Page 62 of Cage of Darkness
She could not leave with Jana and herchildren still alive and able to challenge Kerdan for the throne.“We have to stop the war. I’m going to finish this once and forall.”
Odar leaned forward, placing hisforehead against hers. “Are you sure?” She nodded. “You’re severelyinjured and need a healer.”
“I can do it.” She neededto ensure that Soma and Jana died. That neither could threaten heragain. That she could sleep peacefully without them terrorizingher.
“What if Kerdan doesn’t letus leave?” Odar whispered.
“He will.”
Odar stood and faced Kerdan. “Whilewe’re slaughtering your family, what will you be doing?”
Kerdan turned around, leaning againstthe window ledge. “I’m going to make sure the servants are occupiedso the passageways are clear for you. Then I’m going after myfather. He left four hours ago with a company of soldiers headedfor the Emperion border.”
“And when you catch up tohim?”
“I’ll kill him.” It couldhave been a trick of the light, but Allyssa could have sworn therewere tears in Kerdan’s eyes.
“Let’s say Allyssa and I gothrough with our end of the deal, how will the people of Russektake the news that the entire royal family—except for you—has beenmurdered?”
A good question and one she hadn’tconsidered.
“I’m going to use one ofSoma’s poisons on the king. I intend to take a small dose of it aswell since I’ve already taken the antidote. I will be sick for afew days but will live,” Kerdan replied.
“So it will look likesomeone attempted to kill the entire family. Only, you will be thesole survivor.” Kerdan nodded. “It’s a sound plan,” Odar agreed,surprising Allyssa. “In order for this to work, time is of theessence.”
Prince Kerdan pulled out a piece ofpaper. “I’ve sketched the route you need to take to exit the castleand reach the stables without anyone knowing. I have two horses inthe back stall. They’ve been deemed ill, and no one will noticethey’re gone. Food and clothing are already packed in thesaddlebags.”
Odar scanned the map. “I’ve seenenough of the castle to be able to follow this.” He put the paperin his pocket. “I fear for Allyssa’s injuries.”
“I’ll be fine.” She had tobe.
“There is a tin in one ofthe saddlebags. It’s a generic healing salve. It won’t be enough,but it’ll help prevent infection until you can get her to ahealer.”
“Very well. We should be onour way.” Odar went over to the dresser and found a clean shirt. Hehanded it to her. “You can’t walk around the castle covered inblood.”
Using her good arm, she pulled it overher head, carefully putting it on.
Kerdan reached out and gently restedhis hand on her shoulder. “Good luck. I’m sure we’ll meetagain.”
“Be careful.” It seemed aninadequate reply. If it weren’t for this man, she’d be dead and herkingdom doomed. When he came to the dungeon for her, she neverimagined they’d become friends. The truth of the statement shockedher—for they were indeed friends.
He lowered his hand and hesitated, asif he wanted to say more, but when he glanced at Odar, he closedhis mouth and went to the door, shoving the furniture out of theway and peering into the hallway. “Wait fifteen minutes beforeexiting through the servants’ passageways,” he whispered. “Fromhere on out, try to remain hidden.” He exited the room.
She prayed his journey wassuccessful—that the lonely path he took would lead him to peace andcontentment. That he would return Russek to a happy and prosperouskingdom.
“I have a pair of knivesbut no sword,” Odar commented. “Do you have any weapons?” She shookher head. He withdrew a knife and handed it to her. “Last chance toback out.”
Clutching the weapon, she replied,“No. We’re doing this. We will end the threat of war once and forall.”
He slid an arm around her, helping herstand. “I will take care of everything. Just keep yourself safe.Promise me.”
“I promise.” All she had todo was survive the next hour and then they would make their way tothe stables, free from this cage of darkness forever.
***
Hiding in the servants’ passagewayoutside the door to Jana’s room, Allyssa leaned against the coolwall, breathing heavily. It had taken every ounce of her strengthto climb the stairs to this level of the castle. Every step shetook felt like a hammer smashing into her ribs. Her new shirt wassoaked with blood from the wound on her arm. She kept gettinglightheaded and needed to rest.
“Wait here,” Odarwhispered. “I’ll go in and kill her myself.”
