Page 94 of Sword of Rage
Something red caught his attention. He turned and saw Idina running toward him, her red hair a beacon against the green forest. She needed to wear a hat to cover it. But knowing her, she’d refuse to wear something unless it was fashionable.
“What are you doing here?” Idina demanded as she wrapped Ackley in a hug.
Owen approached behind Idina. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice low and soft.
“Gytha and I were attacked by Melenia soldiers.”
Owen’s face paled. “Where’s Harley?”
Ackley released Idina. “I questioned one of the soldiers. He said another group was sent out after you and Idina.” The six soldiers accompanying Owen approached but remained off the road, near the cover of the trees. “He didn’t say anything about soldiers going after Harley.”
“Where’s the attack to take place?” Owen asked.
“Penlar. Whether that’s in the city or just outside of it, I can’t be sure.” Ackley scanned the area, his nerves still on edge. “Regardless, you need to steer clear of the area.”
“If Harley and Ledger are headed to Penlar, we need to stop them before they reach it,” Idina said.
“I think we should go straight to Kreng,” Owen said. “We can’t afford to wait for Harley to catch up. It would only give the soldiers time to locate us.”
“I agree,” Ackley said. “However, I’m not sure it’s wise to go to Kreng.”
“Why not?” Idina asked. “We need to convince the commander there to support us. They have a standing army that could help ensure Owen’s victory. We should be safe there.”
“The false king knows that’s where you’re going,” Ackley answered.
“I don’t know how he found out,” Idina said, her brow furrowing.
“Your sister thought there could be a spy in our midst after the messenger from the castle showed up,” Owen explained, “so we didn’t tell anyone our plans.” Using his arm, he wiped the sweat from his forehead. “After I sent the Marsden soldiers—minus Gytha—south, I kept six Melenia soldiers and Ledger with me, sending the rest to the castle. Once everyone was gone, I told Ledger and Gytha to go and intercept you and Harley. I told Ledger to bring her to Penlar where we’d meet up.”
His words hung heavy in the air as everyone processed them.
“So the traitor is either one of the six soldiers accompanying us, or Ledger,” Idina said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“These six men are loyal,” Owen said, vouching for them. “I can’t be so sure with Ledger.”
“Why not?” Idina demanded.
“I’ve worked with these six men; that’s why I chose them to accompany us. I only met Ledger once or twice before he showed up with Harley. The only reason I kept him around was because she trusted him.”
“I never liked the guy,” Ackley said, rage seething within him. Ledger was with Harley. If Ledger touched her, Ackley would make him suffer the most unimaginable pain.
“I’m sorry to point this out,” Idina said, “but Ledger probably killed Harley by now. There’s no point in going after her.” She rubbed Owen’s arm, offering him comfort.
“I don’t think he killed her.” Ackley looked at Owen, unsure how to voice his suspicions. He’d hoped Owen came to his own conclusions once he read Commander Beck’s correspondence. “I think Ledger is following orders and taking her somewhere.”
“Where would he take her?” Owen asked, his eyes hardening. “And whose order is he following?”
Idina sucked in a breath, making an odd noise, her eyes widening. “She’s only valuable if she’s in line for the throne.” She grabbed Owen’s arm. “With her husband dead, whoever is sitting on the throne can force her to marry him. Then there would be legitimacy to the title.”
Idina always figured things out before everyone else. “I concur.” Ackley rubbed his chin. “But I think you’re wrong on one point.”
“Wait,” Owen said, shaking his head. “Harley’s my cousin, not my sister.”
“I believe she’s your half-sister,” Ackley admitted.
“What part am I wrong about?” Idina inquired.
“You, of all people, haven’t figured out who’s sitting on the throne yet?”
