Page 20 of Sword of Rage
“I’m surprised you stayed behind.” She knew Ledger had already spoken to the commander on multiple occasions. Every time he was told the same thing—Kreng wanted to remain sovereign. The commander claimed that if he supported Owen, then Kreng would be involved in Melenia’s politics. While Harley understood where he was coming from, she didn’t think he fully comprehended the ruthlessness of Russek. Kreng wasn’t safe while Russek occupied Melenia.
“We considered it. But we didn’t think it wise to leave you here alone.”
The simple statement warmed her. “Thank you for always watching out for me.” Especially since he didn’t have to.
“I’d want someone to do the same for my sister.”
Harley knew he was worried about his mother and sister. After safely delivering Harley to Kreng, he’d insisted on staying at her side instead of going to check on his family. While the people here had welcomed them in, she felt as if she were being watched with suspicion. Since Ledger had warned them of a possible invasion, they’d allowed him to assist the soldiers here. He’d sent out scouts to do reconnaissance and made sure no Russek soldiers came too close to the city. Ledger had learned that Kreng had two hundred active soldiers and about five hundred citizens who could be called on if needed. Numbers like that could help Owen retake the kingdom. The problem seemed to be that no one here was interested in helping Melenia.
Ledger reached for the door handle. “We should know something in a couple of days. Be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.”
Harley nodded. The four of them had a boat stashed nearby in case Russek descended upon the city. “If it’s Owen?”
“We’ll leave immediately to join him.”
Anticipation filled her along with a mixture of unbearable sadness and hope. Harley longed to see her cousin. However, the grief they’d have to face at losing their loved ones would be difficult. But at the same time, Owen was Melenia’s only hope. He was the one person who could rid the kingdom of Russek and take up the crown as the rightful king of Melenia. Harley also had every intention of helping Owen seek retribution against Russek. Together they would destroy the brutal kingdom.
* * *
It had been four days and still no word came. Harley thought she would have heard from Rayne and Milard by now. She chewed on her lip, hoping the delay wasn’t because more Russek soldiers had arrived.
Harley entered the tavern, searching for the innkeeper. As she suspected, he was sitting at the bar nursing a cup of ale. If he paid half as much attention to the inn as he did to his alcohol, the inn would be far more profitable.
“I finished cleaning the rooms,” she informed him. It was nearly time for supper, and she was famished. “Am I permitted to stay here another night?” She hated having to ask him every single evening if she’d worked enough to warrant a room.
The innkeeper turned his head toward her. “I need your help here at the tavern tonight.”
She’d worked at the tavern almost every night this week. “I’m tired from cleaning all day.”
“Laci just left,” he said, facing his drink again. “One of her kids is sick or something. Until she’s back, I need you here.”
Harley considered her options. If she left, the innkeeper couldn’t do anything to her. But then she’d have nowhere to sleep since she didn’t have any money. The innkeeper fed her three meals a day and gave her a room for the night in exchange for her help. Working a few more hours at the tavern would be worth it for a warm bed.
Without answering, she headed to the kitchen and snatched a slice of bread, shoving it in her mouth. The cook had also made stew for the patrons. After grabbing an apron, she went back out to the tavern. Most of the tables were already full with people eating and talking. She adjusted the apron around her brown wool dress. It wouldn’t be bad if the material wasn’t so rough and scratchy. But it was all she’d been given—a commoner’s dress. Until now, she’d never realized what not having money meant. All the times she’d seen people back home in Penlar begging for food, she’d never understood, never imagined what they were going through.
Shaking her head, she went over to a table where a young man had just sat down. “Can I get you a bowl of stew?” Harley pasted a smile on her face.
The man’s head tilted to the side and his eyes scanned her body, reminding her of Lyle’s assessing gaze. She shivered, immediately on edge.
“Yeah,” he answered. “And I also want a cup of ale.”
“Of course.” Harley waited until she was in the kitchen before rolling her eyes. Did a man ever come in to the tavern just to eat? Why did they all have to drink? Drinking impaired judgement. After grabbing a bowl of stew and a cup of ale, she went back out to the tavern. When she set the items on the table, the man’s hand shot out, latching onto her arm. She yelped in surprise, though no one noticed in the loud room.
He pulled her closer to him. “How much?” The man’s breath reeked of stale ale. How many drinks did he have before coming to the tavern?
She tried putting some distance between them, but he didn’t loosen his grip on her arm. “For the stew and ale that’ll be three quelps.”
“Not for the food. For you.”
Looking the man directly in the eyes, she said, “I’m not for sale.” She tried not to cower, but this man reminded her of Lyle.
A slow smile spread across his face. “Everyone has a price.”
Her body started shaking from both rage and fear. “Release me.”
“Aren’t you filling in for Laci?” he asked. “She charges ten riglars. I’ll pay you nine.” He yanked her closer to him, knocking her off balance. “You’re a bit too skinny for my taste.”
Panic filled her. She needed to get away from this man. If the innkeeper wasn’t so immersed in his drink, perhaps he’d see this customer being a bit too forceful with her. “Please,” she begged. “You’re hurting me.” Tears filled her eyes.
