The strange man’s cry didn’t slow Temple down, nor did the sounds of a scuffle that followed, but when Apollo caught up with him, riding a horse, he wasn’t surprised.
“Don’t get in my way,” Temple yelled as he pushed Newton faster, weaving through carriages and pedestrians.
“Where are we going?”
He wished the cursed man would leave him alone, but that did not seem likely.“The Tower.”
At least that seemed to shut the other man up, and they rode the rest of the way in silence.Temple didn’t slow until the Tower of London rose before him.The white stone walls of the fortress seemed to go on forever in each direction.
“I hope you have a plan,” Apollo said, matching his pace.
“Siege the castle.”
“Ha!You’re a riot.Never would have expected that.”Apollo continued laughing even as Temple stopped near the west gate and dismounted, looping Newton’s reins around a nearby lamppost.
Temple checked his various pockets.All the bottles were there, unharmed by the rough ride.
Apollo’s laugher died out, then Temple heard the crunch of boots slapping against the ground behind him.
“Wait!”Apollo wheezed.“You’re not joking?”
“Either leave or take this.”Temple handed him the second bottle of stolen love potion.
“Again?”Apollo whined.
“How else do you propose we get through the guards?”
“Damn.”He looked in wonder at the bottle then with alarm at Temple.“Damn it, Knightly!You’re unarmed?What the hell are you doing?”
“I’m getting my wife back.”
“Diana’s a fine sort, I guess, but she’s not lay-siege-to-the-castle—elp!”
Temple’s hand around Apollo’s throat squeezed.“Do you think we’re friends?”
Scratching at Temple’s hands, Apollo shook his head.
Temple watched bright red creep up the other man’s neck, over his jaw, and across his entire face before a wave of white began to blanch its way downward.“Do not.Insult.My wife.”
Apollo shook his head frantically.
Temple released him, tossing him to the ground in the same motion.His strides toward the west gate were long, purposeful.He couldn’t get there soon enough, but he couldn’t run, either.Didn’t want to waste his accumulated energy.
Rubbing his neck, Apollo caught up with him.“You’re big enough at the moment.Knock the guards’ heads together.”
“I might need my energy for later.Or to carry Diana out.”
“And I’m to sacrifice myself on the altar of love.”
“Maybe you’ll alleviate a drop of guilt.”
Apollo sighed.“Call me cupid.”
“Do not use it unless we need it.Look—there.”A wagon was rumbling toward the west gate.“Get behind it.Stay low.”
Apollo followed, and they hunkered together on the side of the wagon opposite the side the guard stood.As the portcullis and ceiling of the wall that surrounded the tower swallowed them whole, Temple’s heart pounded in his ears.This was mad, too drastic a measure.
He didn’t care.Iron pumped through his blood, and he’d either rescue Diana or die trying.His family had visited last night, and he’d said his goodbyes, though no one had guessed that’s why he’d invited them.
