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**THE LAST FALCON**

**Book 1 of the Cael Stone**

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**— Colleen Ruttan —**
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**THE CAEL STONE**

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The Last Falcon

Dragon Fire
Copyright **©** 2012, 2013, 2014 by Colleen Ruttan

Smashwords Edition, Licence Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment

only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to

other people. If you would like to share this book with

another person, please purchase an additional copy for

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then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite

retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for

respecting the hard work of this author.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be

reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,

electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, or by any information storage and

retrieval system without the written permission

of the author, except where permitted by law.

1st Edition 2012

2nd Edition 2013

3rd Edition 2014

www.colleenruttan.com
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_For Stan_

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**CHAPTER 1**

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_"Don't let them catch you, Erynn."_

Erynn had no idea how much time had passed. She sat quietly in the dim light of the cave, her arms folded over her chest and her forehead on her knees. Too scared to move in case she made a sound that drew the soldiers. She had climbed up the narrow tunnel as far as she could go, until she was sure they couldn't reach her, and now the rocks pressed in close all around her, their hard coolness making her shiver and their musty dampness filling her lungs until it seemed she couldn't breathe.

She had heard sounds before nightfall—voices and the footsteps of soldiers searching for her—and a few more when light eventually trickled back up the cave. Then exhaustion caught up with her, and she had drifted in and out of sleep for what seemed like hours. Something crawling over the back of her head finally woke her, reminding her that she didn't think she could handle another night in the cave. But she still couldn't bring herself to move. It wasn't just the soldiers. She was afraid of what else might be waiting for her outside.

Then a twig snapped.

"Erynn?" came a man's voice.

Erynn raised her head. At first she thought maybe she was hearing things—her father's voice again—but then she glanced down at the mouth of the cave and saw the shadow of someone outside.

"The soldiers are gone," the man said. "It is quite safe to come out."

Erynn wondered if this was a trick. He didn't sound like one of the men—he actually sounded much older—but they could have heard her father say her name and she wasn't about to be fooled.

"Erynn?" he repeated a few moments later. "I assure you I mean you no harm. Just want to help if I can."

Erynn didn't know what to do. She still didn't think he sounded like one of the soldiers. In fact, there was something about his voice that almost seemed familiar, like a voice she could trust. But she remained wary. She couldn't let them catch her. Not after what they did. She sat in silence a while longer, wondering if at some point he would leave. Then something skittered across her foot and she barely stifled a scream. Now she couldn't help it. She had to get out of that cave.

"Who—who are you?" she called out, her voice sounding somewhat hollow amongst the rocks.

"Just a friend. Soren, if you would prefer a name. I heard the trouble with the dragon and thought someone might need help. I would have come sooner, but I am not as young as I used to be and needed to wait until the soldiers had gone."

"How do you know my name?"

A hand reached into the cave and set down a thick stack of parchments, all wrapped in an old leather case and bound with a strap.

"I found these in the wagon. I thought they might have been searching for someone, and when I saw this, with the name on it, I took a look myself. I noticed your tracks and they led me here. You write well, Erynn. Although, I must say, if you are still hoping to see elves in Galia, you will probably be disappointed. I have seen more than a few over the years, but they do tend to prefer warmer climates. You are more likely to see dwarves in these hills, even though we are still some miles from the mountains."

Erynn started down the rocks, suddenly more annoyed that some stranger was rifling through her journal than afraid he meant to harm her. "Are my quill and ink still there?"

"Yes, but those fine-looking horses are gone. They even took the two hitched to the wagon."

Erynn came as close to the cave opening as she dared and snatched up her journal. Then she moved back out of reach in case he tried to grab her. She could see more of his cloak now, and a pair of old and wrinkled hands. "They weren't our horses. They belonged to King Wryden."

"King Wryden? Of Alyria?" The man sounded surprised.

"My father bought them for him in Cold Lake five days ago. For his breeding stock."

"Why would the King of Alyria send someone all the way to Galia to buy horses?"

Erynn had asked her father the same question before his last trip to Galia two years ago. Her mother was already starting to show signs of the illness that would eventually take her life and Erynn hadn't wanted him to go. "Because they're the best horses in all of Valentia. And my father has a friend here. He's bought horses from him before."

"Unfortunately, it seems those soldiers must have agreed."

Erynn closed her eyes, remembering the look on their leader's face: the fair-haired man with the limp and the jagged scars—one under his right eye that ran halfway down his cheek and the other on his chin. Her father had pleaded with him to just take the horses and leave, but the man's eyes were hard and cold. It was when he dismounted and ordered them down from the wagon, slowly drawing his sword as he limped toward them, that her father had told her to run. Part of her now wished she had; that she hadn't stopped and turned back.

"Was it just the two of you?" the man asked.

Erynn rubbed a hand across her face, trying to wipe away that last searing image. The one that had haunted her all through the night: a flash of silver and her father collapsing to the ground. And in the background that horrible scream. "No. My friend's brother came with us. But he's gone. He left us in Cold Lake."

"I see. And do you know where he is now?"

"No. On his way to Ethlon. I don't know."

"Have you traveled with your father before?"

"A few times. But this was the first out of Alyria."

The man was quiet. Then he bent over, bones creaking, and peered inside the cave. He was older than Erynn had imagined, perhaps in his late sixties, with a grey beard and green eyes.

"I am terribly sorry about your father, Erynn," he said.

Erynn felt her throat go tight, and simply nodded and looked away.

Soren hesitated. "I wrapped him in one of the blankets from the wagon, but he needs a proper burial. Before the animals come. Do you think you can help me? I would rather not ask, but I doubt I can manage alone. And it would be best if we hurry. In case those soldiers return."

Erynn wasn't sure why they would bother. It was the horses they wanted and now they had them. But the old man's comment had her worried. Going back to that road was the last thing she wanted to do, but she couldn't bear the thought of any animals touching her father. So she clutched the journal to her chest, hoping again that she could trust him, and crawled the rest of the way out of the cave. It was difficult to stand at first, her entire body stiff and sore, but Soren waited patiently, and when she was ready, led her back through the trees.

The walk took longer than she had expected—so much so that she soon grew amazed that she had even found the caves. All she remembered was running through the trees, half-blinded by tears and panic, with an odd buzzing in her ears and the low branches stinging as they slapped her face and grabbed at her hair. She scanned the gaps between them now, watching for soldiers, and even looked up at the sky—half-expecting the golden dragon to swoop down at them. But everything seemed still and quiet; the air cool.

"Krystalix is gone, too," the old man said.

"You saw him?" Erynn asked, not realizing he was watching her.

"I did, but only briefly as he flew past."

"Do you live nearby?"

"Not far. I was actually out for a walk when I saw him."

Erynn heard the dragon's scream in her mind again, a sound unlike any she had ever heard before. He had dropped out of the sky like a golden bolt of lightning—at almost the very same instant her father hit the ground—and had snatched one of the soldiers from his saddle and torn him in half right in front of her. Her father used to tell her stories about the dragons, stories that up until yesterday she had always loved, but they were nothing like seeing one for real. "I've never seen him before. Just in some drawings and paintings. A few books."

"Not many do see the dragons these days. Not like they used to anyway. Which is a shame. He tends to stay in Alyria, up in the mountains like most of them do, but I have seen him around here before."

"My father said it was rare for dragons to attack people. Unprovoked, anyway."

"Yes, I would say that is true."

"Then I don't understand why he attacked. Those soldiers weren't bothering him."

"I am sure he had his reasons, difficult as it is to understand them now. Perhaps he was trying to help you."

Erynn wanted to tell him that if the dragon wished to help, he should have arrived a few seconds sooner. But she couldn't bring herself to say the words. She was having a hard enough time keeping a handle on herself and was scared of what might happen if she did.

Ahead of her, Soren stopped. They had reached the road.

"How old are you, Erynn?" he asked, his voice quiet.

"Fourteen."

He sighed. "Far too young to have witnessed such violence."

At least a half-dozen men lay dead on the road, their bodies bloodied and ripped apart by the dragon. Standing amongst them, looking very much alone, was her father's wagon, the two old geldings that had pulled it now gone and their clothes and other belongings scattered nearby. Her father still lay in the same spot she saw him collapse, but was now wrapped in a dark blanket. The same dark blanket he had slept under every night of their trip.

Tears rose to Erynn's eyes.

"Can you find a good place while I fetch the spade?" Soren asked. "I noticed one in the wagon."

Erynn nodded, but seconds passed before she finally turned away. She searched along the roadside until she found a suitable spot to bury her father—a fairly open and sunny place between the trees—and when Soren returned they each took turns with the spade. Then, when they were ready, they carried her father's body across the road and lowered him into the grave, still wrapped in the blanket.

"Rest now, Erynn," the old man said. "I can finish."

He motioned for the spade, but Erynn shook her head. This was her father and she would finish. She covered his body with dirt, then gathered stones from around the road and stacked them carefully over the grave. When she was satisfied that he was safe, she went to the wagon to grab her pack and what few things of value were left besides her journal: the quill and ink set her father had given her a few years before, some papers on the purchase of the horses, a bit of left over food, and a change of clothes.

Soren remained seated by the grave the entire time, watching her.

"He's not one of them," she said when she finally returned and sat down next to him. "The man who killed him."

Soren gazed at the bodies still lying in the road. "You know for sure?"

Erynn nodded. She had checked every one of those bodies while gathering stones. The fair-haired man with the limp and the jagged scars wasn't among them. He had survived.

"Well, I am sure life will catch up with him sooner or later," Soren said. "Always does with men like him."

Erynn wished she could find comfort in that. But she didn't. She wanted her father's killer to pay for what he did, and she wanted him to pay now. Not years from now in some stupid fight or battle somewhere. But he was a nameless soldier in a kingdom with thousands like him and she was just a girl. A servant. Not even from Galia. She would have felt some measure of justice if the dragon had killed him, but he hadn't and now it seemed she would never have it.

Soren pulled himself up and brushed the dirt from his cloak. "We should go. If we can make our way through these woods to the Ring Road, we can probably find someone headed to Alyria. Someone who can give you a ride to the castle."

"The castle?" Erynn said.

"You must go see the king, Erynn. Tell him what happened. Those were his horses, after all."

Erynn didn't like the sound of that. King Wryden was bound to be more upset about the loss of his horses than her father. "I think I'd rather stay here. I have nothing to go back there for now anyway."

"You have no family left in Alyria?"

Erynn shook her head. "My mother died last summer. She got sick."

"I am sorry to hear that, Erynn. But it is still important you return. What about your friend?"

Erynn looked up. "My friend?"

"Does she know her brother went to Ethlon?"

For a moment, Erynn was confused. Then she realized that she hadn't thought about Adena. Her friend was back home in Alyria—all alone now that her parents were gone—and completely unaware that Jared had left. Erynn and her father hadn't even known he was leaving until the night before they departed Cold Lake. Jared had come to them late that night, telling them that he had heard men down in the bar talking about his father and how he was supposedly living at the castle in Ethlon. Jared was convinced his mother was with him and was determined to go find them. Erynn's father had tried talking him out of it, worried that it was too dangerous in Ethlon, and that even though Jared had grown quite skilled with a sword, he was still only seventeen. But Jared wouldn't listen. Erynn had even tried asking him not to leave herself, but when it came to Jared—tall Jared with the dark hair and deep brown eyes—she always had trouble finding the words. She wondered now what might have happened if he had stayed. If it would have made a difference.

She pushed herself up and reached for her pack. Adena had been her best friend for over five years, even though her father was one of the most senior knights in all of Alyria and Erynn's merely a servant. She couldn't leave her alone.

"No, she doesn't know about her brother," she said. "I do need to go back."

Soren nodded, seeming pleased, and turned for the road.

Erynn stared one last time at her father's grave, wondering if she would ever see it again. If she would even remember this place. Then, without thinking, she reached down and picked up a small black stone lying near the edge—a smooth stone almost perfectly oval in shape. She squeezed it tight, vowing to herself and her father that one day she would find the fair-haired man with the limp and the jagged scars. Then she slipped the stone in her pack and started after the old man.

"How did you end up on this road, by the way?" Soren asked. "The Ring Road goes through Cold Lake. It would have been the fastest route back to Alyria."

Erynn felt a lump rise in her throat, then gestured briefly at some trees farther on down the road. "We were on the Ring Road, but then we saw some smoke that way and thought someone might need help. A lot of smoke. That's where we were headed when we ran into those soldiers."

A slightly troubled look passed over the old man's face. "Yes, I saw the smoke, too. I was actually headed that way myself when I saw Krystalix. I think it was coming from Berridge, a town just across the border in Brye. Not far from here."

Erynn realized then that she could still smell the smoke, although it was faint now and she definitely couldn't see it. Tears came to her eyes, but she quickly brushed them away. She was the one who had convinced her father to leave the Ring Road. To come this way. She had always had a bit of a sensitive nose for smoke, and had often smelled it during their trip long before either he or Jared did. But this time the smell was nearly overpowering, and had even brought with it the strangest feeling that someone needed help. A feeling that had nagged at her until she finally couldn't stand it anymore and had convinced her father to change course.

"My birth parents died in a fire in Brye," she said. "And now I'm orphaned again because of one."

Soren paused to look at her, then continued walking. "Life does work in mysterious ways sometimes."

"Do you think it had something to do with Krystalix? The smoke, I mean? Maybe he attacked someone else?"

"It would be odd behavior for a dragon. But considering what he did to the men who stole your horses..." His voice trailed off and he stopped, his eyes fixed on the ground ahead of him. "And what might this be?"

He bent over to pick something up, and when he straightened Erynn noticed a letter tube in his hand. Attached to the tube was the slightly bloodied leg of a bird. Another image flashed through her mind; an image she hadn't even remembered until now—a falcon with dark blue wings soaring up into the sky, only to be snapped up by the golden jaws of the dragon. "They had a falcon. One of the soldiers released it after Krystalix attacked, but he ate it."

"Indeed," Soren said, detaching the tube and tossing the leg away. "Strange they would have had a falconer. Might be useful to see what the letter says." He handed it to her.

Erynn hesitated, not sure if it was right, or even wise, to read someone else's correspondence—let alone a person so violent. But Soren didn't seem worried, and in fact seemed to be waiting for her to open the tube and read it to him.

"Why do you think it's strange?" she asked, picking off the wax seal.

"Because falconry is still a fairly rare talent. Or at least communication-wise, that is. Someone who can make the birds understand where the letter is supposed to go, and get it there quickly. Men—and women—like that can be hard to find, so they are not usually sent out on routine errands or patrols. Too great a chance you might lose one."

"Jared's good at falconry," Erynn said. "He's my friend's brother. The one who went to Ethlon. He wanted to be a falconer, but his father wasn't happy about it. Said he wanted Jared to be a knight like him."

"Yes, it is also not a very appreciated talent. Not until you need to send a letter, anyway."

Erynn had removed the seal and was now working the tiny cork out of the tube. "You think those soldiers were up to something?"

"They were obviously reporting to someone. And most likely someone at the castle." An ominous tone had crept into his voice.

"Queen Naedra?" Erynn asked.

"Perhaps. And given what trouble she has been up to lately, the contents of that letter might prove useful."

Erynn didn't see how knowing what the Queen of Galia was up to could be of any use to her, but he was still waiting for her to read him the letter so she pushed the thought aside. She shook the small roll of parchment out of the tube, opened it, and read the few words scratched across it out loud. _"Task accomplished. Did not locate book. Returning to castle. S."_

Soren raised a brow. "Book? I wonder what that means." He thought about this for a few moments, then motioned to the letter. "What do you suppose we should do with it?"

"Me?" Erynn said. "You found it."

"Seems like it should be yours. Given what happened here, and who it likely belonged to."

Erynn read the letter again, her gaze lingering on the initial at the bottom. "I guess I could give it to King Wryden, when I tell him about the horses. Maybe he could send it to Gareth. That's his son, or the elder one, anyway. He's been over in Ridan the last couple of years, helping them in their fight against Galia."

Soren frowned. "I was not aware Alyria had joined the war."

"We haven't," Erynn replied, trying to remember what her father had told her. "Or at least not yet. Gareth only went as an advisor or something. That's actually why my friend's brother went to Ethlon. Their father was one of the men Gareth took with him, but there were rumors last year that he had deserted. Their mother left Alyria several months ago, and they haven't heard from her since. They think she went to Ethlon to find him."

"Well, hopefully Gareth finds success in Ridan," Soren said. "And your friend, Jared, in Ethlon. It would not be good for Valentia if yet another kingdom fell to Naedra's armies. The west is still relatively safe, despite the most unfortunate circumstances you and your father ran into, but if Ridan falls, I fear that will change." For a moment he seemed troubled again. Then his face cleared and he turned back to the road. "But enough talk of that now. We need to find the Ring Road and get you back to Alyria."

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**CHAPTER 2**

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Erynn moved quickly up the winding tower stairs, her fingers closed tightly over the letter tube. Two years had passed since she crawled out of that cave in Galia, but every trip up these stairs was the same. So certain the cool stone walls were closing in around her. So certain she could barely breathe. She tried not to think about them, and to just stay focused on what she still needed to do. Just as she had tried every other time she had to make that long climb up the tallest tower in Caraden Castle. But it was impossible. Within seconds she was back in that cave again, trapped in the musty darkness with the ants and the spiders, and terrified of what might be waiting for her outside.

The falconry at the top of the tower was quieter than she had expected. A dozen short posts stood on the far side of the room, the floor beneath them littered with droppings and enough tiny grey feathers to stuff a small pillow. But instead of a dozen falcons staring back at her, this time there was only one. It was perched by the eastern window, its dark eyes following her the second she entered the room.

"Another letter from the king?" Faris Hatcher asked. The king's falconer was standing by his desk, a tall, almost gaunt-looking man with long black hair tied back from his face. He glanced briefly at Erynn—and the two guards by the stairs—before returning his attention to a stack of small letters in his hand.

Erynn walked toward him and held out the tube, well aware the guards were watching her. "His Grace wants it sent right away."

Faris reached out somewhat reluctantly and plucked the tube from her hand. "Let me guess...to Gareth?"

Erynn simply nodded, amazed he had even bothered to ask. Other than his old friend, Lord Brison, Gareth was pretty much the only person with whom King Wryden still corresponded. His younger son, Holden, had gradually taken over his letter-writing duties in the past few years, until he now handled almost everything, and Erynn had spent much of the last two assisting with whatever remained, the king's fingers so stiff with age that he had trouble holding a quill. She had seemed an unusual choice for such responsibility, one that had certainly drawn attention around the castle when he brought her to live there after her return from Galia, but she was hardly in a position to refuse.

Faris sat down at his desk, setting the tube in front of him. "This is his third letter to Gareth in the last two weeks. His Grace is certainly keeping you busy."

Erynn shrugged. "He's worried the others haven't reached him."

Faris smiled, but didn't seem pleased. "Well, you can assure him it's not the falcons. Ours are among the best in western Valentia. And I've been doing this for twenty years, without a single letter lost."

"He's not blaming anyone. It's just been months since he's heard anything. Even any news of the war."

Faris returned his attention to the letters he was reading when she arrived. "I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation."

Erynn went to the far window and glanced out at the lake and forest west of the castle, both an almost dizzying distance below due to the combined height of the tower and high outcropping of rock on which the castle sat. Judging by the position of the sun, it was later than she had thought. She turned and walked back toward Faris. "You don't think the lack of news is strange?"

The falconer kept his head down, eyes on the letters. "No, I suspect the war is keeping Gareth busy."

"I think His Grace is worried that Galia has won. And that Gareth is dead."

If Faris shared the king's concern, he certainly didn't show it. "If the war was over, we'd have heard. If not from Gareth, then someone else. It would hardly be a secret."

Erynn knew he was right, but still couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Gareth had been in Ridan for over four years now, much longer than even he had anticipated, but he had always been regular in his letters and there had been no word now in well over two months. The king was so worried it was starting to affect his health, and given that Erynn already had few friends in the castle due to her close relationship with the king—not to mention what had happened in Galia—that worried her. Holden didn't seem concerned, but it was fairly common knowledge that he and his older brother had never really gotten along, so that wasn't unexpected.

Erynn stared at Faris, waiting for him to take the tube to the falcon so he could send the king's letter and she could be on her way. But he was still flipping through those other letters and didn't appear to be in a hurry. Behind her, one of the guards cleared his throat, as if trying to signal that she should leave, but she ignored him. They had been a fixture there for over six months now, ever since Holden passed his new law banning unauthorized falconry, but for some reason their presence still bothered her.

"Was there something else?" Faris asked.

"Something else?" Erynn replied.

"Something more you needed? I do have work to attend to."

His tone reminded Erynn that it wasn't just the guards that bothered her about the falconry lately. Faris had also been acting odd. "His Grace wanted it sent right away."

"Yes, I heard you. And it shall be, Erynn. There is no need to wait."

"He told me not to leave until you'd sent it."

Faris looked up. "Why would he ask you to do that?"

Erynn hardly thought it appropriate for him to question the king's orders, but didn't want to argue. She wanted to leave. Mirella was sure to have noticed her long absence from the kitchen by now, and the headservant never missed a chance to punish her—even when it wasn't her fault. "He's worried about his son. You know how he is. He just wants to know the letter's been sent."

Faris didn't even blink. "I've been his falconer for thirteen years, Erynn. If he had an issue with my work, I'm sure he would have raised it."

Erynn didn't know why he was getting so upset. She had seen him send letters before. Not recently, since the king no longer sent very many. But she had. "I'm just following—"

"Aren't you expected in the kitchen? It must be busy this close to meal time, and I don't imagine Mirella will be happy if you're late."

Erynn felt the heat rise to her face. "I can't leave. I told you—"

"And I've assured you it will be sent."

Erynn folded her arms across her chest. "I'm not lying. Why can't you do it now? You have a falcon." She waved a hand at the bird, and it immediately rose up and briefly stretched out and flapped its wings—as if it knew what they were talking about and was eager to get started.

"Because I'm the falconer and I'll decide when it leaves. His Grace may have chosen you to write and deliver his letters, Erynn, but he chose me to send them. You've done your job. Now it's time to go."

Erynn was stunned. She had often heard this tone from other servants around the castle, but this was the first time she had heard it from him. Not understanding why the king had chosen her as his scribe, they seemed convinced something else was going on—like maybe she was really his illegitimate daughter and the whole story of her birth parents dying in a fire in Brye was a lie. She heard them whispering about it all the time, but didn't believe it—because she had actually gathered up the courage to ask the king one day and he had said so. Now it just made her mad. "Shall I tell him you said that?"

The falconer's face grew red. "I have but one falcon, and it just returned from a long flight. It needs to rest before it can go out again. Especially to Ridan."

Erynn blinked. "How long of a rest?"

Faris waved a hand. "A couple of hours. Maybe more."

Erynn gazed over at the falcon again, sure she had never heard of a rest requirement before. "It doesn't look tired."

"And you're not a falconer, are you? It's a seven-day flight to Ridan. Well over a thousand miles. If a falcon isn't properly rested, it might not make it there at all. Or in very good time. So I'm sure the king won't mind waiting."

Erynn wasn't a falconer, but she did know a little about falconry and had a feeling he was lying. She wished Jared was around so she could ask him, but no one had seen or heard from Adena's brother since he had left her and her father in Cold Lake. And she hadn't seen Sheldon Birch around the market in months. He was an old friend of her father's, not to mention the king's falconer before Faris, and would definitely know if he was lying.

"Did the falcon bring any news from Ridan?" she asked, suspecting now that she would have to come back, but curious if there was any news in case the king sent for her in the meantime.

"That's not your business."

"But you said it just returned from a long flight. That must mean the east?"

"I have work to do, Erynn."

"Are you expecting any other falcons soon?"

Faris sighed. "Not for a few hours at least."

Erynn suddenly found this odd, and noticed again how different the room seemed. How quiet. "Where are the rest of your falcons? You usually have several."

"Out delivering letters. That's what falcons do."

"But if they're out delivering letters, surely that means some have arrived? Haven't any been for the king?"

Faris rubbed at his forehead. "Erynn, I really don't understand the point of all these questions. Aren't you just making yourself more late?"

"But don't you know? Don't you see the letters when they come in?"

Faris slammed a hand down on the desk. "Enough!" He pointed to the stairs. "Leave now or I'll ask one of these gentlemen to escort you."

Both of the guards stepped forward, one actually looking quite pleased at the thought of removing her from the falconry.

Erynn reached for the king's letter, but Faris blocked her with his arm.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"I want it back. I'll return later, when the falcon's rested. Or when you have another."

Faris lowered his hand over the tube. "I hardly think it's appropriate for you to be running around with the king's letter in your pocket. Besides, it'll get there faster if I just send it when I can."

"But I have to—"

"Leave!" Faris pointed with his other hand to the stairs. "Now."

The guards started toward her.

Erynn turned to go, still unable to believe this was happening, but she hadn't gone more than a few steps when someone came running up the stairs.

"Faris!" a man's voice cried out. "Faris!"

The falconer muttered something under his breath, then rose and walked past Erynn to the stairs. Seconds later, his young assistant, Clay Waverly, appeared. His face was red and glistening with sweat, as if he had not just run up the tower stairs, but all the way from the main gate.

"Yes, what is it?" Faris snapped.

"They're here," Clay gasped. "In the courtyard."

For a moment, Faris looked speechless. "Now? At the castle?"

Clay nodded. "Do you know what it means? Why they've come?"

Erynn found something in his voice unsettling, and the guards must have as well because they had also stopped. She stepped forward. "Who's here? Do we have visitors?"

Clay flinched, not seeing her behind Faris.

The falconer spun around, his eyes flashing, and pointed to the stairs. "Leave!"

The guards started toward her again, but Erynn ducked out of their reach and fled down the stairs. She heard Clay whisper something to Faris, something that sounded like an apology, but didn't hear a response. And didn't care. She would go find out for herself who had come to the castle, and then she would head to the kitchen. And when the king sent for her later and asked if she had watched his letter leave—which she knew he would—she was going to tell him everything.

She barely noticed the close stone walls on the way down the tower, and when she reached the bottom, she hurried down a series of long corridors and stairs to the main balcony overlooking the courtyard. Two guards were outside the king's study across the hall, signaling he was still inside, but they were busy talking and didn't pay any attention as she ran by. Three other servants were already outside, all women, and as soon as they saw her they started whispering. Erynn was too curious to care and simply moved past them to the ledge.

The first thing she noticed was the strange silence in the air, followed by the shock and confusion on the faces of those who had gathered all around the inner ward to watch. Alyrian soldiers stood still and expressionless in two long lines three men deep on opposite sides of the courtyard, and what looked like all fifty of Caraden Castle's resident knights in a similar stance around the stairs. In the two years Erynn had lived at the castle, and even in the previous nine she had lived down in the village, she had never seen such a display of Alyria's military strength. It almost took her breath away.

Then she saw the visitors—and gasped.

Two dozen had arrived in all, their large black horses still breathing hard and lathered in sweat. Most remained in their saddles, but several had dismounted and were now gathering near the stairs. Four wagons stood among them, and at the back, a lone rider held aloft a staff bearing their banner—the head of a roaring black dragon on a sea of red.

The mark of Galia.

Erynn felt the strength drain from her legs, and reached out to steady herself on the ledge. Galians in Alyria? But how?

Then it hit her: the king's fears must have come true. The war in Ridan was over. Gareth was dead.

A numbness came over her, and for what seemed like a long time she just stood there, not sure what to do—or even what to think. Then her gaze passed back over the crowd and she saw a sight that struck her cold.

One of the Galians, a man with light-colored hair, was moving towards the stairs. She could tell right away he was their leader. She could see it in the way he dressed, the way he held his head, the way the other men parted in front of him. But that wasn't what caught her attention. It was the way he walked: with a limp favoring his right leg. And even from the balcony she could make out the jagged scars: one under his right eye that ran halfway down his cheek, and the other on his chin.

He was the man who killed her father.

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**CHAPTER 3**

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Erynn remained still, watching as the man who killed her father walked to the foot of the stairs. The man she had thought about every day for the last two years but had never really believed she would see again—even despite her vow. And especially not here in Alyria. Part of her wanted to run, to flee before he could look up and spot her. But the other felt no fear.

She caught movement at the top of the stairs and saw Holden Salinger step outside. Even from this distance, the king's younger son looked as polished as he usually did, dressed in his finest clothes with his dark hair freshly clipped and his sword at his side. Marik Fayne stood next to him, Holden's closest friend and the man he had named Commander of the Alyrian Army less than a year before. Almost a foot taller, with a leaner build and short brown hair, Marik had become well known throughout Alyria in the years since Gareth left, and not in a good way. A man that many were too scared to even talk about. His promotion had angered the king, who didn't trust him and thought him far too volatile for such a command, but like most things over the last few years, he didn't do anything to stop it. The king seemed reluctant to quarrel with Holden, and to think Gareth would straighten everything out when he came home, but as the years passed, it started to become less and less certain when that might be.

Holden smiled as he gazed down at the Galians, looking oddly relaxed given their history. But Marik stood straight and tall, his eyes scanning every inch of the courtyard, and taking in not only the visitors, but also the long rows of Alyrian soldiers and knights and everyone else who had gathered around the inner ward to watch. When Holden proceeded down the stairs to greet her father's killer, Marik followed, but other than a short nod to the Galian, he didn't appear to say much.

Erynn looked over at the balcony outside the king's study, half-expecting to see him there, his face pale. But all she saw was a section of deep blue drape, pulled out through the open doors by the wind. Had anyone even told him? It was clear the Galians were expected. She didn't need to see the large turn-out of Alyrian soldiers, or hear Faris and Clay talking to know that. There were only two bridges across the Delorin River, the river that marked the boundary between Alyria and her neighbor, Brye, to the east. One was at North Falls, the other at South Crossing, and falconers were posted at each. Falconers who would have sent word to the castle the second the Galians crossed. But she knew the king hadn't heard a word. If he had, he would have mentioned it in his letter.

The king's two guards appeared at the ledge next to her, clearly abandoning their post for a better view of the scene below. Wondering if she had enough time to warn him about her father's killer, Erynn left the balcony and ran across the hall to the study. She didn't bother to knock, just opened the door and slipped inside.

King Wryden was seated at his large oak desk in front of the fireplace, the same place she had left him not that long ago. The sounds of men and horses drifted up from the courtyard, but he didn't appear to have noticed anything unusual. He sat slightly hunched in his chair, his eyes focused on a letter in his hand; the other hand stroking his thin grey beard. A dozen more letters lay on the desk in front of him, on top of an old map of Valentia. A map that Erynn knew was one of his most prized possessions and which she often caught him gazing at these days—as if the mere sight of Ridan made him feel closer to his son even though they were over a thousand miles apart.

As she crossed the room, her eyes were drawn to the large painting of Krystalix above the mantle. The golden dragon seemed frozen in time, his body surrounded by flames and his jaws wide in a furious attack. Brought before the king the day she returned to Caraden, Erynn hadn't been able to take her eyes off it. The king told her that few had ever seen a dragon, let alone witnessed one attack and survived, and that she was probably the only one still alive in Alyria who had. But she knew that had changed now. Her father's killer had also seen the dragon attack—and survived.

"Erynn?" the king said, looking up as she reached the desk. "I didn't hear a knock."

"Your Grace, something's happened," Erynn said. "I came to—"

"Did you watch Faris send the letter?"

Erynn hesitated. Minutes ago she was eager to tell him about her trouble in the falconry. Now it no longer seemed to matter. Gareth was dead. He had to be. Why else would the Galians be here? "Yes, Your Grace."

The king seemed relieved at first, but then he noticed her continued distress and sat forward, lowering the letter to the desk. "What is it? Is there news from the east? From Gareth?"

"Your Grace, there are Galian soldiers in the courtyard."

He recoiled slightly. "Did you say Galian?"

"Yes, Your Grace." Erynn pointed to the balcony. "At least two dozen. They just arrived."

At first he just stared at her. Then he was up and heading for the balcony, faster than she had ever seen him move before. She followed him outside, and heard him gasp as he reached the ledge.

"No, this can't be!"

By now, all of the Galians had dismounted and Alyrian stablehands were moving through the crowd, tending to the horses and leading them off to the stables behind the main keep. Several Galians still stood by the stairs, but Holden, Marik, and her father's killer were gone.

Erynn was gripped by a sudden panic, wondering if Holden would make her father's killer wait in the throne room, or bring him up to the study to meet the king. But she remained calm. "I saw Prince Holden greet their leader, Your Grace. They must have gone inside."

The king's jaw tightened. "Holden would have received word they were coming. Obviously he chose not to tell me."

"Your Grace...their leader's the man who killed my father."

The king turned, looking far more surprised—and unsettled—by this news than she had expected. "Are you sure of this?"

"Yes, Your Grace. He's dressed different. Nicer. But it's him. I know it's him."

He grabbed her arm. Not hard, but enough to startle her. "Did he see you?"

"N—no, Your Grace. I was on the balcony." She motioned to the other balcony, noticing the king's guards were now gone, and he blinked briefly at the women still standing there before releasing her arm and returning his attention to the Galians.

Erynn waited for him to say something. Waited for him to tell her what he was going to do. But seconds passed and soon she couldn't wait any longer. "Will you arrest him, Your Grace? Make him pay for what he did?"

The questions seemed to hang in the warm summer air between them. Then he turned, and she thought she saw fear and indecision in his eyes and something else she couldn't identify, but which looked a lot like guilt. He seemed about to speak, but then he clenched his jaw and started for the door. "Come, Erynn. First we must send word of this to Gareth."

Erynn didn't move. He wanted to write Gareth? Now?

"Quickly, Erynn," the king called from the doorway.

Erynn was stunned, unable to believe he hadn't answered her questions. But she knew there was nothing she could do. She had to obey. So she followed him inside, hoping he would do something once the letter was written.

He motioned to the desk, but seemed to avoid her eyes. "Fetch some parchment."

Erynn sat down in his chair, where he usually allowed her to sit while dictating his letters, and reached into the drawer for the quill and ink, as well as a blank piece of parchment. She tried to stay focused, so she could follow his instructions, but she still felt distracted and stung. Surely he would do something?

"We have little time, so I will trust you to choose the words," he said. "Just tell him Galian soldiers are here, and that he must start home immediately. I am no longer asking as a father. This is an order from his king."

Erynn was having trouble seeing the point. "But surely their arrival...I mean...you think he's still alive?"

"I doubt Naedra would send so few men if the war was indeed over. And until I know for sure that it is, and that my son is dead, I will hold out hope that he is not. But if he is alive, I need him to know the Galians are here. I need him to come home. You must help me, Erynn. Help me get him this message."

"Yes, Your Grace." Erynn turned back to the parchment and dipped the quill in the ink. "Should I tell him who their leader is?"

"Just tell him the Galians are here. And that his king orders him home."

Erynn nodded, and as the king started pacing back and forth behind her, she began to write. She had barely finished her first sentence when there was a sharp knock at the door.

She jumped—her heart in her throat—and behind her the king stopped. But before he could say a word, the door opened and Holden walked in.

Alone.

Erynn couldn't move. Was her father's killer out in the hall? Waiting for a call in to meet the king? She stared at Holden, searching for an answer on his face, but his dark eyes were on his father as he crossed the room. Then they shifted to her, and down to the quill in her hand. A muscle around his left eye twitched, and he smiled.

Erynn went cold. Holden had never smiled at her before. Not once in the two years she had lived at the castle. She rose, assuming he would want to speak to his father in private, but the king placed a firm hand on her shoulder.

"Finish the letter," he whispered. "And you will remain quiet, Erynn."

Erynn heard the warning and sat back down. "Yes, Your Grace."

Holden stopped a few feet from the desk. "Another letter to Gareth, father?"

The king walked around the desk and past his son to the window. "I see we have visitors. Why was I not informed the second they crossed the bridge?"

Erynn kept her eyes on the letter, but could feel Holden watching her. Then he turned to face his father and walked slowly back across the room towards him.

"You've not seemed well lately," he said. "I didn't see the need to bother you until they arrived."

"These are Galians, Holden! You should have told me at once. Not waited until after you welcomed them inside the castle walls."

"Lord Caden doesn't bring tidings of war. He's simply come for a short visit."

Erynn raised her head. Her father's killer was a lord?

The king also seemed surprised. "Lord Caden?"

Holden smiled. "Lord Silas Caden. The Dragonslayer himself."

The king's mouth dropped open. "The knight who slew Melaryx? He commands these men?"

"Yes, I thought you might like to meet him. Given your interest in the dragons."

Erynn just about dropped her quill. Her father had told her about the knight who battled and killed the green dragon, Melaryx, then delivered her two eggs to Queen Naedra. But she had never heard his name. Naedra had raised those dragons herself, and now they fought alongside her armies in Ridan. Gareth had even written of them in his letters. But Melaryx was killed eleven years ago. How could a man do something so brave and end up killing her father a few years later over a bunch of broodmares?

"And what of the war?" the king asked, clearly still unsettled by this himself. "Naedra has no need of such a man in Ridan?"

"That's why it's a short visit," Holden replied. "Just a couple of days."

"Long way to come for a couple of days. Barely gives them time to rest their horses."

Holden shrugged. "They seemed to think it was important."

The king stared at his son. "Do they bring word of your brother? Naedra must know he is in Ridan."

"I did not feel it wise to ask," Holden replied, a noticeable coolness slipping into his voice. "But I do suspect that's why they're here. I think Naedra would like to make peace with us. We are their neighbors, after all."

The king snorted. "Do not be a fool, Holden. Naedra has no interest in peace. Just ask the people of Ethlon. Or Tallon. She will come west for the rest of us if she gets what she wants in Ridan. Mark my words. Gareth saw it. That is why he went there. To stop her."

Erynn was having trouble staying focused on the letter. The king was clearly not buying Holden's story, and neither was she. He was lying. She could feel it. Then he turned and looked at her again—and down at the half-written letter in front of her.

"You're writing to tell him they're here, aren't you?" he asked.

Erynn flushed and shifted her eyes back down to the letter. She started another word, realized the nib was dry, and dipped it back in the ink.

The king was silent for what seemed like a very long time. Then he cleared his throat. "My letters are not your business."

Erynn paused, certain she had heard a trace of fear in his voice. Fear and something else. Suspicion?

"You're right, of course," Holden said, and then he laughed. "In fact, maybe that's why the Galians have come. Maybe Naedra wants you to write to Gareth and tell him the news. To get him to leave Ridan. He has been quite the thorn in their side, hasn't he? Persuading Parigon to join the war?"

The king was quiet again. Erynn risked another peek and saw he was glaring at his son, his face quickly growing red.

"And speaking of letters," Holden continued. "I've written our lords of Alyria, requesting they attend a special banquet in honor of this visit. Two nights from now. I hope I can count on your attendance?"

The king slammed a fist down on the window ledge. "I do not wish to honor Galia with a banquet! How dare you do this to me, Holden? Am I not still the king in Alyria?"

Holden didn't look fazed. "Father, if we don't show Lord Caden our hospitality, he may decide we're unwilling to be friends. Do you really want him taking that message home? You know we cannot count on Brye should Naedra grow weary of Gareth's interference in Ridan and choose to march against us."

For a moment, the king looked like he might explode again. Then he turned away, back to the window. "How I wish your brother was here. I know he would not have disappointed me like this."

Holden stiffened. Erynn could see the tension in his jaw, and the way his hand now clenched the hilt of his sword. She sat still, quill poised over the parchment, too afraid to move in case she made a sound.

"Well, he isn't here, father," Holden said calmly. "And I will not keep our guests waiting. Will you come greet Lord Caden, or shall I tell him you're not well? I can handle our relations with Galia if you'd prefer."

The king sighed. "You may tell Lord Caden that I will be down shortly."

Erynn was wondering what the king planned to say to her father's killer—and if there was still a chance he might arrest him—when she felt Holden watching her again. Without thinking, her eyes shifted and met his, and it was in that moment she knew the truth: there was nothing the king could do. Even if he wanted to arrest Lord Caden for the theft of his horses and the murder of her father, Holden would never allow it. The King of Alyria was powerless.

A lump rose in her throat, and she looked back down at the desk. Then Holden turned and left the room, and she dipped the quill in the ink and quickly finished the letter, holding it out to the king as he walked back to the desk.

He waved it off and continued past her to the mantle. "I trust it says what it needs to. Prepare it for me to seal."

"Yes, Your Grace."

Erynn reached into the drawer for an empty letter tube, but her eyes caught sight of a large black key sticking out from beneath a pile of old letters and she paused. She had asked the king about it once, intrigued by the elaborate design of the bow and curious to know what it might open, but he hadn't really given her an answer. And then, a few months later, she was flipping through one of his old books on the history of Alyria—books he had occasionally allowed her read when she wasn't busy in the kitchen or helping him with a letter—and she had come across a drawing of it. According to the book, it was the key to a tunnel beneath the castle; one built as an escape route for the Royal Family during times of siege. She had heard rumors of a secret entrance to the castle, but never anything more than that, and as soon as she saw the drawing she realized that must be it. So worried that the king would find out she had learned the secret and never let her read his books again, she hadn't told anyone about her discovery. Not even Adena. Now she wondered if the sudden arrival of the Galians meant the king might one day need to use that key. "Do you think the Galians mean to invade, Your Grace?"

The king had fetched another key—this one much smaller—from a red vase on the mantle and was walking toward a cabinet on the back wall. "No. Or at least not yet. Naedra has invested far too much in Ridan to split her forces now."

"Then why are they here? It can't just be for a friendly visit?"

The king unlocked the cabinet and opened the doors. A dozen finely decorated jewelry cases sat in neat stacks on the lower two shelves. An old book sat alone on the top shelf; the usual storage place for the king's prized map sitting bare next to it. "Is the letter ready for me to seal?"

Erynn grabbed a letter tube and shut the drawer. "Almost, Your Grace."

She started to roll the letter up, but then she paused and glanced at the king again. He had removed his crown from one of the jewelry cases and was now holding it in his hands, staring at it. Without giving it much thought, Erynn reached for the quill, dipped it in the ink, and quickly added five more words to the bottom of the letter.

_Silas Caden killed Davy Taylor._

She fanned the ink to help it dry, then rolled the letter up and had it in the tube by the time the king returned to the desk, his crown on his head. She stuffed the end with a cork and watched as he sealed it with hot wax from a candle on the mantle.

"Make sure Faris sends it right away," he said as he handed it back. "And you are not to leave the falconry until it is sent. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Your Grace," Erynn said, wondering if Faris had sent the other letter yet, or if it was still sitting on his desk. At least now she knew why he only had the one falcon: the rest were probably out delivering banquet invitations. And he had likely made up that excuse about it needing to rest because he needed to keep one around in case of last-minute requests. He just couldn't tell her that because the banquet was still a secret. She knew one thing: she didn't care what he threatened her with this time. She wasn't leaving the falconry until this letter was out the window and headed east.

The king started for the door.

Erynn put the quill and ink away and ran after him. "Your Grace? What about Lord Caden?" She knew the question was pointless. She had already seen that much in Holden's eyes. But she had to ask again. She had to be sure.

The king paused a few feet from the door. "There is nothing to be done, Erynn. He is a Lord of Galia now. If we arrested him, we would only have Naedra and all the rest of them here on our doorstep. You know that."

"But he killed my father. He can't just get away with that."

The king turned and looked at her sharply—enough to bite back the tears now threatening to surface. "I want you to stay away from him, Erynn. If he recognized you it might be dangerous. And say nothing of what he did, either. I doubt Holden would take kindly to you spreading unpleasant rumors about his guest, especially with this banquet coming up, and there is no telling what he might do. Is that clear?"

Erynn couldn't believe he actually wanted her to keep it a secret. After what Lord Caden did? After her father died during a special trip to Galia for him? She wanted to refuse, to tell him she would do no such thing, and that she would find some way to get justice with or without his help. But he was the king and she knew there was only one thing she could say.

"Yes, Your Grace."

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**CHAPTER 4**

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Erynn found the falconry much the same as she left it. The same lone falcon was perched on the same post by the window. The same two guards were standing by the stairs. Clay was on his knees on the far side of the room, scrubbing the droppings and feathers from the floor. The only difference was Faris was gone.

Erynn almost wanted to scream. Mirella was definitely going to punish her for being away so long, and she knew what the sentence would be this time: the crypt. Ensuring all of the candles remained lit in those long and cavernous halls was her least favorite job in the castle—and she suspected the headservant knew that.

"Where's Faris?" she asked.

Clay put down his rag and rose to his feet, seeming a little uneasy to see her again. "Another letter?"

"Yes, and it's urgent."

"He went down to the throne room to see the Galians, but I can give it to him when he comes back." He walked toward her and held out a hand.

Erynn pulled her arm behind her, not about to give the letter to anyone but Faris—and even then not until she absolutely had to. "I have to watch it leave."

