Page 75 of Sword of Desire
“Your Knights?”
“Will protect Owen. But we need to kill Lyle before he takes off and regroups.”
“So, we need to set a trap of our own?” Harley asked.
“Exactly.”
An idea suddenly came to her. “I know what to do.”
* * *
Harley and Ackley rode their horses through the pouring rain, heading for the small village Lyle had taken her to what felt like a lifetime ago. She couldn’t explain how she knew Lyle was there, but she’d bet her life on it. In fact, with this crazy plan of hers, she was.
Ackley had asked a few questions, and she got the impression he wasn’t sold on this plan. However, he said he trusted her, and he let her take the lead.
It felt strange for the two of them to be traveling alone. It had been a long time since they’d been together like this, reminding her of when they’d gone to Russek. So much had changed since then.
She hoped the men she’d sent north to intercept her Melenia soldiers arrived in time. She hoped Ackley’s Knights kept Owen and Idina safe. And she hoped she would survive what she was about to do.
The village came into view. The area around the huts had turned into a muddy mess from the downpour. Harley slowed her horse and squinted, trying to see the area better through the rain.
Ackley came up next to her, also slowing his horse. “Before we go through with this, I want to make sure you fully comprehend the consequences of your actions.”
“I know them.” She’d gone over it a hundred times in her head. And, truthfully, it was something she’d been considering for quite some time now.
He reached over, grabbing her arm. She pulled her horse to a halt and looked at him.
“Harley.”
The way he said her name sent a jolt through her.
“You’re already guilty of treason for taking the throne knowing Owen is alive.”
“I know.” She’d done it anyway to save her kingdom. It was the only way she could gain control of the army to ensure Lyle didn’t attack Owen or the Marsden soldiers. She’d prevented a battle.
“If you kill Lyle, it will seal your fate.”
She nodded, knowing all of this already. “Maybe Owen can pardon me.”
Ackley’s eyes remained focused on hers, not flinching. “Maybe.”
She knew he didn’t believe Owen could fix this. No matter. She’d made her choice long ago. It was time to end this. She nudged her horse and continued on, nearing the village.
No one was about, making the place appear abandoned. They’d probably been spotted already. In this downpour, she doubted an archer would be able to strike them down. Not only was it hard to see, but the wind and rain would alter the trajectory of the arrow. At least that was what she assumed. It made approaching the first couple of huts easier if she told herself that.
Harley and Ackley both dismounted, leaving their horses near one of the huts as they walked to the center of the village.
Ackley withdrew Sword of Rage, and Harley withdrew Sword of Desire. Together, they stood in the middle, surrounded by the huts. Ackley nodded for her to begin.
She sucked in a deep breath, calming herself so she’d have the mental strength to do what needed to be done. Through the rain, she could just make out the Melenia soldiers getting into position far enough away not to interfere, but close enough to see what transpired.
“Lyle!” Harley shouted. “I know you’re here. Come out and face me, you coward!”
“Well,” Ackley mumbled, his voice barely audible above the rain, “that’s one way to antagonize him.”
No movement came from within the village. It almost seemed as if no one lived there. However, Harley knew better.
“I thought you were a great warrior!” she yelled, trying again. “Is the almighty king of Melenia terrified to face his queen?” Maybe Lyle was afraid of Ackley being there. She’d considered going without Ackley but knew he’d never agree to it. And honestly, with Lyle’s skills, it would be dumb for her to face him alone.
