His shadows still swirl around us as we round a final corner. They are translucent enough to be able to see through, and it looks like the tunnel ends abruptly. There is a rope dangling from the end. When we get there, I look up and can just make out a few stars through the swirling shadows.
“There are many guards around the castle and throughout the court,” Tryfon whispers. “You’ll need to be very careful, Your Majesty.”
“I will.”
He turns to face me fully. “I wish you gods-speed. May Kakara place her hand on you and keep you safe.”
“And you as well, Tryfon. Thank you for everything. You should go back now, or they will know you aided me.”
He reaches through the grate, his fingers finding some kind of mechanism. There’s a soft click.
“I will, soon enough. Are you sure you know where you’re going?” he asks as he works.
I nod. “Yes, I know the place.”
I remember the long days in the woods where my father taught me how to track deer. I’d forgotten that memory until just now. The spell that cursed me must have buried it deep.
“Good.” Tryfon gives one final turn, and the grate swings outward on well-oiled hinges. “Belen asked me to remind you not to use your magic unless it’s absolutely necessary. Snow will track you through it.”
“I know.” I nod. “Talking about the general, did he manage to get that performer out? Is she still in one of those cells?” I hate the thought.
He shakes his head, and my heart sinks. “No, he didn’t have to.” Tryfon frowns. “She was released, but the order came from the Ruler General herself.” His frown deepens. “You need to go now, Sire. Time is almost up.”
“Yes…of course.” I’m glad that the performer got out, but I’m puzzled as to why the Ruler General would give the order. It doesn’t make any sense. It doesn’t matter now because I have other more pressing things to think about.
Tryfon climbs up the rope and hauls himself silently out of the opening. I follow suit and note, once I am out, that the opening is disguised to look like a drain. It’s also obscured by some thick shrubs.
Beyond the thick foliage is a courtyard where guards patrol in pairs. There are so many of them; at least a dozen in this courtyard alone.
I am not sure how I’m going to make it three steps, let alone to the edge of the court and beyond.
“Wait here,” Tryfon whispers. “I’ll create a diversion. May the gods be with you.”
Before I can answer, he slips into the shadow of the castle; his own shadows wrap around him like a cloak, making him almost invisible.
He is silent as a ghost. It doesn’t take long before I lose him. I strain my eyes, trying to find him.
Not five heartbeats later, an explosion erupts from the far side of the castle. It’s loud enough to make my ears ring. Shouts follow, and then the sound of running feet.
The guards in the courtyard exchange alarmed glances.
“What was that?”
“An explosion! At the east wall!”
“Move! Move!”
They take off running, heading toward the source of the noise. Within seconds, the courtyard is all but empty.
One pair of guards remains, but they are straining to see what the commotion is.
I slip around the shrubs. Walk until I am further away, and then start running for the trees. If I can reach those trees, I’llhave some cover. From there, I can make my way to the edge of the court grounds and find the old trade road.
The grass is slick with dew. I reach the slope and start climbing, keeping low.
Bells clang and trumpets sound.
More shouts rise from the castle behind me. The alarm has been raised. Whether it’s because they’ve discovered the diversion was fake or because someone realized I’ve escaped, I don’t know.