Clay dropped his hand. "Then you'll have to come back later when Faris is here." He turned and went back to his work, kneeling down and picking up his rag.

"Do you know if he'll be back soon?"

"He didn't say."

Erynn sighed. She would have to go find Faris and tell him to come back. She had no choice. If she came back later, he might still be gone and she needed to get this letter sent. The only problem was not getting caught. She had just promised the king she would stay away from Lord Caden, and both he and the Galian would be in the throne room, not to mention Mirella likely lurking about. Returning late to her chores in the kitchen was one thing—getting caught in the throne room quite another.

She turned for the stairs, deciding she had to take that risk. Then her eyes passed over the falconer's desk and she paused. The letters Faris had been reading earlier were still there, stacked in a neat pile in the center of the desk, but the letter tube she had delivered was gone. "Where's the king's letter?"

"What letter?" Clay asked, scrubbing the floor again.

"The one I delivered earlier."

For a moment, Clay was silent. Then he shrugged. "Must have taken it with him."

"Why would he do that?"

"I suppose you'll have to ask him."

Erynn had a feeling Clay wanted her to leave. She could hear it in his voice, and it reminded her of Faris and just how much the falconry had changed in the last few months—ever since Holden passed that new law and those guards arrived. Then one of the guards shifted his feet and she was suddenly afraid he might try to take the letter. She fled down the stairs.

When she reached the main floor a few minutes later, she paused at the foot of the rear stairs outside the kitchen to watch for Mirella, then continued down the hall toward the front of the keep. Holden had clearly given little notice that the Galians were coming, and the kitchen and rear hallways were busier than she had ever seen them before. Some of the other servants cast her rather nasty looks as she passed by—obviously wondering why she wasn't busy working like the rest of them—but she ignored them. She would be back at work soon enough, and if she knew Mirella, she would also be doing much more than her fair share.

When she reached the throne room, she slipped quietly through the back entrance. Like the kitchen and rear hallways, the large room was also busier than she had ever seen it before, and she had to weave her way carefully through a crowd of Marik's more senior soldiers who had gathered along the side wall. The king sat on his throne up on the dais, looking rather pale, the chair next to him empty. Gareth's young wife, Lianne, stood to his right, dressed in a deep blue gown lined with gold cord, her long blonde hair pinned back from a face that was almost as pale. Holden was at the foot of the dais, facing the Galians, Marik a few feet to his left, and on each side of the room, flanking the visitors, was a long row of Alyrian knights.

The king was saying something, but Erynn was too busy scanning the room for Mirella and her father's killer to hear his words. She couldn't see the Galians very well due to all the soldiers and knights in front of her, and by the time she returned her attention to the king, he was on his feet and making his way toward the back entrance—Lianne following a short distance behind. As some of the men stepped back to let them pass, Erynn slipped farther away along the wall, grateful she hadn't arrived a minute later. When he was gone, the Alyrians relaxed, and several stepped forward to talk to the Galians.

And that was when she saw him.

Her father's killer stood a few feet in front of his men, smiling as Holden walked toward him.

Erynn knew she needed to find Faris and get to the kitchen, but she couldn't take her eyes off him. His hair was a little longer and his face a little fuller, but other than that he seemed the same as she remembered. Tears rose to her eyes as her mind flashed back to that lonely road in Galia, and how she had just stood there, helpless, as her father collapsed to the ground in front of him. Part of her wanted to push her way through the crowd right now to confront him, not caring one bit about the king's orders—or Holden—but the other was too scared to move.

Then she noticed an odd sound, sort of like rushing water. At first it was faint and she ignored it, but soon it grew louder. She glanced around, but couldn't identify a source of the noise and no one else even seemed to have heard it. Then a dull ache broke out across her brow and she had an almost overwhelming urge to flee. And not just the throne room—Alyria.

"Quinn," said a nearby voice. "Thought you would have been here for the king's welcome."

Erynn recognized the speaker as one of Marik's more senior soldiers, although she didn't know his name. Another man was walking towards him through the crowd, a man dressed all in black, with dark stringy hair flecked with grey and several days growth of beard. He had a slight scowl on his face, like he wasn't happy to be there at all, and although a few of the other men nodded at him as he passed by, he didn't pay them much attention. Erynn knew his name—Quinn Dunigan—and that he had once been a fairly high-ranking soldier in the Alyrian Army and was now a hired-sword. It was rumored that he and Gareth had once been good friends, but that Quinn had betrayed him and as a result was kicked out of the army. Erynn knew the king didn't trust him, and would be furious to learn he was even inside the castle walls.

"Sorry I missed it," Quinn said, not looking particularly sorry at all. He stopped a few feet in front of Erynn, not appearing to notice her, and turned toward the Galians, his eyes slowly scanning their ranks.

"Well, you didn't miss much. Word is he didn't have much time to prepare."

Quinn made a small snorting sound, which Erynn barely heard over the strange rushing in her ears. "How does one prepare for Galians?"

The soldier smiled and gave Quinn a glance over. "Where'd Marik send you this time? You look like you've been out on the road for days."

"Farglen."

The soldier laughed. "Let me guess, he's got you looking for thieves again? I heard he's had reports out that way. Not exactly the kind of excitement you're used to?"

Quinn hadn't taken his eyes off the Galians. "You haven't seen Marik when we catch them."

The soldier smiled again. Then he returned his attention to the Galians and his face grew serious. "Any idea what's going on?"

"Marik only tells me what he needs me to know."

"They say their leader's the one who killed Melaryx. That's where he got the scars—and the limp."

"Never a good idea to go messing with dragons."

"Think Gareth will come home when he hears of this?"

Quinn was quiet a moment, but his jaw had noticeably tightened. "The man will if he's smart."

"What will you do if he does?"

Quinn turned to the soldier, his eyes hard, but before he could respond he caught a glimpse of Erynn standing behind them. Like most people around the castle, he knew who she was—and whom she spent time with—and his eyes narrowed, clearly not pleased that she had been listening.

Erynn quickly looked away and continued on down the length of the room, the ache across her brow pounding now and the rushing loud in her ears. All she wanted to do was find Faris and leave. To get out of that room and away from Lord Caden. She scanned the crowd, even standing up on her toes to peer over the men in front of her, and finally she saw the falconer, standing alone near the main doors. She started toward him, but hadn't gone more than a few feet when Marik suddenly appeared next to him and leaned in close to say something. Faris flinched, seeming a little uneasy to see him and casting brief glances around the room. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled something out—something small—and handed it to him.

Erynn's breath caught. She was too far away and the object far too small to know for sure what it was, but there was no doubt in her mind: it was a letter tube. And not just any letter tube—the same one she had delivered to the falconry earlier. The rushing in her ears grew louder, the ache across her brow stronger, but she ignored them. Marik was saying something to Faris, his eyes fixed on the falconer. Faris shook his head, but then finally he nodded and Marik walked away.

A murmur rose on the far side of the room, near the tall windows overlooking the courtyard. Everyone turned that way, talking rather excitedly, but Erynn barely noticed. She was too busy watching Marik, craning her neck to see over the men in front of her. He paused a couple of times to talk to someone, then continued on, and finally came to a stop next to Holden. He leaned close to speak to the king's younger son, and as he did he casually handed him something. Something small. Holden didn't even look at it, just slipped the object in his pocket.

Everyone was leaving the room now, brushing past her toward the main doors. But Erynn paid them no attention. A rage was rising up inside her, fueled by the pounding in her head. Faris had given Marik the king's letter. The one to Gareth. And now Holden had it. She was sure of it. But why? It didn't make any sense. There was nothing secret in the letter. The king was simply asking his son to come home. Unless Holden thought it contained something else? And then another thought occurred to her—did this have something to do with why he and Clay had been acting so unusual lately? Was Holden reading his father's letters? All of them?

Erynn whirled around, looking for Faris, and saw him disappearing through the main doors. She started after him, then caught herself. The Galians were leaving the room with everyone else, heading that way, and Lord Caden and Holden were slowly moving with them. She turned to go out the back door instead, planning to catch up with Faris by the stairs—and froze.

Mirella was standing in front of her, dressed in her usual black robes, with her steel-colored hair pulled back in a tight bun.

"What are you doing in here?" she asked. "You're supposed to be in the kitchen. Working."

Erynn swallowed. "I–I was looking for Faris." She pointed towards the main doors, but the falconer was gone. "The king wanted a letter sent right away."

"Did you deliver it to the falconry?"

Erynn casually pulled her other hand behind her, afraid the headservant would take the letter if she told her she still had it. "Yes, but I wanted—"

"Then I'm sure Faris will take care of it when he returns." Mirella glanced over at a handful of men still standing near the foot of the dais—men responsible for the care of the castle and whom she herself reported to. "I have something to attend to, but I expect to see you in the kitchen when I return. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Erynn said.

The headservant glared at her for a few seconds longer, then stepped aside and waited for her to pass.

Erynn didn't say a word, just lowered her head and walked past her out of the room. She knew she was in trouble—possibly more trouble than she had ever been in before—but right now she didn't care. All she could think about was Faris. She started for the main staircase, searching for him, and bumped into several people as they headed for the doors, still appearing in some rush to leave. Finally she spotted him.

She ran after him and caught up to him by the stairs, but he didn't turn around until she had called his name twice.

"Erynn?" he said, looking somewhat surprised to see her. "Shouldn't you be in the kitchen?"

Erynn's heart was pounding. "Where's the letter?"

"The letter?"

"The king's letter to Gareth. The one I delivered to you earlier."

The falconer glanced around at all the people heading for the doors, then turned and continued toward the stairs. "I have work to do, Erynn. If you'll excuse—"

"I was just up there," Erynn said, following him. "I know it's not there."

"Aren't you needed in the kitchen? There must be a lot to do now that we have guests."

"You gave it to Marik, didn't you? I saw you."

Faris paused, but only for a moment. He started up the stairs. "I don't know what you're talking about, Erynn."

"I'll tell the king."

Faris turned and came back down the stairs—so fast that Erynn took a step back. He grabbed her arm and pulled her close. "If you care one bit about the king, you won't say a word to him or anyone else about what you saw."

"Why not?" Erynn said, wrenching her arm away. His words had shaken her, but she was trying hard not to let him see it. "He has the right to know his letters are being read."

"Because I don't think Holden will tolerate him interfering with his plans."

Erynn stared at him. "What plans?"

"I don't know, but it probably has something to do with this." Faris waved a hand at the throne room, and all the Galians still making their way to the doors.

"Holden says they've just come for a visit."

"Galians don't come for visits, Erynn. They're here for something."

"What?"

For a moment she didn't think he would say another word. Then he sighed. "I don't know. But whatever it is, it's important. Important to Holden."

"But he's the king. If I tell him, maybe he can—"

"He can do nothing, Erynn. Not anymore. And I think you're smart enough to see that. Most of the men are loyal to Marik now, and those who aren't are too afraid to speak against him. Holden leaves his father alone because the king lets him do what he wants, but I worry what might happen if that changed."

Erynn felt a sudden pang of fear, realizing what he was saying. "You don't think he'd hurt him?" But as soon as the words were out of her mouth, she could see the answer in his eyes. Faris was worried about the king.

"I really don't know what Holden would do."

Erynn didn't know what to say. A minute ago she was furious with the falconer; now she didn't know what to think. She shook her head. "Someone has to do something."

"There's only one person who can and he's a very long way from here."

Erynn's breath caught, suddenly realizing the full extent of what was very likely going on. "Holden's keeping letters from his father, isn't he? Not just reading the ones he sends out. That's why the king hasn't heard from Gareth in months. He has written."

Faris straightened, not looking comfortable at all. "I think you've asked enough. Marik tells me you've another letter?"

Erynn took a step back, pulling her hand behind her again. "The king wants it sent right away. That's why I was looking for you."

Faris held out his hand. "And now you've found me."

"Are you going to send it or give it to Marik?"

"I don't have a choice, Erynn. You've seen the guards."

"But we need to tell Gareth the Galians are here. You have to help me."

Faris shook his head, frustrated now. "Impossible. The falcons are guarded day and night. It's better you just give me the letter now."

"Why?"

"Because Marik wants it, that's why. You really want him paying you a visit in the middle of the night?"

Erynn shuddered at the thought, but still couldn't bring herself to give him the letter. She didn't understand what was going on, why Holden would be so threatened by Gareth finding out about the Galians, but she had a very bad feeling and knew the Crown Prince needed to come home. Now. He was also probably the only hope she had to get justice for her father. "Then I'll have to find another way."

"It's too dangerous, Erynn. Falconry is illegal now. Marik's killing people he catches doing it. People once close to me. Women. I doubt the king even knows half of what that man's been up to in the last few years. There's no way you can get Gareth that letter."

Erynn gripped the tube tighter. "I have to try."

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**CHAPTER 5**

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The first thing Erynn noticed when she reached the kitchen wasn't the heat of the many fires, or the thick smell of roasted pork and spices. It was the tension. Everyone in the large room seemed to be talking about the Galians; about why they were here and what their visit might mean. The whole room was buzzing.

The second thing she noticed was her friend, Adena, who appeared to be the only person not talking. She was busy peeling potatoes at Erynn's usual table on the far side of the room, her long brown hair framing a none-too-pleased face. Erynn wasn't surprised. She knew how much her friend hated the kitchen. The king had brought her to live and work at the castle with Erynn, after hearing about Jared's departure in Cold Lake, but she soon demonstrated that the kitchen was not the place for her and after numerous mishaps was sent to the stables. Now she didn't appear in the kitchen unless she was being punished—which happened fairly regularly since she was the only girl in the stables and wasn't the kind to take teasing from the other men lightly. Especially when she probably knew more about horses than the rest of them.

Erynn started across the room, wanting nothing more than to talk to her friend and tell her everything. As she made her way around the servants and tables, as well as the baskets of food stacked in the aisles, she noticed the rushing in her ears had stopped and the ache across her brow was fading. She was just rubbing her forehead and thinking how curious this was, when one of the cooks reached out and grabbed her arm.

"Wryden favors you," he said, his voice urgent. "Did he tell you why they're here?"

Erynn twisted loose of his grasp. He was a big man, with receding brown hair, and had given her trouble before. The two women standing next to him had as well.

"His Grace told me to get to work," she said, then tried to go around him. But he stepped farther out into the aisle and blocked her path.

"But you were with him, weren't you? When the Galians arrived?"

Erynn was about to answer, when she realized the room had gone quiet. Everyone had paused what they were doing to watch. Even Adena had stopped peeling. She felt the heat rise to her face, hating their stares. "He didn't tell me anything."

The cook narrowed his eyes, clearly not sure if he believed her, but before he could respond, one of the women next to him spoke.

"They're here because Gareth's dead," she said.

A whisper went around the room, but the cook shook his head. "We'd have heard if he was dead. I don't believe it."

"But they say the king hasn't had word from him in months," said another woman nearby. "Why else would the Galians be here? Why come all this way?"

"What if the war's over?" came another voice. "What if we're next?"

Now everyone started talking, their voices growing louder as they argued over whether this might be true.

"If it was over, we'd have heard about that, too," the cook said.

"I want to know about the dragon," said the other woman standing next to him. She was older, with thick grey hair, and hadn't taken her eyes off Erynn.

The room went quiet again.

"Krystalix?" Erynn said. "What about him?"

"He flew over the castle," the cook said. "Numerous times. Low enough they thought he might attack."

Erynn gasped. Krystalix flew over the castle? She glanced at Adena, who nodded her head silently, then remembered the sudden commotion in the throne room and the way everyone had rushed for the doors.

"What do you make of that?" the grey-haired woman asked, with almost an accusing stare. "I've never heard of him doing such a thing. And so soon after the Galians arrived?"

Erynn felt strange. As far as she knew, Krystalix hadn't even been seen since the day her father died. And she didn't recall any stories of him ever being spotted near the castle. "I–I don't know. I don't know why he'd do that."

"Maybe he doesn't like Galians," Adena said.

Everyone turned to look at her, but Adena simply shifted her attention back down to her potato and continued peeling. For several long moments, no one said a word. Then the whispers started again, a few at first and spreading fast.

"What is going on in here?" came Mirella's loud voice from the front of the kitchen.

A flurry of activity erupted around the room as everyone rushed back to work. The headservant's gaze traveled around, taking in everything, before landing on Erynn and the cook.

"We were just talking about the dragon," the cook said, stepping casually out of Erynn's path and back to his table. "We heard he flew over the castle."

"Dragons aren't for you to worry about," Mirella said. "You're here to work. We have guests to feed, and judging by what I see there's still much to be done."

The cook went back to his work, and Erynn continued on her way, finally reaching Adena and sitting down next to her on a stool. She grabbed a small knife and a potato from the pile on the table and began to peel. She could feel Mirella watching her, but eventually the headservant turned away to start her inspection, marching up and down the aisles, tasting the food, and barking out orders.

"King keep you late again?" Adena asked, using her foot to slide over two buckets on the floor. One was half full of peel, the other with peeled potatoes.

"Sort of," Erynn muttered. "She also caught me in the throne room."

Adena raised a brow. "What were you doing in there?"

Erynn was trying to keep an eye on Mirella, as she slowly made her way across the kitchen and left a seemingly endless stream of complaints in her wake: the meat was too tough, the stew too runny, the bread too stale. She knew the headservant was headed towards her. She was just taking her time about it. "I was looking for Faris. It's a long story."

"Another letter?"

"The second today."

"Second?"

Erynn finished her potato and dropped it in the bucket. She wasn't sure it was safe to say anything with Mirella around, not wanting to get into even more trouble for gossiping when she should be working, but she felt like she might burst if she didn't say something. So as she reached for another potato, she leaned close to Adena and told her about Lord Caden. Her friend's eyes grew wide, and she appeared about to say something, but Erynn shook her head and motioned to Mirella. "I'll tell you the rest later."

Adena looked disappointed, but eventually she nodded and went back to her work.

Several strips of peel missed the bucket, but Erynn didn't bother to pick them up. She kept her head down, peeling four more potatoes and starting on a fifth, when she finally sensed the headservant's presence.

"How long were you in the throne room before I found you?" Mirella asked.

Erynn flushed, instantly aware of both the letter tube she had tucked into her apron pocket before entering the kitchen, and the fact that everyone in the room was staring again. "A couple of minutes."

"I was going to sentence you to a week in the crypt," Mirella said. "But since we need all the help in the kitchen we can get right now, you'll do the dishes instead. All of them. On your own. For the rest of the week. Until every last one is cleaned and dried and put away. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Erynn replied, since she knew there was nothing else she could say, anyway. Part of her was relieved that she had successfully avoided the crypt, but the other wasn't looking forward to a week's worth of dishes. Especially with the extra guests—not to mention the upcoming banquet.

Adena looked up at Mirella, but Erynn shot her a warning glance.

"You have something to add, Adena?" Mirella asked. "Perhaps you'd like to stay and help your friend? Or have you already caused enough trouble for one day?"

"No, Ma'am," Adena said. She sat up straighter and shifted her attention back to her peeling.

When Mirella was gone, heading off across the room to continue her inspection, Erynn dropped her shoulders and sighed.

"One of these days you need to tell her where to go," Adena whispered.

Erynn knew that would only make things worse, and right now Mirella was the least of her worries. What was she going to do about the letter—and her father's killer—if she was stuck in the kitchen the entire time the Galians were here?

She finished her potato and tossed it in the bucket, and as she reached for another, she raised her head and noticed Marik standing in one of the two doorways to the great hall. He appeared surprisingly casual, a mug of ale in his hand, but he didn't seem interested in dinner preparations. He was staring at her. And just as she realized that, he winked.

Erynn looked down at her hands. Had he talked to Faris? Already? It couldn't be a coincidence. She had never seen him in the kitchen before. For several seconds she couldn't move, wondering if he would come over and ask her for the letter—the same letter she had already told Mirella she had given to Faris. Then she tried to continue peeling, to appear like his presence didn't bother her, but her fingers wouldn't cooperate.

"He's watching me," she whispered.

"Who?" Adena said, glancing up.

Erynn cringed, not really wanting her to do that. "Marik. Over by the door to the hall."

"I don't see him."

Erynn raised her head. Adena was right. Marik was gone.

"Why's he watching you?" Adena asked. "Because of Lord Caden?"

"Not exactly," Erynn said. She started peeling again, but still felt rattled. She wanted to tell Adena everything, especially about the letter and what was going on in the falconry, but Mirella was still in the room. "Wait until she's gone. Tell me why you're here instead."

Adena was quiet, sending more long strips of peel into the bucket. Then she shrugged. "I got into a fight."

Erynn wasn't surprised, but she thought she noticed something different in her friend's voice. "What did they do this time?"

Adena sent a few more strips of peel into the bucket. "One of them called Jared a traitor. Said he was probably working for the Galians, just like my father."

Erynn paused and looked over at her friend, but her head was down and her long hair hid her face. She shifted her gaze back to her potato, but couldn't bring herself to continue peeling. Jared's desertion in Galia was still a bit of a sore issue for her, one that she and Adena had argued about before, but she also knew how much her friend missed her brother and was worried about him. "It's not true, Adena. About Jared, anyway. I don't think he'd do that."

"I've heard the rumors about my father, Erynn."

"And that's all they are. Rumors."

"But those men in Cold Lake said my father was living at the castle in Ethlon, right? That is what Jared said he heard? Where he said he was going?"

Erynn started peeling again. "Still doesn't mean Jared's working for them."

Adena said nothing more, and Erynn couldn't think of anything more to say herself. Or at least nothing that would make her friend feel any better. So they peeled in silence for a while, and when Mirella finally left, Erynn leaned in close and told her everything. From her first trip to the falconry, to her visit to the throne room and her conversation with Faris. When she was finished, Adena looked stunned.

"You have to tell the king," she said. "Let him worry about sending the letter."

Erynn wasn't so sure. "I'm worried about what Faris said. That Holden might hurt him."

"It's not your problem, Erynn."

"Yes, it is. If it wasn't for the king, we'd both be on the streets. Mirella would kick me out of the castle for sure."

"You don't know that."

"I do, Adena. Your father's not the only one they whisper about, you know. Why else do you think she picks on me so much?"

"Because she thinks you're the king's daughter?"

"Well, I was adopted," Erynn said. "And he did bring me to the castle after my father died. Did choose me to write and deliver his letters. I'm barely sixteen. Doesn't that strike you as strange?"

"Yes, but I know you don't believe it. The king even told you it wasn't true."

Erynn sent another thick strip of peel flying. "Doesn't matter. Mirella believes it. She was close to Queen Sera. She'd kick me out the first chance she got."

Adena dropped her potato in the bucket. "Queen Sera died before you were born."

"Not long before I was born. And that doesn't help, Adena."

Her friend sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Who's to say Holden will do anything?"

"You don't know him the way I do. He's up to something with the Galians. I'm sure of it. Even Faris thinks so."

Adena reached for another potato. "Still not your problem."

Erynn didn't want to talk about it any more. "What about Lord Caden? I need you to help me figure out what to do."

Adena thought about this. Then she smiled and motioned to the row of cauldrons bubbling away along the far wall. "Maybe we could slip something in his stew."

Erynn stared at her. "You're not serious?"

"You want him dead, don't you?"

Erynn hesitated. She had wished death upon the man who killed her father from the very moment he struck him down, but she had never really believed she would see him again, let alone actually get the chance to do it herself. All she had was a face in her head and an initial. How was she supposed to find him? "Of course, he deserves death for what he did. I just don't know if I could do something like that."

"But surely you've thought about it?"

"I'm not like him, Adena. And neither are you. Besides, he's a Lord of Galia now. The Dragonslayer. If we did something like that and they caught us...they'd kill us, too." She dropped her potato in the bucket and reached for another.

Adena shrugged. "Just let me know if you change your mind."

Erynn continued peeling, her thoughts still on Lord Caden and what her friend had suggested. Then she swept them both aside and returned to the problem of the letter. And suddenly she had the answer. "What about Sheldon Birch?"

"The old guy from the market? What about him?"

"He always has falcons with him. Maybe he could send the letter to Gareth."

"Have you seen him with a falcon since that new law was passed?"

Erynn's shoulders dropped, a sudden sinking feeling in her stomach. "I'm not sure I've seen him at all, actually. Not since last winter."

"Faris did say Marik was killing people for practicing falconry."

Erynn felt horrible. She had always enjoyed her visits with Sheldon, whenever she was down in the market and he happened to be around, and she hoped with all of her heart that nothing had happened to him. But she also still knew that he might be the only chance she had. "One of us would have to go down to the village. See if he's around. Or where we could find him."

Adena laughed. "Not with a banquet in two days."

Erynn doubted she could get away, either, especially after all that had happened with Mirella already. But this was important. "Maybe if I left early. Right when the gate's up. I'm not usually expected until breakfast is over."

"If Mirella catches you she will sentence you to the crypt. As well as the dishes."

Erynn knew she was right, but didn't see that she had any other choice. She had to find Sheldon.

Someone came over to fetch the peeled potatoes, and they worked in silence for a while, waiting for the bucket to be returned.

"Any idea what Holden's up to?" Adena asked when they were alone again.

Erynn reached for another potato. "Wish I knew. Maybe it would help me figure out what to do about Lord Caden."

"You mean spoil their plans?"

"Maybe."

"Doesn't really sound like justice to me."

Erynn shrugged. "Depends on what those plans are. Faris seems to think it's important, whatever it is. And other than poisoning Lord Caden's stew, or somehow getting Gareth back here in two days, I don't know what else we can do."

Adena was quiet for a moment. "You think it's odd that Krystalix shows up the same day Lord Caden does? Just happens to fly over the castle?"

Erynn glanced at her. "Definitely."

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**CHAPTER 6**

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Erynn had to abandon her plan to sneak down to the village the next morning when another servant woke her before dawn and put her to work in the kitchen. She was tired, barely able to sleep after all that had happened, and was up so late doing dishes that she was the last one to return to the large room over the first stable that she shared with Adena and a dozen other women. But she went about her chores as diligently as she could, refusing to give Mirella any excuse to increase her sentence, and by the time she was finally allowed a short break, around mid-morning, she was eager to find Adena. She had learned something interesting while listening to the gossip around the kitchen, and was dying to tell her. She was also starving, so stopped just long enough to throw together a sandwich before heading out the door and into the rear ward.

She hadn't gone more than a few steps when she heard dogs barking.

Erynn froze—sandwich halfway to her mouth. She had heard those dogs before and knew exactly what they meant: Holden was going hunting.

Before she could even think about hiding, four Alyrian soldiers rode out from the second of the three stables behind the main keep, six large black dogs at their feet. They were followed by Holden, Lord Caden, and four Galians.

Erynn quickly shrank back into the shadows by the kitchen door, afraid Lord Caden might turn his head and see her. But the dogs were jumping and barking at almost everyone and everything they passed, and he was clearly having trouble keeping a rein on his horse. Bigger and blacker than those of his men, the stallion had its ears laid back and shied every time one of the dogs came close.

Erynn crept along the back wall of the keep as the men rode toward the inner gatehouse, peering around the corner just as they passed under the portcullis and on into the outer ward. It wasn't until they were completely gone from sight that she breathed a small sigh of relief, glad she had stopped to make a sandwich and hadn't left the kitchen a few minutes sooner. Then she took a bite of her sandwich and turned for the first stable—and once again she froze.

Marik was standing in the open doorway of the same stable the men had just left. Another soldier stood next to him, and appeared to be saying something, but the army commander's eyes were on her.

Erynn gulped down the bite of her sandwich. This was the second time she had seen him this morning. He had entered the kitchen not long after she started her chores, giving her the hint of a smile as he stepped through the back door and walked past her toward the great hall. The other servants had noticed him the night before and were already whispering.

She had an urge to reach down into her pocket and touch the letter tube—just to make sure it was still there. But she resisted. Instead, she raised herself up a little taller, took another bite of her sandwich, and walked as calmly as she could across the rear ward to the first stable.

She found Adena mucking out one of the stalls at the far end of the corridor, a bay mare standing patiently along the back wall and a cart half-full of manure and soiled straw outside the open door.

"He's definitely watching me," Erynn said as she stepped inside.

Adena looked up. "Who? Marik?"

Erynn nodded. "I saw him in the kitchen this morning, and then again just now. Outside."

"Think he talked to Faris?"

Erynn could still see the look on Marik's face in the kitchen. That smile. "He must have. Faris probably told him I refused to give him the letter and he thinks I still have it."

"And do you?"

Erynn reached into her pocket and pulled out the tube, showing it to her friend.

Adena took one look at it and turned back to her work, scooping up a large clump of soiled straw with her pitchfork and adding it to the growing pile in the cart. "Well, he knows you can't send it without Faris. I think he's just toying with you. I've heard he's like that."

Erynn snorted. "You'd think the Commander of the Alyrian Army would have better things to do. Especially with Galian soldiers around." She took another bite of her sandwich and started pacing back and forth across the stall. The bay mare raised her head and looked at both of them, as if she wished they would hurry up and finish their business.

"I'm surprised he didn't go hunting," Adena said. "Holden and Lord Caden just left."

"I know. I saw them." Erynn thought again about how close she had just come to being seen by Lord Caden. She didn't know if he would recognize her after all this time, but wasn't in a rush to find out.

"I still don't understand why you don't just tell the king. If Marik wants that letter so bad, let him get it from him."

"I told you, Adena. I can't."

"What about Lianne?"

"What about her?"

"Why not tell her? She is Gareth's wife. Maybe she can do something."

Erynn shook her head. "She'd just go to the king. Or confront Holden. And I don't think she'd have much luck with Faris." She took another bite of her sandwich, thinking about Marik again, then suddenly she remembered what she had learned in the kitchen and was so eager to tell Adena. "I heard Krystalix didn't just fly over the castle yesterday. He attacked the Galians right after they crossed the bridge. Killed two of their men. And he followed them all the way here."

Adena frowned. "That's odd, isn't it?"

"Yes," Erynn replied, still pacing. "The day my father died is the only time I've ever heard of him attacking someone unprovoked."

"The only time?"

"As far as I know. My father told me that a few of the old kings sent men out to try and kill him, and that most never came back alive. But that was different. They went after him."

"You think maybe this has something to do with what happened in Galia? To you and your father?"

That was exactly what Erynn was thinking. The only problem was it didn't make sense. "I don't know. I just can't think of any other explanation. I know the king has a book on Krystalix. Sort of a history book. He keeps it locked up in a cabinet in his study, along with his crown and the queen's jewels. It's apparently been used for hundreds of years to record sightings of Krystalix. Encounters. Stuff like that. If he has done something like this before, it would be in there."

"Think the king would let you look at it?"

Erynn knew he wouldn't. The book on Krystalix was the one book in the king's whole study that she had most wanted to read, ever since she first laid eyes on it, and the only one he had ever forbidden her from so much as touching. "I've asked. He says it's too old or something. That's why he keeps it locked up."

Adena shrugged and went back to her work. "Well, maybe it's nothing. Maybe Krystalix doesn't like Galians. Or maybe he's after Lord Caden because of that other dragon."

"Melaryx? If that was it, why hasn't Krystalix killed him already? Even that day in Galia? I mean, I've seen him rip men apart, Adena. I know what he can do."

Footsteps came down the corridor, and a few seconds later a young man with blonde hair and a very black eye walked by. Adena straightened and fixed him with a hard stare, but he didn't say a word. Seconds later he was gone.

Erynn swallowed down the last of her sandwich. "Let me guess, the one who called Jared a traitor?"

Adena didn't respond, just started hammering down the pile of soiled straw in the cart with the edge of her pitchfork.

Erynn headed for the door, thinking it was time to leave.

"What are you going to do about the letter?" Adena asked.

Erynn paused. "I don't know. There's no way I can get down to the village now. And tomorrow will be even busier."

"Do you really think Gareth's written the king? And that Holden's keeping the letters from him?"

Erynn remembered the look in the falconer's eyes when she asked him that question. "Yes."

"Think he'd still have them?"

Erynn stared at her friend, recognizing a certain tone in her voice that she knew meant trouble. "Maybe. Why?"

Adena stopped what she was doing and motioned in the general direction of the gatehouse. "He has gone hunting. Probably won't be back for hours."

Erynn realized what she was suggesting. She peered up and down the corridor, making sure no one else was listening. "Do you know how dangerous that is? Searching Holden's solar? What might happen if we got caught?"

Adena laughed and shook her head. "Not me. I'm stuck here. You're the one who spends time with the king. And has access to the upper floors of the keep."

Erynn rubbed a hand across her face, not sure she could do it—and especially if she had to do it alone. But she had to admit that she was intrigued. Intrigued at the thought of finding those letters, if they really did exist. She was also terrified. Holden was not Mirella. If he found out she had been snooping around in his solar, he would definitely see her punished—and it wouldn't involve dishes or lighting candles in the crypt. "I don't know, Adena."

"Unless you don't think he'd keep them in his solar?"

"He wouldn't keep them in the falconry. I don't think he trusts Faris. That's why he had Marik post the guards."

Adena stepped closer. "You have been in his solar before though, haven't you? I remember you telling me."

Erynn's heart was pounding. "Yes, but this is different."

"How? Just pretend you're cleaning or something."

Erynn turned away and started pacing again, still not sure she could do this. Not sure it was a risk she wanted to take. Then she remembered something—something important—and her eyes widened and she spun back around. "If Holden really was expecting the Galians, maybe he exchanged letters with Lord Caden before they crossed the bridge. Before they came here. Letters that could tell us why they're really here."

Adena smiled. "Exactly."

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**CHAPTER 7**

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Erynn kept watch for Marik as she headed back across the rear ward, but she saw no sign of him, and when she reached the kitchen she found Mirella lecturing two of the other servants over by the cauldrons and everyone else staring at them. No one even seemed to notice her enter, let alone grab three pitchers from a nearby shelf and slip down the hall to the cistern. She filled the pitchers with water, then took one final look around before heading up the rear stairs.

The pitchers were heavy and awkward to carry, but Erynn made her way to the king's solar without much trouble and was just glad to find her path deserted. The last thing she needed—besides Marik suddenly showing up—was to run into another servant, who might realize what she was doing and tell Mirella. The headservant usually chose someone different to change the Royal Family's water during the day, and while she had picked Erynn before, there was no guarantee she would do it again—or take kindly to her going ahead and doing it on her own.

Erynn knocked on the king's door, and within seconds it was opened by his chamberlain, an older man with thinning white hair. He took one look at the pitchers in her arms and let her in without a word. Fortunately, the king wasn't present, and she simply set one of the pitchers down on a small desk near the bed, grabbed the empty one still there from the night before, and left the room.

Lianne was present in her solar, but was busy with two of her maids as they fitted a new green gown for the banquet. None of them paid Erynn any attention as she replaced the pitcher of water on a side table and left the room.

Erynn's heart beat faster as she headed down the hall toward Holden's solar, not even sure the king could help her if she was caught, and wondering again if it was worth the risk. But if she was going to do something about Lord Caden, she needed to find out why he was really here, and finding any letters he might have sent to Holden before he arrived seemed to be the only way she could do that. She glanced back down the hall several times, afraid she might see Marik trailing along behind her, but she saw nothing. The halls were quiet.

When she reached Holden's door, she knocked and held her breath, almost hoping his chamberlain would be there so it would give her an excuse to turn back. But seconds passed without a response, and finally she took one last glance up and down the hall before slipping inside.

Holden's solar was on the north side of the main keep, and therefore much cooler than the others. A silver goblet half-full of wine sat on a desk in front of the balcony, next to an empty pitcher of water. On the other side of the desk was an unlit candle, down almost to the base, and a shallow silver tray containing what looked like several small, curled-up pieces of burnt parchment.

Erynn set the pitchers down and took a closer look at the pieces of parchment in the tray. They were falconry letters, she could tell that just by the size of the pieces, but they were blackened and twisted and she couldn't make out enough words to get a sense of what any were about—or even whom they were from. She feared that maybe she was too late, that Holden had already destroyed every letter she had hoped to find, but then she pushed those thoughts aside and went around to search the drawers, not ready to give up yet.

She found several letters, but none were from Gareth or the Galians. Three were from the king's lords, addressed to the king and expressing concern over Holden's new falconry law, including one from Lord Brison, the king's closest friend. Erynn's father had once worked for Lord Brison, back when she was younger and they used to live in the south, and she had also met him when he visited the castle not long after she returned from Galia. The king had called her to his study, so Lord Brison could tell her how sorry he was to hear the news about her father, and while there he had claimed her father used to bring her around his house quite often. Erynn liked him, and thought something about him seemed familiar, but she couldn't remember any specific memories.

Erynn doubted that the king had seen Lord Brison's letter, or any of the others, and was tempted to take them as proof of what Holden was up to. Then she remembered her conversation with Faris and put them back. If Holden discovered the letters missing, he would know someone had searched his desk. And the last thing she wanted was for him to suspect his father.

A cabinet stood on the far side of the bed. Erynn went to it, but found the doors locked and was immediately curious about what might be inside. She searched around the bed and fireplace, looking for a key or any letters he might have left lying about, but found nothing. Then she turned to the wardrobe.

She found a letter in the pocket of one of Holden's coats, and as soon as she opened it her heart raced: the handwriting was the same as the letter old Soren had found in Galia! The one Lord Caden's falconer tried to send when Krystalix attacked. She had shown that letter to the king the day she returned to Caraden, but had no idea whether he had ever sent the information to Gareth. He had also let her keep it, and she still had it tucked away in the pack under her cot, along with a letter Gareth had sent her not long after she returned, telling her—just like Lord Brison—how sorry he was to hear the news about her father, and that small black stone she had taken from his grave. Three reminders of that horrible day.

Returning her attention to the letter in her hand, Erynn noticed it was dated three days before the Galians arrived.

_Holden, Dragon attacked after crossing bridge. Lost two men. Seems intent on driving us out but will press on. Expect delay. Naedra warned this might happen so we were prepared. Will explain everything when we arrive. Again, it would be best if your father was not advised. Silas_

Erynn was confused. Naedra knew Krystalix might attack? But how was that possible? And why would a dragon want to drive Galians out of Alyria? She read the letter several times, trying to commit it to memory. Trying to understand it. But other than a vague confirmation that the Galians had indeed come for something—and were possibly worried about the king's interference—it only left her with more questions.

She had a feeling it was time to leave, so she put the letter back, then went to the desk, grabbed the old pitchers, and headed for the doors.

"Erynn!" came a sharp voice the second she stepped out in the hall.

Erynn froze.

The grey-haired woman from the kitchen who had questioned her about Krystalix was walking down the hall towards her. She gazed at the pitchers in her arms, then at the door to Holden's solar. "What were you doing in there?"

"Just freshening the water," Erynn replied.

The woman took the pitchers. "Mirella already tasked someone to do that."

Erynn tried her best to look apologetic. "I was just trying to help. You know, to make up for being late yesterday."

"Maybe you should just do what you're told. That way when His Grace sends for you, we don't have to go searching the entire castle to find you."

Erynn instantly felt a rush of anxiety, even though she had been expecting this. "He sent for me?"

"Right away," the woman said with a slight sneer, then gave Erynn one last glare before storming off down the hall.

Erynn slipped a hand down to her pocket and touched the letter tube. The king was going to ask if she had sent it, and she still hadn't figured out what she was going to tell him—even though she knew it couldn't possibly be the truth.

She took a deep breath, and headed for the study.

The king was on his feet the second she stepped inside. He looked tired, his grey hair slightly unkempt and dark circles under his eyes. "Did you send the letter?"

"Yes, Your Grace," Erynn said as she reached the desk. She kept her hands folded in front of her, over her pocket, so he wouldn't notice the outline of the tube.

"You watched Faris send it?"

"Yes, Your Grace."

"Good." The king sank back down in his chair. "Gareth should have it in seven days. Or eight, depending on the falcon. The journey will take weeks, of course, but at least he will be on his way."

Erynn felt horrible for lying, and could barely bring herself to look at him. She gazed up at the painting of Krystalix, but was bothered by the way the dragon seemed to be staring at her and shifted her attention back down to the desk. The king had his map out, her gaze drawn to Ridan. Had she made the right choice? She still needed to get Gareth that letter, and if she couldn't figure out some way to get down to the village and find Sheldon, she didn't know what she was going to do.

She spotted the quill first, out of the corner of her eye. Then the ink and the old book lying open in front of him. But seconds passed before she realized it was the history book on Krystalix. "Were you writing about the dragon, Your Grace?"

At first the king didn't seem to hear her, his eyes on the map. Then he followed her gaze and noticed the book. He reached out a hand and closed it, clearing his throat. "Yes, I was just making note of his appearance here yesterday. It has certainly been a while since anyone saw him. Or reported it anyway."

"Since I saw him."

"That is correct. Since you saw him."

Erynn wondered what he had written in the book, and why he suddenly seemed so concerned she might read it. "I heard he attacked the Galians after they crossed the bridge. Even killed two of their men."

The king leaned back slightly in his chair, but still kept his hand on the book. "Yes, Lord Caden went on about that for some length at dinner last night. The man seems to think he has some kind of gift with dragons—to keep walking away from them without getting himself killed."

There was anger in his voice and Erynn knew she needed to tread carefully. Sometimes he was accommodating with her questions, and sometimes he was not. But she knew she couldn't stop. She had to know more. "Do you know why Krystalix attacked them, Your Grace? I wondered if it was because of my father. If Krystalix remembers Lord Caden. Or if it was maybe because of Melaryx."

The king was quiet, staring at her in a way that suddenly made her a little uncomfortable. Then he gave a slight shrug. "I am not sure why Krystalix did what he did, but it is possible he remembers Lord Caden, and what happened in Galia. Whether he would also know about Lord Caden's responsibility for Melaryx is hard to say. It would seem unlikely, but dragons are intelligent creatures. More so than some of us like to think, anyway."

Erynn thought she detected something in his voice. Something that told her he knew more about the dragon's unusual behavior than he was saying. She wondered if he had written about it in the book. "Did you need help with the writing, Your Grace?"

The king shook his head. "I can manage this time, Erynn."

"But don't you find it difficult?"

A bit of a stern look crossed his face, and she knew right away she had gone too far. He motioned to the door. "That will be all, Erynn. I will send for you later. I slept very poorly last night and want you to bring me a cup of that tea before I retire."

Erynn didn't want to leave. She wanted to know what he had written in that book. But it was clear he wouldn't answer any more questions, and she didn't want to make him mad. So she did the only thing she could do, and simply nodded her head and left the room. But by the time she reached the kitchen, she had already come up with a new plan—one she hoped would give her some answers. She would bring the king his tea when he sent for her later. The same tea her mother used to give her as a child whenever she had trouble sleeping. And then, when the dishes were done and she was sure that he and everyone else in the main keep was asleep, she would return to the study. She was going to read that old history book and find out just what was going on with the dragon. It didn't matter that the king kept it locked up in his cabinet. She knew where he kept the key.

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**CHAPTER 8**

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Erynn received a very public scolding from Mirella for going out of her way to freshen the Royal Family's drinking water—as well a two-day extension to her dish sentence—but she barely heard a word. She knew searching Holden's solar would be dangerous, but she had learned a few things in the effort and was just glad she hadn't been caught. She was also far too busy thinking about what the king might have written in the history book, and her plans to read it later.

It was late when the king finally sent for his tea, and she had already started the dishes. But she stopped what she was doing to heat some water, then poured some in a mug and made her way up the rear stairs. She found him standing by the window in his solar, gazing down at the stables.

"I brought the hot water, Your Grace," she said as she walked over to the desk by the bed.

"Better make it a strong cup tonight," he replied. "I think I am going to need it."

Erynn was already planning to make it strong. The last thing she needed was him still awake when she went to the study. "Yes, Your Grace."

The pitcher of water was still on the desk where she had left it earlier, and she set the mug down next to it and took a small parchment-wrapped package from the drawer. Inside were the dried leaves of a blackish-green plant. She dropped several pieces into the water, and as she gave them a stir, she stared somewhat absent-mindedly at what was left and figured there was probably enough for two more cups. Then she would have to go get the king some more.

Her breath caught. Those leaves had just given her an idea!

She glanced at the king, but he was still gazing out the window, his back to her. Erynn assumed he was watching the Galians. Most were staying in the barracks on the upper floor of the second stable, and she had noticed a few out in the rear ward while she was heating the water. She turned back to the small package of dried leaves and moved quickly, dumping the rest down her apron pocket. As she pushed the leaves down against the letter tube, they crumbled and several bits stuck to her hand and fell to the floor. The stone was dark, so she didn't think the king would notice, but she still used her foot to slide as many of the bits under the desk as she could. "This is the last of it, Your Grace. I'll have to fetch you some more."

"The last?" the king said, turning his head.

"You asked for it strong."

The king thought about this. "Yes, I suppose I did."

Erynn wiped at the front of her apron, clearing any bits still clinging to the fabric. "Will you want some after the banquet tomorrow?"

