Page 61 of Trial of Thorns
I cross my arms but blink in shock. What were Rook and Brielle doing here? Are they Drake’s allies now too? When did that happen? How?
“The game is about to flip on its head,” he tells me with clear joy. “I have some information on our challenge tomorrow and wanted to settle a game plan.”
I purse my lips, afraid to ask too many questions. This alliance is good for me for several reasons, but if Brielle and Rook are now with Drake...that would change things.
I decide I’ll take his information but give none in return. Let him think I’m pliable or stupid. Then decide how to proceed when I need to make that decision.
“Tomorrow’s challenge is going to be a maze,” he tells me.
“The queen announced it would take several days. It’s that big of a maze?” I ask.
“It’s a massive maze stretching hundreds of miles. So, yes, it will take several days, and there will be an element of survival. We’ll also be given free rein to injure or openly kill any champion we desire.”
My mouth falls open.
“Interesting twist, isn’t it? They’re going straight upHunger Gameswith us this time.”
I roll my eyes, although I’m secretly impressed he made a human pop culture reference. This certainly changes things and... makes Brielle and Rook’s presence all the more concerning.
“I have a list of supplies you should bring, if you don’t have them, try to get them. As a last resort, ask me and I’ll smuggle you some—but this alliance is to remain a secret until theopportunemoment.” He hands me a piece of paper.
“The maze will begin as a scavenger hunt in the desert. Our quest will be to find an ancient well. There will be another clue inside the well, which will take us into the mountains twenty miles beyond.”
How does he know all of this?
“We will ambush our enemy at the well. I’d like for you to bait the other alliance into slowing down so that Kari and I can make it there first and set a trap. Go running off to the east, they’ll chase you for a mile or two, and that should be plenty of time.”
Enemy. Singular.
“It should be easy. We will then work together to extinguish the dwarf before we reach the mountains.” He puts his hands on his hips.
I raise my hand like a kid in school.
“Yes, Caelynn?”
He actually called me by my name. Is it another part of his act? Or does he actually respect me? “Why were Brielle and Rook here?” I ask as dimly as I can manage. “Are they... new additions to our alliance?”
“In a way.”
My brow pinches together. I tap my hand on my thigh, considering how to proceed here. Their bloodthirst for me was one of the most compelling reasons I agreed to be his ally to begin with. Surely he realizes this would be disconcerting for me?
“So, this new challenge, the queen will allow complete amnesty for any champion death?” I repeat. Surely this provision was for the benefit ofmyenemies. The crown knows they all want me dead, and she’s obliging. “Brielle and Rook were here to discuss killing me.”
“No,” Drake says dismissively. “They have another target in mind.”
What?
“It’s true.” Kari steps forward, her face calm, considering. “I don’t doubt they’ll still want you dead, but we’ve negotiated a truce on your behalf for a short time.”
“Truce. You mean to tell me there is someone Brielle wants dead more than me?” I find that hard to believe. There are very few options here, but honestly, none of them make sense.
“More than you? Perhaps not. Or perhaps yes—scorned women and all.” Drake chuckles, and I hide my cringe. “But this someone, well, it’s in everyone’s best interest to eliminate this target sooner rather than later. Brielle and Rook have agreed to put a hold on targeting you in order to receive help removing the greater threat first.”
The greater threat.
My mind spins. Rev’s own alliance is turning on him.
Drake folds his hands behind his back and begins to pace as he speaks. “Yesterday, we received a message from a high ranking courtier requesting the death of a specific champion. The reward is large, for you in particular, Caelynn.” He smiles like he’s doing me some big favor. “And it goes above all of our heads, though I admit it’s rather convenient for us.”
