Page 72 of Sword of Rage
Ackley was making a deal with Kerdan on her behalf? Her breathing sped up. This was what she’d hoped for all along. And Ackley was going to make it happen. Anticipation swelled within.
“I’d like to know who you’ve been working with in Melenia.”
“I haven’t been working with anyone.”
Ackley’s eyes narrowed.
“Queen Jana is responsible for this. If you want revenge, she’s the one you want to kill.”
Although Kerdan said it simply, Harley heard the hatred seeping through his words. “Why her?” she asked.
“She wants to destroy Emperion. Since Russek’s army isn’t large enough to go to war against them, she coaxed my father into taking soldiers from Melenia.”
“But you planned the invasion?” Ackley asked.
“I did. My father intended to march across Melenia, taking the men for soldiers and slaughtering the women and children. I decided to step in. I thought I could get soldiers from Melenia without killing innocent people. It looks like I was wrong. And for that, I am sorry.”
“If you weren’t working with anyone in Melenia, who was?”
“After Jana killed my father, I went through his office. I found correspondence between him and Commander Beck. Detailed information about Beck’s departure from Melenia along with a large portion of the army.”
“I overheard Soma speaking to the traitor,” Harley said. “Can we interrogate Soma and find out who it is?”
Both men looked at her with odd expressions on their faces, as if she’d said something funny.
“Prince Soma is dead,” Kerdan replied, striking that idea down. “I searched his room, but nothing revealed who the Melenia traitor is.”
“What about Queen Jana?” Harley asked.
“I am in exile, so I haven’t had the opportunity to go through her quarters.”
“Who’s controlling your army?” Ackley asked.
“A little more than half are loyal to me; the rest are blindly following Jana.” He focused on Harley as he said, “Please know that as soon as my father died, I gave the order to withdraw all Russek troops from Melenia.”
Probably because he needed them here in order to overthrow Jana and reclaim his throne.
“They never should have been there in the first place. I’m sorry I didn’t get them out sooner.”
Ackley folded his arms. “What about the Melenia soldiers Russek took?”
“They’re free. They were told to go home. If they haven’t returned, they’re probably in Kricok, Fia, or Landania. No one knows what’s going on in Melenia or who’s in control of the kingdom right now. Since I’m in exile, I haven’t been able to do much more than pull my soldiers out and free Melenia’s citizens.”
“What’s your next move?” Ackley inquired.
“I’m going to kill Jana and retake my kingdom. What’s yours?”
Ackley smiled. “The same. We’re going to oust the traitor king and put Owen on the throne.”
Kerdan nodded. “Once we’ve each accomplished our goals, let’s meet again.”
“Agreed.”
“I have two horses saddled and ready to go. Hopefully the next time we meet will be under better circumstances. If you’ll excuse me, I have some guests arriving shortly, and I must prepare.”
“Second spear on the south wall?” Ackley asked.
Kerdan smiled. “Yes. And it’s nice to meet a fellow warrior-prince.” He left the room.
