Page 46 of Sword of Rage
“I assume Emperion killed the Russek king for kidnapping their princess?”
He shook his head. “My sources say it was an inside job. Someone in Russek killed King Drenton. There are rumors it was Prince Kerdan. Others say Queen Jana. When the king died, Kerdan ordered all Russek soldiers out of Melenia and back to Russek. Since then, Kerdan and Jana have been battling for the throne.”
“Anything else?”
“Emperion has soldiers stationed all along their border. They haven’t attacked yet. Probably because Russek is facing a civil war.”
Owen rubbed his forehead. After thanking the spy, he sent him to get something to eat.
Once the man left, Ackley stepped out of the shadows. “The question becomes, what happened to Prince Soma?” He withdrew his dagger, tossing and catching it by the handle. “You said he is Kerdan’s stepbrother?” He looked to Harley for confirmation.
Suddenly feeling self-conscious, her palms became sweaty. “Yes. Kerdan is Drenton’s son; Soma is Jana’s son.”
“So Russek intended to attack Emperion. They invaded Melenia for troops. Before they could attack, King Drenton was murdered.” He tossed the dagger and caught it. “Jana and Kerdan are vying for the crown, both claiming the other killed the king.” Toss, catch. “We happen to know that Soma tried killing Kerdan as well.” He sheathed his dagger. “And I thought my family was bad. At least we don’t have to deal with Russek right now.” He pointed at Owen. “Reclaim your throne, then we’ll worry about Russek. With a civil war brewing, you have time.”
“What about revenge?” Harley asked. Owen had promised her.
“When the time is right, we’ll strike.” Owen stood.
“It’s the perfect time to strike,” Gytha said. “Russek is weak and won’t expect us to attack right now.”
“We can’t attack until we know who’s our enemy and who’s our ally.” Ackley waved for Gytha to join him as he headed toward the exit of the tent. “Russek is a neighboring kingdom. We don’t want war to always be looming over our heads.”
“Or we can let Emperion slaughter them.” Gytha gripped the hilt of her sword as she followed Ackley.
“That’s a possibility,” Owen agreed.
Ackley paused at the tent flap. “There are other ways to handle this besides declaring war.”
Harley wondered if he referred to assassinating their enemy. It was an intriguing idea that he’d hinted at before. Instead of war, a stealthy invasion to end those responsible for killing her family. That way hundreds of Melenia soldiers wouldn’t have to die. Before lifting the tent flap, Ackley looked right at her and winked, as if he knew her thoughts.
Once Ackley and Gytha were gone, Harley shook her head, unable to believe she’d just agreed with Ackley—the assassin-prince.
Owen came over, sitting on a stool beside her. “Today we’re going to pass by the road leading to Penlar. I’ve asked Ackley to escort you there to see if your parents are alive. I will continue on with the army. When you’re done in Penlar, you can rejoin us.”
Standing, she ran her hands down the front of her dress. “Don’t you think someone from Melenia should take me?” she asked, giving him the opportunity to voice any of his concerns about her parents.
“I trust Ackley.”
But not her or her parents. Forcing a smile on her lips, she said, “I’m surprised you’re letting me travel alone with a man. Aren’t you afraid people might get the wrong idea?”
“You’re a widow. You have no virtue to protect.”
While true, the simple statement felt like a slap in the face.
“I’m sorry,” Owen stammered. “That came out wrong. What I meant to say is that Ackley is a prince, and he won’t take advantage of you or the situation.”
She almost laughed. Owen should be more concerned about her and Ackley trying to kill one another rather than anything romantic happening between them. They were about as different as night and day.
“If I don’t get a chance to see you again before you depart, safe travels.” He wrapped her in a hug. “Ackley is a good man, and he will protect you.”
Harley wished she believed that.
Ackley
Ackley and Harley had been traveling on the same dirt road all afternoon since breaking away from the army. The scenery gradually changed from dense forestry to low rolling hills, making Ackley feel exposed. Once in a while he thought he saw something in the distance, only to realize it was a burned house or village. At one point, he thought he saw a person on horseback. When he pointed it out to Harley, the rider was gone.
Harley led the way so he didn’t have to worry about her lagging behind or falling without him knowing. Not once did she complain or ask to rest. He thought Harley would have at least tried to make small talk as they traveled. She was a woman after all. He hadn’t been around one so silent before. Not even Gytha was this quiet. And it wasn’t like Harley had problems talking to men. He saw her speaking with Ledger on several occasions. It was just Ackley then. Regardless, he liked knowing who he was working with. Surprises were never a good thing. And he found Harley a hard woman to read.
