Page 14 of Cage of Darkness
“Keep your head down,” Odarfrantically ordered. “Don’t look defiant, yet do not appear meek.Remain calm and steady, and no matter what, do not lose yourtemper.”
She nodded, unable to speak as shescanned the tents, searching for the Russek flag flown when amember of the royal family was present. Relief filled her—shedidn’t see it anywhere, which meant the king wasn’tthere.
“Keep your mouths shut,”Soma commanded. For once, Allyssa agreed with him. He pulled theirhorses to a halt and waited for the soldiers to reach them. Acurious move on his part.
When the men arrived, they stopped,still in formation. One took a step forward and asked, “Can we beof assistance?” Interesting that he didn’t address the assassin byhis title of prince. With Soma’s cape still tossed behind hisshoulders, the royal family’s crest was easily visible. Thereshould be no question as to his identity.
“I sincerely doubt it,”Soma answered, his voice coated with ire. “I do, however, want atent for the night along with some decent food.”
The soldier’s eyes scanned Allyssa andOdar. “And your guests?”
“Are none of yourbusiness,” the assassin snapped, leaning forward in hissaddle.
The man gave a curt nod. “Follow mysquad. I will see to a tent and food for you and yourcompanions.”
Soma nudged his mount onward, pullingOdar and Allyssa’s horses close behind his. They followed the squadof soldiers whose armor clinked as they marched back to camp. Theblack tents stood in stark contrast to the vibrant green grass thehorses trod over. They entered at the south end of the camp, andthe squad broke formation, taking up guard along theentrance.
The squad leader waved Soma forward,taking them into the military base. They passed rows upon rows ofblack tents situated in neat, orderly lines. Dozens of soldiersmoved about, some sharpening weapons, others sparring, many huddledaround fires warming their hands. Most glanced their way as theyrode by. However, as soon as they recognized Soma, they avertedtheir gaze, their shoulders tensing at the mere sight of him. Giventhe brutality the Russek soldiers had exhibited, she found itinconceivable that these men feared the assassin. Her thoughtsdrifted back to how easily Soma had dispatched her and Odar’s menthat night in town. How did he become so lethal at such a youngage? Her skin crawled with the terrible realization that she didn’tstand a chance against him.
The squad leader stopped before a tentfour times larger than the others. It had to be the captain’s tent.“Wait here,” the man said. “I will make the necessary arrangementsfor you.” He slipped inside. How strange that Soma didn’t insist ondoing so himself.
The assassin dismounted. “You there,”he said to a young soldier passing by. “Hold the reins of myhorses.” The soldier’s eyes widened in recognition, but he readilyobliged. Soma pulled out a dagger and sliced through Odar’sbindings. “Can you feel your arms or legs?”
“A little bit,” hereplied.
“Enough tostand?”
Odar shrugged. Soma reached up andyanked him off the horse, setting him on his feet. His legs shook,but Odar held his weight, remaining upright.
The assassin came around to Allyssaand sliced through her bindings. “What about you? Can you feel yourlimbs?”
“Not at all,” sheadmitted.
Soma wrapped an arm around her waistand pulled her off the horse. Instead of setting her on the groundas he’d done with Odar, he swept her into his arms. Allyssa wantedto yell at him to put her down, but she couldn’t even feel his armagainst the back of her legs. Shouldn’t she be able to stand likeOdar? The paralyzing substance had been administered to them at thesame time. What if Soma had given her too much and use of her legsnever returned?
He faced the soldier holding thereins. “Take the horses to be fed and watered. Bring them to mefirst thing tomorrow morning.” The soldier nodded andleft.
Allyssa’s legs started to tingle as ifher limbs were asleep. She tried to move her fingers, but shecouldn’t. Being vulnerable in the arms of her enemy terrifiedher.
A tall Russek soldier with long, brownhair exited the tent with a thick fur cape wrapped around hisshoulders. He observed the three of them a moment before saying toSoma, “I have a tent ready for you and your…companions.”
Did he suspect she and Odar wereprisoners? Soma hadn’t indicated they were. In fact, he hadn’t evenrevealed their identities. Perhaps he wanted to prevent word oftheir whereabouts from spreading.
“Can you help my friend?”the assassin asked, pointing at Odar. “He’s having difficultywalking.”
The Russek soldier raised his eyebrowsbut didn’t question him. Allyssa didn’t think he bought thefriendship act. Nevertheless, he wrapped an arm around Odar’sshoulder, helping him walk. “This way.” He led them between therows. About halfway down, the soldier stopped before a tent,releasing Odar, who swayed precariously on his feet. “Will this onemeet your needs?”
“Yes,” Somareplied.
“Anything else?” he asked.Again, Allyssa took note of the lack of title.
“I want five of your bestguards stationed around the perimeter of the tent and oneinside.”
“So many? You are in themiddle of a well equipped and very secure camp.” He tilted his headto the side, watching the assassin.
“Do not question myorders,” Soma barked.
The soldier glanced at Odar andAllyssa. “Very well.” He bowed and strode away.