The king snorted and started towards the bed. "I doubt I will ever sleep with Galians inside these walls."

Erynn waited until he was closer, not wanting to appear too eager. "I could go early, Your Grace. As soon as the gate's up. Before Mirella needs me."

The king seemed about to respond, but then he paused and a strange look passed over his face. "Yes, that is a fine idea, Erynn. Do it first thing, but be quick. Mirella will no doubt need your help tomorrow." He eased himself down on the edge of the bed. "In fact, I want you to tell her when you return to the kitchen. Right away. Then she will know where you are in the morning and can plan for your absence."

Erynn hadn't planned to say anything to Mirella, afraid the headservant would only insist on adding the tea to the list of food and other supplies she sent a wagon down to the market for every morning. But she didn't want Mirella asking around for her, either, and the king to find out she had disobeyed. "I will, Your Grace."

"Do you need my seal?"

"No," Erynn said, removing the spoon and carefully handing him the hot mug. "The herbalist knows who I am. And that it's for you. My mother used to buy herbs from him all the time. She said he was probably the best in all of Alyria."

The king said nothing, his gaze down on the tea.

Erynn waited for him to dismiss her. "Will that be all, Your Grace?"

"Actually, there is one more thing. Should Mirella or anyone else give you any trouble tomorrow, maybe try to stop you from going down to the village, I want you to let me know. Is that clear?"

Erynn thought it an odd request. Mirella would give her a hard time about going, she knew that, but she didn't see why anyone else would. "Why would anyone give me trouble, Your Grace?"

"Because of the banquet, I suppose. I know Mirella will need all the help she can get tomorrow, but I want that tea before I retire, and I want you to get it for me. Not her driver." He looked up and smiled. "You know the type to buy."

Erynn thought she caught a bit of a pained look in his eyes, despite the smile, but she just assumed he was tired and thought nothing more about it as she headed back down to the kitchen. She finally had an excuse to go look for Sheldon and that was all that mattered. She just hoped the falconer was around—and that he could help get that letter to Gareth.

The stack of dishes waiting for her was twice as high as when she left, but Erynn was so pleased with herself and her plans that she almost didn't care. She told Mirella about the king's request, and when the headservant complained and insisted on sending her driver, she also told her that the king had been specific that she go—and why—and eventually, after much eye-rolling, Mirella relented. But she warned Erynn to be quick, and said that if she heard she had been seen dawdling, she would add more time to her dish sentence.

Erynn agreed and went back to work, and after a while the kitchen grew quiet and only a few servants still remained. Laughter drifted in from the great hall now and then, several men still up talking and drinking, but she didn't give them much thought. She was far too focused on her plan to read the history book—and what she was going to say to Sheldon if she did find him in the morning. Unauthorized falconry was illegal after all, a crime punishable by death, so it wasn't like asking for a small favor.

She had just grabbed another tray and plunged it into the water when a voice rang out from the front of the kitchen.

"Where can a man get more ale?"

Erynn stopped scrubbing. She knew whose voice that was without even needing to turn around.

Marik.

Somewhere behind her, the last two male servants started whispering.

"We'll have to fetch another keg, Sir," one of them said, and then it sounded like both promptly left the room.

Erynn remained still, staring down at the soapy water and waiting for Marik's footsteps to turn and head back to the great hall. To leave. Seconds passed before she heard them, but instead of leaving the kitchen, the footsteps were heading across the kitchen towards her, his boots ringing out on the stone floor. Her heart pounded in her chest, her fingers gripping the tray, but somehow she resumed scrubbing.

Marik came right over to the wash basin, standing so close that his arm brushed hers and she could smell the ale on his breath. She tried to step aside, but was blocked by the table stacked with dirty dishes to her right.

"Does Mirella have you doing all of these yourself?" he asked, a touch of amusement in his voice.

Erynn finished the tray and reached past him to put it on another table to her left. "Yes, Sir."

"Are you being punished? Or is this something you do every day?"

Erynn knew he wasn't there because he was interested in her chores. She grabbed another tray. "I was late."

"I find that hard to believe. It was the king's fault, wasn't it? Keeping you late with his letters again?"

Erynn could feel the tube in her pocket, pressed between her, all of the mashed tea leaves she still hadn't figured out a way to discreetly dispose of, and the wash basin. "I was late."

For several moments, Marik remained quiet, watching her.

Erynn kept her eyes down, trying to stay focused on what she was doing, but it was awkward with him standing so close. She wished he would leave—or those other servants would hurry up and return from the cellar with the ale.

He leaned closer. "Are you loyal to His Grace, Erynn?"

The words came as a whisper against her cheek, giving her a chill, but Erynn continued scrubbing, rinsing the tray and reaching past him to put it on the other table. "Of course. He's the king."

"You do what he tells you? Even if it makes you late and Mirella punishes you?"

"Yes."

"Then why haven't you given the letter to Faris?"

Erynn hesitated, then grabbed another tray.

"Tell me the truth, Erynn. I know you still have it."

Erynn stopped and looked up. His cheeks were lightly flushed, the whites of his brown eyes a little red. He had clearly been drinking—she could still smell it on his breath—but not that much. That wasn't his style. He had a smile on his face, but it wasn't one that made her feel any better. In fact, she had a feeling it was the same smile many Alyrians had seen right before they died. "Because I know the guards won't let Faris send it."

He chuckled. "Smart girl. That must be why His Grace chose you to write his letters. Personally, I never really believed the rumors."

Erynn saw something in his eyes then, something very similar to what she had seen in Holden's the day before, up in the study. Something that troubled her, and at the same time left her annoyed that they knew what was going on and she still didn't. "What do you want?"

"What do you think I want?"

Erynn returned to her scrubbing. He was toying with her. Just like Adena said. "There's nothing secret in it. His Grace just wants Gareth to come home."

"And I would rather our brave Crown Prince stayed in Ridan."

Erynn tried not to appear bothered by the comment, but she could swear it had almost sounded like a threat. She kept scrubbing. She still wasn't going to give him the letter. Not after what she wrote on it. Not when she finally had an excuse to go down to the village. She rinsed the tray and reached past him again to put it on the other table, wondering what was taking the other servants so long.

Marik leaned back against the table, crossing his arms over his chest. "Did His Grace tell you why he fears the Galians?"

Erynn grabbed another tray. "He fears for Alyria. And for his son."

"Everyone fears those things, Erynn. Naedra can be rather unstoppable when she wants something. What I want to know is if he told you why else he fears them?"

Erynn paused and looked up at him again, wondering what he was talking about. Why else would the king fear the Galians? But before she could respond, footsteps approached.

"Marik?" Mirella asked, surprise and concern in her voice. "Is there something you need?"

Erynn had never imagined that the headservant's mere presence might make her feel so relieved, but a small part of her wished she hadn't shown up just yet. That she had waited a few more seconds. What did Marik mean?

The army commander held her gaze a moment longer, then shifted his attention to Mirella. "Yes, Mirella. Ale. We seem to have run out. And I just thought I would have a word with Erynn while I waited for your men to fetch some more. Are you really making her do all these dishes by herself?"

For a moment, Mirella looked speechless. Then she fixed Erynn with a glare—one that told her she knew from Marik's presence that Erynn had been up to something, and would somehow figure out what it was and make her pay. "Erynn continues to disrespect the rules of this kitchen."

"Seems to me such a smart young lady could be put to better use. She is the king's scribe, after all. At least let us see her pretty face in the hall? Serving meals perhaps?"

Mirella seemed a little flustered, clearly not appreciating Marik's sudden intrusion into an area she considered her domain, but she quickly gathered control of herself. "Is there anything else you need, Marik?"

Erynn waited for him to ask her for the letter. The letter she had already told Mirella she had given to Faris. But he just gave her a wink, pushed himself away from the table, and headed back across the kitchen toward the great hall.

"Just the ale, Mirella," he said. "Just the ale."

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**CHAPTER 9**

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Erynn remained unsettled for some time after Marik left, tensing every time someone entered the kitchen and glancing over her shoulder to see if it was him. She thought about the history book, wondering if it was still wise to go up to the study to read it, but the thought of abandoning her plan only made her angry. Whatever the king knew about Krystalix was in that book, and she wanted answers. She just needed to be careful.

The rest of the evening passed quickly, and eventually Mirella and the other servants left and she was alone. A few voices still drifted in from the great hall, but no one came to bother her, and when she was finally finished she went to one of the doorways and peeked inside. Quinn and two of his men sat at one of several long tables around the large room, talking quietly, with four rather drunk Alyrian knights at another. But she saw no sign of Marik.

It was time. Erynn grabbed a candle and headed for the stairs.

The hallways on the second floor were dark, the light from only a few candles still flickering in sconces on the walls. As she approached the study, she felt a light breeze and heard the sound of distant laughter, and realized the doors to the balcony across the hall were open. She paused to listen at the study door, and when she was convinced it was safe, and there was no one around, quietly slipped inside.

The room was pitch black, the heavy drapes pulled shut. The walls were close and cave-like in the light of the candle, but Erynn tried not to think about that—or to even look at the painting of Krystalix. His eyes seemed strangely aglow in the dim light, his teeth sharp and threatening. She set the candle on the desk, shook the key from the red vase on the mantle, and went straight to the cabinet.

The book was in its usual place on the top shelf, right next to the king's map. Erynn glanced at the jewelry boxes on the lower shelves, well aware of what people would think if someone walked in right now. That she had come to steal a ring, or maybe one of the late queen's necklaces, not to read a book. She didn't even want to imagine the punishment, so refused to let herself think about it and simply reached up and grabbed the book. She returned to the desk and sat down, pulled the candle closer, and opened the book to the first page.

It was dated 1437. Four hundred and fifty-six years ago. The pages were yellowed and the ink faded, but the words were still legible and Erynn immediately began to read. She knew King Wryden's last entry was at the back of the book, and that she should probably go there first and read that, but sitting there now, with the old book lying open in front of her and the feel of the pages under her fingers, she suddenly felt different. Energized. Like she wanted to know everything she could about the dragon. All four hundred and fifty-six years.

Krystalix was first sighted along the edge of the northern mountains. As dragons had become a fairly rare sight in Valentia, a report of the sighting soon made its way to King Arrellian, who recorded it with interest, along with several others that trickled in over the next few years. Curious to see the dragon for himself, the king eventually traveled to the mountains, but searched for days with no luck. Then he encountered a young man walking alone through the woods, who suggested he climb a certain peak and told him that a woman in the area could talk to the dragon and had said his name was Krystalix. King Arrellian was stunned, for he knew of only one line of women said to be able to talk to the dragons, the descendants of a woman named Maegan, but he thought they no longer existed. He searched for the woman for some time, but found no trace of her, and when he went back to try and clarify the directions, couldn't find the young man either. He assumed the directions he had been given for the dragon would also turn out to be false, but after climbing up the suggested peak, soon saw Krystalix sail past overhead.

As Erynn read King Arrellian's entries, she thought back on everything she knew about Maegan, which was mostly from stories she had heard from her father. Maegan had lived almost two thousand years ago, during the reign of the last One King, Terren Rothguard, and although she was eventually executed for treason against him—up at the old mountain castle of the One King in Hale—she was said to have been quite influential in the politics of the time, helping the One King mediate disputes with the elves and the dwarves, and even with his own lords—lords who rose up against him not long after her execution and whose uprising eventually led to not just his death, but that of his young son and the complete disintegration of the One Kingdom. But mostly Maegan was known for her gifts of fire and healing, as well as her ability to talk to the dragons—gifts she attributed to the brilliant black stone she wore on a silver chain around her neck and claimed had been given to her by the King of the Dragons himself, Cael.

Queen Naedra had claimed many years ago to be a Daughter of Maegan, as Maegan's female descendants came to be called—as had her older sister Sasha, the late Queen of Tallon. It was this rumored ability of Maegan's descendants to talk to the dragons that many believed was the reason behind Naedra's success in rearing the two she had acquired from Melaryx's eggs, as well as her use of them in her war against Ridan. Erynn had once asked her father how many Daughters there were in Valentia—other than Naedra—but he said they were rumored to have been almost wiped out over the years and that only the Order of the Cael, a group dedicated to their protection, really knew for sure.

Erynn continued to turn the pages, devouring the words. As the years passed, so did the kings, but most continued King Arrellian's tradition of recording all sightings and encounters with the dragon. She learned that Krystalix was most commonly seen in the north, near the mountains, but that he had also been seen in other areas of Alyria, as well as Brye and Galia. She also found most of the reports the same: simple sightings of him flying by overhead, or complaints about missing livestock. Not a single report said he had ever threatened or harmed anyone.

And then, in 1664, she came across a different story. Two merchants traveling along a road in the south spotted a young woman with long dark hair walking alone by the side of a river. Soon after, they saw Krystalix fly by, heading in her direction. Fearing the young woman might be in danger, the men returned to the river to warn her, but found her gone. They noticed the dragon on a plateau above the river, inside a ring of tall stones, and when they climbed up the hill for a closer look, they saw the woman standing next to him, his head down and her hand on his nose. He seemed to sense their presence, because he suddenly raised his head and flew toward them. The men scattered, terrified, and when they finally found the courage to return, both Krystalix and the woman were gone.

Although there was no mention in the report, Erynn wondered if the dark-haired woman was a Daughter of Maegan and a descendant of the woman King Arrellian had searched for in the northern mountains over two hundred years earlier. She also wondered if the plateau with the ring of tall stones was one of the three temples built in the years after Maegan's death to honor her memory. Erynn hadn't even known such places existed until she saw the king's map and asked about the three small "M" symbols, each surrounded by a circle. One was in central Alyria, the other two in Brye and Cardel. She had been especially surprised to learn there was one in Alyria. It seemed like just the sort of place her father would have liked to visit, and yet she didn't recall him ever mentioning it.

Erynn scanned the pages faster, knowing she didn't have all night, and then, twelve years after the incident by the river, she came across an entry that made her sit up straight. Krystalix was reported to have attacked a strange group of men after they crossed the bridge at North Falls. A couple of the men were killed, but the rest continued on. Several reports followed, each describing Krystalix as either following or attacking the group, but when the king sent out men to find them, they were unsuccessful, and no one was ever able to determine who the men were or where they were from. And then it seemed all reports of the dragon stopped, and nothing more was written about him for almost eighty years.

Erynn wondered if something had happened to Krystalix, or if the current king simply hadn't recorded the sightings, but when the entries resumed she noticed a distinct change in the way he was discussed. Years may have passed, but the incident with the unknown group of men was obviously not forgotten, and Krystalix was now seen as a threat to Alyrians. A couple of kings sent out men to hunt him down—most never returning alive—but other than these few incidents, there were no more reports of him ever threatening or attacking anyone, or even being seen anywhere near Caraden.

Eventually Erynn reached the first report written by King Wryden. Halfway through it she heard a noise in the hall, but she was so focused on the words that she didn't pay it any attention. Then the noise grew louder and she looked up.

Someone out in the hall was laughing.

Erynn froze. It was Holden.

There was no time to think. Erynn grabbed the book and ran around the desk to the balcony, slipping in behind the heavy blue drapes just as the door opened. She clutched the book to her chest and pressed herself back against the cool balcony doors, then gasped—she hadn't extinguished the candle or properly closed the cabinet!

"My father must have been in here before he retired," Holden said.

The drapes were thick and full of dust, but Erynn could make out two shapes moving across the room toward the desk. One was carrying a candle, the other had a noticeable pattern to his walk—a limp. Her mouth went dry. She thought about slipping out the balcony door, but feared they might notice the drapes move or the candles might catch the draft, and she knew there was nowhere to go once she was outside, anyway. She was trapped.

Someone set an object on the desk. Then the chair scraped against the floor and one of the shapes sat down. A drawer opened. The other shape limped toward the fireplace.

"Nice painting."

Erynn felt a chill pass through her and hugged the book tighter. Two years might have passed since she last heard that voice, but it wasn't one she had forgotten.

"I hope you have a strategy for getting home," Holden said.

"We'll manage."

The drawer closed. The chair creaked and something light scraped against the desk.

Erynn's heart was pounding so loud she could hear it in her ears. She was also finding it difficult to breathe with all the dust, and the fabric was itchy against her skin. She closed her eyes and tried to remain calm, hoping the men would get whatever it was they had come for and leave.

"So, you're sure Naedra can do this?" Holden asked.

"As long as we still have our agreement and you give her what she wants."

Holden laughed. "Of course. You have no idea how long I've wanted this."

"Then I'm sure Naedra will be pleased."

Erynn opened her eyes. She didn't know what they were talking about, but something in their voices had just given her a really bad feeling. One that told her neither would be happy to find out she had been listening.

"You still haven't given me any details," Holden said, a slight amusement in his voice. "You must know, of course, that I'm not sleeping."

"That's only because Naedra doesn't want all of her plan known. It's obviously in your best interest that she succeed."

"And hers?"

"Yes, and hers. Your brother certainly has influence."

"Surely you can tell me something?"

Lord Caden limped back toward the desk. "King Riel is hosting a banquet in Sarda in twenty-seven days. A banquet to honor the life of his recently departed father and celebrate his own coronation. Everyone will be there, of course, including your brother. From what we've gathered, Gareth's hoping to use the occasion to get Riel's support for the war. Just like he did with Parigon. He seems to think if he gets it, the war will be over."

"And will it?"

"With both Parigon and Sarda backing Ridan? Let's just say it's something Naedra would rather avoid. We would have won a long time ago if it wasn't for Parigon."

"I'll wait eagerly for the news then," Holden said. "And you can assure Naedra I'll tell no one of her plan."

"Not even Marik?"

"Marik knows about our agreement, but I see no reason for him to know all the details."

"And you trust him?"

"I know he doesn't want Gareth returning to Alyria any more than I do."

"Good, but I would prefer we keep the details between us. Naedra will not be happy if her plan fails. Gareth won't be as accessible to us once he's back in Ridan."

Erynn's breath caught, suddenly realizing what they were talking about. Naedra was planning to kill Gareth! And it sounded like she was going to do it at the banquet in Sarda!

"Well, you can tell her I'm pleased," Holden said, and then he laughed. "Together, we'll have old King Agar and the rest of Brye on their knees."

"Just make sure you keep her pleased," Lord Caden replied, warning in his voice. "Give her what she wants."

"You have my word. She'll be ready when you leave."

Erynn was still grappling with the news about Gareth, but now realized there was more. She? Were they talking about a person? Was that why the Galians had come to Alyria? They were here for someone?

"What about your father?" Lord Caden asked.

Holden was quiet for a moment. "I think he suspects."

Lord Caden moved closer to the desk. "You said you had everything under control. That we could wait." Tension had crept into his voice.

"I do. And we can. You've seen my father. He's a feeble old man with no one left to trust. Even if he does suspect, there's nothing he can do. And by the time he does find out it will be too late. Believe me, I won't let him interfere."

Erynn could hear the hatred in Holden's voice and realized Faris was right. If she had told the king the truth about the falconry, he would have questioned Holden. And if Holden could so easily discuss plans to kill his own brother, she didn't even want to think about what he might do to his father.

"I hope you're right," Lord Caden said. "For both of our sakes."

"I am," Holden said, his voice firm and full of confidence. "You worry too much, Silas."

Lord Caden let out a laugh, but it didn't sound like he thought Holden was being funny. "That's only because I know what Naedra will do if she doesn't get what she wants."

There was a brief silence, and then the chair scraped against the floor and the shape that Erynn knew to be Holden stood. "Shall we go find more wine?"

One of the candles was extinguished, the other moving with the men to the door.

The second the door closed, Erynn pushed back the drapes and let out a breath it seemed she had been holding a lifetime. She felt ill, disoriented in the darkness, her knees weak, and her arms sore from clutching the book. For several moments she just stood there, trying to catch her breath and not sure what to do. She knew now why the Galians were here—or most of it, anyway—but she still couldn't believe it. They were going to kill Gareth. She had to warn him!

Unable to see a thing, Erynn pulled back the drapes to let in some moonlight, then brushed the dust from her hair, face, and clothes while she waited for her eyes to adjust. She carefully made her way to the cabinet, using her free hand to guide her, and set the book back on the top shelf. As she stepped back, her hand knocked one of the jewelry boxes on the lower shelf and it fell with a crash to the floor, the lid popping off and an assortment of rings and other baubles scattering out at her feet. Precious stones twinkled up at her in the faint moonlight.

Erynn half-expected the door to open and Holden to step back inside, alerted by the noise. But she heard nothing, and soon fell to her knees and quickly gathered up the pieces, terrified that if she missed even one, the king would see it in the morning and know someone had been in his cabinet—someone who knew where he kept the key.

When she had picked up all the pieces she could find, and returned them to the box, she set it back on the shelf and locked the cabinet. Then she returned the key to the vase, grabbed the candle, and made her way to the door.

She had just slipped outside and turned for the stairs when she caught movement across the hall. Someone was out on the balcony. A single dark shape moved toward her and stepped quietly over the threshold.

"A little late for you to be up here alone."

The voice was low, but had a distinct rough edge, and Erynn knew right away who it was—even before the man stepped closer and the dim light from one of the candles on the wall slowly revealed his face.

Quinn Dunigan.

"What were you doing in there?" the mercenary asked.

At first, Erynn couldn't speak, her feet like two slabs of stone. What was he doing up here? "What—what do you mean?"

His eyes were dark, and questioning. "Holden was just in there with our new Galian friend, the Dragonslayer. I don't recall them mentioning you. Were you hiding?"

Erynn hesitated, her gaze going to the main staircase across the hall, then down toward the back of the keep and the rear stairs, wondering which might offer the fastest means of escape.

"I didn't see them," she said, trying her best to appear like she didn't know what he was talking about. "I only went in there a moment ago."

Quinn stepped closer. "If you'd gone in there a moment ago, I would have seen you."

Erynn reached into her pocket and pulled out the letter tube, a few bits of dried tea leaves falling to the floor. "I came for this. A minute ago. The king asked me to send it, but I got busy in the kitchen and forgot."

Quinn glanced down at the tube, then reached up and scratched his chin. "Kind of late for deliveries to the falconry, don't you think?"

"I was going to send it in the morning."

Quinn shook his head. "You were hiding. You knew you'd be in trouble if Holden caught you in there alone."

Erynn closed her fingers over the tube and lowered her hand, not wanting him to see she was trembling. She wanted to run, to get away from him, but feared if she did it would only prove her guilt. "You must be mistaken. You were probably looking down at the courtyard and didn't see me."

She turned to leave, intending to walk as calmly as she could down the hall to the rear stairs, but he reached out a hand to the wall and blocked her path. He leaned close, and she caught a waft of smoke and ale and noticed an inch-long scar near the brow above his left eye.

"I want you to tell me what you heard," he whispered. "Or I might just tell Holden and his friend what I saw."

Erynn swallowed. "I–I didn't hear anything." Then she ducked under his arm and ran.

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**CHAPTER 10**

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Erynn half-expected Quinn to chase after her, or demand she stop, but he did neither. Still, she raced from the main keep and across the rear ward to the stables, not stopping until she had reached the servants' quarters. By now, all of the other women were asleep, so she moved quietly down the moonlit aisle to her cot, set the candle she was still clutching down on the nightstand, and crawled in, not even bothering to change her clothes. Somewhere outside, likely up on the wall dividing the inner and outer wards, a man laughed.

Erynn pulled her blanket up and lay still, staring back down the aisle at the door and listening for footsteps on the stairs. She knew one thing: if Quinn did tell Holden what he saw and he sent Marik to arrest her, she wasn't going to go quietly. She would wake everyone up. Make sure they all knew what Holden was up to with the Galians. And since it just might be her last chance, she would tell them about Lord Caden, too.

She closed her eyes as an image came to mind of the one and only time she had ever met Gareth. It was the day before his wedding to Lianne, and only a few days before he left with Adena's father and a small host of men for Ridan. She was in the market, shopping for her mother, when she saw her father step into one of the shops across the street. She had wandered in after him, curious what he was up to, but found the store empty and his voice coming from the back room. Not bothering to knock, she walked in and saw him talking to Gareth and a bald man with a red beard she had never seen before. Her father had seemed oddly upset at the interruption, and the red-bearded man had quickly slipped out the back door, but Gareth didn't seem annoyed at all and had even talked to her for a few minutes. She knew he was leaving for Ridan and had asked if he was scared to be going off to a war, but instead of answering, he had asked her if she thought she could fight to protect those she loved. She said she was just a girl, not a knight with a sword, but he said that didn't matter and that if she loved someone, or something, enough she could do things she never thought possible. She had believed him for a while, but then her mother's illness worsened and no matter how hard Erynn worked to take care of her, it made no difference. She had been powerless to save her father, too.

Erynn opened her eyes. Was she powerless still? She had been absolutely stunned to receive that letter from Gareth, not long after she returned from Galia, telling her how sad he was to hear of her father's death. That the future King of Alyria would take time away from the war to write her had touched her in a way nothing else had at the time. How could she let the Galians kill him now? Telling the king was out of the question. And Faris wasn't likely to be of any help, either. The guards weren't just watching the falcons and she wasn't sure she could trust him. Her only hope was Sheldon Birch. If she could find him and convince him to send a letter to Gareth, warning him about that banquet in Sarda, maybe she could do something this time. Maybe she could save him.

Erynn hadn't expected to sleep, but before she knew it light was creeping into the room and the other women were up and getting ready for the day. For a second she wondered if it had all been a bad dream, and that Holden wasn't really conspiring with the Galians to kill his brother. Then she realized she was still dressed and knew it was real.

Adena glanced over from the next cot and seemed to pick up right away that something was wrong, but Erynn motioned for her to say nothing. She rose and changed her clothes, discovering with some alarm that she had forgotten all about the dried tea leaves in her pocket and they had spilled out into her cot during the night. She swept them up as discreetly as she could and tucked them back in her pocket, reminding herself to get rid of them on the way to the village.

Erynn waited until she and Adena had left the room and were down in the stables, alone, before finally telling her friend everything—from finding an excuse to go to the village, to her overhearing the plot against Gareth and her encounter with Quinn. But it wasn't until she had finished that she suddenly realized who it was the Galians might be after.

"Lianne?" Adena said with a frown. "Why her?"

"Because she was originally supposed to marry Naedra's son," Erynn said. "Not Gareth. Her father called off the engagement after Galia invaded Ridan."

"Her father's the King of Verdan, right?"

"Right," Erynn said, remembering that Adena had never cared much for history or politics.

"But why would the Galians want her now? That was four years ago."

"I don't know. The king told me once that Galia and Verdan haven't really gotten along since she married Gareth. Maybe this has something to do with that. Maybe Naedra wants Lianne because she thinks it will give her some control over her father. They are neighbors."

"Or control over Gareth?"

"Lord Caden seemed pretty sure they could get to him at that banquet."

"Well, you have to tell the king what you heard. Or at least Lianne."

But Erynn had already made up her mind, even though she hated it. "I can't. Now I know Holden will do something if his father tries to interfere. And I already told you I can't tell her. She'd just go to the king. Or confront Holden. Maybe even tell him where she learned of his little plan."

"You can't handle this yourself," Adena said, whispering as a couple of stablehands walked by. "It's too dangerous."

"I don't have any other choice. Besides, Lord Caden seems worried about what Naedra might do if her plan fails. If Gareth survives. Maybe she'll blame him and kill him herself."

Adena still didn't look like she agreed with Erynn's decision, but finally she sighed and at least seemed resigned not to bother her about it anymore. "Well, I still can't believe you didn't read the king's last entry. That's why you went to the study in the first place."

Erynn hadn't even remembered that fact until she was halfway through her story. She knew why the Galians were here now—or at least she thought she did—and how Holden was conspiring with them to kill his brother, but she still didn't understand why Krystalix would care. She rubbed a hand over her eyes, still able to smell the dust from the drapes amid the faintly sweet scent of dried tea leaves. An image came to mind, of the dark-haired woman she had read about in the history book. The one seen with Krystalix. Then another stablehand walked by and she pushed the thought away. "I need to go before someone sees me and tells Mirella I'm dawdling. I'll try to see the king when I get back. If he does suspect the Galians have come for Lianne, maybe I can find out more."

"They want me to help with the Galian horses today," Adena said. "Who knows, maybe I can catch some of them talking and learn something useful, too."

After wishing each other luck, Erynn headed out the stable doors toward the gatehouse. She was hungry, and wished she could stop at the kitchen to grab something to eat, but she knew she couldn't risk it. The last thing she wanted was to run into Mirella and have the headservant ruin her plans.

Halfway across the ward, she saw a sight that stopped her cold.

Marik was standing near the gatehouse, talking with two men she had never seen before. The men appeared agitated about something, but Marik seemed calm.

Standing next to him was Quinn.

Erynn glanced around, feeling a sudden urge to hide. But she was too far from the stables or the main keep to quickly duck out of sight. Why did they have to be at the gate now? Right when she wanted to leave?

A wagon rolled past and she realized it was the one Mirella sent down to the market every morning for supplies. The one the headservant had wanted to send for the tea. Without giving it much thought, Erynn stepped in behind it and moved to the other side. She couldn't hide from Marik and Quinn completely, but she hoped they would be too busy talking to notice her.

The wagon rumbled forward toward the gatehouse, people passing by on foot and on horses, but Erynn kept her eyes down and tried not to think about anything but getting through the gate. Soon the shadow of the gatehouse loomed ahead. Then she was through it and into the outer ward. And finally, minutes later, she was through the main gatehouse and out on the road, making her way down the long winding hill towards the village.

The road was busy, the banquet drawing more people and supplies to the castle than usual, so she kept as far to the outside edge as she could, and as she walked dropped bits of dried tea leaves from her pocket.

She wasn't gone long when horses came up quickly from behind. She tensed, fearing it was Marik, and glanced back.

It was Quinn. He and all five of his men were riding down the hill towards her.

For a moment Erynn was sure he had come to arrest her, but he didn't slow down and simply gave her a brief nod as he rode past. The two men she had seen talking with Marik were with him, and as she continued walking and watched them disappear around the corner at the bottom of the hill and reappear a short time later on the west road, she wondered where they were off to and if he had said anything to Holden. Not knowing seemed like it might drive her crazy.

The market was busier than Erynn had ever seen it before. News of the Galians—and the banquet—had clearly drawn people from all over Alyria, and they filled the aisles and seemed far more interested in gossiping than buying or selling anything. She wandered around for a while, looking for Sheldon and listening to see if she could pick up any news about the war. But she heard nothing. Eventually she made her way to the back of the market, where Sheldon usually kept his stand when he was in town. But instead of the old falconer and his usual table of daggers and knives, she found a man selling kitchen goods—plates, mugs, and utensils.

"Anything interest you, Miss?" he asked as she approached. "Some new plates, perhaps?"

The last thing Erynn was interested in was plates, but she smiled politely. "I'm actually looking for Sheldon Birch. Do you know him? This is usually his stand."

The man shook his head. "No, but then I'm fairly new around here. I do know he might not be back for a while. Some sort of tragedy in his family, I believe."

Erynn's heart sank. "Who told you that?"

He gestured toward a large woman selling baskets on the other side of the market, a woman Erynn had seen before and knew was one of the market organizers. She thanked him and immediately headed off across the market.

"I'm looking for Sheldon Birch," she said to the basket-seller when she reached her stand, interrupting a conversation the woman appeared to be having with another in the aisle. "The man at his stand said he wasn't expected back soon and that something had happened to his family. Is that true?"

The woman exchanged looks with the other woman in the aisle. Then she nodded and a sad look came over her face. "I'm afraid so. We heard the news a couple of months ago. His son was killed. And his daughter-in-law. Awful news."

"Killed?" Erynn asked. "What happened?"

Unease crossed the woman's face, as if she didn't feel comfortable saying anything more. Then she glanced around, and finally leaned forward across the table. "They said it was soldiers from the castle. Marik Fayne."

Erynn suddenly wasn't sure she wanted to hear the rest.

"I can't imagine what Sheldon must be going through," the woman in the aisle said, shaking her head. "He taught his son everything he knew about falcons, and it was falconry that got them both killed."

"Falconry?" Erynn gasped, and as both women nodded, still looking rather sad, she thought she might be ill. But there was nowhere she could sit down, the aisles growing ever more crowded, and she knew she couldn't leave. Not yet. She still had one more question she had to ask. The only problem was she no longer wanted to ask it. "Do you know where he lives? It's really important that I find him."

"Only that it's in the south somewhere," the woman behind the stand said. "Sheldon never did say much about himself when he was here, or his family. Just liked talking about those falcons."

Erynn thanked the women and left the stand, wandering somewhat aimlessly for a while as she thought about Sheldon and what might have happened to his son and daughter-in-law. And thinking about what Faris had told her by the stairs: how Marik had been killing people for falconry. Women. Then her thoughts went to Adena's brother, Jared, and how Sheldon had been giving him falconry lessons when he was in town. Secret lessons, so his father wouldn't find out. If Marik could kill Sheldon's son and daughter-in-law, he could kill Jared, too. She knew how much her friend missed her brother, but wondered if maybe it was best he wasn't in Alyria.

She stopped a few times to ask some of the other vendors if they knew where Sheldon lived. But they all seemed uncomfortable discussing the old falconer, and simply told her the same thing: that he lived down south somewhere and wasn't expected back any time soon. Eventually she gave up and headed for the herbalist. She didn't know what she was going to do about the letter in her pocket, but knew she didn't have any more time.

The herbalist recognized her at once, and immediately went to work preparing a small package of the same blackish-green leaves. An old woman sat next to him, staring at Erynn the entire time they talked. Erynn knew she was his mother, and had had a few odd encounters with her in the past. She wasn't in the mood for one now, so turned away as she waited and let her gaze pass back over the market.

Her attention landed on two men at a stand a few aisles over. They had a rather rough and menacing look, unusual for the market, and were both wearing long dark cloaks and swords. The taller of the two was thin, with a slightly pointed chin and black hair. He had a tool of some kind in his hand, which Erynn couldn't see very well through the crowd, and appeared to be trying to sell it to one of the vendors. The other man had a barrel chest and receding brown hairline and kept casting glances around the market. The vendor was shaking his head, not looking interested in the item let alone even talking to the men, but the taller man didn't seem willing to take no for an answer.

The herbalist handed Erynn the small package of tea, and she forgot all about the two strange men and turned for the road. But she hadn't gone more than a few steps when she felt a tug on her arm.

It was the old woman.

Before Erynn could speak, the woman came close and pressed something into her palm—a package similar in size and shape to the one the herbalist had just given her.

"Put it in their drinks, dear," she whispered.

Erynn frowned. "What is this?"

"Do it during the evening meal and no one will know."

For a moment, Erynn was speechless. "I don't understand. Who—"

"The Galians, dear. Do it for your father."

It wasn't just the words. Something in the old woman's eyes and the tone of her voice set the hairs on the back of Erynn's neck on end. What had the old woman given her? She raised the bundle to her nose, noticing it had a slightly nutty smell. "Is this...poison?"

"Sshhh!" the old woman said, waving a hand to silence her. A heavy-set man brushed by, and she waited for him to pass before leaning close again. "No one will know, dear. They'll go to sleep but won't wake up."

Erynn felt a chill run down her spine, suddenly very aware of all the people around them. It was poison! She could see it in the old woman's eyes. She wanted her to kill the Galians! She glanced back down at the package, her mind reeling, and remembered Adena's comment about slipping something into Lord Caden's stew. The old woman had just given her what she needed to do it. To give her the justice she wanted. But could she?

Erynn shuddered. Was this how Naedra planned to kill Gareth? To slip something into his meal at that banquet in Sarda? Did she have someone inside? Someone close enough to do it? She could feel the old woman watching her, nodding silently. Then a wave of nausea rose inside, and she clenched her teeth. She wanted justice, but she couldn't do it this way. She thrust the package back. "Take it. I don't want it."

The old woman refused. "Do it for your father, dear. They deserve it. All of them. Once they have Ridan, they'll come for us!"

"No," Erynn said, shaking her head. "Take it!" But still the old woman refused.

People turned their heads, but Erynn ignored them. She was going to drop the package right there on the ground if the old woman refused her again.

"Mother?" the herbalist said, noticing the commotion and coming around the stand. "What are you doing?" He looked at Erynn and saw the package on her outstretched palm.

"Tell her to take it," Erynn said. "I told her I don't want it."

Before he could speak, the old woman snatched the package and tried to slip it in her pocket, but he grabbed her arm and wrenched it from her hand. He raised it to his nose and a split second later his eyes went wide.

"You gave this to her?" he asked, disbelief in his voice.

The old woman shrugged, as if she didn't think she had done anything wrong. "She works in the castle kitchen. Those Galians deserve to die for what they've done. Every one of them. One day she'll wish she had."

The herbalist looked at Erynn, shock and apology and even a touch of fear in his eyes, but she just turned and started for the road, wiping the palm of her hand against her dress. People crowded the aisles, the market growing busier as the morning wore on, but she pushed her way through, causing more than a few to remark on her rudeness. She only glanced back at the herbalist and his mother once—and that was when she walked right into him.

A hand grabbed her arm—tight—and she whirled around, her mouth automatically opening to apologize for not watching where she was going. Then she froze.

It was Marik.

"Why, Erynn, what are you doing here?" he said. "I would have thought you'd be busy in the kitchen."

Erynn pulled back and he immediately released her, but for a moment she was so stunned to see him that she couldn't speak. Had he followed her all the way from the castle? And more importantly—had he heard her argument with the old woman? "I–I was just picking up some tea for the king."

"Tea?" Marik said with a frown. "Surely we have enough at the castle?"

"It's a special kind. It helps him sleep."

He raised a brow, a slight grin on his face. "Not sleeping with the Galians around, is he?"

Erynn said nothing. Two soldiers were standing out on the road, looking like they were waiting for him with his horse. All around them, people had stopped, clearly recognizing him and now staring and whispering.

Marik watched her a moment longer. Then the grin disappeared, and he motioned with a jerk of his head toward the road. "You better get going. It's a long walk back to the castle and I'm sure Mirella's expecting you."

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**CHAPTER 11**

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Erynn didn't glance behind her once the entire walk back to the castle, too afraid she would see Marik. She wondered if Quinn had told Holden about seeing her outside the study, and that's why Marik had followed her. Or if this was still just about the letter. If so, she didn't understand why Marik didn't just take it. Even if she refused to hand it over, there wasn't much she could do to prevent him from physically taking it. And surely someone in his position had better things to do than follow her around?

She was tempted to go find Adena when she returned to the castle, but she knew she needed to get to the kitchen and headed up to the study instead. When she arrived, she found three men she didn't recognize outside, and learned the king was with someone. She turned to leave, figuring she would just have to give the king his tea and ask about Lianne later, when the door opened and a well-dressed young man stepped out. He appeared to be in his early twenties, solidly built with brown hair, and had a not-very-pleased look on his face. He started toward the other men, then noticed Erynn and frowned, as if he thought she looked familiar. Still, he didn't pause long, and soon he and the other men were gone and the guards were ushering her in to see the king.

Her mouth went dry the second she stepped inside. The room seemed different to her now. Sinister. Reminding her of everything she had heard there only hours before and how she still needed to find some way to warn Gareth. The balcony doors stood open, the heavy blue drapes pulled back, but she could still smell the dust and feel the itch of the fabric on her skin. On the other side of the room, the cabinet doors stood slightly ajar, the old history book visible on the top shelf. Her eyes searched the floor, looking for any pieces of jewelry she might have missed in the dark, but she saw none.

The king sat at his desk, gazing down at a letter in his hand. The dark circles under his eyes had faded, but he still looked tired. He had the map out in front of him, but the rest of the desk was bare.

"I have just learned Lord Brison is ill," he said as she approached. "I had hoped he would be here for the banquet tonight. That was his son, Jeth." He folded up the letter and slipped it in his pocket.

Erynn was sad to hear the king's friend wasn't well, but even more curious why his son seemed so unhappy. At least now she understood the look on his face. Lord Brison did say her father had brought her around his house when she was young. Perhaps Jeth saw her when she was there. She wasn't sure what to say, so just pulled the small package from her pocket and set it on the desk. "I picked up more tea, Your Grace."

The king reached across the desk and picked it up. "Good. Did you have any trouble leaving the castle?"

Erynn thought about Marik, but knew if she said a word the king would only ask questions—and that might lead to the letter she still had in her pocket. "No, Your Grace."

He seemed surprised. "None at all?"

"Mirella did want to send her driver, but I told her what you said."

The king stared at her, until Erynn started to wonder if he somehow knew she was lying. Then he looked away, toward the window. "Perhaps I was mistaken."

"Your Grace?"

The king smiled, slipping the tea in his pocket as well, and motioned to the door. "That will be all, Erynn. I will send for some hot water later, after the banquet."

Erynn hesitated, still wanting to ask him about Lianne, but not sure of the best way to bring it up. Finally she just blurted it out. "Your Grace? Do you think Princess Lianne's in danger because of the Galians? Because they're here?"

The king had shifted his attention down to the map, but now his head jerked back up. "Lianne? What would make you ask that?"

Erynn flushed, not expecting the sudden intensity of his gaze. "I–I was just trying to figure out why the Galians might be here. You said once that they didn't get on with her father, after he broke off her engagement to Prince Thade. I thought she might be of some use to them. Perhaps to control her father."

The king glanced briefly back down at the map, and the Kingdom of Verdan up in the northeast corner. "Naedra certainly wasn't happy that Lianne married Gareth, even though it was her own fault, but I doubt there would still be enough conflict to send men here for her. And I am sure Lianne's father would have sent word if he had concerns."

Erynn wondered if Lianne was even still receiving letters from her father, or if Holden was screening those letters, too.

The king's eyes narrowed. "It is an odd question to ask, Erynn. An odd conclusion to have made. Have you heard something? Perhaps some gossip around the castle? It is very important that you tell me if you have."

"No, Your Grace," Erynn said. "I was just wondering. I saw her after they arrived and she looked worried. I guess it started me thinking."

"Lianne understands the danger the Galians pose. As does her husband, which is why he went to Ridan." The king paused, still staring at her as if he wasn't quite sure he believed her. "Erynn, if you should hear anything like that about Lianne—or any other reasons why the Galians might be here—I want you to tell me right away. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Your Grace."

The king watched her for a moment longer, then his gaze returned to the map.

Erynn wasn't sure if that was a signal for her to leave, but before she could ask, she noticed a rushing sound—the same sound she had heard in the throne room the day the Galians arrived—and a dull ache broke out across her brow.

"Have you seen my son today?" the king asked.

Erynn almost didn't hear him. The rushing sound was quickly growing louder, and with it came a sudden surge of anxiety. An urge to flee. She blinked her eyes and rubbed at her temples, thinking maybe she should have stopped at the kitchen for something to eat before she went to the village. "No, Your Grace."

"He has not tasked you with anything?"

The question sounded casual, but Erynn found something about it odd. Holden had never asked her to do anything. Ever. Other than leave the room when he wanted to speak to his father. But before she could answer, a commotion rose outside—men shouting all around the inner ward.

A blanket of darkness swept over the room. Then a bone-chilling scream ripped through the air. The entire castle seemed to shudder.

Erynn's eyes flew to the painting of Krystalix. She had heard that scream before.

"Not again!" the king said, and within seconds he was on his feet and headed for the balcony.

Erynn clamped her hands over her ears, the strange rushing growing even louder. Once again the anxiety surged, and she had an almost overwhelming urge to flee—a feeling that she wasn't safe in the castle. But she resisted. She had to. Where else could she go?

Darkness passed over the room again. Then it was gone.

Erynn lowered her hands, and before she knew it she was out on the balcony, gazing up at the dragon.

She had forgotten how big he was.

Krystalix sailed low over the castle, his golden wings outstretched and his head turned to watch the people below. He passed over the outer walls, banked slowly, and flew high over the forest and lake west of the castle as he came back around.

Erynn squeezed her eyes closed. She could still see her father lying motionless on the road. Could still see the terror on the faces of the Galian soldiers as the dragon swooped down and snatched them from their saddles. Could still see the falcon flying up into the air, only to be snapped up by those massive jaws.

Krystalix screamed again and this time, when she opened her eyes, she saw him descend toward the outer walls, pass over the soldiers patrolling the walkways and disappear out of sight behind the main keep. She searched the sky, waiting for him to reappear, and seconds later he flew right over them—so low she could see the scales on his belly and feel the rush of heat in his wake.

Men were still shouting down in the courtyard and running around the side of the main keep toward the stables. Krystalix banked over the forest again, and this time it wasn't long after he disappeared behind the keep that Erynn smelled smoke.

"He's attacking the stables," she said.

The king remained still. "He wants the Galians to leave."

Erynn was about to ask him why, to even insist that he tell her what he knew, when another thought entered her mind.

Adena!

She turned and fled back inside.

