Page 75 of Sword of Rage
“What do you mean?”
“This. Going on missions. Meeting with important people in secret.”
“Yes.”
“Do you usually go on them alone?” Even though she’d gotten to know Ackley better over the past few days, she didn’t know much about his personal life. Like if he had a woman back home. The thought didn’t sit well with her.
“It depends. Sometimes my brother accompanies me. I have a group of men that I travel and work with. Why do you ask?”
“I’ve enjoyed our time together,” she admitted. “I’ve gotten to see more of the world this trip than I have previously seen.”
“You sound like my sister.” He adjusted in the saddle. “It is one of the reasons she came here. She wanted to see more of the world.”
Harley understood. “How long do you plan on remaining in Melenia?” Perhaps she could go on another mission with him.
“Until my sister is married, crowned, and I feel Melenia is safe for her. Then I will return to Marsden.”
So he wouldn’t be here for more than a season or two. She needed to stop becoming attached to this man. This assassin-prince.
They crested a low hill. At the bottom, a long, narrow road stretched out before them. About a mile ahead, two people on horses blocked the way.
“Who do you think that is?” she asked. It couldn’t be Russek soldiers. Not only did they have a different build, but she didn’t think they’d be in Melenia. That only left two possibilities. Either they were soldiers under Owen’s command, or soldiers under the traitorous king.
“There’s only one way to find out.”
Ackley
Ackley knew exactly who the one rider was, and she’d only be here if there was a problem. A complication. And he’d much prefer if there were none of those right now. However, one thing was always certain—things never went according to plan.
“Is that Ledger?” Harley asked as they rode down the hill.
He squinted, trying to get a better look at the second rider, who appeared to be Ledger. An interesting pairing. Yet, somehow it made sense.
As they approached, Gytha’s eyes narrowed, watching the two of them. She probably didn’t recognize Harley in pants.
“Is my sister okay?” Ackley asked when they were close enough for Gytha to hear.
“Your sister is well.”
“Then what is it?” he asked, pulling his horse to a halt.
“Not here,” Gytha said.
He turned his horse in a slow circle, verifying that they were indeed alone, not a person around for miles.
“Is my cousin okay?” Harley inquired.
“Yes,” Ledger replied. “No harm has come to him.”
“Then let’s have it,” Ackley said, wondering why all the hesitancy.
“It’s getting dark,” Ledger stated. “I’d like to get farther away from the Russek border before we’re forced to stop for the night. Once we’re in a secure location, Gytha is permitted to repeat King Owen’s message.”
“Then lead the way,” Ackley said, now more nervous than before, not buying the bit about them being too close to Russek. He suspected they didn’t want him doing something stupid. By waiting until dark to tell him, it limited his options.
They kept to the road, heading west, deeper into Melenia. Gytha and Ledger rode in front, Ackley and Harley behind them.
“What do you think it is?” Harley asked, chewing on her lip. She did that when she was nervous or thinking about something.
