Page 52 of Staff of Nightfall

Dresden was already crossing the room, double scimitars drawn, his gaze sweeping the hallway beyond the guard room. Perceval followed, broadsword in hand. Regulus stepped over the headless corpse and snatched the keyring off the hook on the far wall with a loud jangle. The sound of footsteps bounced off the stone walls as someone ran toward them down the hallway.

“Hey, what’s—” The newcomer’s sentence was cut short as Dresden sliced both scimitars in an X across the guard’s neck. The body crumpled to the ground.

Regulus had grown accustomed to facing battle alone. But as his men worked seamlessly together, their movements coordinated, each one knowing the others had their back, he remembered why he loved leading them.A wolf is strongest with its pack.What a fool he had been to forget that. Facing enemies with his men—his brothers—was the only place he had ever felt comfortable. Until Adelaide.Etiros, wherever she is, protect her.

Regulus grabbed one of the torches from the wall and they continued, alert for more guards, but none appeared. They passed several empty cells before the dungeon opened further, spreading to the right and left. Someone moved in the cell to their left. A shorter man stood and walked to the door of the cells. The man leaned against the bars, taking in their appearance with confusion on his weathered face.

“Who are you? What do you want?”

“Lord Hargreaves.” Regulus stepped closer. “Here to help Lord Belanger take back his castle.”

“Lady Adelaide’s Lord Hargreaves?”

“Yes.” Regulus ignored Dresden’s snicker and the laugh Jerrick hid behind a cough. A couple more men hidden in the shadows at the back of the cell came forward.

“Excellent. I’m Sir Ruddard. Lord Belanger’s men are in the next few cells.” Ruddard cocked his head to his right. “Lord Belanger and Sir Belanger are at the other end of the dungeons.” He inclined his head in the opposite direction.

“Thank you. I’ll be right back.”

Dresden accompanied him down the hall while the others remained behind. No more guards met them. They found Alfred and his son sleeping in two cells at the end of the hallway. Regulus tried various keys in the cell door while Dresden held the torch.

“What do you want?” Alfred’s hard voice echoed against the stone.

Regulus looked up and smiled. “To rescue you like I promised your daughter I would.”

The color drained from Alfred’s face as he scrambled to his feet. “Adelaide is here?”

“No.” A key finally fit, and the lock opened with a satisfying click. Regulus swung the door open and Landon awoke in the next cell. “When we heard what happened, I went to Arrano to get my knights, and she headed for the palace to warn the king.”

Alfred sagged against the bars. “Thank Etiros. But Carrick—”

“Left this evening and isn’t expected back for a day or two.” Regulus moved to the younger Belanger’s cell and found the key quicker. Landon gave him an unreadable look as he strode out of the cell.

“My men—” Alfred started.

“We’ll get them next,” Regulus said. “The ones down here, anyway. Some of them—”

“Joined Carrick, I know.” Alfred’s expression darkened. “They will pay for their treachery in blood.”

They freed Belanger’s loyal knights, swelling their number by ten. Ten unarmed men.

Alfred’s soldier instincts must have kicked in, because before Regulus could ask, he said, “The armory is in this building. I’ll lead the way.”

Dresden handed Alfred the torch. Several hallways and two spiral staircases later, Alfred, Landon, and the Belangers’ knights rushed through arming themselves.

“Do you have a plan?” Alfred asked, buckling a sword belt around his waist.

“Depends on if you want any of the traitors alive after tonight.” Regulus caught Estevan’s smirk and the glint in Perceval’s eyes, but ignored them.

Alfred’s upper lip curled back. “If they weren’t in a cell, they aren’t my men.”

“In that case, I’m sending my men in three groups to clear out the guards on the walls. We will head to the residence to find your wife and daughter-in-law. Your men are welcome to join, but my men will not take it well if they interfere in killing the traitors.”

Sir Ruddard stepped closer, his jaw tight. “That won’t be a problem.”

“Good. Caleb, Perceval, take the east side.” The two might bicker like rivals, but they worked together in battle like they shared one mind. “Jerrick, Estevan, west side. Dresden, see to the gates. All of you, take a few of Lord Belanger’s men with you. The rest of you will accompany Lord Belanger and me to rescue the ladies.” He made eye contact with Alfred and inclined his head in deference. “If that sounds good to you.”

Alfred nodded. As they left the armory behind, Alfred murmured, “You have an interesting assortment of knights, Regulus. I dare say only two are Monparthian.”

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