"Wait, Erynn!" the king cried after her. "It is too dangerous!"

But Erynn didn't listen. She raced out of the study and down the hall towards the stairs.

Out in the rear ward, the second stable was on fire. Flames were already reaching for the sky from the roof and upper windows, and slowly creeping down to the main level, but so far the other two buildings remained untouched. A crowd had gathered behind the main keep, many of them servants who had come out to see what was going on, and almost all were staring up at the dragon as he circled overhead. Soldiers were scrambling to put together a line of men from the well tower at the back of the ward, stablehands were leading terrified horses out of the stables and around to the courtyard, and at least two dozen archers were arranging themselves out in front of the crowd.

Erynn could still hear the rushing in her ears and feel the dull ache in her brow, but she ignored them as she made her way through the crowd. She saw familiar faces everywhere, women from the kitchen, men who worked in the stables and around the ward, but she saw no sign of Adena.

Marik stood out front near the archers, shouting orders as the men lined up and raised their arrows, waiting for the dragon to descend for another attack.

Erynn stopped and glanced up—suddenly afraid Krystalix might be hurt.

The dragon dropped down for another pass, unleashing a massive ball of fire on the stable roof and sending the flames even higher.

"Fire!" Marik yelled.

Dozens of arrows sailed up into the sky, but Krystalix saw them coming and easily flew out of reach.

Erynn continued her search, growing anxious and retracing her steps when she failed to find her friend. The second stable was where the Galians and their horses were staying. Where Adena had told her she was supposed to work today. So where was she?

Minutes later the last few horses were being led around to the front of the keep and Erynn still hadn't found her friend. She paused near the front of the crowd, and gazed back along the line of archers to Marik, and that was when she realized he was staring at her. He had the strangest look on his face—like he was furious with her—then one of his men shouted at him and he turned away. Another man was running toward him across the ward, his face red and streaked with sweat. Behind him, the upper floor of the second stable was now completely engulfed and flames were spreading quickly through the lower level.

"Did they get all the horses out?" Marik yelled.

The man looked grave. "All but one, sir. Lord Caden's horse. He went crazy when the dragon attacked. No one could get near him."

Marik cursed, but before he could say anything further, Krystalix screamed and dove towards the stables again. "Fire!"

Another volley of arrows tore through the air, reaching for the dragon, but he adjusted his path and flew higher.

Erynn scanned the crowd again, fear gnawing at her stomach. Then shouts rang out and people started pointing to the second stable.

A large black horse had just emerged through the open doors, passing through a gap in the flames. He galloped straight for the crowd, wild-eyed, then veered sharply right as half a dozen Galians ran forward to intercept him. As he passed alongside the crowd, a rider became visible on his back, pressed down low against his neck.

It was Adena!

The stallion skirted the crowd and headed for the courtyard.

Erynn felt a surge of relief and ran after them.

By the time she reached the courtyard, the stallion had slowed and was pacing back and forth beneath the inner wall on the far side. Adena was talking to him and rubbing his neck, trying to calm him. He stopped briefly and she slipped down, one hand still gripping a rope fixed to his halter. Several of the Galians advanced, causing the stallion to shy—his nostrils flared and his ears laid back—but she managed to hold on.

"Stay back!" she yelled.

The Galians paid no attention. One lunged at her and snatched the rope from her hands, knocking her to the ground. The stallion reared, kicking at the man and trying to bolt, but he held on and another moved in and grabbed his halter. Together, they led the stallion toward the stairs, where the rest of the horses were waiting.

Erynn ran to her friend. "You all right?"

"Fine," Adena muttered, glaring at the Galians as she picked herself up and brushed the dirt from her clothes. Her face was red and glistening with sweat, her hair singed, but otherwise she appeared unharmed.

"You know that was crazy, right? You could have been killed."

"I couldn't leave him in there. No matter who his master is." Adena seemed unable to tear her eyes away from the Galians, but finally she glanced up. "Is he gone?"

Erynn realized then that it was quiet. She could still hear the shouts of the men battling the fire on the other side of the main keep, and see the smoke rising up into the sky, but she saw no sign of Krystalix. Just the king up on his balcony, watching her. She looked away, hoping she wasn't in trouble for disobeying him. "I guess so."

"Why did he attack like that?"

"The king thinks he wants the Galians to leave."

"Well, he certainly destroyed the stable. But I don't think he got any of them." Adena paused, her eyes on the Galians again. "I did see something interesting before he attacked, though. Marik almost got into a fight with some guy in the stables. A young guy, dressed like a lord's kid. He seemed pretty upset about something."

Erynn frowned. "Brown hair?"

"You know who he is?"

"Jeth Brison. Lord Brison's son. He was talking to the king when I got back from the village, but didn't look very happy when he left. The king said his father was sick and couldn't make it to the banquet."

"Well, I couldn't hear what they were talking about, but he didn't seem happy to see Marik, either. I don't think I've ever seen anyone stand up to him like that."

Erynn remembered the grin on Marik's face when she saw him in the village. The way he acted like running into her was just a coincidence. "Marik was probably in the stables looking for me. Thinking I'd come to see you. He followed me down to the village."

"Followed you?" Adena said, looking surprised.

"Holden must be worried I'll try to send the letter to Gareth myself. Or, Quinn did tell him what he saw last night and he's worried I'll tell someone what I heard."

"But I don't get it. Why doesn't Marik just take the letter? Or lock you up if you know too much?"

"I don't know. Maybe they still will."

"Did you find Sheldon?"

"No," Erynn said, then rather reluctantly told her friend what she had learned—although she decided to leave out the whole scene with the herbalist's mother.

Adena raised her hands to her head. "See? I told you it's too dangerous to do this yourself. Marik's killed two people for falconry, and now he probably knows you were down there asking about Sheldon."

Erynn knew her friend was right, but still didn't see what else she could have done. "They can't arrest me for simply asking about a falconer."

"I wouldn't be too sure." Adena sighed and ran a hand through her hair, like she wanted to say something more but suspected it was pointless. "So what are you going to do?"

Erynn was about to say that she still didn't know, when her friend stiffened. She turned to follow her gaze.

Holden and Lord Caden had just emerged through the front doors of the main keep and were walking down the stairs. They paused to check on Lord Caden's horse, who seemed to have finally settled, and talk to the other Galians. One of the men pointed towards Adena.

"Great," Adena muttered.

Holden smiled, spoke a few words to Lord Caden, then they both started across the courtyard.

Erynn turned back to her friend, trying to hide her face and suddenly wishing with all of her heart that she could disappear. She had half a mind to abandon Adena and run, to get as far from Lord Caden as she could, but Holden was clearly walking toward them and she knew there was no time. And deep down inside she knew she had to face her father's killer sooner or later.

"Adena," Holden said as they approached. "Lord Caden wanted to come and thank you personally for saving his horse. That wasn't just a spectacular ride, it was also very courageous."

Adena gave a slight nod, seeming a little uncomfortable with the attention. "Your Grace."

Lord Caden cleared his throat. "Yes, we saw the whole thing from the rear balcony. Very brave indeed. That horse can be a handful at times, but I've had him for years. And I'm glad I still will."

Adena gave another short nod. "My Lord."

Erynn's heart was pounding. She had her head down, her eyes on the ground, but she could feel Holden's gaze. And Lord Caden's.

"What did you think, Erynn?" Holden asked. "Is your friend a hero?"

Erynn slowly raised her head. Holden was smiling, and as he turned to glance at Lord Caden, her own eyes shifted and met those of her father's killer. She had expected a frown, or a sudden flash of recognition, but she saw neither. The recognition was already there. He knew who she was and how they had met before, and didn't seem at all bothered or surprised. One corner of his mouth raised up in a slight smile and she looked away, back at Holden. "Yes, Your Grace. But then I always knew she was good with horses."

Holden laughed. "Yes. I'm sure Keegan would be proud if he were here."

Lord Caden turned to Adena. "Holden tells me you're Keegan Fields' daughter?"

Adena nodded again, although somewhat stiffer this time. "Yes, My Lord."

"I've heard of him, but can't say I've had the pleasure. If I ever do, I'll be sure to mention what I saw here today."

Erynn immediately had the sense he was lying. Something in his voice.

"Well, I think such a feat deserves a reward," Holden said. "And I have a fine idea. Why don't the two of you join us in the hall for breakfast tomorrow? I was planning to send a letter to Queen Naedra and King Krone, thanking them for the visit, and since Erynn is my father's official scribe, it seems only appropriate that she write it. Bring a quill and some parchment, Erynn. I'll have Mirella set a couple of places at one of the tables."

Erynn thought her jaw might hit the ground. He wanted them to come to breakfast? Something about the request unsettled her. Deeply. But all she could do was nod. "Yes, Your Grace."

Seconds later, the men turned and headed back to the main keep. Erynn watched them go, barely able to move.

"That was odd," Adena said, when the men were safely out of earshot. "Has Holden ever asked you to write a letter for him before?"

"Adena, he just invited us to breakfast."

"So it's beyond odd. Why do you think he did it?"

"I don't know, but it can't be about you saving that horse. I doubt he cares."

"Are you going to go?"

"Do I have a choice?"

"But I thought the king told you to stay away from Lord Caden?"

Erynn kept her eyes down, but had a strong feeling the king was still watching from the balcony—and had seen everything. "He did. But that was because he didn't want Lord Caden recognizing me." She paused, remembering the look on the Galian's face. "I could see it in his eyes, Adena. He already knew. He must have seen me earlier."

Adena shrugged. "I doubt he'll do anything. He probably doesn't want anyone to know what he did."

Erynn wished she had her friend's confidence, but her only reassurance was that at least this visit was almost over. This time tomorrow Lord Caden and his men would be gone. She just wished she could find some way to get justice for her father by then. Not to mention save Gareth and Lianne. "I think he was lying about your father. He has met him."

"Why would he lie about that?"

"Might be awkward. Especially if the rumors are true and your father is working for them." It was difficult to say, but Erynn had a feeling her friend had already accepted that the rumors were probably true. Even if she couldn't admit it.

"Well, he doesn't strike me as someone who'd have trouble with awkward," Adena muttered. She turned and started toward the stables, but hadn't gone more than a few feet when she suddenly gasped and whirled back around. "Wait—you don't suppose that has something to do with it?"

Erynn didn't understand. "Do with what?"

"What if my father's done something? If he is in Ethlon like they say, and he is working for the Galians. What if..." Adena went pale. "What if it's me?"

Erynn still wasn't following. "You what?"

"What if it's me Naedra wants? What if it's not Lianne at all?"

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**CHAPTER 12**

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Despite the short notice, the surprise attack by Krystalix, and all of the efforts afterward to put out the fire, the banquet went ahead without any further problems and seemed to be a success. Or at least that's what Erynn picked up from Mirella and the gossip around the kitchen, as her own work kept her so far away from the great hall that she didn't know what was going on. But she barely noticed, too busy thinking about Holden's request and Adena's worry that the Galians might have actually come to Alyria for her. A sense of unease was building inside her, ever since coming face-to-face with Lord Caden, and she definitely wasn't looking forward to another late night in the kitchen alone.

Erynn hoped Adena might be sent to help out in the kitchen, but she saw no sign of her, and eventually it grew late and the number of servants still working began to dwindle. She waited for the king to send for his tea, wanting to tell him about Holden's request and find out if he approved, but the hours passed without word and she started to wonder if maybe he really was upset with her.

Then finally she was alone.

She worked as fast as she could, eager to finish up and leave. But the dishes seemed to go on forever. Noises still drifted in from the great hall, but no one came to bother her or request more food or drink, and she saw no sign of Marik or Lord Caden.

When she was finally finished, and had put all the dishes away, she started for the door, but noticed a half-full basket of onions under one of the tables and stopped. She knew Mirella would blame her for it if she saw it in the morning—and probably add more time to her dish sentence—so she picked it up and headed for the pantry, figuring it would only take her a second to put it away.

Only a few candles remained lit in the rear hallway, leaving the corner by the stairs draped in shadows. Erynn went to the pantry door and stepped inside. Two candles still burned low on a nearby shelf, but the others were out. Baskets filled with vegetables from the castle garden were stacked along the side wall, and she set the onions down next to them and left the room.

She had just turned for the rear door, when a figure stepped out of the shadows by the stairs and grabbed her arm.

Erynn gasped. It was the king.

He forced her back into the pantry with a strength that surprised her and quickly closed the door.

"What did Lord Caden say to you?" he asked, his grip tight on her arm.

Erynn was so stunned that at first she couldn't speak. "N–nothing, Your Grace. He thanked Adena for saving his horse."

"Did he recognize you?"

Erynn remembered the look in the Galian's eyes. "I–I think so. Yes."

"What about Holden? What did he say?"

Erynn didn't understand what was going on, and the look on his face was scaring her. How long had he been waiting by the stairs? "Your Grace?"

The king squeezed her arm tighter. "Erynn, what did Holden say to you?"

"He asked me what I thought of Adena. What she did."

"Is that all?"

Erynn hesitated, a cold gnawing starting up in the pit of her stomach. "He asked us to come to the hall for breakfast in the morning. He said he wants to send a letter to Queen Naedra and King Krone and that he wants me to write it. He told me to bring a quill and some parchment."

The king's eyes grew dark, and finally he released her arm and stepped back. "Then it is as I feared. I am such a fool!"

Erynn didn't understand. "Did I do something wrong, Your Grace?"

The king shook his head, his anger fading. "No. You did nothing wrong, Erynn. I did. I suspected, yet did nothing. I thought Holden would have acted sooner if he knew, and then when you went to the village without a problem I assumed I was wrong. But perhaps he just wanted to avoid talk at the banquet. To wait until the very last second. When it would be too late for me to help you."

The gnawing grew stronger. "Your Grace?"

The king took a deep breath. "Erynn, I have something I must tell you. Something that will no doubt trouble you to hear, but hear you must. I regret not telling you sooner and only hope it is not too late. You are in great danger."

Erynn stepped back. Danger? She opened her mouth to speak, but voices passed by in the hallway and he raised his hand. He waited until they were gone before speaking again.

"You were not adopted from an orphanage in Brye," he said. "And your real parents did not die in a fire. A friend of mine brought you here as an infant and asked me to take care of you. I agreed and, with Lord Brison's help, we found two people we trusted to raise you. They did a tremendous job, but unfortunately life was not so kind in return. I brought you to the castle after your father died so I could continue to watch over you. To fulfill my promise."

Erynn felt like the wind had been knocked right out of her. "Are–are you saying they're still alive? My birth parents are still alive?"

"Possibly, although I do not know who they are or where they are. All I know is that your mother was being hunted by Naedra, and her fear for you was so great that she felt she must part with you to keep you safe. I was told she would come for you—or send someone in her place—when she felt the time was right."

Erynn couldn't believe what she was hearing. Then suddenly it hit her—so hard it almost knocked her off her feet. She was the one the Galians had come for! Not Lianne. Not Adena. That was why Holden had asked her to come to the hall in the morning. Not because he wanted her to write some stupid letter! And that was why Marik was following her. And why he had never actually demanded she give him the letter. The letter was just an excuse!

"I–I don't understand," she said, trembling now. "Why was Naedra hunting my mother? And why do they want me?"

The king tried to smile, but his eyes were tired and full of concern. "You are a Daughter of Maegan, Erynn. As is your mother and her mother before her. Naedra's been after the Daughters for years. Not much is spoken of it, but many know."

Erynn was still confused, but then an image flashed in her mind: an image of a dark-haired young woman standing next to Krystalix amid a ring of tall stones. And all of a sudden she understood why the dragon had been acting so strange lately. Why he had attacked the Galians and the castle. And why the king had always been so secretive about that book. "I'm the reason Krystalix attacked the Galians. And the castle. Why he's been following them."

The king sighed. "I have never understood the relationship between dragons and Daughters—or with Maegan for that matter—but I do know there is one. Krystalix must be aware they have come for you and is trying to protect you. Just like he did the day your father died. Although it does seem odd that Lord Caden has somehow played a part in both events."

Erynn felt dizzy, her legs weak, but there was nowhere to sit down. Then another image flashed in her mind—one she had not thought of in a long, long time. An image of a woman she had encountered in the woods behind their house when she was young, back when they still lived in the south. A woman with fair skin and golden hair, riding a dapple-grey horse. Fair skin and golden hair very much like her own. She no longer remembered what the woman said, or even if she told Erynn her name, but she had always remembered the warmth and compassion in her eyes and a feeling that she knew the woman somehow. She shivered. Could that have been her mother? Erynn raised a hand to her head. "But I still don't understand. I thought Naedra was a Daughter of Maegan? Why would she be hunting her own kin?"

"You are aware of the Prophecy? The last words Maegan spoke to her three advisors before she was arrested?"

Erynn nodded. Her father had told her the story when she was young. "She promised that a daughter of hers would one day return with the stone to Hale, and bring peace to Valentia."

"Yes, Maegan's stone. The one reportedly given to her by the King of the Dragons himself, Cael. Naedra's been after that stone most of her life. From what I have heard, she seems to think she is the Promised Daughter and that she is destined to bring peace to Valentia—under her rule, of course. And raising those dragons only seems to have fueled that belief. That is why she invaded Ridan. She thinks the stone is there. And that is why she hunts the Daughters. She wants to prevent anyone else—even one of her own kin—from getting their hands on it first."

"But I don't care about the stone. Or being the Promised Daughter. I—"

The king raised a hand, silencing her. "There is another reason Naedra is after you, Erynn. A much more personal reason. She believes you mean to destroy her."

"Destroy her? I don't even know her. Why would she believe that?"

"I do not know exactly. Only that she has apparently had some vision of this and believes it."

"But why me?"

"That I do not know."

Erynn couldn't believe this was happening. Now she really did need to sit down. "So she wants to kill me?"

"Yes."

"What–what are you going to do?"

The king sighed. "Erynn, if Holden has made some agreement with her for you, which I now suspect he has, I will be powerless to stop it. Most of the men are loyal to him now, or fear Marik. You must leave the castle—and Alyria—right away."

"Leave? But, Your Grace, can't you do something?"

"If I knew of someone in this castle I could trust, I would gladly send them with you. But there is no one and I am mostly to blame for that. I had hoped Lord Brison would come to the banquet, so he might help, but then I heard he was ill and was not sure Jeth was up to the responsibility. I looked for him at the banquet, after I saw you with Lord Caden, but I saw no sign of him. I fear he may have gone home."

Erynn remembered Adena's comment out in the courtyard. "I heard he almost got into a fight with Marik in the stables."

The king seemed troubled by this at first; then he sighed. "Yes, then I would say he most likely went home."

Erynn couldn't believe that after telling her that Naedra wanted to kill her, and that he wished he had said something sooner, he was now telling her there was nothing he could do. And no one who could help. She wondered what would have happened if she had listened to Adena and told him the truth about the falconry—and what she had learned in the study. If he would have told her sooner. She thought of mentioning it now, but as angry and hurt and terrified as she was, she could see the guilt and disappointment in his eyes and couldn't bring herself to hurt him. If he couldn't help her, there was nothing he could do to help Gareth, either, and maybe it was better he didn't know. "Where am I supposed to go?"

"You must find a man named Paddon Morell. He is the one who brought you here. He was close to your mother and should know where she is. Hopefully she and her friends can protect you."

"Her friends?"

"The Order of the Cael. They are dedicated to protecting the bloodline of Maegan."

Erynn remembered the name, but other than their association to the Daughters of Maegan, she didn't know anything about them. "I don't understand. If the Order is dedicated to protecting the bloodline of Maegan, how did I end up here? Why couldn't they protect me?"

"A question I asked Paddon myself when he brought you here," the king replied. "But, unfortunately, he would not say. Only that he needed my help." The king looked away. "And I could not refuse."

"Where do I find him?"

When the king turned to her again, Erynn was surprised to see the faint glint of tears in his eyes. "It has been some years since I last heard from him, but you can most likely find him in Highcastle. His family has lived there for generations."

Erynn's jaw just about hit the floor. Highcastle? That was in southern Brye! He expected her to go all that way on her own? By foot?

The king pulled a red pouch from the pocket of his robe and handed it to her. It was tied shut but clearly full of gold coins. "This should help you get there. It was all I could manage without drawing Holden's attention. Perhaps you can buy a horse in one of the towns. And some food, of course."

Erynn glanced down at the pouch, realizing that she was holding more gold than she had ever seen in her life, and yet it somehow only made her feel worse.

The king pulled a silver chain from around his neck and slipped it over his head. On the end dangled a small silver key. He handed it to her. "I have no idea what this is for, but Paddon said it was very valuable and not to lose it. And that it was to be given to you when you were ready."

Erynn stared at the key, too stunned by everything she had learned to even be curious what it might open. She felt like she was stuck in some kind of dream, but somehow got it over her head and tucked it out of sight under her dress.

"Leave the second the gate is up," the king said. "Do not wait any longer. And if anyone asks, just tell them I have sent you to the market."

"Yes, Your Grace."

"And I would not advise telling anyone who you are or where you are going. The road can be dangerous, as you well know, and Naedra will no doubt pay highly for you. You must not trust anyone, Erynn."

Erynn thought of Marik and how she had seen him at the gate. Was he there because he was watching for her? To make sure she didn't leave? Or was it just a coincidence? And what if he was there again tomorrow? "Yes, Your Grace."

"And I would take the bridge at South Crossing. It is not as closely guarded or as busy as the one at North Falls."

"Yes, Your Grace."

The king hesitated, as if he wanted to say something more but couldn't find the words. Then he turned for the door. "We had best go. My guards think I have gone to my study but will likely come looking for me if I am not back soon. And it would not surprise me if everything I do eventually gets reported to Marik."

"Do you know how Naedra found out, Your Grace? About me being here?"

The king paused. "If Holden does know who you are, which I am now certain he does, he did not hear it from me. I can only assume Naedra found out somehow and contacted him."

Holden knew, of that Erynn was sure. That was why he had looked at her so strangely in the study the day the Galians arrived. Then she remembered something else: the way another Prince of Alyria had once looked at her, that one and only time they had ever met. "Does Prince Gareth know?"

"Yes, it was necessary to tell him in case something happened to me. Davy and Jenna did, too. I needed them aware of the possible dangers."

Tears rose to Erynn's eyes. Her parents knew? And never said a word?

A look of concern passed over the king's face, and he reached out a hand and gently squeezed her shoulder. "You have done well, Erynn. If your birth parents are still alive, I am sure you will find them."

Her throat went tight. She had a sudden feeling this might be the last time she ever saw the king, but she couldn't think of a single thing to say. Thank you for taking care of me all these years? For keeping your promise? It had all been a lie. "I'll try, Your Grace."

He tried to smile. "Wait a few seconds before you leave. It is best no one sees us together."

And then he was gone.

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**CHAPTER 13**

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Although the king had told her not to tell anyone who she was or where she was going, Erynn knew she couldn't leave without saying good-bye to Adena. She woke her friend as soon as she returned to the servants' quarters, and led her down to a storeroom on the main floor. And there, still overwhelmed by all she had learned, she told her everything.

Adena was stunned to find out that Erynn was the one the Galians were after—and why—but even more shocked that the king had claimed he couldn't do anything to help.

"Leave?" she said. "He just gave you a sack of gold and told you to leave?"

Erynn sank down on a crate by the window. "He doesn't trust anyone around here. He thinks his own guards are reporting on him to Marik. Which I'm sure they are. At least now I know why Marik's really been following me. And why he came to see me in the kitchen yesterday. He must have heard I'd seen the king and was trying to find out if he'd warned me."

Adena stared at her. "But he's the king, Erynn. Surely he can do something?"

Erynn lowered her head to her hands, not sure what else to tell her.

Adena remained still for a while, then turned and started pacing back and forth across the small room.

"Maybe if Gareth was here it would be different," Erynn said.

Adena snorted. "If Gareth was here, things would be a lot different." She continued pacing. "First it was my father. Then my mother. Then Jared. And now you. Everyone I care about leaves."

Erynn looked up, a little surprised. "Adena, I don't have a choice. Naedra wants to kill me, remember?"

Adena stopped. "Then I'll just have to come with you. That's what I'll do."

"Come with me? What are you talking about? What about your family? Jared promised—"

"Jared could be dead for all I know, Erynn. Your father said Ethlon was dangerous." Adena crossed her arms over her chest. "My mother's been gone almost three years. My father four. They're not coming back and you know that." She paused. "They can't."

Erynn realized that she had known this for a while. She didn't know what had happened to Jared, whether he had been hurt or there was some other reason why he hadn't returned, but there was no doubt in her mind about their parents. After all, how could they come back after what Keegan Fields did? He had deserted, and that was a crime punishable by death. "If Jared does come back—"

"I'm not going to wait forever, Erynn. Not by myself."

Erynn had to admit that the thought of having her friend along made her feel better, like maybe she could make it to Highcastle after all, but she didn't want her to regret the decision later—or see her get hurt. "You've never been outside Caraden. It could be dangerous."

"Then you'll be safer if you have someone with you. Besides, you're my friend. I can't let you do this alone. And my mother always wanted me to see more of Valentia. Now's my chance."

Erynn was touched that her friend wanted to help, and said nothing more to try and change her mind. They remained in the storage room for a while longer, figuring out their plan to leave in the morning, and when the first rays of light finally appeared through the small windows of the servants' quarters, they were both up and preparing for their journey. Most of the other women were also up and heading off to work, so they moved quietly, stowing what little they planned to bring with them in the packs they each kept under their cots.

Erynn knew she couldn't take her journal, that it was far too big and bulky, but she was determined to take the quill and ink her father had given her and made sure the ink was well wrapped in some extra clothes to prevent it from spilling. Other than the sack of coins and the extra clothes, the only other things she was bringing were the three letters she now possessed, still in their tubes—the one old Soren had found in Galia, the one she had received from Gareth after her father died, and the one she had been trying to send him about the Galians—as well as the black stone she had taken from her father's grave. When they were ready, they grabbed their cloaks and headed down to the storeroom, where they waited out of sight until they heard the rumble and clank of chains that signaled the rising of the inner gate.

They stepped out of the stable and walked quickly toward the gatehouse, but they hadn't gone far when horses rode out of the third stable and approached from behind.

Erynn's heart leapt up to her throat. She glanced back.

It was Quinn. He and all five of his men were riding toward the gate.

She turned away, hoping he wouldn't notice her this time, and seconds later he and his men rode past and around the crowd already waiting by the gate. As soon as the portcullis was high enough, they continued on into the outer ward. The rest of the crowd also started forward—then stopped.

"What's going on?" Adena asked a short time later, when they drew closer and the crowd still hadn't moved. "Why isn't anyone leaving?"

It was then that Erynn noticed the guards. At least a dozen were lined up on either side of the gatehouse, more than she had ever seen there before, and two more were standing out in front of the crowd, blocking everyone's path. The older of the two appeared to be arguing with one of the men at the front of the crowd.

"But we have work to attend to in the village," the man said. "Things we need. We have to leave."

The guard shook his head. "No one leaves until after the Galians have departed."

"But what about those men?" a woman said, waving a hand toward the gate. "The ones that just left?"

"They have permission," the guard replied. "Everyone else has to stay. At least for now."

The man at the front of the crowd turned to another and shook his head, while the woman stormed off toward the stables. The rest just stood there, gazing around at each other like they didn't know what to do.

Erynn knew right away what this was about: Holden was worried she would try to flee.

She stepped forward. "We have orders from the king to go to the market."

The guards seemed surprised at first, but still didn't move.

"No one leaves the castle," the older one repeated.

"But these are orders from the king," Adena said, stepping forward next to Erynn. "How can you stop us?"

The guard laughed. "Easily. We have our orders, and unless His Grace comes down here to tell us otherwise, we're following them."

Erynn knew there wasn't much hope of that. She stared at the guard, then past him through the gatehouse to the main gate and road beyond. She felt trapped, so close to escape and yet so far. She felt Adena turn away and heard her say her name, but couldn't bring herself to move. Then her friend grabbed her arm and pulled her back toward the stables.

"Now what?" Adena whispered. "Try to hide? Wait and see if we can figure out something else?"

"There isn't anywhere to hide," Erynn said, her eyes scanning the ward and the guards up on the inner wall, and finding it all seemed so much smaller now. "At least nowhere they wouldn't find us sooner or later."

"We have to do something. Find some other way out."

An image flashed through Erynn's mind: an image of an old key in one of the books in the king's study. She stopped, but for a moment couldn't speak—a cold feeling trickling down her spine and gripping her tight. "There is another way. A tunnel under the castle."

Adena looked surprised. "The secret entrance? You know about that?"

"I heard about it a long time ago. When we lived down in the village."

"You know where it is?"

Erynn nodded. "I read about it in one of the king's books once."

Adena almost looked offended. "You never told me that."

"I was worried you might want to go see it. Or the king might find out I knew."

"Well, where is it? How do we get there?"

Erynn hesitated, still not sure she should have mentioned it. She had never seen the tunnel before, but she could imagine it: narrow and dark and cold. Just like that cave in Galia. Not a place she wanted to visit. "Through the crypt."

The expression on Adena's face changed. She knew how much Erynn hated that place. "It might be our only chance, Erynn. The only other way out."

"I know." Erynn wished she could think of something else. Anything else. But her mind was blank. "We need a key. The king keeps it in his desk in the study."

Adena grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the main keep. "Then we have to go get it. If he's there we'll just tell him you need it. He owes you that much. Unless he does want to come down to the gate and tell those guards to let us out."

A wagon was parked behind the kitchen, the two horses hitched to the front munching on some hay on the ground.

Erynn paused to look in the back, half-wondering if maybe they could smuggle themselves out through the gate and she wouldn't need to face the tunnel at all.

Adena seemed to realize what she was thinking because she tugged on her arm. "It's too risky, Erynn."

Erynn knew she was probably right, but before she could turn away, Mirella appeared in the doorway.

"Erynn!" she said. "Why are you in your cloak?"

Erynn hesitated, trying to casually hide her pack behind the wagon. "The king wants me to go to the market. Adena was going to come with me."

"You went to the market yesterday."

"I–I know, but he forgot something. He told me to go after the Galians have left."

Mirella rolled her eyes, not looking pleased but at the same time also not looking like she was in the mood to argue. "Well you better get to the hall. Holden told me he's expecting you and I don't want you to keep him waiting. They should be gathering soon."

Erynn pointed to the other door, near the rear stairs. "I was going to get a quill and some parchment. Like he asked."

"Then I suggest you hurry."

As soon as the headservant was gone, Erynn bolted for the door. She had no choice now. Like it or not, she needed to get that key and use the tunnel to escape. It was her only hope.

She raced inside and up the rear stairs, Adena close on her heels. Outside the king's study, the hall was deserted. Erynn was relieved, not really sure she wanted to see the king right now, and she went ahead and entered without knocking.

She went to the desk and opened the drawer, lifting the king's old letters from Gareth and searching around the quill, ink pot, and empty letter tubes for the key. But she saw no sign of it. Confused, she took a closer look, pulling the letters out and flipping through them in case it had slipped in between. But still no key. She checked the other drawers, starting to panic now, but still found nothing. "It's not here."

Adena had wandered over to the fireplace and was staring at the painting of Krystalix. This was the first time she had seen it, let alone visited the upper floors of the main keep. She walked to the desk. "What do you mean it's not here?"

Erynn collapsed into the king's chair. "I mean, it's not here." She gazed around, certain she had seen it the day the Galians arrived. Then her eyes stopped on the balcony doors. A memory came back—something she had heard while hiding behind those heavy drapes. "Holden took it. He was doing something in the desk when he was in here the other night."

"You're sure? There isn't somewhere else it could be?"

"No. I've only ever seen it here. In this drawer. Maybe he thought the king would warn me and tell me to use it."

"Is that the only key?"

"It's the only one I've ever seen," Erynn said. But just as soon as she said it, she remembered something else she had read in that book. She flew out of the chair and went to the mantle, shaking the cabinet key out of the small red vase.

"What?" Adena asked. "Did you think of something?"

Erynn went to the cabinet and unlocked the doors. "The tunnel was built in case of siege, as a way for the Royal Family to escape. It was custom for the king and queen to both carry a key. In case they were separated."

Adena peered in at all of the jewelry boxes stacked on the lower shelves. Then up at the history book and rolled-up map. "And you think maybe the other key's in here?"

"He keeps the queen's jewels in here."

"It's a key, Erynn, not a necklace."

"Yes, but it could have been worn on a chain around the neck. Like the one he gave me in the pantry." She grabbed one of the boxes, avoiding the largest one that she already knew contained the king's crown, and when she opened it turned toward the light so she could see better. Queen Sera's crown, gold and encrusted with precious stones, sat inside on a bed of red velvet. She felt carefully around the crown and in the corners and even lifted it up to check the lining, but she found no key.

"Is that the book you read the other night?" Adena asked, still gazing up at the top shelf. "And the map you said the king's always looking at?"

"Yes," Erynn said as she grabbed another box, her mind solely focused on finding the other tunnel key. Inside was an assortment of rings, earrings, and brooches.

"Do you want to read his last entry?" Adena asked. "Or what he wrote about the day your father died?"

"Not really," Erynn said, rifling carefully through the box. "I think I have a pretty good idea what he wrote. Besides, we don't have time." Not finding the key, she put the box back and reached for another. She wondered for a brief moment where she might be if she hadn't been interrupted that night. If she had read the entry about her father's death and somehow figured out she was a Daughter of Maegan. Perhaps she would be halfway to North Falls by now.

"Is Highcastle on that map?"

"Of course," Erynn said, wishing her friend would stop asking so many questions so she could concentrate. "It's one of the largest cities in western Alyria." The box held two diamond-studded tiaras, but no key. She put it back and reached for another—her panic growing.

"Nothing?" Adena asked.

Erynn sighed and shook her head. She wondered if Holden was in the great hall by now, and how long he would wait before ordering Marik and his men to find her.

The next box was filled with necklaces, some quite tangled, but as she turned back to the light and rifled through them, she noticed a large key at the bottom, strung on a silver chain, and recognized the intricate design of the bow.

"This is it," she said, relieved.

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure." Erynn slipped the chain over her head and tucked the key under her dress, next to the one the king had given her in the pantry.

"Then let's get out of here."

Adena was at the door by the time Erynn locked the cabinet, returned the key to its usual hiding place, and grabbed her pack. Her friend reached for the knob, but suddenly the door opened.

Standing in the doorway, and looking very angry, was Mirella.

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**CHAPTER 14**

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Adena slipped quickly behind the door, out of sight.

"Why aren't you in the hall?" Mirella demanded, stepping into the room. "Holden is waiting for you."

Erynn motioned to her pack, trying hard not to look at Adena. "I–I just came for a quill and—"

"Yes, I know what you came for. What I want to know is what's taking you so long?"

"I was looking for a good piece of parchment."

Mirella took a few more steps into the study and glanced around. "Where's your friend? I thought she was joining you for breakfast?"

"She had to go back to the stables for something."

Mirella narrowed her eyes for a moment, then she stepped aside and motioned towards the door. "Let's go."

Erynn didn't move. She wasn't sure how she was going to get out of this, but did know one thing: she wasn't going to the great hall. At least not willingly.

"Now, Erynn. Or shall I add more time to your dish sentence?"

If Erynn wasn't so scared of Marik or Holden suddenly showing up, she thought she might have laughed. Instead, she took a deep breath and calmly folded her arms across her chest. "I'm not going."

Mirella looked stunned. "Holden's given you an order, Erynn. Disobey it and I guarantee his punishment will be worse than mine."

"I know why Holden wants me there. And I'm still not going."

"Why he wants you there?" Mirella shook her head. "I really don't know why Holden would want you there, or why the king ever chose you to write his letters, but you have been given an order and I will not let you disobey."

Erynn still didn't move.

The headservant's face was quickly growing red. "This is ridiculous. You're coming with me. Now."

Before Erynn could react, Mirella stepped forward and grabbed her arm. Erynn struggled with her for a few seconds, but finally wrenched herself away and moved further back toward the desk.

"I'm still not going with you," she said.

Behind the door, Adena slowly inched away from the wall.

Mirella continued toward Erynn, jaw clenched and hate in her eyes. Then she seemed to change her mind and stopped. "You will pay for this, Erynn. I guarantee it. Even the king won't be able to help you."

Erynn felt a rage boil up inside. "You've never liked me, have you, Mirella? Ever since I set foot in the castle you've treated me worse than everyone else. Punishing me all the time. Even when it isn't my fault. I know you're behind the rumors, too. The one about me and the king. But it isn't true."

Mirella smirked. "Why else would he take in a fourteen-year-old servant girl and choose her to be his scribe?"

"There actually is a reason. One that makes a lot of sense once you've heard it. But I'm not even going to tell you."

A flicker of confusion crossed Mirella's face. Then it was gone. "I've had enough of this. Let's see you try and refuse the guards." She turned for the door, but it suddenly swung shut and Adena leapt out, barreling into the headservant and sending her flying across the room. Mirella landed in a heap by the balcony, clutching her stomach and gasping for air—and staring up at both of them in shock.

"Let's go!" Adena said, and ran for the door.

Erynn raced after her, pausing only long enough to shut the door so she could delay Mirella calling the guards. Adena headed back down the hall the way they came, but Erynn grabbed her arm and led her another way, down a series of corridors to the west side of the main keep. They had to duck into shadowy corners twice to avoid being seen by passing guards, but otherwise the halls were quiet.

When they reached the winding staircase leading down to the deepest, darkest parts of Caraden Castle, Erynn led the way, descending quickly and only slowing when she neared the bottom and heard voices. Two corridors branched off at the foot of the stairs, candles burning in sconces along the walls. The voices were coming from the left, the direction of the castle dungeon. Two men were talking about the banquet, although it didn't sound like either had actually attended.

Erynn pointed to the right, the direction they needed to go, then stepped quietly to the edge of the stair, peeked around the corner to see if the guards were watching, and slipped down the hall. A second later, Adena followed.

The men continued talking, not noticing the girls slip by.

Erynn ran down the corridor, clutching her pack tight to prevent the coins from clinking. Her heart was pounding, but she knew it wasn't just her fear that Holden might figure out where she was and have men after her any second. She could see two massive doors ahead, at the far end of the corridor, and she knew what lay beyond. The crypt was bad enough, but the tunnel would be worse. Dark and cold and likely home to a lot more than just spiders. Could she do this?

She hesitated when they reached the doors, but Adena grabbed a handle and pulled one open. It creaked loudly, enough to make them both wince, but a peal of laughter reached them from down the hall and seemed to cover the noise.

They stepped inside.

A long and cavernous room stretched before them, with numerous thick pillars and a wide central passage lined with candles. Caskets carved out of marble and stone were arranged on either side of the central passage, almost all of them bearing a life-sized likeness of the deceased royal on top.

Erynn took a deep breath and started forward, glancing cautiously back and forth across the central passage at the recessed spaces between caskets. Holden had thought far enough ahead to take his father's key to the tunnel. Had he also thought far enough ahead to post a guard?

"I know you said they kept it well lit," Adena whispered, "but I didn't imagine it would be like this. Who comes down here?"

"No one really. Maybe the king sometimes, to visit the queen. I think it's more out of respect for the dead."

"The dwarves built it?"

"Yes, a very long time ago."

"I can see why you hated having to work down here. It would take me all day to light this many candles."

Erynn was tempted to tell her that it wasn't the candles she hated, but she didn't bother. She was finding it hard enough to keep a lid on her anxiety, and suspected that voicing her fears would only make it harder. "Hopefully whoever Mirella assigned to do it today isn't still down here."

They passed dozens of caskets before the room came to an end and they turned right through a wide doorway into another large room, similar to the first. More caskets lay before them, and minutes passed before they finally came to the last one. The room continued on, but there were no more candles. Just an endless room stretching on into darkness.

A vase full of red flowers sat at the foot of the last casket.

"Queen Sera," Adena said, reading the name etched into the stone.

Erynn didn't want to take candles from the queen's resting place, so she went to another casket across the aisle and selected the largest two she could find. Then she returned and handed one to Adena.

"Think they'll last the whole way?" her friend asked, a trace of fear in her voice.

Erynn was already trying hard not to imagine what might happen if they didn't. "I sure hope so."

"Where's the tunnel?"

Erynn motioned to the stretch of darkness before them. "I think it's at the end of this room."

"Think? You've never seen it?"

"This isn't exactly a place I like to spend my time," Erynn snapped. She wanted out of the crypt. Now. And yet she was about to venture into a space that would be much, much smaller. "I read about it. The book said it was at the end of the second crypt."

"Then let's go find out," Adena said, and she started forward into the darkness.

Erynn took another deep breath, hitched up her pack, and started after her.

They moved as quickly as they could, candles raised so they could see the ground ahead, and after several minutes they finally reached the end of the crypt—which was marked by a short stone wall, about four feet high, with a narrow passage in the center. From there, the floor sloped downward about thirty feet to the far wall. In the center of the wall was a black iron gate.

Erynn swallowed and looked away from the gate, checking both sides of the narrow passage behind the short wall to make sure no one was hiding in the shadows.

Adena started down the slope.

Erynn hesitated, then followed behind her and fished out the key. Her fingers were trembling, so she slipped the chain over her head and handed it to Adena. "You better do it."

Adena seemed to notice the nervous edge to her voice and the slight shake in her hand, but said nothing and simply gave Erynn her candle in return. She put her pack down, inserted the key in the lock, and tried turning it a few times, but it wouldn't budge. "You're sure it's the right one?"

"I'm sure," Erynn said, glancing back at the short wall and hoping she wouldn't see any signs of pursuit. "It's probably not been used in a hundred years, that's all."

Adena tried again, fiddling with the key, and finally it clicked right and the lock popped open. She lifted it off, pulled the gate open, and grabbed her pack. Then she stepped into the tunnel and turned to wait for Erynn.

Erynn hesitated again, staring at that dark gaping hole on the other side of the gate. Her throat was so tight she could barely breathe, but she knew she had no choice. She had to get out of the castle and the tunnel was her only chance. She gripped the candles tight and stepped inside.

Adena locked the gate behind them, then slipped the chain over her head and took a candle from Erynn. "You all right?"

"No," Erynn said. "But let's get this over with."

The tunnel wasn't wide enough to walk side-by-side, so Adena took the lead, raising her candle high enough to see the ground ahead.

Debris lay everywhere. Mostly loose rock and old discarded torches, but also the occasional piece of armor or bit of weaponry. Even a few arrows. Adena stopped to pick up an old dagger at one point, but the blade promptly fell off and she tossed the rest back on the ground.

Erynn stepped over yet another old torch and wondered about the person who had last carried it. Had the fire burned out and left him alone in the dark? And if it did, did he ever find his way out? The thought of stumbling across bones in the tunnel—skulls gazing up at her with empty eyes—made her heart beat even faster.

Something moved on the ground ahead, scurrying away from them with series of tiny squeaks, and they both gasped and stopped.

"Rats," Adena said with disgust.

Erynn shuddered and squeezed her eyes closed, her mind now rapidly filling with images of being trapped down there in the darkness and eaten alive, their bones picked clean.

A second later, Adena started forward again, muttering something to herself.

Erynn followed, not wanting to fall too far behind. Panic was setting in now, her breath coming fast, but she tried hard to remain calm. She told herself to focus on the floor and not the walls around her. To focus on her breathing and not the squeak and the scurry of the rats. To focus on just getting through this tunnel one step at a time—and that she wasn't going to die. She also tried to focus on what might be going on up in the great hall. She hoped Holden was frantic, that his plan with the Galians was now in jeopardy with her missing, but that he still hadn't figured out where she went. Mirella had likely alerted him by now, but hopefully they were still searching the main keep. Or even the stables. Every once in a while she peered back into the darkness behind them, looking for glimpses of light. But she saw nothing.

Then several more rats scurried off down the tunnel and Adena stopped. Erynn had just glanced back and accidentally walked right into her, her candle brushing her friend's pack and the flame flickering and almost going out.

"Careful," Adena whispered. "This place is bad enough with the light. It'll be a thousand times worse in the dark."

"I know," Erynn said, waiting for her heart to start again. "I just want to get out of here."

"So do I, but if we go any faster, we're only going to get ourselves in trouble."

Erynn stood there, waiting, and eventually Adena started walking again. This time Erynn stayed focused on what was ahead of them and didn't bother to look back.

Minutes later, the floor started sloping downwards.

"We're going down," Adena said, sounding surprised.

"Down to the lake," Erynn replied. "That's where the tunnel comes out."

"All the way down?"

"Yes, where did you think we came out?"

"I don't know. The woods behind the castle somewhere."

Erynn thought she caught a touch of fear in her friend's voice, but said nothing and they continued on.

A short time later, Adena turned her head. "What happens when we get to the lake?"

"I don't know. I haven't exactly done this before."

"It didn't say in that book?"

