Page 49 of Their War

Rhowyn eyed me as we materialized. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing,” I assured her, pushing my doubts and concerns down. Changing the subject, I addressed the others, “Any sign of Loki?” As if my words had summoned him, he also materialized, pulling the glamor that had hidden him away to reveal that he'd been here all along.

Startling, Lennox and Baer jumped when he spoke up from behind them. “Been ready since last night.” Rubbing his hands together with glee, he said, “This will be a great story to tell. I can't wait.”

“Have you heard from Juniper?” I asked Brannoc.

“Yes. Everything should be in place,” he told me.

“Good,” I said, squaring my shoulders. “Let's head out.”

We crept silently toward the castle, keeping to the shadows, Brannoc and Lennox doing their best to hide us from view of any of the passing guards. None of us dared to speak as we focused on traversing the area as silently as possible.

Finally, we came to the hidden tunnel that would let us into the inner courtyard. Not many knew of this back way in, but because of my former position as Captain in the Queen's Guard, I knew it was the least patrolled. It was originally designed as an escape from the Cashel Rí, in case of emergency, which meant that only a select few knew of its location.

Peering around, I lifted the grate from the opening of the tunnel, peeking inside to ensure the way was clear. I nodded at Callum, indicating he would enter first. We'd need his skills should we come across any guards along the way. Baer and Lennox were not nearly as proficient with weapons as he was. Callum dropped through the hole, struggling slightly to get his massive shoulders through the small opening, but finally slipped down with a soft splash. Next was Baer, then Lennox, and Loki. Rhowyn was in the middle, with Brannoc and me following after her.

She didn't protest when we decided the order of entrance last night. I was thankful now for this fact, a part of my anxiety soothed by knowing that she'd never have to face anything alone during this mission. One of us would always be with her.

Once I entered, the residual rainwater that trickled through the tunnel made it more difficult to move silently, covering the tops of our boots as we slowly traipsed toward the castle. The tunnel curved slightly, branches leading off the main tunnel every so often meant to distract any followers in the event of pursuit during an escape. I led the way, turning every so often, having memorized the locations and destinations of each of the tunnel branches until we finally reached our exit. Coming to a stop, we all held our breath, listening for any movement above us.

After several moments of utter silence, I was confident that we were alone. Callum lifted the grate soundlessly and moved it to the side, scanning the area before pulling himself up and out. Again, he remained vigilant as we exited the tunnel. Baer reached down to offer Rhowyn a hand up and out. Her smaller size made her dependent on the assistance. Still, I needed to lift her up enough so he wouldn't injure her by just pulling. My hands moved from her waist to under her thighs, brushing her ass as Baer pulled her out. I felt the amusement from her trickle through the bond and smiled. My Chosen certainly had a healthy sexual appetite, and when this was all done, I'd ensure that she was always satiated.

Refocusing on the task at hand, we moved quickly across the grounds, our footsteps muffled by the well-maintained grass of the garden that surrounded us. The entrance had been designed to be hidden in the bushes, ensuring the Queen could escape without notice. It also worked in our favor, allowing us the opportunity to enter just as easily.

Our group reached the outer door, the one that would allow entrance into Cashel Rí. I prayed to Avalonia that Juniper had been able to unlock it. While Brannoc could enter with his smoke, the doors and windows were blocked by magic that wouldn't allow him to let us in. Only someone with the granted authority could unlock the door. When I turned the knob, it didn't budge, staying firmly in place. I tried again, pushing against the door as if that might help.

“What is it?” Rhowyn's whisper barely reached my ears.

“The door's still locked,” I explained, my words just loud enough to alert the others as well.

“Let me try?” Lennox pushed forward, hoping the door would open for him. Still, it didn't budge. Apparently, the castle had barred his entrance after he'd fled with our group.

“What now? We can't just stand around out here waiting for her to show up. We're too exposed,” Callum said grumpily, glancing around as if someone were about to jump out of the shadows.

“I'll see if I can find her,” Brannoc said, preparing to turn into smoke.

Just as his form flickered, a soft snick sounded. “Wait,” I said, halting him. Reaching down, I turned the knob, which finally gave way to my efforts, silently swinging open as I pushed gently. On the other side was Juniper.

“Sorry. I got held up,” she whispered.

“I'm just glad you were able to get here in time,” Rhowyn told her.

Juniper nodded. “The way should be clear, but you need to hurry. They're changing shifts soon, and people will start waking for the day.” Her tone conveyed the urgency that we all felt.

“Thank you,” Rhowyn said, hugging the woman.

“Of course. Now, I need to get back before anyone suspects anything. I can't afford to be discovered helping.”

We nodded in understanding as she turned to head back to wherever she'd come from. “This way,” I instructed the group, Lennox's shadows coming out to conceal us further.

We crept along the servants' halls, hurrying as fast as we dared, taking the twists and turns of the convoluted castle to our destination. Finally, we reached the rough stone stairs that would lead us down into the dungeons. Ducking into a small room off to the side, I nodded to Loki. It was his turn to get ready.

Listening closely, we heard faint footsteps coming toward our location. Callum and I readied ourselves, Baer with a hand on the doorknob. I focused on finding the right moment, knowing this had to be well coordinated. Neither could make a sound, or we'd be quickly discovered. When I was sure, I nodded at Baer. The door burst open silently as Callum and I sprang into action, both of us approaching the guards who had just passed. At the same moment, we put the two guards in a chokehold from behind, applying enough pressure to ensure their silence.

The guard I was holding scrabbled at my arm, digging gouges in my skin as he fought to pull my arm away from his neck. I winced, clenching my jaw to prevent me from making a sound. Callum's guard was a little smarter, attempting to turn into him and lessen Callum's hold. The guard grunted as he lessened the pressure on his neck, his boots scraping loudly across the stone floor. Too loudly.

There was no carpet here in this part of the castle. Nothing to keep the sound from bouncing around the walls and down the staircase.

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