
She chuckled, thinking of how she used to loathe this man.
“What?” he asked.
“I’m just remembering when we first met and how far we’ve come.”
“I can’t believe how awful I was to you.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “And now we’re engaged.” He kissed her again. “And you’re going to be my wife.” A smile spread across his face, erasing the worry lines and lighting up his eyes.
Hope swelled in her chest. She shoved it down, stifling it. “If we make it out of this mess alive.” She didn’t want to think of a future that may never come to fruition. And, quite frankly, it felt a little selfish to think about what she wanted. She was the princess of Emperion and would rule it one day. Her first duty was to the people of her kingdom.
He squeezed her hand again. “I promise that, no matter what, you will make it out alive.”
She noticed that he said you and not we. Before she could question him, he stood and retreated to his own cot, leaving her cold and alone.
Allyssa promised herself right then and there that she would never lose sight of the fact that her people came first.