Erynn tried to remember, but other than the drawing of the key and the details of where to find the tunnel, her mind was blank. "I don't think so."

Adena was quiet again. "I can't swim, Erynn."

This time Erynn did catch fear in her friend's voice. She wanted to tell her they would be fine, that they should be able to find some way around the lake without having to swim, but she really had no idea what to expect and right now was just trying to get through the tunnel. "I'm sure we'll manage."

"I hope you're right."

The floor continued downward and after a time they picked up their pace. Rats still scurried away along the rough stone floor, loudly squeaking their displeasure, but by now they were almost too focused on getting out to care.

Then Adena lowered her candle. "I think I see something. A light."

Erynn peered over her shoulder. There was a tiny pinprick of light in the darkness ahead, and with every step it seemed to grow larger.

"It looks like a window," Adena said a few minutes later.

Soon a waft of cool, fresh air, reached them and they walked even faster—almost running.

It was a window. Paneless, about two feet square, and located in the middle of the wall at the end of the tunnel. Vines grew thick around the outside, and beyond were tree tops and glimpses of snow-capped mountains.

Erynn pushed back the vines and stood up on her toes to peer outside. She took several deep breaths of the cool air, and just the feel of it coursing through her helped calm her. When she stepped back to let Adena have a turn, she noticed her friend staring off to their left, her candle raised.

The tunnel turned sharply at the outer wall, dropping almost straight down into darkness. Steep stairs had been cut into the rock and a similar sized window set in the outer wall every few steps. The windows let in some light to reveal the stairs, but many were almost completely covered with vines.

Erynn wondered how far it was to the bottom.

"This must take us down to the lake," Adena said.

"I guess," Erynn replied.

Adena seemed uneasy, but finally she raised her candle and started down the stairs. "I sure wouldn't want to do this without a torch or something."

Erynn took one last look back along the tunnel, searching for any sign of pursuit, then she headed down the stairs after her. She stepped carefully, one stair at a time, and even used her free hand in places where the stone had broken loose or crumbled away. The descent seemed to take forever, but eventually the bottom came into view—a small open space ending at a high wall and another black iron gate.

Adena reached the gate first and had the key out by the time Erynn arrived, but this time she was the one trembling. "I hope it's the same lock. I'd really hate to go back."

"Wouldn't make sense if it wasn't," Erynn said, peering through the gate to the passage on the other side. "They had two keys in case the king and queen were separated. Not for two locks." The passage turned a few feet from the gate, so she couldn't see very far, but she could definitely see light ahead. Sunlight. Which thankfully meant they wouldn't need the candles for much longer. She could also smell something—something she knew was responsible for that tremble in her friend's hand: the smell of lake water.

Adena inserted the key and this time the lock popped opened after a couple of tries, sending a layer of fine dust to the ground. She lifted it and pulled the gate open, waiting for Erynn to slip through with the candles before grabbing her pack and following her.

As Erynn stood in the passageway, waiting for her friend to lock the gate behind them, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had survived the tunnel and escaped the castle. Now she just needed to get out of Alyria.

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**CHAPTER 15**

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The passage beyond the gate wound to the right and opened into a large cave. Except for a narrow ledge, which ran along the left wall and disappeared behind two massive rocks at the mouth of the cave, the entire space was filled with lake water. Halfway along the ledge, sticking up out of the water and secured by only the tiniest thread of rope, was the wooden hull of an old rowboat—the rest of the boat was submerged.

Adena went pale. "What if we need that to get across the lake?"

Erynn set her candle down and went to the boat. A large hole in the floorboards was just barely visible in the murky water. A hole that didn't look like it had arrived there by accident. "Hopefully we don't."

"I guess it's been a while since they sent anyone down here to check on it."

Erynn turned to the rocks at the mouth of the cave, eager to get out of the darkness and into the sun. "Let's go see what's outside. See if there is another way out of here."

The ledge narrowed as it passed around the rocks, but it led them outside and from there wound sharply left and disappeared into the trees and bushes along the edge of the lake. High above, the outer walls of Caraden Castle rose up out of the dark and jagged cliffs. To the south, past the high cliffs and trees, lay the numerous cottages that marked the outskirts of the village. To the north, the lake continued on along the edge of the mountains, and on the far side, an open field stretched west at least a hundred yards to the trees.

"Looks like there might be a path around the lake," Adena said, sounding a little relieved.

Erynn heard her, but her eyes were still on that field on the far side. "We need to get to those trees. They'll give us some cover as we head south."

"You don't want to go through the village? Like we originally planned?"

Erynn shook her head. "It's too open between here and the village. If Holden has figured out how we escaped, we might run into Marik on the way there. I think we should cut across the wood to the road down to Farglen, and make our way down to South Crossing from there. Maybe stop and buy horses. Food, too."

"Cut across the wood? Do you think that's safe?"

"What do you mean?"

"What about the elves?"

Erynn realized that she hadn't thought about the elves, and for a moment it threw her off and she wondered if maybe going through the forest wasn't the right choice. Like every child growing up in Valentia, she had heard the stories of people going missing in the deep forests where the elves were either known or rumored to live, or being attacked for merely stepping into their lands—as well as all the stories of man's battles with them long ago, before the uneasy silence of the last several hundred years. She had never seen an elf, and had hoped she might on their trip to Galia two years earlier, passing as close as they did to the forests surrounding the mountains of Hale. But she had both her father and Jared with her at that time, and Jared was good with a sword. Now it was just her and Adena, and they didn't have any weapons. But as she gazed back across the lake, she remembered what her father had said about all those stories, and all the things he had told her about the elves himself.

"I don't think there are any elves this close to Caraden," she said. "At least not any more. And if there are, there aren't many. We're too far north."

Adena didn't look convinced. "My uncle disappeared in the Bryan Forest. Everyone thinks the elves got him."

Erynn remembered Jared saying something about his uncle on their way to Galia. She also remembered that it set her father off on a rather long lecture about the elves and how he didn't believe half of the things that were said about them. Or the dwarves for that matter, even though he did admit that much less was known about them these days as they tended to stay deep within the mountains and were no longer being rounded up and used as slaves as they had been in the past. Or if it was still happening, it certainly wasn't talked about.

"The Bryan Forest is farther south of here," she said. "And my father saw some elves there once. They were sitting up in the trees along the edge of the Ring Road. He said they watched him pass by, but that was about it. He used to say if we just left them alone—and the dwarves—they'd probably leave us alone, too." She paused. "He was actually on his way to Highcastle that time."

"But he didn't go in the forest? And it's still possible there might be elves?"

Erynn didn't want to argue. They didn't have the time. "We don't have another choice, Adena. We can't go south. And right now I'd rather risk running into elves than running into Marik or Lord Caden." She turned away from the lake, hitched up her pack, and started down the path.

Adena continued scanning the trees, then turned and followed after her. "I guess they might not expect us to go that way. To head west instead of trying to make for North Falls. But what about the guards on the wall? What if they see us cross the field?"

That was the part Erynn was worried about. If the guards did see them cross and alerted Marik, it wouldn't take riders long to catch up. They could wait until dark, when the guards would be less likely to see them, but if Holden had figured out how they escaped, he would probably order Marik down the tunnel after them and send riders around to the lake. They couldn't afford to wait. "We better hope they don't."

Adena said nothing more and they continued walking, making their way along the path and around the lake as quickly as they could. It wasn't an easy journey. The trees and brush grew thick in places, making it difficult to even find the path, and in others large rocks jutted up in their way and they had to climb over them. Twice they found the path flooded and had to slip off their shoes and wade across—which Adena did not enjoy at all and slowed them down considerably. Splintered arrows lay everywhere along the open spaces, as well as bits of armor, clothing, and old swords—and even worse, the weathered bones of numerous long dead invaders.

At the sight of one skull, gazing up at her from its resting place between two rocks, Erynn paused to glance up at the castle walls, wondering what it must have been like to be stuck down there, trying to reach the cave in a heavy rain full of arrows. She also wondered how many soldiers were up on the wall right now, gazing out across the lake—or even right down at the water's edge.

"Think they've seen us?" Adena asked, pausing next to her to catch her breath.

"If they have, we'll soon find out."

"Maybe Marik hasn't alerted the men on the outer wall yet. Maybe he's still looking for you inside the main keep. Or the stables."

Erynn doubted it. Holden's deal with the Galians was too important. "He'll make sure all of his men know. I don't think he'd risk it."

"Then we'll have to run fast," Adena said, and she moved past Erynn to take the lead for a while.

Erynn glanced over at the field again, wondering if they even stood a chance. Then she returned her attention to the path and continued walking. They had come this far already. All she could do was hope their journey wasn't over yet.

As they rounded the far side of the lake, the path grew wider and more open and they were able to walk faster. Soon Erynn noticed that strange rushing sound in her ears again, followed by a dull ache across her brow. She wished they had something to eat, assuming once more that this was just some symptom of her being both hungry and exhausted, but as much as she tried to ignore the noise and the ache and just press on, they both grew worse.

When they finally reached the field, they sat down in the bushes by the side of the lake for a rest, trying to gather as much energy as they could for their race to the trees.

"Are you ready?" Adena asked.

Erynn wasn't, but she nodded anyway and pulled herself up into a crouch. She was just about to spring out into the field, when a terrifying scream ripped through the air.

Krystalix was flying high along the castle walls above them, his golden scales sparkling in the morning sun. He banked slightly to follow the walls east, and as he did he turned his head and gazed right down the cliffs to the lake.

Adena gasped. "He saw us!"

Erynn ducked back down. Krystalix screamed again, then he was gone—disappearing out of sight over the castle walls.

"What do we do now?" Adena asked.

Erynn barely heard her, too busy searching the sky for the dragon's return. The rushing in her ears was louder now, the ache in her head pounding. She wanted nothing more than to run, to get across the field to the trees, but she was suddenly terrified of running out into the open. She remembered what the dragon did to Lord Caden's men in Galia. How he snatched them from their saddles and ripped them apart right in front of her. But then, slowly, other memories came back. The entries she had read in the history book on Krystalix. The dark-haired woman by the river, with her hand on his nose. The king's words in the pantry. And she knew why the dragon was there. "He's come to help us."

Adena looked at her like she thought she was crazy. "Help? How?"

"I'm a Daughter of Maegan, remember? He's been trying to drive the Galians out of Alyria ever since they arrived. The king thinks it's because of me. That Krystalix somehow knows why they're here and is trying to help me. Lord Caden even said so in his letter. Naedra warned him the dragon might attack."

"You think he'll attack if they try to come after us?"

Krystalix screamed, but this time he sounded farther away, on the far side of the castle.

"Maybe." Erynn glanced back across the field. A voice inside was screaming at her to run. To get to the trees as fast as she could. And that she didn't have much time. "Or maybe he's trying to draw their attention. So they don't see us cross."

Adena raised a brow. "That would definitely help."

Erynn lifted herself up again, clutching her pack. "We need to go. Now."

Adena signaled she was ready, and together they sprinted out from the bushes and raced across the field as fast as their legs would carry them. It was early yet, the grass still damp and slippery. Erynn stumbled once, her pack slipping down her arm, but she quickly righted herself and kept going. Then the sack of coins started slamming against her hip, making an annoying noise, but she just ignored it and ran faster.

By the time they reached the trees, she was long out of breath and her throat raw. She pulled up, Adena close behind, and glanced back at the castle. Krystalix was flying low over the outer ward, smoke rising from what appeared to be the stables behind the main keep. Movement could just barely be seen on the outer walls, but it was impossible to tell if any of the guards had seen them.

"I think you were right," Adena said, still gasping for breath herself. "Krystalix was trying to distract them."

"We better not wait around to find out if he succeeded," Erynn said. She took one last look at the dragon, and the castle that had been her home for the last two years. Then she turned and headed deeper into the forest.

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**CHAPTER 16**

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They moved quickly, trying to put as much distance as they could between themselves and the castle. Erynn wondered if Krystalix had broken off his attack now that they were across the field, but if he hadn't, she couldn't tell. The forest was still and quiet around them, the only sounds the crunch of dried leaves and twigs beneath their feet.

They hadn't been in the forest long when Erynn noticed she was feeling better. The rushing sound and ache across her brow had once again vanished almost as abruptly as they had arrived. It still didn't make any sense, especially since her hunger had only grown worse, but she didn't give it any more thought. All that mattered was getting away from the castle.

A few feet ahead, Adena was gazing around at the trees, and up at the branches above—something she had been doing off and on ever since they entered the wood.

"Still worried about elves?" Erynn asked.

Adena returned her attention to the path. "I guess."

"I never saw any on our trip to Galia and we were in the woods a lot."

Adena said nothing, but continued to look around as they walked. "You said your father went by the Bryan Forest on his way to Highcastle. When he saw those elves. Will we have to go by it to get there, too?"

"I think so. The Ring Road runs by it. But we won't have to go into the wood."

"I guess it would be marked on the map? A forest that size?"

"What map?" Erynn asked. Then something Adena had said in the study came back to her and she stopped. Something about the king's map. "You didn't..."

Adena shrugged and lightly patted her pack. "I figured we might need it. More than the king does anyway."

Erynn couldn't believe it. "You stole his map? The one in the cabinet? Do you have any idea how much he loves that thing? What Holden would do to us if he found out?"

"Lower your voice," Adena said, casting a nervous glance around. "Or we will have the elves on us."

Erynn didn't care. She raised her hands to her face, imagining the king's reaction when he went to his cabinet and found his precious map gone. He would probably want Holden to find her, just so he could get it back. "You shouldn't have done that, Adena."

"Erynn, Queen Naedra wants to kill you. If the map can help us get to Highcastle and find this Paddon guy, then I think it's worth taking. Besides, the king should have done something. At least warned you the minute the Galians arrived. I think he owes you a bit more than an apology and a few gold coins."

"But that map means a lot to him, Adena. With Gareth gone he—"

Adena threw her arms up. "Who cares? Why are you always protecting him?"

Erynn lowered her hands. "I'm not."

"You are, Erynn. Ever since the Galians arrived. You couldn't tell him the truth about the falconry because you were worried what might happen to him, and you couldn't tell him about Gareth, either. Maybe if you had, he would have said something sooner. Maybe we'd be halfway to Highcastle by now."

Erynn crossed her arms. "So this is all my fault?"

"No, I'm not saying that. Just that you think about him more than you think of yourself."

"And what do you think will happen to you if they catch us? When they find the map in your pack? That you'll just go back to working in the stables?"

Adena sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "I was just trying to help us, Erynn. Have you been to Highcastle? Do you know how to get there?"

"It's the biggest town in southern Brye, Adena. I'm sure we'd find it sooner or later."

For a moment Adena just stared at her. Then she hiked up her pack and continued walking, not saying a word.

Erynn rubbed her forehead. This wasn't about the king, or about not telling him the truth. It was about stealing something that didn't belong to them. Why couldn't Adena see that?

Neither of them said anything more, just focusing on the path and getting away from Caraden as quickly as they could. And as the morning wore on, that path took them farther and farther down into a valley where eventually the trees thinned and the warm light of the sun reached them through the leaves.

Erynn couldn't stop thinking about the king, and how he would now forever think of her as a thief. But the more the day wore on, the more she also grew bothered at the continued silence between her and Adena. She was angry at her friend for taking the map, but knew they were going to need each other's help if they were to get out of Alyria.

"The Bryan Forest is on the map," she said finally. "But I'm pretty sure most of it is north of where we're going. We won't have to go through it."

Adena glanced over, but seconds passed before she spoke. "The farther north the better, if you ask me."

Erynn kicked at a stone lying on the path, still trying hard not to be mad. "I always think of Queen Sasha when I hear about the Bryan Forest."

"Naedra's older sister?"

Erynn nodded. "She managed to escape the castle in Tallon after the Galians invaded, but died not long after. A Bryan knight was executed over her death, but some think it was the elves in the Bryan Forest who killed her. It's said she was pregnant and that they might have stolen her baby to raise as their own. Or killed it, too."

"That's horrible," Adena said, but then a moment later she laughed. "You don't suppose that's you? The lost Princess of Tallon?"

"That was a few years before I was born. I don't think I look nineteen."

"Do you know how many Daughters there are in Valentia? Besides you and Naedra, I mean?"

"Sasha was the only other Daughter my father ever mentioned. I asked the king once, but he said he didn't know."

"Or maybe he didn't want to tell you."

"Maybe."

Erynn gazed up at the sky, wondering if she might eventually see some sign of Krystalix. But all she saw was a couple of small birds.

"Have you thought about what it might be like to meet your mother?" Adena asked.

Erynn was silent, thinking back on that one warm summer day many years ago. "I think maybe I have. Met her, I mean."

"What? When?"

Erynn told her about the woman on the dapple-grey horse.

"You never told me that story before," Adena said.

"It never came up. It was just some woman I met in the woods once, and besides, I had no idea my real mother was even still alive. But now that I think about it, my parents did seem upset when I told them about her, and we did move to Caraden not long after."

"Maybe they suspected who she was?"

"Maybe."

It was well past mid-day when they came to a narrow river winding its way south along the valley floor. It didn't appear more than a couple of feet deep, but it moved swiftly, and they followed it downstream until they found a calmer area with enough large rocks they could cross. On the other side, they found a patch of blackberry bushes and stopped to feast. Then they returned to the river to drink and wash the berry juice from their hands.

"I wish we could have grabbed something from the kitchen," Adena said as she sat back along the edge of the river. "Even some bread. I'm still hungry."

"We can buy food in Farglen," Erynn said, cupping her hands to take another sip of water.

They rested there for a few minutes, then Adena sighed and pulled herself to her feet. "I guess we should get going. Do you think we should follow the river south? Or keep heading west?"

Erynn gazed downstream, and over to the trees on the far side of the valley. "I think we should keep heading west. The road from Caraden crosses this river somewhere south of here, but it's really open along that stretch and probably best we don't go too close. The road on the other side of the valley would probably be better. The one to Farglen. Maybe we can get to it before dark."

Adena headed back to the blackberry bushes to grab her things.

Erynn wished they didn't have to go. She was exhausted, and wanted nothing more than to rest in the sun for a while. But she knew they needed to keep moving. She pushed herself up, brushed the dirt and grass from her cloak, and had just turned to follow Adena when she heard a noise—like a distant screech.

She spun around, eyes scanning the eastern sky. "Did you hear that?"

"Hear what?" Adena replied, grabbing more blackberries.

"I thought I heard something."

They both stood still. Listening. But all Erynn could hear was the babble of the river, the chirp of several birds nearby, and the drone of a dragonfly somewhere overhead.

"Think it was Krystalix?" Adena asked.

"Maybe." Erynn continued scanning the tree line, but all she could see was blue sky and a few wisps of cloud. Still, she felt uneasy. She grabbed her pack. "We better go."

They continued west in silence, too focused on navigating a path across the valley and listening to sounds behind them to talk. Eventually they reached the edge of the valley and headed back into the trees, soon discovering that this side was much steeper than the other and the farther west they traveled the steeper the valley wall became.

Erynn paused to take a breath some time later, wondering if continuing west had been the right decision after all. Or if they should have followed the river south and taken their chances with the road. The climb was growing even more difficult, especially considering how tired they already were, but she knew there was no time to turn around and go back. The light was already fading and soon it would be dark.

She turned back to the hill and continued to climb, but hadn't gone more than a few feet when she heard a sound that stopped her cold.

Somewhere far behind them, dogs were barking.

Several feet above, Adena stopped and glanced back. "You don't suppose Holden gave up and decided to go hunting?"

Erynn started climbing again. "Only if we're the game."

They scrambled up the hill as quickly as they could, propelled by a new sense of urgency. But with every step they took, every rock they scaled, and every log they navigated, it seemed the valley wall grew steeper—steeper and more difficult to climb. At one point, an almost sheer rock face rose up almost twenty feet above them and they had to work their way south until they found a better place to climb. Several more rock faces, although not quite as high, forced them even farther south.

"I think we're getting close," Adena said some time later, pausing to take a breath and glance up the hill.

Erynn grabbed a nearby branch and looked up. She could see more light ahead, about thirty feet above. The hill appeared to level. Below her, the barking was louder now. She gazed down, searching the trees for movement, for some sign of the dogs—or the riders sure to be with them. But she saw nothing. Still, she knew they were there, and getting closer, and could tell by the excitement in their barks that the dogs knew it, too.

"At least their horses won't get up this," Adena muttered, starting to climb again. "Maybe that'll slow them down."

Erynn continued climbing. She knew her friend was right. The hillside wasn't just steep, it was covered in loose rock and strewn with fallen logs and branches. Far too dangerous for horses. But it wouldn't stop the dogs and she didn't even want to think about what might happen if they caught up. She slipped on a log, but righted herself and kept moving.

By the time they reached the top, they were both covered in dirt. Their clothes were littered with bits of leaves, moss and twigs, their hair twisted and tangled, and their hands and arms covered in scratches. But they didn't stop, and kept on running, until finally they broke through a line of brush and found themselves standing on a wide and well-worn road. The road ran north as far as the eye could see, and south about a quarter mile before disappearing around a bend in the trees.

Erynn was trying hard to catch her breath. Behind them, the barking had changed—grown labored.

"They're climbing the hill," Adena said, out of breath herself. "Now what?"

"Head south," Erynn replied, stumbling forward down the road. "Maybe we can get to that bend before they see us."

"They're dogs, Erynn. They don't need to see us."

Erynn simply ran, not seeing what else they could do. She could barely feel her legs, her lower back stiff and sore, and she had a burning stitch in her right side and what felt like a fire in her lungs and throat. But she refused to give up, and continued on down that road as fast as she could, the coins in her pack slamming noisily against her hip.

Halfway to the bend, she heard the sound of horses.

She glanced back, amazed the riders with the dogs could have climbed the hill so fast. But she saw nothing. The road was clear. Confused, she turned back and nearly ran into Adena, who had stopped in the middle of the road and was staring at something ahead of them.

Erynn gasped.

Six riders had just come around the bend to the south and were now galloping towards them.

And right out in front was Quinn.

Erynn couldn't believe her eyes. What was he doing here?

The barking behind them changed—growing even louder.

Six large black dogs had just emerged from the trees. The same dogs she had seen with Holden and Lord Caden only two days earlier. They quickly caught sight of their prey, and leapt down the road toward them, their paws tearing up the dirt and sending chunks flying into the air.

Erynn couldn't move. They were trapped!

Adena grabbed her arm and yanked her back toward the trees. "Run!"

Quinn was shouting to his men, but Erynn couldn't make out the words. All she knew was that he was headed in her direction. And so were the dogs. She ran as fast as she could, dodging low branches and leaping over rocks and tree roots.

_"Don't let them catch you, Erynn."_

Tears burned her eyes as her father's last words echoed in her mind. She had tried hard not to let them catch her. Come all this way. And now it was over. Even if they could outrun the dogs, or somehow throw them off their trail, how would they get away from Quinn? He would catch her and take her back to the castle. Or wait for Marik and whoever else was hunting them to show up. And then Lord Caden would take her to Galia. She looked up at the trees. Where was Krystalix? Didn't he know she was in trouble?

It didn't take long. Quinn and his men reached the trees around the same time as the dogs, but were closer to the girls and intercepted them first. After splitting up and spreading out around them, the men quickly closed in, cutting off access to the ridge so they couldn't escape back down the hill.

Erynn grabbed Adena's arm and pulled her back as one of the horses came dangerously close. Then they whirled around, trying to find a break in the circle that they could slip through, but each time they tried, one of the men rode forward and cut them off. And soon it was no more use trying.

The dogs raced towards them, their barks deafening.

"Quickly," Quinn said, riding closer. "Why does Marik hunt you?"

Erynn glanced at Adena, but neither of them said a word.

He pulled out his sword and pointed it at Erynn. "I won't ask you again."

"I–I don't know," Erynn said. "We're on our way to Farglen to visit a friend."

"Awful long walk," said a blonde-haired man who Erynn knew was named Briggs Colson.

The dogs reached the horses and tried to get through to their prey.

"Hold those beasts back!" Quinn shouted to his men. The horses shifted, ears laid back, and a few stomped their feet and snapped at the dogs. But the men kept the dogs back—out of the circle and away from the girls.

Quinn returned his attention to Erynn. "You still haven't given me the truth. Marik's been watching you lately. Why?"

Erynn was amazed he had even noticed, but still said nothing.

"Did you steal something?" Briggs asked.

"I didn't steal anything!" Erynn snapped.

"I'm losing my patience," Quinn said. "Let the dogs through."

"Because she knows what Holden's really up to with the Galians!" Adena blurted out.

Quinn held up his hand, signaling to his men to still hold the dogs.

Erynn shot Adena a look, not sure if it was a good idea to tell Quinn anything.

"It's not like this can get any worse!" Adena said.

The dogs were still barking and circling, trying to get through the ring of horses to their prey.

"Quinn?" Briggs said, looking concerned.

Quinn's gaze shifted from Erynn to the dogs, then he set his jaw and slid his sword back in its sheath. "Fate brings them to us, Briggs. I say we act now and take our chances." He turned to the others and motioned with a quick jerk of his head toward the dogs. "Take them. Quickly. We'll meet up later at the old wood."

Before Erynn could even register what he had said, one of the men slid down from his horse and grabbed her from behind. She struggled, but soon found herself roughly hoisted in the air and set down in the saddle in front of Quinn. He wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Hang on," he growled. Then his horse leapt forward, galloping off through the trees.

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**CHAPTER 17**

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Quinn didn't return to the road, heading south instead along the ridge. Erynn tried to glance back, to see what was happening with Adena, but he was holding her tight around the waist and she could barely move. The barking behind them intensified, as if the dogs had just realized their prey was getting away, and amid the noise she could hear her friend struggling. Then came the loud "thwack" of a blade and the barking changed. A dog whined and went quiet. Then another "thwack."

Quinn urged his horse on, riding hard, and soon Erynn couldn't hear anything but the pounding of hooves. Another horse came up behind them, and she turned and saw Adena, sitting in the saddle in front of Briggs and looking anything but pleased. But she saw no sign of the other men—or any of the dogs.

The light was fading. Quinn continued south, and soon the ground beneath them sloped downward and the ridge grew less steep. Then he turned east and headed down into the valley.

Erynn still had her pack, wedged under her arm, but as they headed down the hill it slipped loose and the coins bounced noisily against her thigh. She tried to pull it up, but her arms were still pinned and she could barely move.

"Is that your life savings or did you steal it?" Quinn said.

"I didn't steal it," Erynn snapped.

"Sounds like a lot for someone who works in the kitchen."

"Maybe my father left it for me."

"Or maybe you stole it from the king the night I caught you in his study."

Erynn didn't bother to respond. She didn't see the point. She couldn't exactly tell him the truth about the coins, and once he searched Adena's pack and found the map he wasn't likely to believe her anyway.

They emerged from the trees onto the valley floor and continued east.

Erynn glanced up at the darkening sky, wondering if Krystalix would come to her aid. He had before—in Galia, and back at the lake. But she saw no sign of the dragon.

Soon a road appeared, cutting east across the valley towards the trees. Back to Caraden. Erynn expected Quinn to take it, but instead he rode right over it and continued on. Then they came to the same river she and Adena had crossed earlier, miles to the north. He followed it south for a while, eventually guiding his horse across and on through the trees and up the hill to the edge of the forest. Here he stopped, to wait for Briggs to catch up. It was dark, but miles to the north, the flickering torch-lights marking the outer towers of Caraden Castle could be seen high up on the cliffs.

Erynn was so tired and sore from both the ride and her long journey from the castle that she could barely sit upright. But as soon as Briggs arrived, Quinn continued on, galloping through fields of wheat and over several low hills before finally coming to a stop in a clearing near the edge of another wood.

Erynn was relieved the ride was over, and too exhausted to even think about running, but Quinn clearly wasn't taking any chances. He pulled her down from the saddle, gripping her wrist tight, and marched her over to an old fire pit in the center of the clearing. Three old logs sat around the pit, the area littered with the bones of numerous small animals.

"Sit," he said, motioning to one of the logs.

Briggs was having some trouble with Adena, but he finally dragged her over to the pit and forced her to sit next to Erynn. Then he reached for their packs.

"They killed the dogs," Adena said to Erynn. "Sliced their heads clean off."

"I know," Erynn said, her eyes still on Quinn. "I heard." The mercenary didn't seem particularly worried, given what his men had done, and she found that puzzling. Marik wasn't likely to have been too far behind the dogs, delayed only by the steep hill, and if he found out who had killed them he would likely have their heads. Unless Quinn thought he could make money off her somehow? That it was worth the risk?

Briggs searched Erynn's pack, laughing as he pulled out the small sack of coins. "Must be fifty coin here. Looks like we do have a couple of thieves on our hands."

"I didn't steal it," Erynn said, getting really annoyed that they kept accusing her of being a thief.

"Then where'd you get it?"

"The king gave it to me."

"Gave it to you?" Briggs laughed. "Now why would he do a thing like that?"

"I don't know. Maybe I really am his daughter. I'm sure you've heard the rumors."

Briggs cradled the sack of coins and continued his search.

"Anything else?" Quinn asked.

"Three letter tubes. One still bearing the king's seal."

Briggs handed the tubes to Quinn, and he immediately opened the one with the king's seal. The same tube she had shown him in the hall outside the study and had been trying to send to Gareth. He shook the letter out and read it, his face remaining its usual blank self until he reached the bottom. Then one brow raised. " _Silas Caden killed Davy Taylor._ " He looked up. "Is that true?"

"Of course it's true," Erynn snapped. "Why else would I write it?"

"Your addition?"

"Yes."

Briggs seemed confused. "I thought your father was killed by thieves?"

"He was killed by a thief!" Erynn shouted. "Lord Caden stole the king's horses and killed my father. And one day I'll make him pay for it."

Briggs laughed. "Someone's gotta tell that to Marik."

Quinn didn't seem amused. "Why didn't you give this to Faris?"

"Because I didn't see the point. He doesn't take orders from the king anymore."

Briggs frowned. "What makes you say that?"

Erynn sighed, growing tired of their questions. "Because I saw him give one of the king's letters to Marik, that's why. Everything goes through Holden now. That's why he's got guards in the falconry. He's not allowing Faris to send any of his father's letters, let alone giving him the ones that come in. Even from Gareth."

Quinn stared at Erynn. Then he slipped the letter back in the tube and opened another.

Erynn knew which one it was, and all of a sudden tears came to her eyes. She gazed down at her feet, blinking hard, and prayed he wouldn't read it out loud.

"A letter from Gareth," Quinn said with a slight snort. "How thoughtful of our fine prince to write."

Erynn waited for him to say something more, to make some comment about her father, but he stuffed the letter back in the tube and opened the last one.

_"Task accomplished. Did not find book. Returning to castle. S."_ He looked up. "What's this?"

"Ask Lord Caden," Erynn replied. "I found it after he killed my father. Krystalix ate the rest of the falcon it was attached to."

Quinn remained still for a few moments. Then he returned the letter to the tube and handed them all back to Briggs. He motioned to Adena's pack. "That one next."

Erynn felt her friend tense as Briggs stuffed both the letter tubes and the sack of coins back in her pack and reached for Adena's.

"Why have you brought us here?" Adena demanded. "And why did you kill Marik's dogs?"

"We'll ask the questions," Quinn said.

Briggs grinned as he pulled the map from her pack. "What do we have here?"

Adena scowled. "None of your business."

"I'm making it my business," Quinn said, taking the map from Briggs and turning it over a few times in his hands. "And I'm guessing it's a map. And a pretty valuable one at that." He handed it back.

"Did the king give this to you, too?" Briggs asked as he slid it back in Adena's pack and set it on the ground.

Erynn just stared at Quinn. "What do you want?"

Quinn smiled. "Answers. That's what I want. And real answers this time. Like the real reason Marik's hunting you. What it is you know about the Galians?"

"Marik will kill you when he finds out what you did to his dogs," Adena said. "You really care that much?"

Quinn shrugged. "I like to know what's going on. In my line of work it helps keep you alive." He stepped closer, his face serious. "I know the Galians aren't here for a friendly visit, and right now I don't have a lot of time. Tell me what you know now or neither of you is leaving this wood."

Briggs shook his head. "They don't know anything, Quinn. They've obviously stolen these things." He motioned to Erynn. "She has access to the king's study."

Adena turned to Erynn. "Might as well tell them what you heard. Like I said, it's not like this can get any worse."

Erynn wasn't so sure. She didn't like the look on Quinn's face at all. He might just kill them once he had what he wanted, considering what they knew about the dogs. But she didn't know what else to do. Telling them who she really was might help keep her alive—if he thought he could ransom her somehow—but she didn't want to do that. Not unless she absolutely had to. "You were right the other night. I was hiding and I did hear something."

Briggs glanced at Quinn, but the mercenary didn't move, his eyes still on Erynn.

"Tell me," he said.

"The Galians are going to kill Gareth. Holden's made a deal with them."

"That's why Marik's after you?" Briggs said with a laugh. "The Galians have been trying to kill Gareth for four years. And it's not exactly a secret that Holden hopes they succeed."

"They're going to do it at a banquet in Sarda," Erynn said, glaring at him. "Twenty-five days from now." Just saying the words made her feel worse—a reminder that the days were ticking away and she still hadn't warned him.

"How?" Quinn asked.

"I don't know how."

Briggs still wasn't convinced. "Doesn't make sense, Quinn. We're talking about a couple of girls. Why send the dogs?"

"Because we could warn him," Adena said, sounding a little insulted. "If Gareth found out, Naedra's plan would be ruined."

"And how are you going to do that? You got a falcon? I didn't see one in your pack."

Adena shrugged. "We could find another way."

"Really?" Briggs laughed. "You going to deliver the message yourself? Sarda's an awfully long walk from Alyria. Even with the best horse, you'd be awfully pressed to get there in twenty-five days."

Adena rose to her feet. "I'm not scared."

Briggs stepped forward and pointed a finger at her chest. "You should be. You might have saved Lord Caden's horse from that fire, but the road can be a pretty dangerous place. Especially for a couple of girls."

"I know what the road's like," Erynn snapped.

"Then maybe you want to explain that to your friend."

Adena was about to say something, but Quinn raised a hand.

"Enough!" he said. He glared at Adena and motioned towards the log. "Sit." Erynn thought she might refuse, but he didn't take his eyes off her and after a few moments her friend finally sat back down. He turned to Erynn. "Now. Did you tell the king about this little plan?"

Erynn shook her head. "I didn't see the point."

The men remained quiet for a while, watching them, and Erynn hoped they were finished with their questions and would just get whatever it was they were going to do with them over with. Then horses approached from the west.

Quinn and Briggs both tensed and reached for their swords. Then the rest of their men appeared and they relaxed. Quinn left Briggs to watch the girls, and walked over to talk to them. Seconds later, two of the men slid down from their horses, one producing some rope from his saddle bags, while another rode off south through the trees. As the fourth man waited, still on his horse, and the other two went to the girls and proceeded to tie their hands behind their backs, Quinn walked back to Briggs and whispered something in his ear. Then they both turned and went to their horses.

Erynn realized they were leaving and stood up, pulling against the man still binding her hands. "Wait. You're leaving us here?"

Quinn gathered his reins and rode closer. "I'm going to find out if your story matches the one I get from Holden."

Erynn didn't like the sound of that. If he talked to Holden, he might find out who she really was. "But I told you why he's after us. They're going to—"

"Marik was watching you long before I caught you outside the study," Quinn said, leaning forward in his saddle. "Which tells me there's something else going on here. Something you're still not telling me. Perhaps it has something to do with why the Galians are really here, or why Krystalix suddenly seems to have gone crazy, but neither of you are going anywhere until I find out what it is."

It was dark now, but Erynn thought she caught a certain look in his eyes—like maybe he had some notion of the truth, but still wasn't sure. He seemed to be waiting, giving her a chance to change her mind and confess, but she wasn't sure Holden would even tell him the truth. So she remained quiet.

Quinn straightened in his saddle, nodding once at the two men he had obviously ordered to stay behind and guard them. Then he pulled his horse around and rode off through the trees, Briggs and the other man following along behind.

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**CHAPTER 18**

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When Quinn returned with Briggs the next morning, Erynn could tell right away he had learned the truth. She rose slowly to her feet, still stiff and sore from her long journey the day before, as well as a rather uncomfortable night on the cold hard ground. Adena pulled herself up next to her.

"Untie them," Quinn said, as he rode into the clearing.

The two men he had left behind to guard them came over and untied their ropes, but they remained close, as if worried the girls might bolt.

"Didn't exactly tell us the truth, did you?" Briggs said. He walked over and dropped a couple thick rolls of bread in their hands, his gaze lingering on Erynn. "Daughter of Maegan."

Erynn hated his tone, but was almost too hungry to care. The men left behind to watch them had given them some stale biscuits and water—untying their hands for several minutes each so they could eat. But it hadn't done much to curb her hunger and she was starving. As she tore into the roll, Briggs started pacing back and forth in front of them.

"Lord Caden was sent here to arrest you," he said. "That's why Marik's after you. Not because of some plot to kill Gareth. If any of that's true."

"I'm not lying," Erynn replied through a mouthful of bread. "I just didn't tell you I was Holden's part of the deal."

"The deal?" Quinn said as he walked over. "You mean where Holden gives you to Naedra, and in return she kills Gareth?"

"That's right. I did hear them talking about it. Holden and Lord Caden. They just didn't mention my name. I didn't even know who I was until the king told me the night of the banquet."

"And that's when the king gave you the coins? And the key to the tunnel?"

Erynn glanced at Adena. Holden had figured out how they had escaped. "The king gave me the coins, but not the key. I found that in his cabinet." She smiled a little, almost wishing she could have seen the look on Holden's face when he found out. "Holden took the king's tunnel key the night I heard them in the study. I guess he forgot his mother also had one."

Quinn didn't seem as amused. "Is that also where you acquired the map?"

"I stole the map," Adena said. "I thought we might need it."

Quinn remained quiet, staring at them. Then he shook his head and wagged a finger at Erynn. "I always knew something wasn't right about you. The way the king brought you to the castle after your father died. The way he chose you to write his letters. Then there were the rumors about him really being your father, but I always had trouble with that because he just didn't seem the type. But this? This makes sense. He was in Tallon during the war. He would have met Queen Sasha. And possibly others in the Order of the Cael. If you were a couple of years older I'd say maybe you were her lost child—and therefore worth a very high price—but unfortunately you're not. Still, Wryden could have met another Daughter when he was in Tallon. Did he tell you who your parents are?"

Erynn stuffed another piece of roll in her mouth, surprised that he knew so much about the Daughters of Maegan. "He doesn't know. A friend of his brought me here and apparently he didn't say."

"Then how'd the Galians find out you were here?" Briggs asked.

"He doesn't know that, either. He just gave me those coins and told me to leave Alyria. To go find his friend and get the answers from him."

"What's the friend's name?" Quinn asked.

Adena had already finished her roll, and now she crossed her arms and stepped forward. "Why do you care?"

"I care," Quinn said, stepping forward himself, "because now that I have your little friend here, I'm trying to figure out what I want to do with her. And you."

"You can't give her to the Galians. They'll kill her."

Quinn smirked. "Well, firstly, I can do whatever it is I like. And second, your friend's far too valuable to just hand over to the Galians without us getting something. A reward, let's say. Maybe the Order would even pay for her."

Erynn wondered if he was serious. If he did ransom her to the Order, she probably wouldn't have to worry about finding Paddon. Or her mother. He might just deliver her to both of them. She waited for him to say something more, or to even ask again who it was that had brought her to Alyria, but he turned to the other men instead.

"Best get your things together," he said. "Cole should be here soon and we'll want to clear out right away."

"Yes, we've got one mighty upset Galian Lord ready to tear up half of Alyria to find this one," Briggs said, nodding toward Erynn. "Not to mention Marik tracking us as we speak."

The other men went to work gathering up their things.

"What are you going to do with us?" Adena asked.

"Lock you up for a while," Quinn said. "At least until this place cools down and I can figure out a plan."

Erynn was glad that he wasn't taking them back to the castle—or handing her over to the Galians—but she didn't like the idea of being locked up at all. She had just ripped off another chunk of roll, and was about to ask if he was serious about ransoming her to the Order, when a rider approached from the south.

The men tensed, but it was another one of their group, the man who had headed south from the clearing on his own the night before. Quinn walked over to him as he dismounted, leaving Briggs and the other two men with the girls.

Erynn finished her roll as she watched them talk, and a few minutes later, a wagon pulled by two light-colored horses approached from the same direction. The driver was a middle-aged man with a bald head and reddish beard. A younger man of about sixteen, and looking very much like his son, sat next to him on the bench.

Erynn's mouth dropped open. The driver was the same man she had seen talking to Gareth and her father in the back of that shop in Caraden! Right before Gareth left for Ridan. The man's beard had been shorter then, and a little darker, but she knew without a doubt it was him. For several moments, all she could do was stand there and stare. Then she frowned. What would a friend of her father's—let alone a friend of Gareth's—be doing here in the woods with Quinn?

The bald man set the brake on the wagon, climbed down from his seat, and glanced around. His eyes passed briefly over Erynn—then returned. He blinked a couple of times, as if he thought she looked familiar. Then recognition passed across his face—recognition and the slightest touch of fear.

And it was right then that Erynn knew the answer. "You're not working for Holden. You're working for Gareth."

At first she didn't realize she had spoken the thought out loud. Then a silence descended over the clearing. One of the horses hitched to the wagon snorted and shook his head.

"Working for Gareth?" Adena said. "Erynn, what are you talking about?"

"I saw him talking to Gareth and my father," Erynn said, pointing to the bald man with the red beard she now assumed was Cole. "They were in the back of one of the shops in the village, just before Gareth left for Ridan." She looked at Quinn. "They killed the dogs so they could find out what we knew. And that's why he wanted to know what I heard in the study. He's spying on Holden."

Adena looked speechless, and for several moments, no one in the clearing moved or even made a sound. Then Quinn let out a breath and reached up to rub the back of his neck.

"Seems I should have just let them catch you," he said, shooting Cole a very displeased look.

Cole raised his hands. "Mason didn't tell me you had Davy's daughter. Only a couple of servants from the castle."

"And I wasn't aware the two of you had already met," said the man who had arrived just before the wagon.

Erynn's mind was reeling, trying to understand what this meant. Was her father spying for Gareth, too? And if he was, how could she not have known?

Briggs and the other two men were staring at Erynn, not looking happy at all. Even the younger man still sitting up on the wagon seat appeared shocked.

"Marik will kill us if he finds out, Quinn," Briggs said. "You know that."

Quinn didn't seem like he needed reminding. "Obviously this complicates things a bit."

"A bit?" Briggs said with a laugh. "You know what'll happen if he gets his hands on them. What he'll do to get the answers he wants."

Quinn rubbed a hand down over his face. "I say we just stick to the plan. Lock them up until things cool down." One of the men had grabbed the girls' packs, and Quinn took them from him and tossed them into the back of the wagon.

"Should be fine once we hit the road," Cole said with a bit of a shrug. "Can't track us in that much traffic."

Briggs snorted. "You don't know Marik. He doesn't need the dogs."

"Then what do you suggest, Briggs?" Quinn snapped. "Do to them what we did to the dogs? We knew this job would be risky. We just need to be more careful."

Briggs stared at Quinn. Then he turned to the other men and motioned to the girls. "Get them in the wagon."

As the men stepped forward, Cole came around and opened the back. Six bales of hay sat in the center of the box, along with several heavy blankets and sacks filled with what appeared to be grain.

"But we're on the same side," Erynn said, shaking off one of the men as he grabbed for her arm. "Can't you help us get out of Alyria? Or to the Order?"

"If Holden hasn't sent word to the bridges to watch for you, he will soon," Quinn said. "And Marik's expecting us to meet up with him later and I know he'll ask questions if anyone's missing. That man notices things more than anyone I've ever met. Not to mention he's got spies everywhere."

"Then let us go," Adena said, scowling as another man grabbed for her elbow. "We can find a way out of Alyria on our own."

"You two wouldn't stand a chance," Briggs said. "The bridges are guarded and the Delorin too wide and swift. Even if you could find a boat, you'd probably never get across."

"And I'm not exactly keen on you getting caught," Quinn added. "Not now."

"But we wouldn't say anything," Erynn said. "We want Gareth back just as much as you do. We've been trying to warn him!"

Briggs stepped closer, pointing a finger at Erynn. "Marik will make you talk, little girl. He'll want to know who killed his dogs and he will make you answer."

Erynn swallowed, remembering how Marik had questioned her in the castle kitchen. So calm and friendly. What would he be like when he was angry? Still, she refused to let Briggs scare her. If she could survive Galia, she could survive Marik. She pulled herself up a little taller and looked him right in the eye. "I'd tell him we were captured by some men on the road. Maybe those thieves you've been looking for. They didn't tie us up well and we escaped." She looked at Adena, who nodded in agreement.

