“How are we?—”
“This passage leads to a spring behind the olive grove,” Daniel said, holding up a torch. “Stay low once you’re outside. They should not venture through the grove, but if they do, go left and you’ll see the forest. You can lose them in there.”
At last, they reached the door leading to the outside and the spring Daniel mentioned. Just beside the door was a pile of what looked like potato sacks.
Daniel turned back. “I will be back as soon as they’re gone. If I’m not back within the hour, take those and leave,” he said and pointed to the sacks. Sonah embraced him. When she let go, Daniel went back inside and shut the door.
Croak helped Rydon ease Terena onto the ground and Sonah dropped to her side, hugging her gently.
“It’s so good to see you up,” Sonah said, her smile bright but tinged with worry.
“Thank you for taking good care of me,” Terena said and laid a hand on Sonah’s cheek.
It was true. Once the healer had tended to her injuries, Sonah had stayed at Terena’s side, feeding her, bathing her and brushing out her hair. Croak had walked in once to find her plaiting Terena’s hair, the two speaking in low voices and giggling.
He was thankful to have Sonah with them, even if it was under shitty circumstances. Maybe because of them.
An hour later, Daniel still hadn’t returned and Rydon was pressing them to leave. They had gathered their supplies when the door opened below them.
Daniel reared back in fright when he saw Gabriol and Rydon with their swords drawn.
“It’s me! It’s me!” He squeaked as he stopped at the top of the stairs, dropping the torch. Sonah swooped down to grab it.
“What news?” Rydon demanded, sheathing his sword.
Daniel took a moment. “You’re fine for now. They weren’t the emperor’s men, though. Well, not entirely. They were Duke Ovenno’s soldiers. They were looking for Sonah, aye, but they were looking for Mistress Luca as well.”
Sonah swung her head to Rydon, wide-eyed. “I didn’t think the duke would come for me!”
“Ovenno’s your father?” Rydon scowled at her, and Gabriol cursed. “Why are you running from him?”
Croak moved between them. “Can you please focus?” He turned back to Daniel with an arm out. “What else? Did they bring news from Metilai?”
“Aye, that they did! They told Abbot Malis that, during your escape, the firstborns escaped as well. The soldier speaking with the abbot said it would be safe for Sonah and Mistress Luca to return with them to Ovenno. But the abbot made it clear he hadn’t seen Sonah and did not know who Mistress Luca was, other than the rumors of her treason, that is.”
“Did they believe him, Daniel?” Sonah asked, grabbing the monk’s hands.
“Aye, they did. After they searched the monastery, of course. We had to pretend one of the monks was ill to account for the medicines in Mistress Luca’s room.”
“I love Abbot Malis,” Croak muttered and raked a shaky hand through his hair.
“But the abbot said to tell you he doesn’t believe the duke will be satisfied, and fears he’ll return himself. Abbot Malis suggests you take the packs and leave forthwith. You endanger yourselves if you stay.”
“We endanger you all as well,” Rydon admitted, then gave Daniel a curt nod and clapped his hand on the man’s shoulder. “We thank you,Daniel. And please thank the abbot for us as well. We hope to repay you all someday for your kindness.”
Daniel looked fondly at Sonah, pride shining in his eyes. “There’s no need, Master Rydon. It was enough to see this young lady again. You’ve grown into a fine lady, Sonah. As we knew you would.”
Croak and the others looked on with obvious curiosity as Sonah blushed and hugged the monk once more.
“I’ve had Temple and Simeon bring your horses to the woods. You won’t miss them.”
“Ourhorses?” Croak asked. He’d been relieved when he’d found the boy with Cerberus and Nyx waiting for him and Orry after their harrowing escape from Metilai. He vowed to go back with Daniel if they weren’t the ones the monks had fetched.
“Aye, your horses,” Daniel confirmed with a smile. Croak grabbed the man’s shoulders and gave him a squeeze.
With a final wave to them all as the others said their farewells, Daniel turned and went back down the steps to the tunnel.
Terena woke with a start.She shifted and looked down, the soft folds of the cloak she slept on clutched in her fists. It took her a moment to recall where she was. No rats gnawing at her feet as she tried to sleep. No buckets of water being thrown on her to raise her from unconsciousness for more questionings or beatings.
