She hesitated. “No. But I can help you search.”
Guilt pressed on me again. I had to leave her. Time was too tight.
If I knew anything about Adaro, none of these prisoners were here because they were dangerous criminals. They were all innocent, stuck here for being enemies of the crown.
“I’m sorry,” I said. I continued to the next cell, ignoring her pleas.
In the centre, the fight was subsiding. The guards were clustered tightly together, surrounded by the army and as helpless as a baitball. Their weapons were ours.
Spio appeared next to me with what must have been the largest mace he could find. The end looked like a barrel.
He motioned across the way. “I think they found something interesting.”
Dione, Galene, Creon, and the others from Kori Maru were gathered by the wall.
I ground my teeth. Why hadn’t they called me over?
Dione, I thought.That’s why.
Spio and I rushed over to join them.
“What do you want?” said the prisoner faintly from the back of the cell—a female.
“We are here to help,” said Dione. “What’s your name?”
When the occupant didn’t respond, Creon said, “You can trust us.”
More silence.
“Queen Evagore?” said Dione to the gap in the wall.
“Why do you need her?” repeated the prisoner.
The group of us traded uncertain glances. Was it her? Maybe she was sceptical about what would happen if she revealed her identity. Then again, maybe she was another mermaid who suspected that saying she was the queen would grant her freedom.
“I think it is her,” said Dione to her council. “I know her aura.”
“Well, are we getting her out, or what?” said Spio, moving closer to the boulder.
“Of course,” said Dione, snapping. “I’m formulating a plan.”
“Run it by me,” said Spio. “I’ll tell you if it sucks or not.”
She glared at him.
“Come on,” I said. “Let’s start pushing.”
“No!” said Guenevere, renewing her struggle in Anthias’ grip. “Stop them! Someone!”
But none of her guards were free to help her.
Energised by her panic, the group of us moved in to push the boulder. I found a spot between the wall and Galene. We pushed and pulled, using the wall and floor for leverage.
“Find a rhythm,” said Creon. “Heave! Heave! Heave!”
It worked. A gap opened into the cell.
Closest to it, I slid an arm through and reached for the mermaid. “Grab my hand.”