"We did think they were in the area," Mason said.

Briggs didn't look convinced. "He won't buy it."

Quinn just pointed to the wagon. "In."

Mason reached for Erynn's elbow, and this time she couldn't wrench it away. He pulled her to the back of the wagon and motioned for her to climb inside. But she resisted. "What about Gareth? If you're working for him you must be communicating with him. Can you warn him?"

The men exchanged glances, an uncomfortable look spreading across each of their faces.

"Our falconer's dead," Briggs said. "Marik killed him a few months ago."

"Him and his wife," one of the other men added.

Erynn's mouth dropped open. "Your falconer was Sheldon Birch's son? I looked for Sheldon when I went to the village two days ago. I thought maybe he could help us warn Gareth."

"He's gone into hiding," Briggs said. "He left town after Caelin died and now no one can find him."

"Town?" Erynn said. "You know where he lived?"

"Blackwood."

Erynn knew Blackwood was a small town in the southwest corner of Alyria. Her father had gone there twice in the years after Gareth left, but had never taken her. Was that why he went? To see Sheldon? Or to give Caelin information to send to Gareth? And then she realized something else. "That's why Sheldon came to Caraden so often. He wasn't just there to sell daggers at the market. He was delivering messages for you."

Quinn hadn't said a word, but she could tell by his face she was right.

"Do you know if he has any falcons?" she asked. "Could he send a message to Gareth?"

"Marik took all of Caelin's falcons after he killed him," Briggs said.

"We don't know that for sure," Cole piped up. "Sheldon left to come see me that morning, right before Marik showed up. He told me Caelin had just sent a letter."

Erynn realized what this meant. "Then that falcon might have come back. At some point, Gareth would have sent it back. Right?"

"Doesn't do us much good if we don't know where Sheldon is," Quinn said. "Or if the falcon even went to him."

"But it is possible, isn't it?" Erynn asked. Sheldon had told her how smart falcons were. How loyal they were to their handlers and the lengths they might go to find them. She looked around at the men, and even up at Cole's son, but none seemed in a rush to answer.

"Sheldon always said those falcons were well trained," Cole said. "Trained to find Gareth no matter where he was, and to find Caelin when they came back, too. And other than Caelin, I can't imagine anyone else who knew those falcons better than Sheldon."

"Well, it's of no use to us now," Quinn said. "Marik has far too many spies in Blackwood to go asking questions." His gaze shifted to Adena. "Thanks, I suspect, to your father, Holden's figured out that Gareth has a contact at the castle. Someone feeding him information. And now Caelin and his wife are dead and Marik's on the hunt for Sheldon."

Adena's mouth dropped open. "My father? How do you know it was my father?"

"Because he's working for the Galians," Briggs said. "Gareth told us so in his letters."

Adena was about to respond, suddenly looking both hurt and angry, but Quinn held up a hand. "We haven't got time to discuss Keegan Fields. Or warning Gareth about that banquet. Or finding Sheldon and a falcon he may or may not have. I want you both in that wagon. Now."

At first Adena refused. Then one of the men grabbed her elbow and she shook him off and climbed into the wagon.

Mason pulled on Erynn's arm again, trying to get her into the wagon as well, but she still resisted. "What about sending someone to Sarda?"

"In twenty-five days?" Quinn said. He shook his head. "Briggs is right. Even with the best horse, that's not much time. And like I said, Marik notices things. He'd notice one of us missing and would also probably hear if any of us crossed the river."

"What about Cole?" Erynn asked, waving a hand at the wagon driver. "I mean, you are working for Gareth. You can't just let the Galians kill him."

Something flashed behind Quinn's eyes, but he remained calm and simply pointed once more at the wagon. "I need Cole to watch you. Now get in the wagon or I'll pick you up and throw you in there myself."

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**CHAPTER 19**

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Quinn and his men ordered the girls to lie face down on either side of the wagon, between the bales of hay and outside walls, then stretch their arms out over their heads. They bound their wrists once more, securing them to corner posts under the seat so they couldn't think of jumping out, then they stepped back to let Cole and his son—who Erynn learned was named Jaynus—cover them with blankets and arrange sacks of grain at their feet.

Smothered in a darkness reeking of hay, horse, and mildew, and blocked from even talking to Adena by the thick wall of hay between them, Erynn found the only comfort was a few wide cracks in the floorboards. She inched over, until her nose was right on top of one, then pressed her head down to breathe in the fresh air.

The men talked briefly, away from the wagon where she couldn't hear, then Cole and Jaynus climbed back up to their seat and the wagon lurched forward, turning in a circle and heading out of the clearing the way it came. For a long while the path was rough, each bump slamming Erynn down into the floorboards and jarring her bones, tiny splinters pricking her face and arms, but eventually it grew smoother and the wagon picked up speed. Soon other horses passed by, and wagons, and she realized they were on a road.

It was hot and musty under the blankets, and the hay made her nose tickle, but Erynn tried to stay focused on the sliver of dirt passing by below. She wondered where Cole was taking them, and whether they might have a chance to escape when he moved them from the wagon. She also thought about Sheldon, wondering if he did have that last falcon—wherever he was—and certain that if he did, it was probably the only chance they had to warn Gareth. And even though she tried really hard not to, she also couldn't help thinking about Briggs—and whether he was right when he said they didn't stand a chance of getting out of Alyria themselves. Maybe it would be better to let Cole lock them up—and keep them fed and warm—and simply hope Quinn could get them to Brye or the Order of the Cael when it was safe. The only thing that worried her, was would it ever be safe?

Above her head, the seat creaked, as if someone had turned to look down at the wagon. She assumed it was Jaynus, checking to make sure the prisoners were still where they were supposed to be. Then she heard him gasp.

"Look, father!" he cried. "It's the dragon!"

Under the blankets, Erynn tensed. Krystalix? After the long ride with Quinn, and long night in the woods, she had pretty much given up hope that the dragon might come to her rescue.

The seat creaked again—a little louder.

"Where?" Cole asked.

"Back there, above the trees. Or he was a second ago."

Cole muttered something and the seat creaked again. He slapped the reins, shouting at the horses. The wagon picked up speed, and for what seemed like forever, neither he nor his son said a word.

"What do you think it means?" Jaynus asked finally.

"That Marik might be a lot closer to that clearing than Quinn thought," Cole said, tension in his voice. "And that it's good we got out of there when we did."

Erynn lay still, listening for the dragon's scream—or some other sign he meant to help her. Would he attack Cole and his son? She didn't want to see either of them hurt, but she didn't exactly want to be locked up either—despite her fear that Briggs might be right. She hated being stuck under the blankets and not knowing what was going on, and was tempted to wrestle them back, but a wagon had passed by a few minutes earlier and she knew she couldn't risk being seen. A girl tied up in the back of a wagon was sure to be remembered—and reported.

Minutes passed, but Erynn heard nothing more. Whatever Krystalix was doing, it didn't appear to be coming to her rescue. She closed her eyes and pressed her head against the boards again, and it wasn't long after that she heard another sound—distant at first but quickly growing louder.

Horses thundering down the road behind them.

The wagon slowed and moved over to the left side of the road, bits of grass appearing through the cracks in the boards. At least a half-dozen horses caught up to them in what seemed like no time at all, but they didn't pass the wagon, just maintained an even pace behind it. Then at least two riders came up alongside.

"You there!" came a man's voice. "Stop the wagon!"

Erynn didn't recognize the voice, but was still struck cold with fear. She could tell by his tone and the sound of the horses, the clinking of bits and spurs, that they were soldiers from the castle. And she could think of only one reason why they might want to stop the wagon.

Cole called to the horses, easing them back, and soon the wagon came to a stop.

Erynn could barely breathe, terrified that the slightest movement might be noticed. Or that the blankets and sacks by her feet had shifted during the journey and already exposed her to view. The horses were so close to the side of the wagon that she could hear them munching their bits, and practically feel the exhale of their breath through the blankets.

"Morning," Cole said, a slight trace of tension in his voice. "What can I do for you fine men?"

"Where are you coming from?" came the same voice that had requested they stop. He sounded young, perhaps only a few years older than Erynn herself.

"Caraden. Just went to visit my brother and pick up some grain and supplies."

"We're looking for two girls. Around sixteen. Possibly in the company of some men."

"Perhaps not willingly," said another man, sounding older, closer to the end of the wagon.

"Yes," said the first. "Perhaps not willingly. Have you seen anyone like that?"

"Saw plenty of girls that age in town," Cole said, sounding a little confused. "But I don't recall seeing any on the road, although truthfully I really haven't paid much attention."

"Did these girls do something wrong?" Jaynus asked.

"You could say that," the soldier said. "They're wanted for the murder of King Wryden."

It was like someone had stabbed her in the chest with an ice cold blade. And before Erynn could catch herself, she gasped. The king was dead? But how?

One of the horses next to the wagon snickered and shook his head, as if he had heard her under the blankets.

Cole cleared his throat. "I–I hadn't heard he died. When did this happen?"

"He was found a few hours ago. The girls were servants in the castle, one of them his scribe. Someone he trusted."

Erynn bit her lip hard, fighting back tears and an urge to sit up and tell whoever this soldier was that it wasn't true. That she would never hurt the king. And that she couldn't have. She wasn't even there! Holden was just desperate to find her, and was obviously using this as an excuse. He would turn everyone in Alyria against her, so no one would help her escape. So anyone who saw her would report her on sight. She didn't even want to think about what some of those people might do if she was caught. If Briggs wasn't right about their chances of escape before, he definitely was now.

"That's horrible," Cole said. "I sure hope you catch them."

"We will," the soldier said, sounding quite confident. "After all, there isn't anywhere they can go. The bridges are watched and Prince Holden says anyone found helping them will be put to death. It's only a matter of time really."

"You–you think they're in the area?"

"They were last seen west of Caraden, but we believe it's possible they've been picked up and are heading this way. We're just out spreading the word. Obviously the more people who know we're after them, the faster we'll find them."

"Well, if I see anything, I'll report it immediately," Cole said. "And I'll be sure to tell anyone else I see, too."

"What are you looking at, kid?" came that second older voice near the end of the wagon.

"Krystalix," Jaynus said. "He's there again. Just over those trees."

Saddle leather creaked all around and for several seconds it was quiet.

Erynn listened, hoping the dragon would attack this time. Hoping he would tear to shreds every last one of these men who worked for Holden. Holden had killed his father, she was sure of it. He had killed him because he had helped her escape. Because he had interfered.

"It's just the Galians," the first soldier said, as if he had seen the dragon a million times before. "They're waiting for word from Marik. Krystalix must be pestering them again."

"Glad we're not assigned to them," another man behind the wagon muttered. "He's already killed four of their men."

"We will be if we don't get to Chapley before dark," said the second soldier.

The young leader of the group reminded Cole to report any sightings of the girls at once. Then he and the rest of the soldiers departed, galloping off down the road. One of Cole's horses snorted and stomped a hoof, as if eager to continue on and get home, but for several long seconds the two men up on the bench remained still.

"Does this mean Holden is now King of Alyria?" Jaynus asked finally. "Because Gareth isn't here?"

"I don't know," Cole said, his voice quiet. "But I do know things have changed in Alyria. And not for the better."

He slapped the reins and the wagon lurched forward, slowly picking up pace as it continued on down the road.
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**CHAPTER 20**

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Trapped under the heavy blankets, Erynn thought she might die. The tears flowed for a while, dampening the floorboards, but eventually they stopped. Then her nose grew stuffy and it became even more difficult to breathe. Several times she came close to pushing the blankets back so she could get some air, no longer caring if she was seen. But somehow she hung on, and soon they left the main road and headed east on another riddled with rocks and small holes. They passed over a hill, and along what sounded like fields of grazing sheep, before the wagon slowed and Jaynus leapt down and ran ahead. The light under the wagon faded, and then the wagon stopped. Somewhere nearby a pig snorted.

Cole climbed down and went around to Erynn's side of the wagon. He pulled back the blankets and in seconds had produced a dagger and cut the ropes from her hands.

Erynn sat up slowly, rubbing her sore wrists and wincing at the light. She hadn't expected him to free her so soon, assuming he would first take her to wherever it was he planned to lock them up. As he walked around to Adena's side of the wagon, she saw they were in the middle of a large barn, the sliding doors still open and the afternoon sun streaming inside. Four horses gazed at her from stalls on either side of the aisle, several pigs shuffling about in a pen by the side door.

Jaynus was standing near the tailgate, watching her.

"Run up to the house and tell your mother to pack some food," Cole said, pulling back the blankets that covered Adena. "Enough for a couple of days if she can. And keep an eye on the road. If you see anyone coming—anyone at all—I want you to come tell me right away."

Jaynus nodded, taking one last look at Erynn before turning and leaving the barn.

"Don't worry about trying to escape," Cole said, cutting through Adena's ropes. "I'm letting you both go."

The second Adena was free, she grabbed her pack and hopped over the side of the wagon, backing away from him as if she feared this might be some kind of trick.

Erynn just blinked. He was letting them go?

"Why?" Adena asked. "I thought Quinn wanted us locked up until things cooled down?"

Cole slid the dagger away in a sheath on his belt, not looking particularly pleased with his decision or her reminder. "Well, that was before I found out the king was dead and Holden's blaming you." He reached back into the wagon and pulled out a small sack, handing it to Adena. "There's a few apples in there. It's not much, but I'm sure you girls are starving. Jaynus will bring something more."

Erynn grabbed her pack and climbed over the side of the wagon. Learning about the king hadn't left her with much of an appetite, but she had still barely eaten a thing since the banquet and knew she needed to eat something.

"We were lucky today," Cole said, as Adena handed her one of the apples. "I thought for sure those soldiers were going to search the wagon. Tomorrow we might not be so lucky. If Marik finds that clearing, which I'm sure he will, he'll know you left in a wagon. And if he spreads the word and those men remember my face..." His voice trailed off and he rubbed a hand over his bald head, suddenly looking quite pale. "When your father asked me to hold letters for Sheldon, and to meet with Quinn, I agreed because he was a friend and because I believed in Gareth. And because I didn't think there was much harm in it. But then Holden went and passed that stupid law, making falconry illegal, and Caelin and Kendra were killed. Now the king's dead and Galians are running around Alyria. It's getting out of hand."

"I understand," Erynn said between bites of her apple. "Believe me, the last thing I want is anyone else getting killed because of me." Just the thought of the king brought tears to her eyes again, but she forced them back.

"We don't know that's what happened," Adena said. She had wandered over to the open doors and was peering carefully outside as she munched on her apple. "The king was old. And you've said yourself he hasn't been well lately."

"You didn't hear Holden, Adena. He killed his father for interfering with his plans. For helping me escape. I'm sure of it. Quinn thought the king gave me the tunnel key. Holden must have thought that, too."

"It's still not your fault. You didn't ask for this. To have the Galians after you. Or to be who you are."

Erynn didn't agree, but she didn't want to argue, either. She wiped her eyes and sat down on a bench outside one of the stalls. It was like she was stuck in some kind of bad dream. Just a few hours ago she was running from the Galians and trying to get used to being a Daughter of Maegan. Now she really was a fugitive, wanted for the murder of the king. And soon Gareth would be dead and Holden would officially be the next King of Alyria—if he wasn't calling himself that already. And she had known it was going to happen. In a way, Gareth's death would be her fault, too.

"What about Quinn?" Adena asked. "He wasn't exactly keen on us running around on our own."

"He won't be pleased," Cole said. "But he'll know Wryden's death and the warrant for you changes things. And that I can't risk Marik finding you here. Of course, you two need to be careful. Get out of Alyria as soon as you can. And don't get caught. The longer you're here, the greater the risk Marik will catch up to you. He's smart, that man. More so than a lot of people give him credit for. And if you do get caught, you better tell him that story you told Quinn. And make him believe it. If you don't we could all end up dead."

"We will," Adena said.

Erynn wished she shared her friend's confidence, but just the thought of facing Marik made her feel sick—and terrified to head back out on their own. Part of her wanted to curl up inside one of Cole's empty stalls, right there in the barn, and hide. To wait until things had cooled down just like Quinn wanted. What if they did get caught? She could still see Marik's face as he stood next to her in the castle kitchen, studying hers for some sign the king had warned her. Looking for the truth. Would he believe her?

Cole lowered the wagon's rear gate and began folding the blankets, but he still seemed bothered. "I wish there was more I could do to help. Even take you to Brye myself. For your father at least, Erynn. He was a good friend. A good man. He didn't deserve what happened, but I have no doubt Lord Caden will get what's coming to him one day."

Erynn realized that Quinn must have filled Cole in about her father and Lord Caden before they left the clearing. She finished the last of her apple, then let the horse in the stall next to her take the core from her hand. "I still can't believe my father was spying on Holden. And that I had no idea."

"Not Holden so much," Cole replied. "It was more the king. Your father had access to him that Quinn didn't have. Had his trust. He tried to keep Gareth informed on what his father was up to. What he was thinking about things. Stuff like that."

Erynn knew her father went up to the castle almost every day, but didn't realize he had spent so much time with the king. "Did he and Quinn bring you the information? And you gave it to Sheldon? Is that how it worked?"

"Davy would come here if he had something important he thought Gareth should know, or give it to Sheldon when he saw him in town. Sheldon would stop by here on his way to and from Caraden, to drop letters off or pick any up. Then he'd take them down to Caelin to send to Ridan. But he didn't know I was delivering them to Quinn. And neither did Caelin. Only that Gareth had someone else in Caraden—someone besides your father—feeding him information. Your father and I were the only ones who knew. I'd meet up with Quinn in that old wood every few weeks or so, to exchange letters. Occasionally your father would meet us there."

"What is Quinn doing for Holden, exactly?" Adena asked. "I've never really understood why he even has him around."

"Helping him build an army. Among the other odd jobs Marik likes to throw his way, at least."

Adena frowned. "I thought Holden already had an army."

"Yes, but he knows a lot of those men are still loyal to Gareth. Especially if our Crown Prince comes home. Marik's been trying to weed them out, especially the more senior ones, but they know they'll never get rid of everyone. What they need are more men. Men who will fight for money, not loyalty. Quinn knows people like that."

Erynn still found it all so confusing. "The king didn't trust Quinn at all. And until today, I didn't think Gareth—or my father—did, either."

"Well, Quinn would be the one to tell you about that. Although I must admit it came as a surprise to me, too. I thought he had picked his road. I don't know what Gareth said to him." He paused, scratching at his chin. "I don't suppose Quinn asked about your trip to Galia?"

"No," Erynn said. "Why would he ask about that?"

Cole hesitated, as if he wasn't sure he should have even brought it up. "Because he never has figured out who your father went to meet. I thought he might have asked you."

"You mean who my father bought the horses from?"

"Buying horses was the excuse that got the three of you across the bridge."

Erynn frowned. "I don't understand."

Cole took a deep breath. "Your father went to Galia to buy horses a few months before Gareth left. He told us when he got back that he'd met someone while he was there. Someone who had access to Naedra and who he thought might be able to help with some information, but at the time wasn't willing to talk. Apparently something changed before your father made that last trip, but he wouldn't tell us what. Only that he wanted to go talk to this person again. So he convinced the king that he needed some fresh breeding stock, and off the three of you went."

Erynn stared at him. The trip to Galia wasn't about horses? Her gaze shifted to the wagon as she went back over the trip in her mind, thinking back on everything that had happened from the time they left Caraden until the time they left Cold Lake. Everything her father had said. Everyone they had spoken to. Searching for some sort of proof that Cole was right. Something she hadn't noticed at the time. But she couldn't think of anything. Was it true?

"Erynn?" Cole asked.

She glanced back up at him.

"Do you remember your father meeting with anyone? Other than the man he bought the horses from? Or mentioning names? It could be important."

Erynn shook her head, feeling almost numb now. Not a single name or face stood out. She couldn't even remember the name or face of the man they had bought the horses from. "I don't remember."

"Maybe Jared would know," Adena said. "If we could find him."

"My father wouldn't tell Jared something like that and not tell me," Erynn said, a little angrier than she had intended.

Cole sighed. "Well, there's not much we can do about it now, anyway, even if we did know. We have no way to tell Gareth who that person is, or help arrange for him to get any information." He reached for the last two blankets and quickly folded them. Then he set them on another bench and started unhitching the horses.

"Did Gareth know?" Erynn asked.

Cole paused. "Gareth?"

"Did he know my father went to Galia again? And why he went? The real reason?"

Cole was quiet. Then he nodded. "Quinn did mention it in one of his letters."

Erynn rested her head back against the wall and closed her eyes. Now she knew why Gareth had sent her that letter: the one telling her how sorry he was to hear the news. Her father had gone to Galia to help him. To help Ridan. Perhaps in a way he felt responsible for what had happened.

Jaynus returned a short time later, carrying two small bundles of food. Erynn and Adena each took one and slipped them in their packs, along with a couple more apples. Then, while Jaynus finished tending to the horses, Cole walked them to the side door. Out back was an open pasture scattered with grazing sheep, and a line of trees on the far side.

"You'll need to watch out for Thornhill," Cole said. "About twenty-files miles south of here. And any other towns, as well. The news about the king—and that warrant—will spread quickly and people will be watching for you."

Erynn simply nodded, feeling somewhat awkward as they stood there at the door. She supposed she should thank him for letting them go, but had to admit she was still somewhat reluctant to leave. She was worried about what they might face in the days ahead, now that there was a warrant out for their arrest, and also curious what else he might know about her father. What else her father might have been up to in those years before he died. And that brought her back to Gareth, and the fate that likely awaited him at that banquet in Sarda. "Do you think Quinn will change his mind about looking for Sheldon? Now that the king's dead?"

Cole shook his head. "Like he said, it's dangerous now. And probably even more so now that the king's dead. Marik's already looking for Sheldon, and if he hears Quinn is as well, he might just figure things out."

Erynn glanced out at the trees across the pasture. "I just hate to think we might go right by him and not even know it."

"Well, I doubt he's up here anywhere. Not this far north. Sheldon has more friends in the south now. More people he trusts. And he knows the land better. My guess is he hasn't gone that far from Blackwood. He also has his granddaughter to look after now. If he needs help, he'll have it down there."

"Surely one of those friends must know where he is?"

"Wade Parsons is the only person I can think of who might. He runs the Blackwood Inn, where Sheldon's been living ever since his wife died, and is probably his closest friend down there—or at least that's what I've gathered from talking to him. Wade even let Caelin move his falconry to the inn after Holden passed that stupid law."

"They had their falconry at the inn?" Adena asked. "Wasn't that dangerous?"

"Yes, which is why they ended up moving it again—only a few weeks before Caelin was killed, actually. Truth be told, I think they underestimated how serious Holden was about that law, and figured Gareth would be back soon enough and eliminate it. But it did work well for a while, hidden as it was up in the attic and the whole place surrounded by trees."

"Maybe that's how Marik found out about what they were doing," Adena said. "Someone at the inn saw the falcons."

"We wondered about that, but if it was, Wade likely would have been killed, too. Or at least questioned. And he wasn't. Quinn's tried to find out, but Marik's never said much. Still, he doesn't get the sense Marik knows about that falconry." He paused, now looking a little uncomfortable. "Of course, you mustn't tell anyone I told you. Wade still could be killed if Marik found out. Whether he has falcons up there or not."

"I think his secret's safe," Adena said, hitching her pack up on her shoulder and looking eager to get started. "Not much chance of us going to Blackwood. We're going to have enough trouble just getting out of Alyria."

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**CHAPTER 21**

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They headed out across the back pasture of Cole's farm, running for the trees and trying to avoid any more open fields so they wouldn't be seen. Cole's wife had packed them some biscuits, as well as a few pieces of fruit and some vegetables, but they ate little, too focused on getting out of the area in case Marik was able to track the wagon—and not sure how long it might have to last. Erynn still had the small sack of gold in her pack, but the money was almost useless to them now. As long as they were wanted for the murder of the king, they couldn't risk going into one of the towns to buy food or horses, let alone approach any cottages along the way.

It was late when they came to the main road south from Caraden, the sun already starting to set. Since it was fairly busy, people passing by in wagons and on horseback, they followed alongside it for a while—keeping safely out of sight—until they found a place where the trees came close on either side. As they sat down in the bush for a rest, and to wait for the road to clear, a man rode by on a bay mare, and then a short while later a wagon appeared, headed north and driven by a man with two teen boys and a box full of hay.

Erynn glanced up at the wisps of cloud overhead, just as she had several other times throughout the day, even though she had still seen no sign of Krystalix.

"Wondering where your friend is?" Adena asked.

Erynn felt strange hearing her call him that. "A little. One thing's for sure, though. If he's still following the Galians, then at least we know they're not in the area."

"If he's still following them," Adena said. "I still don't understand why he didn't come when Quinn caught us. If he is trying to help you."

Erynn didn't understand that herself, but didn't see any point in debating it. They were free, and getting farther and farther from Caraden, and that was all that mattered.

Another wagon disappeared around the bend to the south, the road now clear in both directions.

"Ready?" Adena asked, pulling herself up into a crouch.

Erynn nodded, but before she could gather up her pack and dart out across the road, she heard horses.

"Wait!" she said, grabbing Adena's arm.

Seconds later, five soldiers rode around the bend to the north, from the direction of Caraden, and thundered down the road toward them. Erynn recognized the dark-haired man out in front. She had seen him around the stables, and talking to Marik, but didn't know his name. She ducked down as the group rode past, hoping they didn't see her.

"They're searching for us," Adena said when the soldiers were gone. "I saw them scanning the roadside."

Erynn had seen that, too. "Go. Now. In case they come back."

Moving together, they darted out to the road and across to the other side, scrambling down a short bank to the trees. From there they headed inland, ignoring the aches in their legs and feet, and continuing on until it was dark and they couldn't possibly go any farther.

The next morning, Erynn woke early and reached into her pack for one of the apples. When she was finished, she walked over to a nearby creek to have a drink. Adena was up by the time she returned and had pulled out the king's map.

"Can we look at this?" her friend asked. "I didn't mention it yesterday because we were in a rush, and I knew you were still upset about the king, but I'd like to get a better idea of where we are. And where we're headed, if we can."

Erynn hesitated, the sight of the map tearing at her heart as she thought again of the king. Then she reached out and took it from her friend's hand. "It's not as detailed as you think. Valentia is a big place."

She slipped the ribbon off, and spread the map out on the grass in front of them. Immediately she thought it looked different somehow, no longer the same map she used to stare at in the study. And in a way she was also suddenly glad they had it—glad they did and not Holden. She could picture him sitting at his father's desk, reading his letters from Gareth and trying on his crown. And it made her angry. So angry that she wished again that she could do something. Something that would destroy his plans with the Galians and ensure Gareth came home.

Then she realized what it was about the map that seemed different to her this time. Up until a few days ago she had always looked upon Brye as the place she was born. Her first home. Now, staring at the map, she knew that story was a lie and that she had no idea where she was born. Any one of the eleven kingdoms could be her first home—even Alyria.

"Is this the road we were on yesterday?" Adena asked, pointing to the road that ran south from Caraden, then forked into two smaller roads leading out of Alyria. "The same one we crossed last night?"

"Yes, and we're probably getting close to Thornhill, which is right where that road forks. We need to be careful."

"Do you think we should follow the road down to South Crossing? Or just head for the river from here?" Adena didn't look particularly excited at the thought of her second choice, although she did seem somewhat resigned to the fact that they would probably have to cross the Delorin River at some point other than a bridge—which were sure to be watched.

"Probably best to make for the river," Erynn said. She pointed to a town about halfway between North Falls and South Crossing. Right on the edge of the river. "Renford's a fairly big place. Maybe we can find a boat near there."

Adena didn't look so sure. "I thought the Delorin was easier to cross the farther south you went?"

"It is. But they might not suspect us to go there. And we might never find a boat near South Crossing with everyone watching for us."

Adena was quiet. Erynn could tell she was still worried about the river, so decided to change the subject. She pointed to a large cluster of trees near the west coast of Alyria. "Blackwood's over here, on the eastern edge of this forest."

"Definitely nowhere near where we're going," Adena said, gazing at it briefly before her eyes drifted back across Alyria. "Maybe Quinn will change his mind about Sheldon when he learns about the king. Especially if he thinks Holden did it."

"I doubt it. And like Cole said, he might even think it's more risky, now that Holden can do whatever he wants and doesn't have to worry about his father."

"Well, maybe we can find a falcon when we get to Brye. At least they're not illegal there."

Erynn had already thought about that. "I don't think we'll have time."

Adena looked up, frowning. "Why not?"

"Because I think it's going to take us longer to get across the river than you think. It's a long walk to Renford, Adena. Even longer to South Crossing, if we do have to go all that way. And even if we do get across, you can be sure Holden will send word to King Agar about us, if he hasn't already. Which means the Bryans will be looking for us, too. Going into towns and asking about falconers might be just as dangerous as buying food or horses here. It would be easier—and probably faster—if we could find Sheldon and that falcon. The one Cole talked about. You heard what he said. Caelin's falcons know Gareth. They're trained to find him."

"But there isn't anything we can do about that now. Blackwood's too far away and we need to get out of Alyria before Marik catches up to us."

Erynn sighed. "I know. I just wish it wasn't."

"Besides, we don't even know if Sheldon does have that falcon," Adena said, seeming a little concerned that Erynn was dwelling on this. "Even if we could find him." She paused for a moment, then shrugged. "You told Quinn what the Galians are planning. Now it's up to him to warn Gareth. He is supposed to be working for him, remember?"

"Supposed to be," Erynn said. She tried shifting her attention back to the Delorin River, and how they were going to get across, but her eyes kept returning to Blackwood. She wished it wasn't so far. She had half a mind to go there herself and find Sheldon. Marik's spies or not.

"What's this?" Adena asked, pointing to a symbol near the center of Alyria: a circle with the letter "M" inside.

"It supposedly marks the site of an old temple. One built to honor Maegan."

"A temple?" Adena frowned. "I've never heard of that."

"There are three of them," Erynn said, pointing briefly at the other two symbols in Brye and Cardel and remembering how the king had always seemed so reluctant to answer her questions about them. At least now she knew why.

"Have you ever seen one?"

"I didn't even know they existed until I saw the map. My father never mentioned them."

"Never?" Adena looked a little surprised.

Erynn shook her head.

"Do you think he knew about them? About the one here?"

"I can't see how he didn't. He traveled all over Alyria."

Adena thought about this for a few moments. "Maybe he was worried that you'd want to go there. And that if you did, maybe you'd somehow figure out the truth."

Erynn didn't see how she could, but didn't really feel like talking about that now. "Maybe."

"Would you like to see one? I mean, if we had time? The one in Brye is not that far from Highcastle and we are going in that direction."

"It's pretty close to the Bryan Forest. I thought you didn't want to go near there?"

Adena seemed to have forgotten about that. "It's not inside the forest."

Erynn shrugged. "I guess."

"You don't sound very excited. I would have thought you'd be interested in finding out more about the Daughters of Maegan. Now that you know you are one."

"We wouldn't exactly be in this mess if I wasn't."

Adena smiled. "Yes, you'd still be in the kitchen, peeling potatoes and listening to Mirella, and I'd be out in the stables, knee deep in manure."

"Well, at least that wouldn't get us killed." Erynn reached into her pack for a biscuit, even though she knew she should probably save the food as much as she could. "I just want to find the Order of the Cael and my birth parents. And figure out some way to get Marik and Lord Caden off my trail."

Adena watched her for a short time, then pulled the map closer and shifted her attention east. A furrow appeared in her brow. "The Ethlon castle is in Ortelion, right?"

"Gareth's letters never said your father was there, Adena. Just that he left."

"But Jared heard those men talking, didn't he? They said my father was living at the castle and that's where he was planning to go, right?"

As Erynn swallowed down a piece of biscuit, she thought back on that last night in Cold Lake. How she had sat on the bed in their room at the inn and watched as her father argued with Jared, trying to convince him not to leave and that Ethlon was too dangerous. Eventually he had given up and gone downstairs, while Jared continued to pack his things. She had just sat there, watching him. Not wanting him to leave but not knowing how to say it. He was only three years older than she was, but with Jared it had always seemed like so much more. "That's what he said."

"I wish I knew what else Gareth might have written about in those letters. The ones Briggs mentioned. If he ever said anything about Jared."

Erynn quickly ate the last of the biscuit and pulled herself up, wiping the crumbs from her hands. "We should go."

Adena nodded, but continued to stare at the map—and Ortelion—like she was trying to commit it to memory. Then she carefully rolled the map back up, slipped the ribbon on, and handed it to Erynn. "I suppose you should carry it."

Erynn didn't say a word. Just took the map and slipped it in her pack. Then, when Adena was ready, they resumed their journey, stopping at the creek for a drink, and deciding to follow it south.

Neither said much as the day passed. Erynn continued to think about Brye, and whether it might be possible to find a falconer in time, and she had a feeling Adena was still thinking about Ethlon. Then, later in the afternoon, she saw cows grazing in a field about a mile away and started to wonder if maybe they were drifting too far east. Toward Thornhill. Not long after that she caught a whiff of smoke and stopped.

"I think we should cross the creek," she said. "Maybe head west for a while."

"You don't think we should follow it?" Adena asked. "It's pretty warm out and we don't have any way to carry water."

"I think we're going too far east. I can smell smoke."

Adena sniffed at the air. "I don't smell it."

Erynn wasn't surprised. "Well, I do. There's probably a cottage up ahead somewhere."

Adena gazed over at the creek. "It looks tricky here. Too deep, and not enough rocks. Let's try going a little farther. See if we can find a better spot."

Erynn wanted to cross now, growing even more worried about that smoke and that it might mean people nearby. But the water did seem to have grown both deeper and faster, and they were definitely going to get wet if they tried to cross. So when Adena started walking again, continuing in the same direction along the path, she simply followed along behind.

Soon the terrain along the edge of the creek grew rocky and steep, as if they were traveling along the top of a ridge, and eventually they came to the end of the path. About twenty yards east, the ridge dropped sharply down to the trees below, and up ahead the creek continued on for a while before disappearing out of sight over the edge of what appeared to be a short falls.

Adena glanced around, not seeming particularly pleased with their situation and realizing they should have crossed earlier. Then she pointed to a gap in the rocks along the edge of the ridge. "Maybe there's a way down over there."

Erynn followed her over to the gap. The drop was only about thirty feet, and certainly possible to climb down, but the face was steep and it wouldn't be easy. Still, they didn't seem to have any other choice. Adena dropped to her knees and started down, and as soon as she was out of the way, Erynn started after her.

"How long do you think it would take to get to Ortelion from Highcastle?" Adena asked as they descended. "Weeks, do you think? By horse, I mean?"

Erynn swatted at a fly that had buzzed too close. She was trying to stay focused on what she was doing, a little annoyed that she hadn't insisted on crossing the creek earlier, and the last thing she wanted was to be thinking about Ethlon. "It's dangerous there, Adena. Way more than Brye. Or here." She thought she might have heard a horse snort nearby, but brushed it off as water rushing down over the rocks. A second later she slipped on a patch of loose dirt, but managed to catch herself. She wiped her hands against her cloak, ridding herself of the sweat and grime, then continued her descent.

"I know," Adena said, reaching the bottom and pausing to wait for her. "It just doesn't seem as far from Highcastle as it does from here. Once we get there, anyway."

Erynn reached the bottom and wiped her hands again. "I think we should just concentrate on getting across the river." She walked past Adena and around the edge of the ridge, heading back toward the creek where she hoped they would find a calm place to cross. But just as she came around the bend and saw the falls, she froze.

Five horses stood saddled and waiting near the pool at the bottom, their riders not far away. One of the men was crouched by the water, having a drink. Three more were standing nearby. The fifth, a dark-haired man, was sitting on a rock a few feet from where she stood, chewing on a strip of dried meat.

They were soldiers. The same five soldiers Erynn and her friend had seen galloping down the road from Caraden the day before. And now they had walked right into them.

The men near the water turned in surprise, clearly not hearing the girls over the rush of the falls. And the one with the dark hair smiled.

"How about that," he said. "If it ain't the two girls we've been looking for."

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**CHAPTER 22**

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Erynn had worried even before leaving Cole's barn that they might get caught. But she hadn't expected it to happen so fast. So distracted by the steep climb down the rocks, and Adena's talk about Ethlon, she hadn't paid much attention to where she was going—or the possibility that those five soldiers might still be in the area, and might even seek rest and water at the very same creek she and Adena had been following all morning.

_"Don't let them catch you, Erynn."_

Erynn heard her father's voice as she turned and ran, darting into the trees near the base of the ridge. But the soldiers were quick and came after her, and before long she was caught and being dragged rather roughly back to the falls. Adena gave them a bit more of a chase—and struggle—but before long her friend was standing next to her, not looking at all pleased. Erynn couldn't believe it. Barely a day from Cole's farm and already her journey was over. She had failed.

She expected the soldiers to take them north to the castle, but while one of them did head north to advise Marik, the rest bound them both at the wrist and marched them east into Thornhill, only a few miles away. The dark-haired soldier made a comment about Krystalix, and how he didn't want the dragon interfering with his collection of the reward Holden was offering for his father's killers, but as far as Erynn could tell, he had no idea who she really was or why the dragon was even acting so oddly in the first place.

The walk into town seemed to take forever, and Erynn again saw no sign of Krystalix, even though she continued to watch for him and to hope he might help her this time. When they finally arrived, the soldiers didn't know where to take them, but eventually they settled on a blacksmith's shop on the far side of town and forced the girls on down the road.

People stopped to stare as they passed by, confusion on their faces, followed by anger and hate as they realized who the girls were. Several even followed the group down the road.

"Killers!" one woman yelled.

"String them up!" came another cry.

Erynn trembled and kept her eyes on the road. She had done nothing wrong, but still these people wanted her dead. She didn't even want to think about what might have happened if the townspeople had caught them.

Three men streaked in sweat and soot were hard at work in the blacksmith's shop when the soldiers pushed them through the open doors and demanded the men stop what they were doing and help shackle the girls to the back wall. One of the men retrieved two pairs of irons from a pile in the corner, and assisted in locking them up—close enough to the forge to feel the heat, but too far away to reach any of the tools and weapons strewn along the rough stone ledge next to it. Erynn and Adena were then forced to sit on the dirt floor, waiting, while the soldiers stood guard and the men in the shop returned somewhat uneasily to their work.

Erynn felt miserable. Captured twice in as many days, they had gone from ropes to chains, and this time escape seemed impossible. Other than the open double doors at the front of the shop, which the soldiers were guarding closely to prevent any of the growing crowd outside from getting in, there was only one other way out: a large wooden door along the back wall. And it was barricaded by a heavy beam.

Marik arrived just as the sun was setting, entering the shop with Quinn. Two of the blacksmiths were still present, and he immediately ordered them to leave.

"Erynn," he said, walking across the shop toward them. "How good it is to see you again. I've sent word to Lord Caden that you've been found. I'm sure he won't be long behind me." He appeared rather pleased, but Quinn seemed tense, his hand never straying far from the hilt of his sword.

Erynn stood, chains rattling, and tried hard to keep her eyes on Marik.

"You're not taking us back to the castle?" Adena asked, rising to stand next to her.

"The Galians will take Erynn from here. You I'll be taking back to the castle myself, where I look forward to seeing justice served."

"Justice?" Adena said with a laugh. "You know we didn't kill the king. We weren't even there."

"We can discuss our dear departed king later," Marik replied. "First we have other business to attend to."

Erynn swallowed. She knew exactly what business he was talking about. He was going to ask them who killed his dogs.

The dark-haired soldier stepped forward, still present with his other three men in the shop. "We found some letter tubes in their packs. And a sack of gold and what looks like a map." He pointed to a table near the door, where one of the men had set their packs and pulled out each of the items inside.

"Must have stolen them from the king," said the soldier, glaring at the girls.

Marik motioned for all four of them to leave. Then he walked over to the table and picked up the coins. "I assume His Grace gave you the gold at the same time he warned you about the Galians and gave you the key to the tunnel?"

"He gave me the gold," Erynn replied. "But he told me to leave by the gate. I found the key in his cabinet."

"So that's why you were in the study. You weren't looking for parchment at all." He put the coins down and turned to the map, spreading it out on the table. "I was just about to head into the tunnel myself when I heard you two were seen running across the field. Saved me from what I'm sure would have been a long and unpleasant walk." He studied the map a few moments longer. "I've seen this in the king's study. Did His Grace give this to you, too?"

Erynn hesitated, not sure if there was any point in lying about it now.

Marik looked up. "I didn't take you for a thief, Miss Taylor."

"I took it," Adena said, with a sideways glance at Erynn. "I didn't tell her until after we left."

Marik smiled. "Keegan's daughter. Now that makes more sense." He studied the map a moment longer, then walked back toward them and held out his hand. "I assume you still have the key? Neither of you will be needing it anymore."

Erynn motioned for Adena to give it to him. The last thing she wanted was Marik searching her and finding the other key. The one the king had given her and told her was valuable.

Adena pulled the key out from under her dress and slipped it over her head, handing it to him rather reluctantly. He slipped it in a pocket and walked back to the table, turning his attention to the letter tubes.

Erynn couldn't tell which one he had grabbed first, but watched his face, waiting for a reaction.

Seconds later he smirked. "That Gareth. Always the gentleman." He set the first letter down and reached for another. This time his brow raised, and he walked back over to Erynn and held the letter up so she could see it. "Is this true? Lord Caden killed your father?"

Erynn didn't even blink. "And stole the king's horses."

Marik seemed surprised—and amused. "I'll have to have a word with him about that. I'm sure those horses cost us a fine sum."

Erynn didn't respond. The last thing she cared about was what the king paid for those horses.

"Must have been a shock to see him at the castle. The man who killed your father. And to find out he'd come for you."

Erynn still said nothing. She could tell he was looking for some kind of reaction and refused to give him one.

"You'd like to see him dead, wouldn't you? I know I would if he killed my father. And I'd do it myself, too."

"Then maybe you should let me go so I can," Erynn replied.

Marik smiled. "Part of me wishes I could, Erynn, but I'm afraid I do have my orders." He gazed back down at the letter. "Was that extra note the king's idea? Or yours?"

"Mine."

He chuckled. "So that's why you wouldn't give Faris the letter. And why you were looking for Sheldon Birch down in the market. Faris told me you'd figured out what was going on in the falconry. You were trying to find another way to send Gareth this, weren't you? Maybe hoping that if he came back he'd see to it that Lord Caden was arrested for your father's death?"

Tears came to Erynn's eyes, but she blinked them back. "So?"

"So falconry's illegal, Erynn. You do know it's a crime punishable by death?"

Erynn didn't see any point in denying it. "It was the only thing I could think of."

"Well, I admire your resolve, but you would have been disappointed. Gareth's not coming back. And if I find Birch, I promise you he won't be messing with falcons again."

Across the room, Erynn sensed a change in Quinn—a shift of his feet, a straightening of his back, even a tightening of his jaw—but she kept her eyes on Marik. Had Holden told him about the banquet in Sarda?

Marik turned and wandered back to the table, and this time Erynn's gaze went to Quinn.

The mercenary nodded his head once, and so briefly that if anyone else had been in the shop they probably would have missed it. But she caught the message loud and clear: make him believe you.

Marik tossed the letter on the table and grabbed the last tube, seeming impatient as he shook out the folded parchment inside. _"Task accomplished. Did not find book. Returning to castle. S."_ He looked up. "What is this?"

"You'll have to ask Lord Caden," Erynn replied. "He tried sending it the day he killed my father."

"Tried?"

"Krystalix ate his falcon."

Marik held her gaze. Then he slipped the letter in his pocket and walked casually across the shop to the forge. A long poker-like piece of iron lay partly buried in the hot charcoal, abandoned by the men working in the shop when he arrived. He grabbed a pair of tongs off the ledge and slid the poker deeper into the heat.

Across the room, Quinn shifted his feet again, his hand moving even closer to the hilt of his sword.

"So you stole the key and escaped through the tunnel to the lake," Marik said. "Then Krystalix returned and torched another one of our stables, keeping us busy while you two ran across the field." He pulled the poker out, the tip red hot. "Have I got that right?"

Erynn swallowed. "Yes."

Marik pushed the poker back down into the heat. "Then what happened?"

"We ran."

Anger flashed briefly in Marik's eyes. "Yes, I know that, Erynn. What I want to know is what happened after you ran."

Erynn hesitated. She could feel the tension radiating from Quinn without even looking at him. "We–we ran into some men and they caught us. They seemed to think that maybe they could ransom us."

"What men?" Marik asked, not raising his eyes from the forge. "Who were they?"

"I've never seen them before."

"Well, what did they look like? You're a smart girl, Erynn. And very observant. Were they short? Fat? Ugly? What were they wearing?"

"They put sacks over our heads," Adena said. "We didn't really get a good look."

