“How did he recognize you? I thought no one saw you at the fortress.”
“I didn’t think so, but that was the captain I saw. He must have come straight to town after the command group departed.”
They moved as fast as they could without drawing attention until they made it back to the courtyard where they had parted ways with their friends.
“I don’t see Cass and Sev.” They could be anywhere in town since it was before their designated meeting time.
Rodric pulled Celina into a shadowed alcove between two buildings. He took the heavy pack of clothing from her and slung it over his shoulder.
Dread coiled in her stomach. “What do we do?”
Rodric framed her face. “You’re going to find a quiet corner to hide in while I lead them away. Cass will find you and get you out of here.”
“You can’t confront them!”
“I don’t plan to, there are too many of them. But I can lead them on a chase before I disappear.”
“This isn’t the woods. It’s too risky.”
His eyes held a calm confidence that made her catch her breath. “Trust me, Celina. I’ll get away. But they can’t get to you. Promise me you’ll stay hidden.”
Swallowing hard, she nodded. “What direction should I go?”
“Toward the stables, there are more places to hide. I’ll head deeper into town.”
Rising, she kissed him hard and sent her fierce love to him through the bond. “Don’t you dare get caught, Rodric.”
“Stay safe, love,” he whispered against her lips. “I’ll see you soon.”
Turning away, he slipped quietly onto the street.
After a few calming breaths, Celina gathered her courage and peeked her head around the corner so that she could determine where to go.
Shouts and commotion erupted across the courtyard, and through the bodies of the townspeople, she could just glimpse some of the guards fighting with Rodric. Turning away was terribly hard, but she knew the commotion was for her benefit. She had to use the time he was giving her to escape.
Edging quietly along the row of buildings, she kept her pace steady as she exited the courtyard and took the lane that headed toward the outskirts of town. No one looked at her twice, their attention focused on the commotion Rodric had caused.
She made her way around to the horses at the opposite end of town, sticking to the shadows formed by the shop buildings and houses to stay out of sight as much as possible.
A prickle of unease along her spine was the only warning she had before two men turned into the lane ahead of her.
She froze for an instant, but it was enough to convince them to look closely.
“That’s her!”
Turning, Celina bolted down the path, winding between buildings as fast as she could.
It wasn’t fast enough, though.
A hand yanked her to the side of the path. She stumbled, off balance, as the man slammed her into the side of a building. Biting her lip to keep from crying out in pain and rage, she sent her magic through her body, focusing on the arm where she was shackled.
It took two tries because her mind was panicked, but her assailant staggered and went down.
Shoving the unconscious man off her and onto his friend who was hovering close behind, she ran.
The second man shouted a curse, following close behind her as she navigated the streets.
The stables were close. If she could get to her horse, maybe she could escape.
