“Can you reach them from here,” Simon glanced at Francis and Roxanne.
“Yes,” they hissed in unison, their faces crossing with offense.
“I’m merely making sure. You both only have one shot.” Simon rolled his eyes before his features turned serious. “If anyone comes running from the outside after your assault, we will still be able to reach Gabriel and our horses from here; if no one does, we will go in.” He met each of our gazes.
Roxanne and Francis nodded, gathering to their feet—a charged bow in Roxanne’s hand, a Royal steel dagger in Francis’.
They took a small breath in before letting their weapons free.
The arrow cut through the air with a muffled whistle, boring straight through the Wurdulac’s warrior attire, finding its place deep inside of his heart.
The dagger spun through the air at the perfect arch, landing inside of another man’s throat. Blood spattered as he choked, his hands trying to stop the flow, yet it mattered not—the poison from the blade would reach his heart within minutes.
Both men slid down the wall of the gate; both men stared at the Moon with vacant eyes.
“No one is coming,” Simon broke the growing silence. “Let’s go.” He got to his feet, searching every inch of the treeline before breaking into a run.
Francis flew after him, leaving me and Roxanne to follow behind.
We ran through the exposed field, towards the wide-open gate, as I counted every step I took. Once I reached thirty two, the gates stood before me, their golden bars shone under the bleak moonlight.
“Wait here,” Francis hissed at us as he disappeared behind the entrance.
Simon followed after him, nevertheless.
Roxanne rolled her eyes, yet stayed put by my side.
My heart banged against my rib cage as I waited for Francis to reappear. Minutes passed, yet only silence followed—
The steps grew heavier behind the gate. Roxanne charged another arrow pointing it into the dark tunnel; I unsheathed the Royal steel dagger—
“It’s clear,” Francis walked out of the shadows, Simon by his side. “Lead the way.” Francis nodded at me as I walked through the opening: into the corridor I’d rarely used.
The drops of water dripped off the stoned walls, reminding me of the sound from the dungeons. We weren’t far from the place I’d lost my sister, and the memories invaded my mind like never before.
I breathed through my mouth as nausea worked its way up my throat, walking my friends to the heart of the Royal palace.
Two turns to the left, three to the right, down the stairs, through the forge,I recited Gabriel’s instructions, though I could find my way around without his assistance.
Francis held my hand, bringing comfort to my crying soul, as our quiet steps journeyed through the tunnel until the rusty, metal stairs appeared on our path.
“I will go first.” Francis walked past me, leaving me to follow after as he made his way down the set of stairs.
The metal grinded under our steps, the drops of water fell on our heads from the ceiling.
“The room is empty,” Francis whispered, offering me a hand on the last two steps.
The room was empty, indeed. The forge my father cherished now only carried a beaten up chimney in the corner. The walls that had held swords and daggers years ago now stood bare.
Three pairs of eyes bored into mine.
“The room is behind the chimney.” I walked towards the metal door that perfectly matched the stone walls. “It’s here—”
The stairs screeched under heavy steps, freezing us in place.
Damnation.
My heart banged in my ears.