Marik pulled the poker back out—the tip glowing even hotter. "And these men killed my dogs?"

"We didn't see that," Erynn said, unable to take her eyes off the poker. "But that sounded like what they were doing."

"And where are these men now?"

"I–I don't know. We escaped a couple of days ago."

"They were talking about Farglen," Adena added. "About some business they had there."

A slight look of understanding passed over the army commander's face. He turned his head, toward Quinn, but still kept his eyes on the poker. "Think they're the same men you were tracking?"

Quinn cleared his throat. "We last heard they were in that area."

Marik's gaze shifted to the girls, watching them, before finally returning to the forge. He slid the poker back into the heat. "I saw Brock in the village on the morning of the banquet. He had Dillon with him. I was going to have a word, but was otherwise engaged."

The slightest hint of a smile appeared on Quinn's face, and he seemed to relax a little. "Wouldn't put it past either of those fools to try something like that."

"You didn't hear anything about either of them being in town?"

"Haven't spent much time in town lately."

Erynn didn't know who they were talking about, but Marik did seem to be buying their story and right now that was all that mattered. She vaguely recalled the two men she had seen in the market, the ones with the dark cloaks and swords that had appeared so out of place. Was that who they were referring to?

"I told Brock I'd kill him if I caught him thieving again," Marik said. "I'm disappointed he didn't listen."

Quinn shrugged. "You know his type. They never listen."

Marik smiled. "You used to be his type, my friend."

"And some days I still don't listen."

Marik released the poker and set the tongs back down on the ledge. "As soon as our Galian friends are gone, I want you to find Brock and bring him to me. Dillon, too."

"It would be my pleasure."

Marik walked back toward Erynn. "Now. About the king."

The relief Erynn had felt at successfully escaping the matter of the dogs now faded at the mention of the king. "Did you kill him, or was it Holden?"

"Why Erynn, accusations like that can get you in a lot of trouble," Marik replied. "I wasn't even there. I was out looking for you. I must say though, that it was very wise of you to put your little plan into motion before you left. Very wise, indeed."

Erynn frowned. "What plan? What are you talking about?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. We all saw you with those herbs in the market."

"What herbs?" Erynn said. Then it hit her—hard—and a warm and prickly sensation coursed through her as she remembered the herbalist's mother and that small package with the nutty smell she had placed in the palm of her hand.

Marik was watching her, a slight grin on his face.

"I–I bought him tea," she stammered. "I've bought it for him several times. It helps him sleep!"

"Oh, it helped him sleep all right. He just never woke up."

Erynn stepped forward, pulling at the chains. "You're lying! I didn't take those herbs! I told her I didn't want them!"

"We have witnesses that say you did, including that old woman and her son. We even found bits of it in your cot and scattered by the king's bed."

Erynn couldn't believe this was happening. If she could have reached out and grabbed the red-hot poker from the fire she would have done it, burns and all, and run him right through. "If I wanted to kill someone, it would be Lord Caden!"

Just then what sounded like a dozen horses pulled up in front of the shop.

Quinn leaned forward to peek out the doors. "His Lordship."

Marik smiled. "What perfect timing."

Seconds later Lord Caden limped through the gap in the doors. He paused to glance at Erynn and Adena—and the shackles—before nodding at one of the men outside to close the doors behind him.

Erynn glared at Marik, still so angry she was shaking. But he just turned and walked calmly back toward the Galian.

"You don't think this would be easier at the inn?" Lord Caden asked. "And a little more pleasant?"

"They're shackled," Marik replied. "The rear door's barricaded, and I have two dozen men setting up camp out front. I'm sure it will be fine."

Lord Caden didn't look convinced. "I'll add some of my men to yours then, just to be sure."

Marik shrugged. "Suit yourself."

Lord Caden moved past him toward the back of the shop. "A pleasure to see you again, Erynn. I've already sent word to Queen Naedra that you've been found. I know she's looking forward to meeting you finally."

Erynn knew she should be terrified, but the news about the herbs still had her seething. Seething so much she almost didn't care what happened next. "I don't understand why she sent you here. Why she's so afraid of me."

Lord Caden smiled. "That's a question you'll have to ask her. I'm simply here to make sure you're delivered safely."

"Has she found my mother? I heard she's been hunting her, too."

"Tara has been elusive, but I'm sure we'll find her soon. After all, it should be much easier now that we have you."

Tara. Erynn felt her anger fade at the mention of her mother's name. She repeated it over and over in her mind, but the name wasn't one she recalled hearing before. Was this the woman on the dapple-grey horse she had seen as a child? She knew one thing: she didn't like the idea of being used as bait.

Lord Caden turned to Adena. "And what are we going to do with you?"

"You could let me go," Adena replied. "After all, I did save your horse."

"Yes, you did. But I think we'll hang on to you just the same. In case your father gets out of line."

"Holden wants her," Marik said. "He needs to hang someone for his father's death. Besides, I doubt either of her parents would care what you did with her."

"You don't know anything about my parents," Adena snapped.

Marik smiled. "I know enough."

Lord Caden started back toward Marik. "Very well. We'll leave as soon as I hear from Naedra. Hopefully in a few days."

"I thought you were in a hurry?"

"I am. But I have lost a few more men than I expected."

"Sending for more won't help," Quinn said.

Lord Caden and Marik both turned to the mercenary, as if they had completely forgotten he was there.

"What makes you think I'm doing that?" Lord Caden asked.

Quinn gestured towards Erynn. "I know Krystalix is trying to protect her. That's why he's been after you ever since you arrived. Why he attacked the castle. He won't let you leave Alyria with her, no matter how many men you have."

Erynn wished that were true, but right now she wasn't so sure. If Krystalix was trying to protect her, where was he? She hadn't seen him since they left the castle and surely he could have saved her at the creek?

"Krystalix won't be a problem," Lord Caden said. "He's old, and I don't think he's as invincible as everyone thinks. I do have some experience with dragons."

"Yes, we can see that," Marik said, with a nod at the other man's scars. "And Erynn was just telling us about your previous encounter with him in Galia. I wasn't aware the three of you had met before."

A slight look of unease passed across Lord Caden's face. But seconds later it was gone. "That was such a long time ago, Erynn. I'd already forgotten."

Erynn stepped forward, pulling at the chains and wishing again that she could grab that poker. "I haven't."

Marik pulled the letter Soren had found in Galia from his pocket and handed it to Lord Caden. "She had this."

Lord Caden scanned the letter, but didn't seem overly shocked. "My falconer tried to send it when Krystalix attacked. I guess that old dragon didn't get as much of the bird as I thought. Which only goes to prove my point."

"What's this book you were looking for?" Marik asked.

The Galian folded the letter and slipped it in his pocket, not looking pleased at being questioned. "Just something Naedra's been interested in for a while. Nothing that would be of any concern to Alyria."

"Was that why you killed my father?" Erynn asked. "Because you were angry you didn't find it? That you failed?"

"I killed your father because I wanted his horses." Lord Caden glanced at Marik. "Horses that Holden will be more than compensated for by this alliance, I assure you."

Marik gave a single nod. "I'm sure he will."

Erynn could tell there was something going on between the two men. Some sort of friction. But she didn't care. "You could have just taken the horses." She almost didn't get all the words out, her voice breaking.

Lord Caden sighed, as if annoyed to still be on the subject. "I could have, Erynn. But I didn't."

Erynn glared at him, hating this man more than she ever had before, and wishing there was some way she could get out of this. Wishing she had another chance to make him pay.

Marik smiled. "I think you better watch your back going home, my friend. She looks like she could run you through right now."

Lord Caden laughed. "She's in shackles. And no more of a threat than her father."

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**CHAPTER 23**

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Lord Caden said nothing more about Erynn's father, and minutes later all three men had left the shop and she and Adena were alone. Quinn had seemed reluctant to go, as if he wanted to say something. But there was nothing he could say that wouldn't draw attention, and in the end simply followed Marik outside.

As soon as they were gone, Erynn sank to the floor and lowered her head to her hands. How could she have let this happen? How could she have been so foolish to get caught?

"We should have poisoned his soup," Adena muttered, kicking her chains out of the way and sitting down next to her. "Marik's, too."

Erynn thought about the old woman in the market and her warning that she would one day regret not taking those herbs.

"Think Quinn will help?" Adena asked.

Erynn almost laughed. "With a couple dozen soldiers outside?"

"What about Krystalix?"

"If he wanted to help us, you'd think he would have done it at the creek."

"Well, they'll have to move us some time. Maybe we'll have a chance then."

Erynn held out her arms and gave the chains a rattle. "Doubtful. And they're not moving us together, remember?"

Adena leaned back against the wall. "Well, there has to be something we can do."

Erynn wanted to tell her it was pointless, that she couldn't see any way out of this, but couldn't bring herself to say the words. She had dragged Adena into this and now her friend would hang for the king's death. Just the thought was almost too much to bear. She wished now that she had left the castle on her own. That she hadn't stopped to say good-bye.

"I wonder who this Brock is," Adena said. "Boy, is he going to be in for a surprise."

Erynn thought again of the two men she had seen at the market in Caraden, but didn't have the energy to mention them now. "I just hope Marik doesn't run into him any time soon. Or Dillon."

"Or he kills them before he can ask any questions."

Erynn doubted that would happen. Marik would want Brock and Dillon to know exactly why they were going to die. "At least he bought our story."

"Do you think he knows about the banquet in Sarda?"

Erynn remembered the look on Marik's face when he told her Gareth wasn't coming home. "I don't think so. I think he knows the Galians have a plan, but not the details. Just like Holden said."

"Think we should tell him?"

Erynn shook her head. "I don't see how it would help. And who knows, maybe it would be good to know something he doesn't."

"I don't think he likes Lord Caden much."

"I don't think he likes anyone telling him what to do. Anyone besides Holden."

Adena was quiet for a few moments. "If they do separate us, you'll have to watch for a way to escape. Maybe you could find a weapon or something."

Erynn sighed. As far as she was concerned, Lord Caden was right. She was in shackles. And not much of a threat. She didn't know how Queen Naedra ever got it in her mind that she would one day destroy her, but she knew she was wrong. "I just wish we could find Sheldon and that falcon. Ruin their plans. All of them."

Marik's men returned to check on them periodically, bringing them some food and water and ensuring they hadn't somehow found a way out of their chains. But otherwise they were left alone. Marik returned once, later in the evening, but he said little and they didn't see any sign of Lord Caden. Then, as the night wore on, more ale from the local inn seemed to flow to the soldiers out in the street, and the checks grew less and less frequent.

Erynn sat with her head resting back against the wall, chains nestled in her lap, and listened to the laughter and talk outside. The soldiers had shut both shop doors, but she could hear them clearly. Most of the talk was about the king, and how Alyria was going to change now that he was gone, but she heard no mention of the Galians and suspected that was because Lord Caden's men weren't all that far away.

Two of the soldiers came in to check on them a short time later, and when they left Erynn finally closed her eyes. Some time later—she wasn't sure how long—she found herself awakened by an odd fluttering sound. Adena was sound asleep next to her, her head resting on her shoulder.

Erynn glanced around the shop, but couldn't identify a source of the noise. Then one of the candles on a nearby table flickered and she assumed that maybe she was imagining things. Or at least she hoped she was. An image flashed in her mind of rats scurrying away from them in the castle tunnel, but she banished the thought and closed her eyes.

A second later she sensed something move in the shop.

Her eyes flew open.

A figure dressed in a long brown cloak stood in the shadows by the front doors, the hood drawn.

Erynn flinched—waking Adena, who raised her head and looked around.

"What?" she asked. Then she noticed the same figure and immediately sat up.

At first Erynn thought it was one of Marik's men, come to check on them, but then the figure stepped toward the side wall—and further into the light of one of the candles—and she realized it was an older man. He was thin in build, and slightly stooped in the shoulders, most of his face hidden in the shadows of his hood. He carefully lifted a ring of keys from a nail on the wall, then turned and walked toward them.

Erynn opened her mouth to ask who he was, but he quickly raised a finger to his lips.

"Let me free you," he whispered. "But we must be quiet or they will hear."

Erynn's breath caught. She knew that voice! But from where? She tried for a glimpse of his face as he came closer, but the shop was too dark and his hood too deep. The keys clinked together as he searched for the right one, then he motioned for her to raise her hands and within seconds the shackles were slipping from her wrists. She caught them, and scrambled to her feet. Moments later, Adena was standing next to her.

"How did you get past those men?" her friend asked, keeping her voice low.

The old man's bones seemed to creak as he lifted himself back up. "No questions. We must hurry."

Erynn tried again to remember where she had heard that voice, but her mind was blank. She went for her pack. Marik had taken the gold, the map, and all of the letters and tubes, but she thankfully still had her quill and ink, along with the small black stone she had taken from her father's grave, and some of the food from Cole's wife. She held the stone in her hand for a second, squeezing it tight as she thought back on her conversation with Lord Caden. Then she slipped it in her pack and returned to the back of the shop.

Adena was already there with her pack, watching as the old man somehow lifted the heavy beam barricading the rear door and set it down against the wall. As he reached for the knob, her eyes went to the swords and tools strewn along the ledge next to the forge.

"Are there guards out back?" she asked.

"There should be," the old man replied. "But right now they are all taking part in the celebration of your capture out front. You can be sure they will pay for it in the morning."

He opened the door. It creaked, but the sound seemed to pass unnoticed amidst all the laughter and talk outside.

Behind the shop was a yard littered with more tools, scraps of iron, an old and battered bellows, and an overturned tub partially buried in the dirt. A shed sat to the left side, the door ajar, and an old well near the center of the yard. Beyond was a wall of tall, dark trees.

The old man stepped outside, and as he turned and motioned toward the trees, the light of the moon revealed his face.

Erynn gasped. It was Soren! The old man who had rescued her from the caves in Galia! He seemed much older than she remembered, like he had aged ten years instead of only two, but she knew beyond a doubt it was him. "I–I know you. You were there. In Galia."

The old man smiled, and simply motioned again to the trees. "Quickly, Erynn. We must go."

Adena's eyes were wide, obviously as confused and surprised as Erynn that he could be there now, but she just shrugged, hitched up her pack, and followed him across the yard. Erynn ran after her.

The forest was dark and close and quiet, the light of the moon barely penetrating the leaves. Erynn stayed close to Adena, unable to see more than a few feet in any direction, but Soren seemed to know exactly where he was going and never once faltered. He walked quickly, even faster than she had imagined for a man his age and almost faster than she could keep up, but he refused to answer any questions about who he was or where he was taking them, and simply repeated that there wasn't any time.

Erynn wondered if he was with the Order of the Cael, and had been sent to keep an eye on her. Or perhaps some other friend of her mother's. The king had said her mother would come for her when the time was right. Or send someone in her place. Maybe it was still too dangerous to come herself, and she had sent Soren?

They walked for hours, never once stopping, and it was still dark when they finally came to the edge of the wood. Below them lay a shallow valley, bordered on both sides by a series of low hills and a line of trees far to the south.

Soren drew back his hood and turned to face them. "This is as far as I can go. To the west, beyond those hills, you will find the road south. Should you decide to follow it, you must be careful. Keep out of sight."

Adena blinked. "You're leaving?"

"I must retrace our steps. Try to draw Marik away from you if I can. Hopefully give you more time."

"Who are you?" Erynn asked. "And how did you know we were here?"

Soren smiled. "A friend, Erynn. One who doesn't want to see you delivered to Naedra."

"You know who I am? What I am?"

"I have known about you for some time. I feared Naedra would one day find out about you, too. And that she would come for you."

"You knew when you found me in Galia?" Erynn asked, her voice betraying the hurt she now suddenly felt at learning this—that yet another person she had thought was a friend had known all along and said nothing.

"I did, but it was clear you had not yet learned the truth and it was certainly not my place to tell you. You also had more than enough to deal with at the time."

"Are you with the Order? Or a friend of my mother's?"

Soren shook his head. "No, but the sooner you leave Alyria and find the Order of the Cael, the sooner they can help protect you. It is dangerous for you here, especially with the reward Holden has put out for your arrest. He is a desperate man, and now everyone will be looking for you."

Erynn was confused, but then she had another thought. "Are you Paddon? The king's friend?"

Soren again shook his head. "No."

"But I don't understand. Were you following us in Galia? Is that how you found me?"

Soren smiled. "I know you have many questions, Erynn, but you must trust me. Now is not the time. Soon those men will notice you gone, if they have not already, and will advise Marik. And you can be sure he will not wait until morning to come after you. You must be swift now, and careful."

"More careful than we were today," Adena muttered. She stepped out into the cool night air, away from the trees, and paused to wait for Erynn.

But Erynn couldn't move. She didn't want to go anywhere until she had some answers—like who Soren was, and how he had found them. And something else had crossed her mind, too, now that she had recovered from their escape and the long walk through the woods. Something that a few short hours ago she had wished more than anything that she could do. But it meant going another way. It meant going west.

"We have to go, Erynn," Adena said. "You know he's right. It's too dangerous now."

Erynn could hear it in her voice. Her friend knew what she was thinking. She could also hear the fear. A few short hours ago, Adena was facing death herself, framed for killing the king. Now she had a second chance. A chance she would surely lose if Marik caught up to them again.

"We will meet again, Erynn," Soren said. "And at that time I promise to give you the answers you seek. I also have a favor to ask of you. Something very important. But for now, you must go." He glanced back into the wood, as if he had heard something, but all Erynn could hear was the gentle rustle of leaves. Then a grave look came over his face and he motioned down the hill. "Go now! Quickly!"

Erynn knew she had no choice. She stepped out from the trees and started down the hill after Adena, and when she glanced back a few seconds later, the old man was gone.

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**CHAPTER 24**

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Erynn followed Adena down the hill and west across the valley until they reached the road. It was still dark, so they decided to follow it for a while, running as often as they could and heading inland again just after sunrise when the first wagon approached.

Eventually they stopped for a rest, but they were too worried about Marik to even think about sleep and were soon moving again. Dark clouds moved in as the day wore on, the air growing cool, and by late afternoon, as they crested a hill and gazed out over a series of open fields that met up with a large wood in the distance, the clouds were heavy and threatening.

When the rain came, light at first, they were still a couple of miles from the trees. They pulled up their hoods, shifted to holding their packs in front of them, under their cloaks, and started to run. Lightning flashed in the sky, thunder shook the ground, and soon the rain fell heavier. By the time they reached the trees, it was growing dark and Erynn was soaked through to the skin, her hair plastered to her face and her teeth chattering. But still they kept moving, trying to take advantage of what little light they had left to push their way deeper into the forest.

"I–I'm freezing," Erynn said after they had been walking in the wood for a while. Her arms were wrapped around her pack in front of her, snug across her chest, but she was still soaking wet and hadn't been able to shake the cold. The trees provided some shelter from the wind and the rain, but large drops still splashed down all around them.

Adena paused on the trail ahead and waited for her to catch up. "Maybe we should stop. See if we can build a fire."

Erynn wanted nothing more than to sit in front of a fire, but they had already been caught twice since leaving the castle and she wasn't about to let it happen again. "Marik might see the smoke. And besides, the wood's probably all wet."

"We might get sick if we don't. And it's getting dark anyway. I'm sure it'll be fine."

Erynn still didn't like the idea. "I think we should keep going as long as we can see. We need to keep ahead of them." She continued on, moving past Adena to take the lead. Her friend looked like she might protest, but in the end said nothing and just fell in behind her.

Erynn tried not to think about nice hot fires as she walked. Or about how cold and wet and miserable she felt. She also tried not to think about whether her current predicament was some sort of punishment for the fact she wasn't headed west towards Blackwood. She tried to think instead about Soren—who he was, where he was, and whether or not he had successfully thrown Marik off their trail. The army commander was bound to be furious that they had escaped, and she really didn't want to cross paths with him again. She was ready to go on all night if she had to. She just wished she wasn't so cold.

A large raindrop splashed down through the leaves and landed on her nose. As she reached up to wipe it away, her foot slipped off the edge of a loose rock and she fell.

Hard.

"You all right?" Adena asked.

"Fine," Erynn muttered, pushing herself up from the dirt. Her palms stung, bits of wood and tiny rocks stuck deep, but she just wiped them on her cloak and pulled her legs under her to stand, hoping the fall hadn't spilled the ink in her pack. The second she put weight on her left foot, a throbbing pain radiated up her leg. Not intense, but enough to catch her breath. She reached out and leaned her weight against a tree, and a few seconds later tried again. She could put weight on her foot, but it wasn't comfortable at all. It hurt. She couldn't believe it. The last thing she needed right now was an injury!

"I think we should rest here," Adena said, sounding concerned.

Erynn shook her head. "Marik might not be far behind us, Adena."

"Maybe Soren led him off."

"And maybe he didn't." Erynn brushed a few more twigs and leaves from her cloak, then took a deep breath, readjusted her grip on her pack, and limped forward. "I've probably just twisted it a bit. Let's keep going."

Adena stared at her. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Erynn kept her eyes on the ground, watching where she stepped and cursing herself for being so careless, but every time she put weight on her left foot, she felt the same throbbing pain. She tried to ignore it, and to keep walking, but after a few minutes she stopped and leaned up against another tree. "I can't. Maybe it is time to rest."

Adena dropped her pack. "You're shaking, Erynn. We need to start a fire."

Erynn wiped another splash of rain from her brow. "We can't, Adena. They'll see."

"We have to, Erynn. You rest here and I'll go find some wood."

Erynn was about to repeat that they couldn't risk it, but before she could say a word, Adena disappeared through the trees. She heard her friend muttering something to herself as she walked, heard the snap of twigs under her feet, but soon her voice faded and all she could hear was the patter of rain.

Erynn glanced around. The forest was quiet, save for the rain. Almost too quiet. And growing darker by the minute. She set her pack down, leaned her weight against the tree, and sank slowly to the ground—pulling her knees up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them to try and keep warm.

She couldn't believe she had actually fallen and injured her foot. First she had been careless enough to walk into a bunch of soldiers, and now this. Slipping off a stupid rock! She lowered her head to her knees, wishing she could go back in time and not make the same mistake. Wishing she could stop the shivering. Then, seconds later, she smelled something—a whiff of smoke—and had just turned her attention to that when she sensed movement in the bushes a few yards away.

Erynn raised her head. "Adena?"

She glanced around, listening hard, but heard no response. Then she realized with some alarm that the noise had come from the direction opposite the one Adena had gone. Was it a bear? Or some other animal skulking through the woods? One looking for a meal? She sat up and was about to call for her friend when a man stepped out from behind one of the trees in front of her.

Except it wasn't a man at all.

Erynn flinched. She had never seen an elf before.

He stood about her height, quite slender, with pale white skin, green eyes, and slightly pointed ears. His white-blonde hair was tied back from his face, hanging down almost to his waist, and he was dressed in light animal skins with a darker-colored pouch strapped across his chest and a quiver full of arrows on his back. In his left hand was a bow.

Erynn didn't move. Another drop of rain landed on her forehead and trickled down the side of her face, but she didn't wipe it away.

He stood still for several moments himself, watching her, then he stepped further into the small clearing and pointed at her foot. "You have injured yourself, Daughter of Maegan."

At first, Erynn was so captivated by his voice, so soft and clear amid the patter of rain, that she didn't even realize what he had said. Then she frowned, her surprise at his words cutting through her fear. "You know who I am?"

"You carry the blood of the dragon. We can sense it."

Erynn's mouth dropped open. The blood of the dragon?

He crouched down and motioned for her to extend her sore foot. "Let me help you."

But Erynn couldn't move—too shaken by what he had just said. Was it true? Her mind flashed back to something the king had said in the pantry. Something about not understanding the relationship between Daughters and dragons, but knowing there was one. Then she remembered the two women she had read about in the history book on Krystalix—the one who supposedly lived up in the northern mountains and the one seen with him years later near the river. And somehow she knew in her heart that it was. The blood of the dragons did flow in her veins. That was why the Daughters were able to communicate with the dragons—and why she had always been so fascinated by them. They were somehow part of a mixed race!

Slowly, she extended her foot.

"You did not know?" he asked as he gently removed her shoe.

Erynn shook her head.

He opened the pouch at his waist and pulled out several large leaves, each folded twice. He set them down next to him, reached back into the pouch, and carefully scooped out what appeared to be a thick, dark mud, mixed with tiny bits of ground up leaves. He started to apply the mud in a thick layer around her ankle and foot, and immediately she felt a cool tingling sensation and the light throbbing began to lessen.

"What is that?" she asked.

"It will reduce the swelling and help your foot heal faster. It is not broken."

Erynn breathed a small sigh of relief at that and realized she was probably very lucky that he had chosen to help her. She had heard stories about the elves and their gifts of healing—gifts they were not generally known to share with the race of men. Or at least not now. "I–I slipped on a rock."

"You were not paying attention to the path."

Another raindrop landed on Erynn's forehead, and this time she reached up and wiped it away. "My name's Erynn."

"And I am Cathus." He finished with the mud and reached for the leaves, wrapping them one by one over top of the mud and all around her foot and ankle, until every inch was layered several times over, except for her toes.

Erynn glanced around as he worked, wondering if there were any more elves nearby. Elves who were watching him apply the strange mud and leaves to her foot. "How many of you are there?"

At first Cathus didn't respond. "Elves are taught not to talk of such things with the race of men. Too often such information has been used to destroy us."

"Oh, I didn't mean..." Erynn started, not wanting to offend or anger him even though she really didn't get the sense she had. "I mean, I understand. Right now someone wants to destroy me."

"It is a dangerous time in Valentia. Especially for Daughters of Maegan."

Erynn was a little surprised, wondering how an elf could know such things—especially when she had never heard much about them venturing outside their forest homes. "I wish I had known that before. I only found out I am one a few days ago and don't seem to be having much luck."

Cathus pulled a long strand of woven grass from another pocket and carefully wound it around the leaves, tying them securely in place. "The blood of the dragon is stronger than that of man." He glanced up and met her eyes. "Are you listening to what it tells you?"

Erynn stared at him, at first not sure what he meant. Then she looked away, back down at her foot. "I–I don't know. I mean, I—"

Twigs snapped nearby and Adena appeared, her arms loaded with branches. "I found some wood, but most of it—"

She saw the elf and jumped in surprise, dropping the wood at her feet.

Cathus rose. "You will need no fire." He raised his arm and pointed off between two nearby trees. "Head south one hundred yards and you will find warmth and shelter from the rain." He glanced at Erynn. "And perhaps a better view of the path." Then he turned to leave.

"What–what about my foot?" Erynn asked, frowning at her new green boot.

Cathus paused. "Leave it on until morning. Then you must rest your foot three more days."

"Three days?" Erynn said. "Are you saying I can't walk for three days?" She had hoped that whatever was in the strange mud, it would heal her foot long before that.

"If you try, you will only awaken the injury and it will take much longer to heal." He smiled. "I wish you luck, Daughter of Maegan." Then he was gone.

Erynn just sat there, staring at the now-empty space between the trees.

"He knows who you are?" Adena asked, still looking rather dazed at the sight of the elf.

All Erynn could do was nod.

Adena laughed. "I can't believe I just saw an elf."

Erynn sighed and rubbed her forehead. She was still in shock herself—especially at the news of who and what she really was—but what was even more disturbing was what he had said about her foot. Three days. What were they going to do for three days? A shiver rippled through her, reminding her of the cold, and she clenched her teeth and slowly pulled herself up on her good leg. "I guess we should do what he says. Head south. Can you help me?"

Adena was still gazing off in the direction Cathus had disappeared, but finally she slung both of their packs over her shoulder and stepped closer. Erynn wrapped an arm around her other shoulder, and slowly they set off in the direction Cathus had suggested.

Erynn glanced around as they walked—and up into the darkness of the branches above—wondering if the elf was watching. She had a strong feeling he was—and that he wasn't the only one. Other elves were watching them, too.

He had said one hundred yards, and it was a journey that to Erynn and her injured foot seemed to take forever. All along the way, she continued to smell smoke, and finally, when they reached the edge of the forest, she discovered the source: in front of them lay an open field, with a barn and small cottage on the far side. A wisp of smoke was rising from the cottage chimney; a warm, yellow glow visible through a crack in the curtains.

Erynn was tempted to walk right up to the door, and to beg whoever lived there to let them inside for a while, just long enough to warm themselves by the fire. But she knew it was too dangerous. By now most of Alyria likely knew about the king—and the warrant for their arrest—and that meant people would be watching for them. People who would try to catch them if they saw them, or at least report them to Marik. They couldn't take any chances. They would have to settle for the barn.

As they started across the field, stepping back out into the full force of the rain, Adena chuckled. "Maybe those elves aren't so bad after all."

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**CHAPTER 25**

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Erynn kept an eye on the cottage as they made their way across the field, and when they finally reached the barn they slipped in the side door. Several goats were roaming around loose inside and ran away bleating in alarm. Erynn cringed, hoping no one in the cottage had heard their cries.

The barn was almost pitch black, and as they carefully felt their way around, Erynn was able to determine that four horses, two or three cows, and what sounded like a dozen pigs also resided there with the goats. They found a stall used for storage at the far end of the center corridor and slipped out of their wet cloaks and dresses and hung them over the door. Then they changed into their extra clothes, which were slightly damp in places but at least drier than what they had on, and curled up on the floor to try and get some rest.

Erynn's hair was still wet, but it was warm in the barn and she was already feeling better. Even her foot didn't seem as sore, although she had taken care not to put any weight on it since they had left that clearing in the woods. She had no idea what they were going to do for the next three days, but didn't want to think about that now. All she wanted to do was get some sleep.

She had just closed her eyes when a dog started barking.

Adena scrambled to her feet. "Someone in the cottage must have seen us."

Erynn sat up, unable to believe this was happening. "The curtains were drawn. I watched them the whole time."

"Then they must have heard the goats."

The barking grew louder, the dog also whining between barks as if it wanted to run but was being restrained.

Erynn pulled herself up next to Adena. "Maybe they're just coming to check the animals?"

Adena thrust a cloak at her in the dark, then a pack. "I think there's a loft. Maybe we could hide." She slid the stall door open.

"It won't matter with a dog. Besides, I don't know where the ladder is to get up there. Do you?"

Adena sighed. "No."

"What about the front doors?"

"I think there's a lock on them."

Now Erynn really couldn't believe this was happening. "So we're trapped?"

Adena didn't answer. Someone was talking to the dog outside, the voice growing louder even though the words were lost in the steady drum of rain on the roof.

Erynn felt disoriented in the darkness, panic rising inside. She wished she had listened to Adena. Wished they had stopped and built that fire when they had a chance. And that she hadn't listened to Cathus. He obviously knew about this barn when he told them to come this way. Didn't he know that whoever lived here also had a dog? The king had warned her not to trust anyone and already she had failed.

The side door opened, and the barking grew louder. The goats ran away bleating again, and this time the horses, cows, and pigs all added their voices to the protest.

A light swung about, and Erynn and Adena ducked down.

"I know someone's in here," a woman's voice rang out. "Show yourself or I'll set my dog on you."

Erynn hadn't expected a woman, although she supposed it didn't matter. All they needed was one person to notify Marik.

"What do we do?" Adena whispered.

Erynn sighed. "I don't think we have a choice."

"Did you hear me?" the woman said, louder this time. "I'll set my dog loose. He'll find you."

Erynn wrapped an arm around Adena's shoulder, and together they stepped out of the stall.

The dog barked louder, the light swinging toward them.

A middle-aged woman with curly red hair was standing in the center of the barn. She was dressed in a dark cloak, and was holding a lantern with a candle in one hand and the collar of a large brown dog in the other. She looked stunned as the girls approached, and raised the lantern for a better look.

"Two girls in my barn?" she said.

"We got caught in the rain," Adena replied. "We were just looking for a dry place to sleep."

"Thought we had thieves in here again. They stole two of my best pigs last week."

"We're not thieves," Erynn said, a little angrier than she had intended. "We just needed a place to wait out the rain."

"Come closer so I can see you better."

Adena helped Erynn forward. The dog strained toward them, still barking.

"Oh do be quiet, Voltan!" the woman said. "It's just a couple of girls." The dog stopped barking, but continued to whine. "What's wrong with your foot?"

Erynn studied the woman's face, looking for some sign that she was aware of the warrant and had connected it to the two girls in front of her. But she saw none. "I twisted it."

"What's that you've got on it?"

Erynn hesitated, not sure if she should tell her the truth. Elves were not known to help people suffering minor injuries in the forests, and she had a feeling the only reason Cathus had was because of who she was—although even that still left her confused. But she couldn't think of any other way to explain her strange green boot. "An elf helped me. In the wood out back. He put something on it."

"An elf?" the woman said, surprised. "In our woods?"

Erynn nodded her head.

The woman's eyes narrowed. "Where are you girls from?"

"Farglen," Erynn said, before Adena could respond. "We're on our way to Renford and got a little lost in the rain."

"On your own?"

"We've got no family left in Farglen," Adena said. "We thought maybe we'd find better work there."

The woman remained silent for a short time, eyeing them carefully. Then her face relaxed. "Well, you certainly don't look like thieves. What you look like is a couple of cats that fell in a well. I suppose you best come inside. We haven't much, but at least the fire will help warm you up. And it just so happens we have some stew left in the pot."

Erynn almost didn't know what to say. She was so relieved at the thought of sitting in front of a hot fire, and eating a hot meal, that any fears she had about what this woman knew, or what trouble she might bring, suddenly melted away. They thanked her, and after slipping back into their cloaks, followed her and the dog across the yard.

The cottage was small, but as cozy and warm inside as Erynn had imagined, and the smell of pork and spices coming from a cauldron over the fire made her mouth water. An old woman with white-gray hair was dozing on a couch by the fire, but she raised her head the second the door closed.

"What was it, Callie?" she asked, concern in her voice. "Is everything all right?"

"Just a couple of girls, Amara," the other woman replied, as she showed them where to hang their cloaks. "Got caught in the rain on their way to Renford and decided to seek shelter in our barn. They looked miserable so I invited them in. One's twisted her foot, but it sounds like one of your friends out in the woods put something on it."

"One of the elves?" the old woman said, sitting up straighter and turning even more toward the door.

"Was a shock to us, too," Adena said with a bit of a laugh. "Neither of us had seen one before."

Erynn was curious what Callie had meant by "one of your friends," but wasn't sure it was wise to say anything more about their encounter with Cathus—let alone ask questions.

"Don't normally hear of that sort of thing," Callie said. "Do you, Amara?"

"No," the old woman said. "The elves do tend to keep to themselves." A bit of a frown had formed on her face, but then it cleared and she smiled. "Well, come on in girls. There's plenty of room by the fire. I'm Amara and you've met my niece, Callie. What are your names?"

Erynn was about to say her name, then caught herself, realizing that also might not be wise. "I'm Loren. And this is my—"

"Cousin," Adena said. "Serena."

A slightly unsettled look flitted across Amara's face. "Loren, did you say?"

"Yes," Erynn replied. As Adena helped her around the couch to the fire, the old woman's head slowly turned to follow them, one hand reaching up to lightly touch her throat. Erynn noticed that both of her eyes were almost completely white and realized she must be blind.

"You sound so young," Amara said. Her voice cracked slightly, and she paused to clear her throat. "How old are you girls?"

"I'm seventeen, and she's sixteen," Adena said, as she and Erynn sat down in front of the fire.

"Something wrong, Amara?" Callie asked.

The old woman seemed to have gone pale, but she simply waved her hand. "Just surprised is all. Don't normally hear of girls their age traveling such a long way on their own. Or elves coming out to help someone like that, either. Which one of you has the sore foot?"

"I do," Erynn said. "Loren."

"What did he put on it?"

"A mud of some kind. And then he wrapped it in some leaves. He said to leave it on until morning, then rest it for three more days. I guess he must have seen me fall."

"Not much happens in those woods that they don't see," Amara said. "Did he tell you his name?"

"Cathus," Erynn replied. She thought something in the old woman's voice sounded strange, even distracted, but Callie was ladling stew into a couple of bowls she had fetched from a nearby shelf and didn't give it any more thought.

Callie handed the bowls to Erynn and Adena, along with a couple of spoons, then turned to her aunt. "Didn't you once say Cathus was their leader?"

"Yes, that he is," Amara replied. "Not just any elf of the wood. I used to go walking back there—or before my sight left me anyway. Got to know a few of them over the years. Even met him, too. I'm sure whatever he put on your foot will help. Probably help it heal much faster than it would have alone."

"It actually feels better already," Erynn said, also relishing the heat of the fire and hot bowl in her hands, but distracted from digging into the meal by this news about Cathus. Was that why he had guided them to their barn? Because he knew Amara, and knew that she and her niece would take them in?

"Well, you're more than welcome to stay as long as you need," Callie said, sitting down on the couch next to her aunt. "It's only the two of us here now, and it's not often we get company. Other than one of our neighbors, anyway."

"That would be nice, thank you," Erynn said. She was relieved at the thought of having a warm place to stay for the next three days—and hot meals—but also still nervous at the thought of Marik finding them. She remembered what that soldier had said to Cole—about what Holden would do to those found helping them. "I wish I'd been more careful."

"Not your fault you hurt yourself," Amara said. "These sorts of things happen sometimes. I often think it's a sign. Telling us to slow down. Or that maybe we're not on the right path."

Struck by how similar Amara's words were to those of the elf, Erynn paused—her first spoonful of stew halfway to her mouth. She glanced at Adena, but her friend was busy eating and she remembered that she still hadn't told her about the rest of her conversation with Cathus. She hesitated, not sure at first what to say, or even if she should respond. Then her hunger and the smell of the stew caught her attention once more, and she forgot all about the comment and dug in.

Amara turned to Callie. "Could you take them to Renford in the wagon? When her foot heals?"

"I could when I get back from Chapley," Callie said. "We still need to sell a few of those pigs."

Erynn swallowed another mouthful of stew. "You're going into Chapley?"

"I was planning to go tomorrow. But if this rain keeps up, I'll probably push that back. I'd rather wait it out than risk getting stuck in the mud."

Erynn exchanged a glance with Adena, not liking the sound of that. So far, it didn't seem like either woman had heard about the arrest warrant, or at least hadn't made the connection to the two girls eating stew in front of them, but that would likely change if Callie went to town.

"Couldn't Nolan take the pigs in?" Amara asked.

Callie snickered. "He could, but he wouldn't get us a fair price. Besides, I think he's already gone into town."

"It's all right," Erynn said, knowing they couldn't accept the offer anyway. "We actually don't mind the walk."

"How close are we to Chapley?" Adena asked.

"About ten miles," Callie replied.

"So you haven't been there recently?"

Erynn shot Adena a look. If the women did know about the warrant but just hadn't made the connection, it probably wasn't good to remind them. Her friend cast one back that told her she understood—and knew what she was doing.

"Not in a few weeks," Callie said.

"So you haven't heard about the Galians?"

Erynn again shot her friend a look, but this time Adena's gaze remained on Callie.

"Yes, we heard about that from Nolan," Callie said. "One of our neighbors. He goes into town more often than we do, and likes to check in on us every now and then."

"I still can't believe it," Amara said, looking rather outraged. "Galians in Alyria! And without Gareth here?" She shook her head. "I can only imagine what the king must have been thinking when he saw them."

Erynn gazed down at her stew, almost glad the old woman couldn't see her face. She had a pretty good idea what the king was thinking when he saw the Galians. She had actually been standing right next to him.

"It might not be that bad," Callie said. "Maybe it is just a short visit. Like they said."

"They're Galians, Callie," Amara said, anger in her voice. "There's more to it than that. I guarantee it. And I'm sure Wryden knows it, too."

Erynn glanced at Adena again, wondering if she planned to tell the women the rest. But this time her friend just raised a brow, as if to say she was leaving that up to Erynn. At first, Erynn wasn't sure they should, still worried the women might figure things out and that maybe it was best to leave the topic alone. But after a bit more thought, she supposed it probably wouldn't hurt. "We heard the king died a few days ago."

"Died?" both women said at once, their eyes wide.

"That's dreadful," Callie said. "What happened? Was it his age?"

"I don't know," Erynn replied, trying to act like she wasn't really all that interested. "We only heard about it the other day."

"It was the Galians," Amara said, tears suddenly appearing in her eyes. "It had to be. I knew something wasn't right when I heard they'd come here."

Erynn stared at her, a little surprised by her reaction.

Callie noticed. "My aunt knew King Wryden once. Many years ago. During the Tallon War."

"I didn't know him, Callie," Amara said, looking somewhat embarrassed by the comment. "I was a servant. Simply in the room a few times when he was there."

"You were in Tallon during the war?" Erynn asked.

"I was born there," Amara said. "And worked at the castle for many years. My father was a cook in the kitchen. My mother a maid."

"You served Queen Sasha?"

Amara smiled. "I was one of her maids for several years. And one of the last to see her alive."

Erynn just about dropped her spoon. A million questions had suddenly formed in her mind, eager to know more about this other Daughter of Maegan now that she knew she was one herself.

"Do you know how she died?" she asked, again trying to sound only casually interested. "I heard she was betrayed by a Bryan knight—"

"That is a lie!" Amara said, her voice so full of anger that for a moment Erynn and Adena both froze. "I knew that young man and I can tell you he never would have done such a thing."

"You can't know that for sure, Amara," Callie said. "You were separated."

"I knew Branen, Callie. Radel needed to destroy him. Sasha's death just gave him the excuse he needed to do it."

"Radel?" Adena asked.

"King Agar's father," Amara explained. "The former King of Brye." Color had risen to her face. "I tell you, I celebrated the day I heard that old fool had passed. Didn't shed a tear."

"Why did Radel want to destroy Branen?" Erynn asked.

"Because many thought Branen should be the one sitting on the Bryan throne. Not Radel. So as long as Branen lived, he was a threat."

"The knight blamed for Sasha's death was of royal blood?" Erynn asked.

Amara nodded. "Through his grandmother."

Erynn found the story interesting, but wanted to get back to Queen Sasha. "So if Branen didn't kill her, what do you think happened to her?"

"The elves?" Adena asked.

Amara snorted. "No, not the elves. They knew who she was and would never have harmed her." She was quiet for a moment, and the anger faded and sadness came over her face. "I think it was the childbirth." She paused to wipe away a tear. "King Maslin, Sasha's husband, sent word to Radel some weeks before she died, asking for his help to get Sasha safely out of Tallon. Unfortunately, by the time Branen and his men arrived, the baby was due. We waited for days, hoping it would come so we could leave, but then the Alyrians were lost in that horrible battle and we couldn't wait any longer. It was very difficult for her. We barely got out of Tallon in time."

"Then what happened?" Adena asked.

"We ran into Galians and I was separated from them. I searched for days. Saw bodies everywhere. Most of Branen's men dead. But I never found Sasha or Branen. My brother had gone to Berridge some months earlier so I decided to go there, but it took me weeks and by the time I arrived, Branen was dead. Executed. He had arrived at the castle in Brye with Sasha's lifeless body and been blamed for her death."

Erynn was surprised to hear the name Berridge, the town where she and her father had been headed when they ran into Lord Caden. Where she had seen that smoke. It was certainly a long walk from Tallon.

"There was no sign of her child?" Adena asked.

"No," Amara said. "But there were lots of rumors. Some said Branen killed it accidentally. Some that it was a girl and he either purposely killed her or sold her off somewhere. And, of course, some blamed the elves—because we had been so close to the Bryan Forest at the time."

"Branen never said what happened?" Erynn asked.

"If he did, it never got out. I've always wondered what would have happened if I'd gone to the castle instead of Berridge. If I could have saved him. I started to. Walked for days. Then I had this terrible dream that the castle was on fire. It scared me so much I decided not to go after all. Or to at least wait until I reached Berridge and could ask my brother to go with me."

"But how could you have done anything?" Callie said. "You weren't there to know what really happened."

"I knew Branen, Callie. I could have at least said that. And I knew the state Sasha was in. How difficult the travel had been for her."

"They might have killed you, too," Erynn said. "If you had gone there and King Radel really did want Branen dead."

Amara sighed. "Yes, that's what everyone told me. Unfortunately, it still doesn't make it any easier."

Erynn gazed down at her stew, not quite as hungry as she was a few minutes ago. She felt bad for upsetting Amara, and decided to try and save the rest of her questions about Sasha for later. "Did you see King Wryden often?"

"Just a few times. The last time was right after we learned about the loss of the Alyrians. He was devastated."

Erynn knew that thousands of Alyrian soldiers had been killed in the Tallon War, but had never fully understood what happened. "Were they really ambushed?"

"Yes, and it was Wryden's fault," Amara replied. "Maslin's too, to be fair. Sasha had warned both of them, but neither of them listened."

"Warned them about what?" Adena asked.

