Page 14 of Sword of Desire
A single torch lit the vestibule. Brodek grabbed the torch and led the way along a narrow corridor. The smell of mold and thick dust permeated the air.
“Is anyone else staying here?” Ackley asked, noticing the filth kicked up by their feet as they walked. For that much to accumulate, this place had to be abandoned. They left a trail of footprints in their wake.
“That is none of your concern.”
Being in an abandoned castle with a group of men was his concern. Especially since he was certain about one thing: these weren’t ordinary soldiers. They had to be a special unit like his Knights back home. That being the case, he and Gytha needed to remain alert. Even if these men didn’t intend to harm them, it didn’t mean they could be trusted.
They went up a flight of stairs. Up was certainly better than down. After traversing through another corridor, Brodek stopped.
“The two of you will sleep in here.” He opened a door, ushering them inside.
Ackley stepped around Brodek, unable to see much. “Do we get a light?”
“Not tonight.” Without another word, Brodek closed the door.
“Maybe there’s a window,” Gytha mumbled.
Ackley stood still, not wanting to stub a toe. Gytha moved around the room cursing as she stumbled into furniture. Finally, she yanked a curtain aside, and moonlight shone through a filthy window, illuminating part of the room. There was a single bed, a desk, an empty fireplace, and a few trunks scattered about. Cobwebs hung between two of the bed posts.
“I’m tired and need to sleep.” Ackley shrugged. At least they’d have a roof over their heads for the night. “You take the first watch. Wake me up in four hours.”
“I need to get my weapons situated,” she mumbled, pulling her knives from her boots.
“Something tells me these men don’t need weapons to kill.” Each one could probably snap a neck or incapacitate someone in less than a minute using just their bare hands. Ackley plopped on the bed, dust wafting in the air. He sneezed from the smell.
“Do you think they intend to kill us?” Gytha whispered, looking at the door.
“I haven’t decided. But don’t give them a reason to. Be your wonderful, pleasant self.”
Gytha cursed. “How can you be so calm?”
“I’m too tired to worry right now. Once I’ve slept, then I’m sure I’ll feel differently.”
“Sometimes I want to strangle you,” she ground out.
“I know.” Smiling, he closed his eyes and fell fast asleep.
* * *
Ackley leaned against the wall, keeping watch. The door to the room remained unlocked, tempting him to walk out into the hallway and search through the castle. However, he refrained from doing so because he felt as if he were being tested. Exiting the room implied he was nosy. His training as a Knight begged him to investigate to see what he could learn. However, since his objective was to meet with the empress, he thought it best to remain in the room, to show he could be trusted. Trying to act like a normal prince would act. Staying in there proved far more difficult than he’d thought it would be.
Gytha still slept in the bed, her right arm thrown over her face.
He glanced through the dirty window. Outside, a thick fog coated the land making it impossible to see the surrounding area. He’d been on watch for five hours. During that time, he hadn’t heard a single sound other than Gytha’s incessant snoring. When he’d first gone on watch, she’d told him it sounded like three men had left. Assuming the only people here were the seven men, that meant four remained. Perhaps the three had gone to deliver his letter to the empress.
He really wanted to know if these men hailed from Landania or Emperion. While Brodek had claimed they were the same kingdom now, Ackley knew Emperion had only recently acquired Landania. After Russek invaded Melenia, the small kingdom of Landania felt threatened and joined Emperion to be protected. There had to be some people unhappy with the alliance.
Tapping his pointer finger on the window ledge, Ackley considered the machinations of the mainland further. Originally, he’d believed Russek had only invaded Melenia for soldiers and to acquire more land in order to overthrow Emperion. However, Lyle and his father had made a deal with Russek. They allowed Russek to take Melenia soldiers and civilians in exchange for the throne. Ackley continued tapping his finger, trying to speculate if he was missing anything.
“Do you have to be so annoying?” Gytha moaned. “I’m trying to sleep.” She yanked the pillow over her head.
“You should be awake by now; it’s well past sunrise.”
She flew upright, rubbing her eyes. “It is?”
“Yes.” The thought of sitting around this abandoned castle for days made him itch for action. He started pacing at the end of the bed, considering his options. He and Gytha could sneak away and locate the empress on their own. That might speed things along.
Gytha slid out from under the covers and stretched. “Are you worried about Harley?”
