Page 32 of Brighter Than Gold

“Vacation,” Lazio retorted with a sneer.

“My wife isn’t properly dressed for this. She’s going to freeze to death, Lazio.”

The man walked to one of the cots and tossed its dingy blanket at me. I let it hit the floor by my feet, the smell alone was enough to convince me not to touch it.

“Suit yourself,” Lazio sneered with a sideways glance.

“Boss!” shouted a voice from outside of the room. “They’re here.”

“Already? That didn’t take long,” he said angrily. He leered at Callan. “Almost impressive.” The man turned on a heel and walked out of the room, closing the door on all three of us.

The Rat locked in the room with us was a grisly looking man, through his curly beard I could see that his two front teeth were missing. He stared at us menacingly before raising a finger to his lips.

“Shhhh…”

The whole cabin was still, waiting on something. Callan kept me protectively behind him. I jolted when I heard a heavy knock on the front door. We listened quietly as it scraped open.

“Well shit!” Lazio hollered in welcome. “To what do I owe the pleasure, gentlemen?”

“Good day, sir, my name is lieutenant Hughes.”

Callan’s whole body suddenly tensed. He shot a look at the man guarding us in the room, who winked at him, a hand ready on the hilt of his sword for one wrong move from Callan.

“Excuse the intrusion,” Hughes continued. “We are here in an official capacity. The palace is currently in search of a woman; blue eyes, long dark hair in her mid-twenties.”

“Well fuck, aren’t we all!” Lazio replied with a snort.

I reached a trembling hand out to Callan, who took it and squeezed reassuringly.

“Quite,” the lieutenant joked back. “She was travelling with family near this area.”

“No name?” Lazio inquired.

“It is not being shared at this time. Have you seen such a woman?” the lieutenant asked.

“A little vague if you ask me, but…”

I squeezed Callan’s hand tighter in the long pause it took for Lazio to answer.

“I can’t say that I have, no. Been just myself and the boys out here escaping our wives.” He laughed knowingly. “What did she do? It must be serious if the royal guard is out here looking for her.”

“Strictly confidential I’m afraid, sir.”

“She have something to do with the attack on the wedding night?” Lazio pushed.

“I am truly not at liberty to say. I thank you for your cooperation. We’ll take our leave.”

“Always happy to help the noble Royal Guard!” Lazio chuckled. “Good luck in your search gentlemen!”

I heard the sound of the front door closing and the silence that followed rang in my ears. It was taking everything I had not to shout out to the men to come back, that I was here! I was only mildly aware of the crushing hold Callan had on my hand, of his silent plea for me to keep quiet, and the tears began to race down my cheeks.

No one said a word in the cabin, but the Rat next to us stared down at me, taking in my blue eyes and raven black hair as if it were the first time he had ever seen me. There was a dooming recognition in his eyes.

Lazio’s heavy footsteps sounded through the cabin before he opened the door. He crossed his arms and leaned into the doorframe; an eyebrow cocked under his wide brimmed hat. He ran his tongue over his teeth, back and forth just staring at me, and he chuckled.

“I put you two back here because I was worried aboutyou,” he said, pointing a grisly finger at Callan. “Didn’t want to run the risk of some old military friend recognizing you. But Reyah, it would seem…” he taunted, his eyes roving up and down, “Reyah is the one I need to watch out for. Interesting.”

“It’s a coincidence, Lazio, there are thousands of women that match the description. Why would the palace be searching for my wife?” Callan barked.

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