"About the young knight Maslin chose to assist Wryden while he stayed in Tallon. She told them something wasn't right about him, and it wasn't until later that they found out he was feeding information to the Galians. They had planned to use those Alyrian soldiers in a final assault against the Galians—one last battle they hoped would win the war—but the Galians sent fresh men to ambush them and every last one of those men was killed."

"King Wryden must have felt awful," Erynn said.

"Oh, he did," Amara said. "But that wasn't the worst. Those Alyrians were led by the only son of his closest friend. He was killed in that ambush, too."

For a moment, Erynn couldn't take her eyes off Amara. Then she gazed back down at her stew. Was that why the king was so obsessed about Gareth? About him coming home? Because he feared he would lose his son the same way his friend had lost his? And maybe as some sort of punishment? She remembered her father once remarking that the king was never the same after the Tallon War. Now she knew why.

"What happened to the knight?" Adena asked. "The one who betrayed them?"

"The Galians killed him," Amara said rather matter-of-factly. "Some months later. I don't know why, but it wasn't all that surprising. He had obviously proved his loyalty couldn't be trusted."

"Do you remember the name of the king's friend?" Erynn asked. "The one who lost the son?" As far as she knew, Lord Brison was his closest friend, but she had never heard of another son besides Jeth and wondered if this might be why the younger Brison had seemed so upset at the castle. Because he was visiting the man responsible for his brother's death.

Amara thought about this for a moment. Then she smiled. "Paddon. That was his name, although I don't remember the rest. He came to see Maslin from time to time, but was also close to Sasha. In fact, he was one of the few she trusted."

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**CHAPTER 26**

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The rain was still falling when Erynn woke the next morning. She was relieved, knowing it meant Callie would put off her trip into Chapley for another day, and for a while she just lay there on the floor in front of the hearth and listened to it drum down on the roof.

Soon Voltan came padding out of one of the back rooms and tried to stick his nose in her face. Erynn pushed him away, and he went to Adena, still asleep next to her, and licked her cheek. Her friend woke and groaned in disgust, shoving him back and wiping at her face. As he wandered over to his usual corner and lay down, still watching them, Adena sat up and noticed Erynn was awake.

"How's your foot?" she asked.

Erynn carefully flexed her foot. The leaves had loosened during the night, and it seemed most of the mud had dried and flaked off and was now either scattered in small piles on the floor under her blanket or still trapped inside the leaves. "It feels better than it did last night, but I don't think I'll be walking any time soon."

"Did you get any sleep?"

Erynn shook her head. "Not much." She had actually spent most of the night thinking—and dreaming—about Queen Sasha's last days and Branen's wrongful execution at the hands of the former King of Brye. Except in her dreams, Branen had looked just like Gareth. Then later, just before she woke, she had an unsettling dream where she had slipped and fallen in the woods out behind the barn, but instead of twisting her foot she had somehow cut herself and couldn't stop the bleeding. Adena had tried to help her, but couldn't, and Cathus had simply stood there and told her there was nothing he could do.

"Me neither," Adena said, yawning and rubbing her eyes.

Erynn thought about telling her what she had learned in the woods, about her dragon blood, but then she felt a couple of leaves slip and more of the dried mud spill out on the floor. She sat up and pulled her blanket back, then swiveled around so her foot was over the fireplace and carefully removed the leaves, arranging them in a stack nearby.

"I hate that we're stuck here," Adena said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If Marik finds us, Callie and Amara could be in real trouble."

"I know," Erynn said, not really needing the reminder. She knew if anything happened to Callie and Amara, it would be her fault. Just like the king. And that was the last thing she wanted. She also wasn't just worried about Marik showing up. She was worried about Nolan. Callie had said their neighbor liked to check in on them every now and then, and if he was in Chapley, he had likely heard about the warrant. She hoped he didn't suddenly decide to stop by with the latest news.

Adena was quiet, gazing out the front window through a crack in the curtains. Erynn returned her attention to her foot. She had finished removing the leaves, the rest of the dried mud spilling out, and now she slipped off the thin grass cord.

"I dreamt about Ethlon," her friend said a few moments later, still speaking softly so the two women in the back rooms wouldn't hear. "That we went there. I couldn't find Jared."

Erynn heard the worry in her voice. "It was just a dream, Adena. I'm sure he's fine." She wiped away the last of the mud and swiveled back around, then started sweeping up the small piles on the floor and scooping them into the fireplace. What she couldn't scoop up with her hands she tried her best to scrape into the cracks between the floorboards.

Adena was quiet, picking at a piece of Voltan's fur caught on her blanket.

"I saw you hesitate when we were with Soren," she said. "Just before we left him. You wanted to go to Blackwood, didn't you?"

Erynn wasn't expecting the question. "Marik wants to kill you, Adena. I know this isn't just about me anymore."

"But you wanted to, didn't you? That's what you were thinking."

Erynn shrugged. "I guess." She thought about Cathus and Amara, and their comments about the path. And the question Cathus had asked her. _"Are you listening to what it tells you?"_

Adena was quiet again, gazing briefly over at Voltan in the corner, then up at the window. Erynn had cleaned the floor as best she could and now began folding her blanket.

"Gareth still might come home before that banquet in Sarda," Adena said. "Holden can't exactly keep it a secret that his father died."

Erynn didn't agree. "He'll stay until after the banquet."

"But why?"

"Because it's important, Adena."

"But he is the King of Alyria now, isn't he? Doesn't he have to come home?"

Erynn finished folding her blanket and set it on the couch, not sure why her friend was bringing this up now. "He's planning to use the banquet to get Sarda's support for the war. If he gets it, Ridan could win."

Adena sighed. "I really don't get why what's going on in Ridan is so much more important than what's going on here." She shoved her blanket away and went to grab some wood from a pile in the corner. Then she set about building a fire.

Erynn didn't understand why her friend was so upset. She grabbed the other blanket and began folding it, too. "It isn't about Ridan. He's trying to stop Naedra. She's after something and he's worried what might happen to the rest of Valentia if she gets it. It might not seem like it, but he is trying to help Alyria."

Adena reached for another log. "Well, why did it have to be him? Why not someone else? The King of Brye has a son, doesn't he?"

Erynn was about to tell her that it actually had something to do with the King of Parigon's eldest son—that she had heard he was a friend of Gareth's and had asked him to come. Then she saw the look on Adena's face and remembered what she had said about her dream. And in a flash it hit her—the whole reason her friend was so angry. "You blame him. That's what this is about. And why you've been so against me doing anything to try and save him. Ever since the Galians arrived."

Adena opened her mouth to say something. Then she closed it and turned back to the fireplace. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Yes, you do. You blame Gareth for your parents leaving. For taking your father with him to Ridan, and then your mother going off to find him. For Jared going off to Ethlon to find both of them. You don't care if he dies at that banquet in Sarda or not."

Adena said nothing, just continued building her fire, but Erynn knew she was right. She could tell by the tension in her friend's shoulders and jaw, and the fact that she now seemed reluctant to turn around and face her. Then she did turn around, but before she could say a word, Callie walked out of one of the back rooms.

"Good morning ladies," she said. "How was your sleep?"

They hadn't been talking very loud, but Erynn still searched the other woman's face for any sign she had heard their argument. Then she tried her best to smile. "Great. Certainly better than sleeping in the woods." She finished folding Adena's blanket, set it on the couch with hers, and carefully pulled herself up. Callie pushed the couch back to its usual position near the fireplace, and when it was ready, Erynn sat back down.

"Great," Adena said, turning back to the fireplace.

Callie went to the window and glanced outside, looking disappointed at the sight of the rain. She announced that she would have to put off her trip to Chapley for another day, then slipped on her cloak and boots and headed out to the barn with Voltan. Amara appeared not long after, and while Adena finished building a fire, she filled a bucket with water so Erynn could rinse the rest of the mud from her foot. Then she set about preparing breakfast.

The rain continued throughout the day, but eventually tapered off and stopped by late afternoon. Erynn spent most of her time on the couch, listening with one ear to Amara as she told them stories about her life in Tallon, and with the other for any sounds outside. She learned more about Queen Sasha, but nothing of any real significance, and even though she still had many questions, she tried to keep them to a minimum to avoid appearing too interested.

Adena was quieter than usual, barely even making eye contact with Erynn and frequently going to the window to glance outside. She helped Amara around the cottage for most of the morning, cleaning up after breakfast, then picking vegetables in the garden out back and carrying them down to the small root cellar beneath the kitchen. But when Amara finally ran out of things she could do, she seemed reluctant to stay inside and headed out to the barn to help Callie.

After dinner, Amara told them more about her walk across Brye. Erynn was amazed that she had traveled all the way to Berridge on her own, and part of her even wished she could introduce her to Briggs. The old woman's story also made her think about her own situation, and that maybe getting across the river and all the way to Highcastle wasn't as impossible as she had originally thought.

"What was Naedra like?" Adena asked sometime later in the evening. "Back when you lived in Tallon?"

"I never met her," Amara said. "She actually left Tallon a couple of years before Sasha married Maslin and came to live at the castle. But from what I heard, she certainly seemed like a very determined girl. If she set her mind to something, she wouldn't let anything stand in her way. A trait that's carried her far it seems. But then I only heard about her from Sasha and the two of them never did get along. And I never saw much of the other two to hear anything different."

"The other two?" Erynn asked. "Naedra and Sasha had other siblings?"

"Yes, there were four Keightley girls. Carys was the second oldest, after Sasha, and probably the wisest of the four. She was always very involved with the Order of the Cael, even from a young age. And close to Paddon, too. Even more so than Sasha. Tara was the youngest. A sweet girl."

Erynn felt her breath catch. Tara? Was that the name she just said? Then her mouth went dry, realizing what this meant.

"Something wrong, Loren?" Callie asked. "You look shocked."

Erynn cleared her throat. "No, I–I'm fine. Just surprised is all. I didn't realize Naedra had any other siblings."

"Neither of them attended many functions at the castle," Amara said. "And with all the attention on Sasha's death and, of course, all of Naedra's activities over the last twenty-five years or so, I suppose they have been rather forgotten."

Erynn wiped a hand over her face, trying hard to look like what she had just learned didn't bother her at all. But it did. Although she had never really given it much thought, she had somewhat expected a possible close relation to Naedra—given that they were both Daughters of Maegan and it didn't seem like there were many left. But she had no idea it would be this close. That the woman who was hunting her mother, had sent Lord Caden to arrest her and take her to Galia, and who supposedly wanted to kill her was her own aunt! She wanted to ask Amara about Tara, to find out everything the old woman knew about her—and especially if she knew how Naedra came to be hunting her—but she was still so stunned that she couldn't find the words.

"Do you know how Naedra ended up in Galia?" Adena asked, seeming to sense her trouble.

"I'm not sure exactly," Amara said. "All I know is that she was still only fourteen when she left Tallon, and it was about a year later that she met Krone. Sasha never really understood why she left, although she did say that Naedra had visited the temple in Brye not long before. She told me once that the temples were special places, and that she often went to the one in Brye when she felt troubled. Perhaps something happened when Naedra was there." She paused. "I was at the temple when I had that horrible dream about the castle. I had hoped after losing Sasha that I might find her there."

"I heard there's a temple here," Erynn said, finding her voice again. "In Alyria. But I've never seen it."

"I've been to it a couple of times, before I lost my sight. It's a beautiful place, but unfortunately neither has been very well maintained."

"Did Naedra get along well with her other two sisters?" Adena asked. "Or was it just Sasha she had problems with?"

Amara chuckled. "No, Naedra didn't get along with Carys, either. In fact, probably less so. I heard she had some conflict with the Order as well, and might have blamed Carys for that. But Tara adored her, and I know Sasha was devastated when she left to go live with Naedra in Galia. That was just a few months before Galia invaded."

Erynn's mouth dropped open. Her mother had adored Naedra? So much so that she had left Tallon to go live with her in Galia? Now she really didn't understand. Naedra was hunting her mother—to the point Tara had actually felt it necessary to give up her own child in order to keep her safe. How could two sisters, once so close, end up so far apart?

Amara entertained them with a few more stories, but Erynn was still so distracted by what she had learned that she barely heard a word. Then it was time for bed, and Adena was pulling back the couch to make some room while Callie went to fetch the blankets.

Adena said little as they lay down next to each other, and Callie and Amara headed off to their rooms. Erynn had been waiting all day for a chance to talk to her about Gareth and their earlier conversation, as well as her talk with Cathus. But she again found herself too tired, not to mention confused and depressed by what else she had learned. And she had the sense Adena wasn't really in the mood to talk about it anyway. So she simply wished her friend a good night and rolled over onto her side, deciding that she would definitely try to talk to her in the morning.

But the next morning she didn't get the chance. Erynn woke to find the sky clear, and before she was even up, Callie had appeared and announced she was going to town. She asked Adena to help her load some pigs into the wagon, then set off after breakfast, leaving a rather disappointed-looking Voltan behind and saying she would be back by sunset.

Adena helped Amara with the dishes, but was clearly tense and kept casting glances over at Erynn—who was still stuck on the couch, resting her foot. It wasn't until the cottage was clean, and Amara had gone out to the garden, that they finally had a chance to talk.

"What should we do?" Adena whispered. "Callie's bound to hear about us when she gets to town."

Erynn wasn't sure what Callie would do when she realized the two girls she had left back at home with her aunt were the same two girls wanted for the king's murder, but she did know one thing: if they fled the cottage now, she was going to reinjure her foot. And, after sitting there thinking about it all morning, she had finally decided this wasn't something she could risk. She was going to listen to what her dragon's blood was telling her, no matter how much it scared her. She shook her head. "I can't leave, Adena. It hasn't been three days yet."

Her friend looked surprised. "We might not have a choice, Erynn. What if she brings Marik back with her?"

"It's a chance I'll have to take."

Adena opened her mouth to protest, but then she seemed to read something in Erynn's eyes—or heard it in her voice—and stopped. "You've changed your mind, haven't you?"

"If I leave now, I'll hurt my foot again. I'll never get there in time."

Adena closed her eyes and briefly raised her hands to her head, then stared at her friend again. "Going to Blackwood is crazy. You know that, right?"

Erynn knew Adena wouldn't be happy with her decision, but she also knew it was the choice she had to make. "I don't want to end up like Amara, Adena. Regretting that I didn't at least try. Lord Caden needs to pay for what he did. And so does Holden. And Marik. Warning Gareth about that banquet, and getting him back here, is the only way I can do that."

"But you don't even know if you can find Sheldon. Or that he has that falcon. And Amara didn't have someone chasing after her. Someone who wants to kill her." She moved closer, glancing over at the back door as if she was worried Amara might return any second. "They have a couple more horses in the barn. Why don't we just take them? That way you can ride and we don't have to worry about your foot. We could get to South Crossing faster. And Brye."

"We can't do that. Even if we still had the king's gold to repay them. Besides, I know Sheldon has that falcon. And that we can find him. Don't ask me how, I just do."

"But it's dangerous, Erynn. The longer we stay—"

"Lord Caden's going to follow me no matter where I go. Whether I'm here or in Brye. And I doubt he or Marik would expect me to go west. Maybe going that way would throw them off."

"So we're just supposed to stay here? Stay here and hope Callie doesn't bring Marik back with her?"

Erynn knew that was exactly what she was suggesting. "She has been harboring fugitives. Feeding us hot meals and letting us sleep on her floor. Maybe she'll be too scared of what Marik might do when he finds out to say anything."

Adena crossed her arms, still not looking pleased.

"I can meet you in Brye," Erynn said. "Or down in South Crossing."

"You want to go alone?" Now Adena almost looked offended.

"I don't want you to get hurt because of me, Adena."

Her friend was quiet again. Then finally she sighed and shook her head. "I told you I wasn't letting you do this alone, and I meant it. If you really feel you have to go to Blackwood, then I'm coming with you."

Erynn couldn't believe she had changed her mind. "You're serious?"

"Of course I'm serious. But I still think it's a bad idea. And you can't make me like it. Or Gareth, for that matter. I just hope you're right, and that Callie is too scared to tell anyone."

Just then, the back door opened and Amara stepped inside. She had a basket of tomatoes in her hand and was humming something to herself as she slowly made her way across the room.

Adena took one final look at Erynn, then told Amara she was going out to the barn to take care of Callie's chores.

When she was gone, Erynn sat back down on the couch, hoping with all of her heart that she was right. That she wasn't making a very big mistake.

It was shortly after lunch, while Adena was helping Amara clean up, and Erynn had once again returned to the couch, that Voltan suddenly leapt to his feet and ran to the door—barking loudly.

Erynn sat up straight, her heart pounding, and seconds later she heard horses.

"That can't be Callie already," Amara said, turning toward the door with a slight frown on her face.

Erynn felt a sinking sensation in her gut. "That doesn't sound like a wagon."

Adena ran to the window. Then she pulled the curtains shut and whirled back around. "It's Marik. They're coming across the field."

**CHAPTER 27**

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Voltan was barking at the door, wanting to be let outside.

"Marik?" Amara said, concern on her face.

"Soldiers from the castle," Adena explained.

"Oh, I've heard of him. Callie's husband had a rather unpleasant encounter with him a few years ago."

Erynn was a little surprised at the sudden anger in the old woman's voice, but the thought disappeared as she hobbled over to the window and peered outside. She counted six men, including Marik, galloping across the field from the direction of the trees. Two split off from the others as she watched and headed for the barn. The others continued toward the cottage.

Amara put down the cloth she was using to dry the dishes and walked to the door. "Stay inside and keep quiet, girls. I'll handle him."

Erynn suddenly flashed back in her mind to her father walking forward from the wagon to meet the fair-haired soldier with the limp and the jagged scars. She turned to the door, fear gripping her heart. "Wait, Amara—"

But it was too late. Amara had grabbed hold of Voltan's collar and opened the door. A second later they were gone.

Erynn started after her, but Adena grabbed her arm.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"We have to warn her," Erynn said. "She has no idea what she's walking into. Why they're even here."

"Erynn, we need to leave. Maybe she'll give us some time."

The words were like a stab to the heart, remembering how her father had once tried to do the very same thing. _"Run,"_ he had said, as he stepped forward to meet Lord Caden. _"Don't let them catch you, Erynn."_

As Adena went to grab their things, Erynn turned back to the window. Amara was making her way out to the road, still keeping a tight grip on Voltan. There was a determined nature to the way she was holding herself—as if she wasn't afraid and knew exactly what she was doing—but it didn't make Erynn feel any better.

Adena was running around, gathering up their cloaks and packs and stowing the blankets in one of the back rooms.

"Erynn," she said, her voice urgent. "I know you wanted to stay, but it's too late. We need to go. Now."

Erynn glanced around, trying to think. Trying to decide. Even looking for something she could use to fight the men off if they came inside. Then her eyes landed on the trap door nearly hidden in the floor by the kitchen and she heard a voice inside telling her to stay. That she had to if she wanted to save Gareth. "Throw everything in the cellar."

"The cellar?" Adena asked. "We can't hide there. What if they search the cottage?"

"Just do it, Adena."

Adena looked about ready to drop Erynn's things and high-tail it out the back door on her own. Then she set her jaw and went to the cellar. Seconds later she had lifted the door and deposited their things at the bottom of the stairs.

Erynn caught a glimpse of the cool darkness below—a space barely large enough for the two of them to hide—and a shiver ran down her spine. But she refused to let it scare her. If she could survive the caves of Galia, and the tunnel out of Caraden Castle, she could survive a simple root cellar.

The men slowed their horses as they reached the road. Marik looked tired, as if he had slept in the same clothes for days, and was even sporting a light growth of beard. Erynn recognized the other soldiers from around the castle, but saw no sign of Quinn or any of his men.

Marik guided his horse forward, until he was only a few feet from Amara, but the old woman just drew herself up taller and kept a firm grip on Voltan. The dog had not stopped barking and Erynn was starting to think the noise might drive her insane.

"Who's there and what do you want?" Amara said, her voice so strong she almost growled. "I might be blind but I heard you lot coming a mile away."

Marik looked her over, appearing somewhat amused by her boldness but at the same time not in the mood for games. "Marik Fayne, from Caraden. We're searching for two girls we believe might have passed this way. About sixteen years old. We tracked them into the woods out behind your barn. Have you heard of anyone like that in the area?"

Erynn watched Amara, barely able to breathe, but if the old woman was at all shocked or rattled by his words, she didn't show it.

"Someone slept in our barn a few nights back. We thought maybe it was the same thieves we had here last week. Stole two of our best pigs. But they didn't steal anything this time and seem to be gone now. When I heard your horses I thought maybe you were them."

Adena returned to the window, peering over Erynn's shoulder so she could see what was going on. "I still think we should leave, Erynn."

"Wait," Erynn whispered, finding it hard to hear over Voltan's barking. "I want to see what he does."

"What he does? Erynn, by then it could be too late."

At the back of her mind, Erynn knew her friend was right. But something inside was still telling her to stay. To wait.

Marik eyed the cottage. "Who else lives here with you?"

"Just my niece," Amara said. "Her husband died a couple of years ago."

"Is she here?"

"She went to town."

"To Chapley?"

"Yes," Amara said, starting to sound annoyed at his questions. "She had a few pigs she wanted to sell."

"When did she leave?"

"Sunrise. Did these girls do something wrong?"

Marik seemed surprised. "You aren't aware of the warrant for their arrest?"

"No. I don't go to town much anymore and my niece hasn't been in weeks."

"They're wanted for the murder of King Wryden."

This time, Amara flinched. She raised a slightly shaky hand to her face. "Murder? I hadn't even heard he died. You say two girls did this?"

Marik was about to respond, but then he turned and gazed west down the road. The rest of his soldiers all did the same, and even Amara turned her head. Voltan barked even louder.

Erynn wasn't able to see what they were looking at, but a few seconds later she heard it. A wagon was coming up the road—and fast. Not long after, it came into view: two horses galloping towards the cottage, with Callie leaning forward on the wagon seat and looking very, very alarmed.

"That's not good," Adena said. "What's she doing back so soon?"

Erynn knew right away. "Judging by the look on her face, I'd say she heard about the warrant."

Voltan was still barking. Amara scolded him, loudly, and finally he sat down and was quiet.

Callie brought the wagon to a stop and quickly applied the brake. Then she jumped down and went to her aunt.

"Amara?" she said. "Is everything all right?"

Amara reached for her niece's hand and even from the cottage Erynn could see the squeeze. "These men are from Caraden, dear. They're looking for two girls they think murdered the king. I told them we had guests in our barn the other night, but they seem to be gone now."

Callie's eyes were wide. They went from her aunt to the cottage—and very briefly to the window—before returning to Marik and the other three soldiers.

"Go along with it, Callie," Adena whispered.

Erynn could hardly watch, wondering now if she should have listened to Adena. If they should have fled out the back the second they saw Marik and hoped Amara would give them some time.

Callie nervously wiped a strand of hair from her face. "I–I saw a couple of girls as I drove into town this morning. It looked like they were trying to cross the Elks River."

Marik raised a brow. "What did they look like?"

"One was fair, the other dark-haired. But I only saw them briefly."

Marik's men exchanged glances, but he didn't take his eyes off Callie. "And when was this?"

"Not long after sunrise. I thought maybe they were the ones who slept in our barn."

Marik studied both of the women carefully. Then his gaze shifted to the now-empty wagon. "Your aunt says you went into Chapley to sell pigs."

"I did," Callie replied. "A half-dozen."

"Why the rush coming home? Your horses look ready to drop."

For a moment, Callie seemed speechless. "I–I heard in town you were looking for those girls. I thought maybe they were the ones I saw and was concerned for my aunt. I wanted to make sure she was all right."

"If they were crossing the Elks River it sounds like they were headed south. Away from here."

"My aunt's blind. And here all alone. I was concerned."

"Not entirely alone," one of the soldiers said. "Looks like she's got a pretty good dog to watch over her."

Callie glanced down at Voltan, then briefly back at the cottage—and the window.

Marik narrowed his eyes. "Did you tell anyone in town what you saw?"

Callie hesitated, looking even more uncomfortable. "No, Sir. All I could think of was my aunt. Getting back here."

Marik didn't seem pleased, but before he could say another word, the two soldiers who had split off to search the barn rode toward him.

"Looks like someone might have slept in one of the empty stalls," one of the men said. "Probably went in there to get out of the rain." He paused and eyed the cottage—and the two women standing out front. "Want us to check inside?"

Marik gazed long and hard at the cottage. And the window.

Erynn's heart was pounding in her chest. She knew the army commander couldn't see her through the crack in the curtains, but she stepped back anyway—ready to bolt if he made the slightest motion to his men, but not entirely sure if it would be to the root cellar or out the back door.

An eternity seemed to pass before he finally spoke. "No. If they crossed the Elks this morning, we might still catch up to them by nightfall." He turned back to Callie. "If I had the time, I would leave a couple of my men behind and order them to go through your barn and select a suitable penalty for not reporting what you saw. So consider yourself lucky. The next time a warrant is issued and you see someone fitting the description, I hope you will make the report."

Callie nodded her head, but kept her eyes down—as if she feared Marik might see the truth: that she knew the two girls he was looking for weren't trying to cross the Elks River that morning and were very likely still in the cottage. "Yes, Sir."

Marik stared at both of them for several more seconds. Then he turned his horse west and rode off past the wagon and down the road, the rest of his men following behind.

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**CHAPTER 28**

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For several long moments, neither of the women moved nor said a word. Even Voltan was quiet. Then Amara let go of his collar and started back toward the cottage.

Adena went down to the cellar and fetched their things, depositing them next to the couch and closing the trap door by the time the old woman stepped inside.

Erynn felt awful and hobbled back toward the couch. She opened her mouth to say something, to try and apologize to Amara for not telling them the truth, but the old woman just walked right past her, her face blank, and disappeared into her room. Erynn sat down and lowered her head to her hands, not thinking it was possible to feel any worse.

A second later the door opened and Callie stepped inside. She looked pale—and angry. Voltan trotted in behind her, and went to lie down in his usual corner by the hearth.

"It's not true," Erynn said, raising her head. "We had nothing to do with the king's death."

Callie shut the door, not looking like she believed her. "They're saying you murdered him. I heard about it in town."

"Holden's just saying that so people will help him find us," Adena said. "So you'll turn us in." She walked back to the window and peered outside, as if worried Marik might change his mind and return.

"Why would he lie about something like that?"

Erynn sighed and ran her hands through her hair. She wished she could explain, but knew there was probably no point and had a feeling it was probably better the women didn't know, anyway. "It's a long story. Believe me, we wouldn't even be here if I could walk. The last thing we want is to get either of you in trouble."

"Trouble? Do you know what those men would have done to us if they found you here? If they knew we helped you?"

"Yes, I do," Erynn said. "But we'll go. We'll leave now." She stood up and reached for her cloak and pack. Leaving was the last thing she wanted to do—she had even told Adena only minutes earlier that she couldn't—but it was also quite clear that they couldn't stay. Not anymore.

"We have to help them, Callie."

Everyone turned. Amara was standing in the doorway of her room, holding something in her hand—what appeared to be a fairly large object of some kind, wrapped up in an old green robe.

Callie looked stunned. "Help them? Amara, what are you talking about? Didn't you hear those men? They're wanted for murdering the king!"

"Loren is a Daughter of Maegan, Callie. That's why they're looking for her."

Erynn just about dropped her pack. "A Daughter of Maegan?" She tried to laugh, but could tell it didn't come out very well. "What makes you think that?"

Amara smiled. "My dear, I recognized her in you the second you walked in the door. It was like Sasha herself had walked right in out of the rain and spoken to me again, from beyond the grave. It gave me goosebumps."

Erynn felt goosebumps rise up on her own arms. She sounded just like Sasha?

Callie looked even more uneasy. "Amara, what are you talking about?"

The old woman stepped farther into the room. "I think she's the reason the Galians are here. Why they came to Alyria." She turned her head towards Erynn. "Aren't you?"

Erynn glanced over at Adena, not sure what to say, but her friend just shrugged. She sighed, realizing there wasn't much point in lying anymore. "You're right. The Galians did come to Alyria for me and that's why Marik's looking for us. My name's not Loren. It's Erynn. And this is my friend, Adena. We're not from Farglen. We're from Caraden. We used to work at the castle."

Callie's mouth dropped open. "You are a Daughter of Maegan?"

Erynn nodded. "The king told me a couple of days after the Galians arrived. Told me to leave Alyria. Paddon brought me here when I was a baby and asked the king to take care of me. He chose a couple to raise me, but they're both dead now." She paused. "My mother's Tara."

"Tara?" Callie said with a slight gasp. "Naedra's sister?"

"I think so," Erynn said. "Unless there's another Daughter out there with the same name. I didn't realize Naedra had other sisters until last night, which is why I looked so shocked. Apparently she's been searching for my mother for years."

Callie looked confused. "I–I don't understand."

"Neither do I," Erynn said. "Just that I'm in a lot of danger if they catch me." She glanced over at Amara and saw that tears had appeared in the old woman's eyes.

"Your voice is so much like Sasha's, that when you walked in the door and I first heard you speak, I thought for sure you were her lost child. But then you said your age and I realized you couldn't be, although I was still sure you had to be from the same family. Sweet Tara. I can't believe it."

Callie sank down in a chair at the table, still looking stunned.

Amara walked toward Erynn, her milky white eyes shifting down to the bundle in her hands. "I have something I need to give you. I've kept it all these years, not knowing what I was going to do with it. But now I know it's why you're here. How you managed to find your way to our barn. She wants me to give it to you."

Erynn felt a shiver, even though it was quite warm. "You mean Sasha?"

Amara ran a hand lightly over the bundle. "Yes. She gave this to me after we ran into the Galians, thinking it might be safer with me if we were captured. I've never understood why, but she said it was very valuable and that if anything happened to her, I was to make sure it was delivered to the Order—and preferably to Carys. She did not want Naedra to have it. I always meant to find Carys, but the years went by and I never did get around to it. Perhaps I was too scared after what happened to Branen. Then I lost my sight and I couldn't. It's been a terrible weight on my mind for years."

She held out the bundle, and Erynn lowered her pack and reached out to take it. "What is it?"

"A book of some kind, only don't ask me who it once belonged to or what it says, because I never did learn how to read and I've never shown anyone. Not even my husband. Or Callie."

Callie shook her head. "I never knew you had that. I wish you had told me in case something happened to you."

"I always meant to, Callie."

Erynn felt strange holding something that had once belonged to the late Queen of Tallon. Something she had claimed was so valuable. She was curious to know what was written in the book, and why Sasha had been so concerned about it and didn't want Naedra to have it. But she was also a little nervous. She was in enough trouble as it was, with Marik and Lord Caden after her. The last thing she wanted to do was lose it. "If the Galians catch me...or Marik..."

"You can't let them," Amara said, her voice firm.

"It's not as easy as it sounds. They already did once. In Thornhill. But we managed to get away. And now my foot..." Erynn's voice trailed off, not really knowing what to say.

Adena returned to the couch and grabbed her things. "We should go."

Erynn reached for her pack again, gently slipping the robe-wrapped bundle inside.

"Wait," Amara said, concern on her face. "What about your foot, Erynn? If you leave, you're just going to injure it again. Cathus told you to rest it for three days."

"I don't really think I have a choice now," Erynn said.

"But where will you go? Surely they'll have soldiers watching for you at the bridges?"

Erynn glanced at Adena, wondering if her friend was still with her, or if Marik's sudden visit had caused her to change her mind. "We're actually not going to Brye just yet."

"Not going to Brye?" Amara said. "But don't you need to leave Alyria? The longer you're here—"

"There's something we need to do first," Adena said, holding Erynn's gaze a moment. "Someone we need to find."

"If we can," Erynn said, relieved her friend was still with her, but not feeling quite as hopeful as before.

"We can," Adena said. "We'll just be careful."

Amara turned to her niece. "We have to help them, Callie. Can you take them in the wagon?"

Callie looked aghast. "Amara, do you have any idea—"

"She's a Daughter of Maegan," Amara said. "She has to survive."

Callie shook her head. "It's too dangerous. They need to leave. Sore foot or not. I'm sorry for their trouble, I truly am, but I think we've helped them enough."

For a few seconds it was quiet. Then Adena let out a slight gasp, and an uncomfortable look spread across her face.

"What?" Erynn asked.

"I just thought of something," her friend said. "Marik's going to be looking for some sign of us down by the Elks River. And when he doesn't find anything, he's going to suspect they lied."

Erynn sank back down on the couch, and over at the table, Callie grew even paler than before.

Adena didn't look like she wanted to go on. But she did. "And if he suspects they lied..."

"He'll be back," Erynn said, finishing her thought. "Maybe not today, but tomorrow for sure."

Callie lowered her head to her hands, and it was clear that she knew what this meant. Marik would be angry when he came back, and this time he wouldn't just threaten to seize livestock. He would have the two women arrested. Or worse. So it wasn't just a matter of Erynn and Adena leaving and everything going back to normal. Callie and Amara were going to have to leave, too. Or risk facing Marik.

Erynn rubbed a hand over her face, realizing that it was possible to feel even worse than she had a few minutes ago. These two women had been kind enough to take them into their home and feed them, and in two short days they had completely destroyed their lives.

"Then we don't have much choice," Amara said, suddenly sounding a little worried herself but still confident they could handle this. "We have to leave, and we might as well all go together."

Adena looked at Erynn. "West is the last direction Marik would expect us to go. And maybe you're right. Maybe by doing so we could shake him off our trail."

Erynn didn't know what to say, and could barely bring herself to look at Callie.

For what seemed like a long time, no one in the cottage moved or said a word. Then Callie raised her head, took a deep breath, and nodded.

"Where is it you want to go?" she asked.
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**A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR**

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Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed THE LAST FALCON and would love to hear your thoughts and reactions (be they positive or negative). I once set a goal to become a writer of books that people "can't put down" and reviews help me understand what is working in my books and where I still need improvement. Reviews also help other readers find books that will interest them.

Please consider leaving a short review on the Smashwords page for THE LAST FALCON (or the relevant page from which you purchased this ebook), the Goodreads page for THE LAST FALCON, or sending me your thoughts via Twitter (@colleenruttan) or my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/colleenruttan/). You can also email me at colleen@colleenruttan.com.

A sample chapter from the next leg of Erynn's adventure (DRAGON FIRE) follows this page. DRAGON FIRE is currently available for purchase on Smashwords, as well as the retailer from which you purchased this ebook.

If you would like to know when the third book will be available, please sign up for my newsletter. You can also follow me on Twitter (@colleenruttan), or like my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/colleenruttan/).

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**CHAPTER 1**

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It was almost dark by the time they reached Chapley.

Erynn hated hiding in the back of a wagon again. Especially a wagon that had recently transported a load of pigs. She lay on her back, wedged between Adena and several bales of hay, with a single blanket folded beneath them for their heads and several piled on top to keep them out of sight. The smell was horrible—the floorboards so plugged with dirt and manure that there were almost no cracks for air—and the wagon was older and more rickety than Cole's, and each bump and rut knocked them together and rattled their bones. A torture that at times during the long ride seemed like it might go on forever. But now, as the wagon rumbled down the main road into town, and other horses and wagons passed close on both sides, they both tried their best to lie still. Absolutely still. For to be caught could mean their lives.

Then the wagon stopped.

Voltan shifted around on the seat, but Amara told him to stay and he whined in response.

"Make sure he doesn't jump in the back," Callie said, and the wagon creaked and swayed as she climbed down. "Hopefully I won't be long." Her footsteps moved away from the wagon and up a short flight of wooden stairs. A door opened and closed.

"You don't think she'll give us up, do you?" Adena whispered in the darkness under the blankets.

Erynn flinched, so focused on sounds around the wagon that she hadn't expected one so close. "No. If she was going to do that, she would have done it back at the farm."

"She still could."

"Marik won't forget she lied, Adena. She knows that."

Adena was silent for a few moments. "What if that guy's not here? Her neighbor?"

"She's sure he is. She was in town earlier, remember?"

"But what if he isn't now?"

Erynn wished Adena would just be quiet and wait, but she knew her friend was worried and wasn't far from a full-out panic herself. She could still see the faces of the people in Thornhill—the way they had stared when those four soldiers marched her and Adena into town, their wrists bound. She could also still hear their taunts—the way they had shouted at the soldiers to string her and Adena up right there and then. To give them justice for their murdered king. "I'm sure it'll be fine."

Voltan whined again, as if he understood the danger and was also eager to leave. Amara spoke to him softly, but didn't sound as nervous as the rest of the wagon's occupants and that only added to Erynn's unease. She couldn't ignore the strange twist of fate—and foot—that had led her to Callie and Amara, but the old woman believed Erynn's unfortunate fall in the woods and subsequent arrival at her home was a sign from a long-dead queen that she was meant to help her. A queen who Erynn had learned only the day before was not just a Daughter of Maegan like her, but also her aunt. The oldest sister of a mother she had also only recently learned hadn't died in a fire when she was young and was actually still alive. Erynn didn't really know what she believed. She just hoped Amara's desire to help her didn't end up getting the two women killed.

"This is ridiculous," Adena whispered.

"I know."

"We're talking about a bunch of animals, Erynn. They aren't worth our lives."

Erynn had argued the very same thing with Callie before leaving the farm. But it wasn't much use. Callie was upset at her and Adena for not telling her they were wanted for the murder of the king—even though Erynn had tried to explain it was all a lie, an excuse by the king's younger son to try and find her. And Callie was just as upset at Amara for making her lie about seeing them to Marik—who wasn't some mere knight in charge of the search, but the Commander of the Alyrian Army himself. "We had to come through town anyway, remember?"

"We could have gone back towards Thornhill."

"That would take too long. And we couldn't exactly go down by the Elks River."

"Maybe Marik isn't looking for us down there anymore."

"And maybe he is," Erynn said. "I'd rather take my chances here."

Adena sighed, but said nothing more.

Erynn was tempted to remind her that it still wasn't too late to change her mind. Callie could stop to let her off the wagon once they left Chapley, and she and Erynn could meet up later—either down by South Crossing or in Brye. But she couldn't bring herself to say the words. Adena had finally agreed to come west with her, even though her friend had made it clear she would much rather leave Alyria and forget about the crown prince altogether, and Erynn didn't want to face the trip alone. When Callie had finally relented to her aunt's plea to help them, and had asked Erynn where she wanted to go, she hadn't thought it wise to tell the women the truth, so had simply said Winslow, a town she remembered from the king's map and hoped wasn't too far of a walk from their real destination: Blackwood.

Erynn was wondering again how long that walk might take, when horses approached from behind.

Voltan started barking.

Adena groaned. "That dog's going to get us all killed."

"Shhh!" Erynn whispered, trying to listen.

The horses pulled up near the back of the wagon, and saddles creaked as the riders dismounted.

Amara scolded Voltan, and must have given him a sharp tug on his leash, because his barks died off and he whined briefly before finally going silent.

Behind them, one of the horses snorted and pawed at the dirt.

"Where's Quinn?" one of the riders grumbled. "I thought he would have been here by now."

A slight gasp escaped Erynn's lips. Quinn? In Chapley?

"Better he ain't just yet," another man said as he walked by the side of the wagon. "I'd like to get something to eat first."

Erynn remained still, not needing to see the men to know they were soldiers from the castle, and suddenly terrified one might spot movement under the blankets—or recognize the old blind woman with the noisy brown dog up on the seat. The same brown dog that only a few hours earlier would not stop barking at Marik.

"Wait," said a third man, still back by the horses. "Here he comes now."

The man next to the wagon cursed.

Erynn couldn't believe it. The mercenary was in Chapley!

At least two more horses approached from the other end of town, ahead of the wagon, and eventually came to a stop near the others. Voltan shifted on the seat and whined.

"See anything on the north road?" came a voice Erynn knew belonged to Briggs Colson, Quinn's right-hand man.

Next to Erynn, Adena bristled.

"Plenty," said the first man. "But no sixteen-year-old girls."

"What about from the Elks River?" said the third.

"About the same," came the rougher—and to Erynn's ear, unmistakable—voice of Quinn Dunigan.

"What are they doing here?" came a whisper in her ear.

"Shh!" Erynn whispered back.

"Those girls are headed south," the second man said, clearly wondering why they were even in Chapley. "It's the only place they have any chance getting across the Delorin."

Quinn and Briggs dismounted; then it sounded like one of them was unbuckling saddlebags.

"Marik still wanted both roads checked," Quinn said. "And for us to ask a few questions around town."

"He thinks those women lied?" the first man asked. "The ones back at that farm?"

"He hasn't found the girls yet," Briggs said.

"Still doesn't mean they weren't down by the Elks River. Like that woman said."

"I'll be sure to tell him you said that next time I see him," Quinn replied.

There was a brief silence, and the man next to the wagon shifted his feet.

Erynn wasn't sure what to do. She wondered if Quinn could help them if he knew they were there. Perhaps convince Marik to forget about the Elks River and the women at that farm and just continue his search farther south. But she was also worried. Quinn and his men might be secretly working for Gareth, now rightful heir to the throne, but she and Adena were the only ones who knew that, and she feared his need to protect that secret could outweigh anything else. Just like it had the last time. And if he did try to lock them up—just like last time—how would she ever get to Blackwood in time to find Sheldon and save Gareth?

"One of the women from that farm was in town earlier," Briggs said, moving closer to the wagon. "Marik wants to know who she talked to. And whether she came alone."

"He thinks she dropped the girls here?" the second man asked.

"He doesn't think anything," Briggs snapped. "He's your commander and he wants to know. Got it?"

"She did drop off a load of pigs," Quinn said. "Or so she claims, anyway. If that's true, she must have delivered them to someone."

Erynn knew exactly whom Callie had delivered the pigs to: her neighbor, Nolan. The same neighbor she had just gone inside the inn to find.

"Marik's gone back to the farm, then?" the third man asked. "To question those women again?"

Voltan whined, and the seat creaked—as if Amara had shifted her position to get a better hold on him. Fortunately, it didn't sound like any of the men had recognized either her or the dog, which meant they couldn't have been amongst the group with Marik at the farm earlier.

"I believe that was his plan," Quinn replied.

"And us?" the first man asked.

"We'll see what we can find out here and meet up with him later."

"Does he want us to start tonight?" the second man asked, although he didn't sound particularly keen to hear the answer. "It is almost dark."

"You have something better to do?" Briggs asked.

"We were going to get something to eat. Haven't had a bite all day."

"By all means," Quinn said. "You can start with your questions at the bar."

The soldier by the side of the wagon headed up the stairs and into the inn, with what sounded like the other two men following him, and Quinn and Briggs remaining behind.

Erynn knew this was her chance. If she was going to alert Quinn, all she needed to do was push the blankets back. She didn't even need to make a sound. But should she?

"Don't do it, Erynn." Adena's voice was barely a whisper. "He'll lock us up."

But Erynn was too busy listening to respond.

"What do you think?" Briggs asked, still near the wagon.

"About what?" Quinn replied, slightly farther away.

"You think that woman lied about seeing the girls down by the Elks River? The one who brought the pigs into town?"

"She described them pretty good, didn't she? One fair, the other dark-haired?"

"Yes, but that just means she saw them. Not where."

"You don't think it's possible Marik could have missed their tracks?" Quinn sounded a little amused.

"Not particularly."

"Then perhaps she did." The mercenary seemed to have finished what he was doing because now he walked closer. "He seems to think so, anyway."

Briggs was quiet. "I don't like where this is going, Quinn. You know what he'll do when he gets back to that farm."

"Yes, which is why it's probably good he sent us here."

"You think the girls are there? Back at that farm? That maybe those women were covering for them? Hiding them?"

Quinn snorted and continued past him alongside the wagon. "I'm still trying to figure out how they escaped from that shop in Thornhill."

Erynn couldn't do it. Couldn't bring herself to throw the blankets back. As much as she wondered if Quinn could help them, her gut was telling her that they couldn't afford to trust him. At least not now. Not if she wanted to save Gareth.

Then Voltan barked twice—loudly.

Quinn paused, and somewhere nearby a door opened and footsteps came briskly down the stairs.

"Nice dog," the mercenary said.

Someone mumbled something in response. Someone who sounded a lot like Callie. Then the wagon creaked and swayed as that same someone climbed aboard and gathered the reins.

Callie clucked to the horses and the wagon rolled forward, heading away from the inn and continuing on down the road.
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**ABOUT THE AUTHOR**

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**COLLEEN RUTTAN** grew up in North Vancouver, BC, and currently lives in Chilliwack, BC. She has a degree in physics from the University of British Columbia, and previously worked as a criminal intelligence analyst for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

For more information about Colleen and her books, please visit her website at www.colleenruttan.com. To receive updates on the release of new books, plus information about upcoming sales, giveaways, and appearances, please subscribe to her newsletter.

To contact Colleen, please use the contact form on her website or send her an email at colleen@colleenruttan.com. You can also reach out to her on Twitter (@colleenruttan), or via Facebook (www.facebook.com/colleenruttan/).
