“What are you saying?”
“Her corpse was dead at least a day, and what kind of soldier has smooth hands? Not the first callus.” She hadn’t been armed either, which Draylon initially thought meant she’d lost her weapons during Gryphon’s flight. Someone knew of Gryphon’s training, that he’d return to his master. Bringing a misdirection with him.
Rufe dropped his voice to a harsh whisper. “Someone is determined to make us think Delletina is responsible.”
Draylon nodded. “Father insisted I not go looking for Yarif. He sent Commander Illa.”
“You don’t trust her.” A statement, not a question. Any minute now, Rufe would offer to go alone if necessary. “You’re no longer commander. If your father wants you to stay, you’ll stay.”
“Not necessarily.” Draylon led the way back to Yarif’s rooms, telling the guards, “We’re not to be disturbed.” He closed and locked the door, then stalked to the fireplace, mimicking May’s actions from earlier to open the hidden door. “Grab a lantern and follow me.” Why had no one noticed the ample supply of lanterns? They must think Yarif read late into the night.
Draylon would trust Rufe with the knowledge of a hidden passageway. Until he knew who else to trust, best to keep secrets.
They remained quiet while navigating the narrow stairs, then emerged in the old stables, careful not to be observed by guards milling around. Two stocky men loaded the bodies into a cart.
A young lieutenant approached. “Your Majesty, only our own people were seen around your horse this morning. No one suspicious.”
At this point, in Draylon’s opinion, their own peopleweresuspicious.
Rufe checked with the captain examining the bodies, giving a sharp nod and returning to Draylon, one eyebrow raised.
“Follow me.” Draylon waited until no one noticed them and led the way down a narrow path where May stood with two horses: Gryphon and one Draylon didn’t recognize, saddled and ready.
“I’ve packed provisions and had trusted maids collect your armor,” May said. “Captain, I couldn’t get your horse without raising suspicions. This mare belongs to a local trainer. She’s fast and sure-footed. I told him we’d return her. Now go, get our Yarif back.” She pointed across the field. “There’s a gate in that direction. No doubt the guard is either dead or part of the scheme. A watchman spied horses running west. Good luck.”
With May's help, Draylon and Rufe donned their armor and climbed into their saddles. “Thank you. I won’t forget this.” Draylon gave a curt nod. Yes, he’d been right in befriending May. “Keep a watch on the children, please.”
“There’s no need to tell me that. I’ll have their governess remove them from the castle if needs be. Now go! Stick to the edge of the woods where you can’t be seen. Follow the stream. It’ll take you right to the gate.”
Draylon gave a bow, then wheeled Gryphon, giving the stallion his head. Hoofbeats behind him said Rufe kept up.
Though Draylon kept watch, only a single horse took to the trail from the main gate—Commander Illa’s, heading west. Where were her troops? Or did she not intend to send any? In defiance of Father, or with his knowledge? After all, the highest power in the land couldn’t openly ignore such a threat to the empire.
Then again, maybe she rode to catch up with whoever had Yarif.
If they didn’t get Yarif back and prove Delletina’s innocence, they’d be at war. If Delletinawasresponsible, may the gods have mercy on them, for Draylon wouldn’t.
Chapter Eighteen
DraylonandRuferodehard, ever watchful for pursuers. The kidnappers made no effort to conceal their direct trail to Delletina.
Either they were totally incompetent or intentionally left traces. Didn’t they know that Rufe and Draylon could easily track them?
Draylon’s blood ran cold when he found a strand of long blond hair hanging from a shrub. He dismounted, approaching slowly. The strand held waves, like Yarif’s had when he released his braid. Draylon twirled the lock around his finger, tightening his hand into a fist. “They’ve been here. This is Yarif’s.” The kidnappers were taunting him.
“They know we’re following.”
“So it would seem.” If they’d taken Yarif against his will, they would pay. If Yarif was running away… Draylon didn’t for a minute believe he’d leave the children or his people.
So, Draylon continued his quest. They rode from sunup to sundown, resting as little as possible.
On the third day, Draylon caught a glint of metal. He barely reined Gryphon in before an archer stepped from the trees, arrow nocked. “What business have you here, Commander Draylon?” She wore the blue and gold of Glendor.
Then there was a Glendor presence here. Why? The woman looked vaguely familiar. Oh, yes. Draylon had seen her on the training field. “Corporal Crees?”
Crees’ lips turned up ever so slightly at the corners. “It’s Sergeant Crees now, sir.”
“Congratulations, Sergeant. Are you here in an official capacity?” Of course, she was, or Draylon would be dead by now.
