Page 2 of The Rising Wave

He hesitated. “What about her? You taking her back up top now?”

Juni's gaze flicked over her with a sly, knowing look. “No. She'll have to share for a bit. Won't you, princess?”

Ava backed away as Banyon used both hands to insert the key in the lock and then twist it.

Juni and Garmand shouldered the door aside and tossed the giant onto the ground, face first.

The door wouldn't close because his body blocked the way and Garmand grunted with effort as he rolled the prisoner over onto his back.

Eventually they got the door shut and Ava stared down at the battered face of the man who had ruined her escape plans.

She realized the guards were talking together, so she hopped over her new companion and crouched just below the small window formed by the bars set in the door to listen.

“Isn't he dangerous? What if she comes to harm?” Banyon asked, his voice a low hiss.

Juni’s answer was low, and Ava had to strain to hear him. “That's on him.”

“But he could hurt her.” Banyon's voice was querulous. He didn't like looking after her down here. He wanted to go back up to the tower.

“Sure.” Garmand scoffed at the thought. “Like you aren't trying to do the same. I hear she was very sick after dinner a couple of days ago.”

“Very sick,” Juni said with a laugh.

There was an uncomfortable silence, and Ava wished she could lift up a little and see what was happening.

It was possible Banyon hadn't known the food was poisoned. But he knew now, and she bet he'd still give it to her, although maybe he was finally working out who would take the blame if she did actually die.

“She'll be fine. He's injured isn't he?” Juni's voice was full of patently false bonhomie. Banyon must look really spooked for him to even try to reassure, however insincere his tone.

“And the . . .” Banyon lowered his voice even more, and while she couldn't see him, Ava guessed he gave a quick glance toward the door of her cell.

“What are you miming, old man?” Garmand asked, impatient.

There was another silence, and Ava wondered if Banyon was asking them what he should do about her food. Now that he knew it was not just a bug she'd caught.

She glanced at the prisoner lying at her feet, and was suddenly ensnared in his bright blue gaze.

She froze, gaze locked with his, and then lifted a finger to her lips to keep him quiet.

He narrowed his eyes at her, but he stayed silent.

A clatter of boots told her Juni and Garmand at least were leaving, and annoyed she'd missed their last whispered sentences, she turned back to the door.

The shuffle of footsteps gave her just enough warning to slide down to the ground and scoot to the side, so she sat with her back against the wall as Banyon peered through the bars.

He gave a grunt at the sight of the prisoner, who had closed his eyes again and lay as if unconscious.

“You should give me a bucket of water,” Ava said.

Banyon gripped the bars and turned to try and catch a glimpse of her on the floor. “Why?”

“To tend his wounds. Water and some clean rags.”

Her warden seemed to think about it for a moment. “Maybe.”

He shuffled away, and she closed her eyes, thinking through her options.

Maybe it would be easier to escape with the new prisoner here. He drew the eye with his big body. She could even do it right now, when Banyon came back.

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