Page 76 of Tristan
The guard releases me but pushes me hard enough to leave a bruise; I just barely catch the tray before the food is lost. “You won’t be the prince’s toy forever you know. He’ll grow bored then I shall request you.”
This is where I would normally insert a snarky comment, or three, but I have a mission in mind.
“Until that time,” I say and hold my head high, sticking my hand out for the key. Once I’ve got it, I move down the dark, cold halls of the dungeon and twist my way to the heart of it where Diekin is kept.
“Diekin?Pssst. Diekin?”
“Young Warlord?”
“Yes, it’s me,” I say as I open the door and move past him. “Here, Diekin. I’ve brought you good food.Eat.”
He smiles at me like I’m incredible. “Thank you, Tristan. Your care of me over these past months will not be forgotten. When I’m out of here …” He rarely calls me Tristan and he still speaks of getting out of here.
I don’t even know if our entourage made it. I assumed I would’ve heard some word about them being in the area, looking for us, but I haven’t. In any case, Diekin doesn’t know that I’ve long stopped looking for a way out because I can never go to Mortouge—not now—I’ve betrayed Corrik for too long and I’m an embarrassment to his home and mine. Besides, if Corrik is dead, is there any point in megoing there? I was to be Corrik’s mate; Mortouge has little use for me after that. No. When the time comes, and I will make sure it does, I’ll get Diekin free, and I’ll stay. I’m too much of a disgrace to even consider going back to Mortouge or Markaytia for that matter.
“Diekin, I’ve learned that they plan to attack Mortouge. I don’t know when, but we’ve got to get you out of here.”
“Us.”
“What?”
“We’ve got to get us out of here you mean.”
“Right. Us.”
“Tristan, I know you mean to get me out and remain, what I don’t know is why.” His body is cold and his eyes like razors. “What have you done?”
“Eat, Diekin.”
“I’m not a fool, young Warlord, c’mon. Try me out.” A bit of his old light shines through the bold warrior and it makes me want to tell him. He knows there is something. I can’t lie to him anymore, but I can’t tell him the truth either, so I go with a little of both. I’ve hated coming down here all this time and keeping my secret—the one he senses looming over me.
“I’ve done something unforgivable Diekin. I’m not worthy of Mortouge now and can never look Corrik in the eyes again.”
“Whatever has happened isn’t your fault and Corrik will understand—he loves you.”
“Maybe, but I shall never forgive myself. We don’t even know if Corrik is alive, what purpose is there for me in Mortouge then?”
“You are a fool if you think like that.”
“I’ve been companion to the young Prince Bayaden all this time.” He’s not getting it, so I lay it out for him.
“I know. Andothair told me. You did it to save my life; he gave you few options. I wish you would have let me die, but I am grateful, Tristan, and I will stand by your side when you tell Corrik because you will one day. I believe he is alive. He knows how noble you are, and that given the choice you would sooner die than allowa friend to die—and that’s exactly what happened. Besides, Elves do not hold the same moral code as humans. All will be well, Tristan.”
I nod and keep the other secret to myself. Diekin is an optimist, but even he would think as I do if he knew the other part—Elven morals or lack thereof aside. “Keep up your strength, I’m going to get us out of here. I have a plan.”
Diekin eats. “Brave words for a mere human in a valley full of Elves with sharp teeth.”
“I have something they do not.”
“Dragon’s blood.”
“It’s nice of someone to finally notice.”
“Right, but how does this dragon’s blood work?”
“You’ll see.”
“Warlord.”
