The Oreans

Chapter 66

Chapter 66

In the Ugly Tower

Fighting the lethargy that resulted from healing Divan, Alen found it difficult to keep up with the princess' pace, much less stop her. Yet he knew he had to be behind her or she would go all alone.

For sure, she did not want him there. It had just been an accident that he was here now tailing her. While lying on his bed, he had overheard a noise under it and there had discovered a tiny trapdoor that led to a low and narrow walkway where the princess had been slipping through. She had tried to make him go back, lose him on purpose. Of course, he had not let her.

He looked around now as they rushed along. He had known there were labyrinths in the palace but imagined none as old as this. This corridor might even be older than the palace itself.

"You need not have seen me off, Alen." The princess' voice was light but cold.

He ignored her words and, relieved that they could talk now, said instead, "You deceived Lady Sherinea. She thought it was you leaving through the west gate."

"It wasn't my doing, but I am glad nonetheless for the coincidence. It would take the grandmaster off my trail for a while. The moment he finds out it isn't me, I will already be out of here."

"But doesn't he know about this?"

"He does, but it's been nearly twenty years since this was put into use. He has no idea that I can still locate all the hidden doors .... You really shouldn't have followed."

"You can use some company. Besides, they have Erin, too, remember?"

The princess glanced at him uncertainly. "It is not that I underestimate you, Alen. I can see that you are growing stronger each day. But this—this is something that only I can settle—alone."

"Why?"

She did not answer but took another side corridor.

"Why won't you let the king do something about this?" Alen pressed. "Why take the responsibility as your own?"

"Alen, I'll be more thankful if you drop this. I'm sure Erin, too, will appreciate it if you turn around this moment and head back to your room."

"I won't."

"You're being stubborn."

"I just care for my sister and—for you." Alen followed her around the bend to the sight of Lake Ross illuminated by the rays of the setting sun.

As they finally came to stop before it, Alen stared at the shimmering expanse of water before him and sought the bank for a means of crossing it. There was none. Did she intend to swim across? He knew she could very well. He could still remember well the night he had learned she was a woman. But he wondered if he had strength enough left to keep up with her.

"Alen, I am asking you for the last time—"

"I'm not going back," he cut her words short. "You cannot convince me to."

"Alen—"

"You will have to knock me down first before you can go without me."

"It is too dangerous..."

"I promise I will not be a liability."

"I believe you, but..."

The princess studied his face. He met her gaze squarely. At last, she sighed.

"If you're coming with me, then you should know: the enemy is after something nobody else but I can give. Do you know what it is?"

Alen shook his head mutely.