Page 93 of Sword of Rage
Ackley cracked his neck, then looked up at the sky, trying to think through everything. First, he had a duty to his kingdom. “I need you to go south.” He folded his arms, mentally going over the various plans he’d been considering and which one was most likely to succeed. “Meet up with the Marsden soldiers. You will command the army until I get there.”
Gytha pursed her lips. “Okay.”
He could tell she wanted to say something but refrained from doing so. “I’m going west. Another unit of Melenia soldiers went after Owen and Idina. I need to find my sister before she stumbles into a trap like this.” He waved toward the ravine.
“She’s with Owen and six soldiers. She’ll be fine.”
While Ackley knew Owen was a capable fighter who could protect Idina, he couldn’t leave the fate of his sister in the hands of others. Not when there was something he could do to help. “Once my sister is safe, I’ll come and find you.”
“I’ll be in Kricok waiting.”
“The king knew we were heading south to meet up with our army. We have to assume he also knows we’re going to Kricok.”
“Where shall I lead the army then? Back to the shore where we first disembarked?”
“No, you need to get out of Melenia as quickly as possible.” He’d been in Landania and hadn’t seen anything of concern. “Take the army to Landania. Then get a letter to Empress Rema of Emperion.” He withdrew his map of the kingdom, handing it to her. “Show me where you parted ways with Owen and Idina. I also want to know how many days ago that was.”
Gytha studied the map. “Here.” She pointed to a location west and slightly south of the castle. “Five days ago.”
“Keep the map. You’ll need it.”
Gytha nodded. “Very well. Anything else?”
“Be careful.” He didn’t like the idea of her traveling alone; however, it couldn’t be helped. “I’m placing my army in your hands. I trust you.”
Clasping her right hand on his shoulder she said, “Please be careful as well.”
“I will.”
She bowed and then went over to her horse, mounting it. “Don’t take too long.”
“I won’t. As soon as I know my sister is safe, I’ll join you.” Not wanting to waste any more time, he mounted his horse. Looking at Gytha, he nodded and then was off.
He urged his horse to run as fast as it could. Thankfully, he’d studied the map of Melenia and knew the way he needed to go. Owen and Idina would be backtracking to Penlar. Guessing the route they’d most likely take, he just had to figure out where an ambush would take place and then intercept Owen and Idina before they reached that spot.
If he didn’t make it in time, his sister would be slaughtered.
The mere thought made him furious. He would not let anyone kill Idina. Sweat coated his forehead. His stomach rolled with nausea. Faster—he had to go faster.
He wouldn’t stop until he reached his sister, even if it meant he had to travel all day and night.
* * *
He’d gone over it in his head a hundred times. The soldiers should have arrived at Penlar first. Owen and Idina would be walking, taking them longer to reach the city. If Ackley headed a little farther north, he should be able to cut them off before they reached Penlar.
Riding low on his horse, he kept his focus reined in and sharp. A little voice in the back of his head kept reminding him about Harley. He’d read the letters between Beck and Lyle. It seemed Harley was the old king’s illegitimate child—putting her in line for the throne. If that was the case…he shook his head. He needed to save his sister first. Once Idina was safe, he’d deal with Harley. If everything was as he thought, no harm would come to her.
His horse started to tire. He should be reaching the road Owen and Idina were traveling on. He wouldn’t put it past Owen to have the group hiking just off the road for safety reasons.
When he came to the road, he steered his horse north, knowing his sister would be close. The map he’d taken from Lyle’s house had been exceedingly accurate. Without it, he wouldn’t know where he was going now, and he wouldn’t have been able to determine which way Owen was traveling either.
Ackley had estimated he’d overtake his sister right around here. So where was she? He cursed. His nerves were on edge, causing his heart to beat frantically. He needed to calm down and think rationally. He’d saved his sister once before, he’d save her again. Or so help whoever touched her—he would slaughter them all.
The horse trudged on. Each minute brought more anxiety and unease. What if the soldiers decided to spring a trap somewhere else? What if his sister was being attacked right now?
Something caught his attention. Slowing the horse, he glanced back, not seeing anything. He dismounted, leaving the horse in the middle of the road as he slunk into the forest, listening. Even though he didn’t see anyone, he knew someone was there. Not only could he feel it in his bones, but he didn’t hear any of the normal wildlife that was expected in the forest.
On a whim, he whistled the first part of Idina’s favorite childhood song. A couple of seconds later, someone whistled the next melody. Relief filled him, and he stepped away from the tree, heading back to the road where he could be easily seen. The horse nickered, probably thankful for the rest. It was the first time the animal had stopped since Ackley set out yesterday.
