Page 12 of The King's Sword
“That’s why we went today,” Otto said. “To gather information. So far we know that once a week, about two dozen kids are taken north into Lynk.”
This entire ordeal made her sick to her stomach. “Those children are innocent.”
“I know.”
“I want every single one returned home.”
“That’s the plan.”
She went into the kitchen to look for something to eat. Thad and Seth were sitting at the table with a warm loaf of bread.
“Want some?” Thad asked.
She nodded.
He cut off a chunk and handed it to her.
She took it and went outside, wanting to be alone. Sitting on the top step of the porch, her jacket and hat still on, she nibbled on the bread, thinking about those children and what she could do to help them. Hours went by, and she still hadn’t managed to come up with a single idea other than confronting Rainer and demanding to know what was going on—which wouldn’t accomplish anything.
Feeling utterly useless, Sabine rubbed her forehead.
“Are you okay?”
Startled, she peered up and saw Evander approaching. She nodded.
“How long have you been out here?” he asked.
“Not long.” She shrugged.
“Your nose and ears are bright red.” He sat on the top step next to her.
She looked at him. His green eyes held a dark sadness to them. “What did you discover?” she asked.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “Those were Lynk soldiers taking Bakley children north to your kingdom.”
Her kingdom. She felt sick to her stomach. “What are they doing with the children?” she asked. Since Lynk was her kingdom, she had a responsibility to do something.
“They’re using the children for manual labor.” He gazed out at the land before them. “They’re making weapons.”
“The children are?” she asked, wondering why they couldn’t use adults for that.
“Their hands are smaller, and it’s easier for them to make arrows.” Evander rubbed his face.
“And this is happening in Lynk?” She wanted to be absolutely certain. Maybe Rainer didn’t know about it.
“There are tunnels in Lynk,” he said. “And caverns. They’re in one of the larger caverns on the other side of the wall. I’m sorry.”
She wondered how Evander had gotten past the wall to discover all of this. Maybe he’d grabbed one of the soldiers and interrogated him.
The door behind them opened. “I thought I heard talking out here,” Otto said. “Why don’t the two of you come in since it’s starting to get dark.”
Evander stood, reaching his hand out to Sabine. She took it, letting him pull her to her feet.
Inside, they went to the kitchen where Thad and Seth were sitting at the table. Otto and Sabine sat on the empty bench across from them while Evander sat next to Thad and Seth.
“Any luck?” Thad asked.
Evander sighed. “I was able to confirm that we saw Lynk soldiers traveling with children from Bakley.”
