A War Of Traitors( ARTK, Book 2)

Chapter 102

Anug 17th, 3329 A.G

Katelyn wore her thickest tunic just in case, along with her turamel fur for extra protection. They would never compare to armor made of Ashhand Iron- but it was better than nothing. She'd left her sword back under her bed, choosing instead to hide a dagger in her boot.

  The night air made her gasp. She stood there- just outside a servant's side entrance, watching her own breath as small flakes fell. What she were about to do would break her family, put them on sides- but at least her sister would live. At least she would have a chance to as well.

  That morning, she'd asked again what their plans to get Avelyn back were- and even the smartest said nothing. So she'd gone to her room, taken that sword out from its resting place- and called for her favorite guard. He was a good ten years older; but they never touched except during their sessions. At times, she felt he was the only one who's skills were better.

  They'd sparred for hours, and each time he had her pinned- she managed to get back up. People would certainly question why he'd come out of a lady's room with bruises, but she'd tell them what she always did: It was no concern of theirs.

  Katelyn took a deep breathe, the exhale reminding her of a smoked herb a servant friend gave her once. She hadn't been able to see straight for days, but it gave a clarity she would have loved then.

  She walked around the side, through the square- and down a path that led to the main gate. Though she went quickly, no guards took notice of her until she stood right behind it.

"My lady-"

"You will let the gate up, and you will do it now."

  "Your brother's ordered-"

  "I don't give a godsfuck what he ordered." Katelyn stepped closer to one on the ground. "But I do know this: You will let that gate up, or each member of your families will disappear. You won't know where I've put them, but their will always be that voice in your heads- a reminder that you could've avoided it if you just listened."

  He gulped. "I am-"

  "You do have family, don't you?" Katelyn interrupted, looking back up at those on the wall. "I could always check. But if I must do that things won't go so well for you either."

  One whispered to the other and nodded down. Katelyn suppressed a smile. Being a noble lady did have it's perks at times.

  The old metal slowly began to creak, much to the surprise of Nara's night guards. Once it were fully up and yet another obvious Emeric walked out- they approached.

  Katelyn flinched as the gate slammed back down against stone. She clutched her stomach, trying to appear as weak as possible to any who might be watching. The two standing before her were Dedori-  one much taller and wider than the other.

  "And who would you be?" The wide one asked.

"Lady Katelyn Emeric." She replied simply. "Take me to your queen."

The two exchanged glances, and then the taller one nodded. A moment later- she were being led through Nara's camp under guard.

She looked around for any signs of her sister, but each tent were closed. One large enough for prisoners had three guards in front it- but Katelyn was dragged along when she froze. Head turned as she walked, telltale Emeric features showing she were from within those walls. Her strategy tent were closed too, but what appeared to be the usurper's entire council were there.

Katelyn knew that red hair as well as anyone else- and she pictured how it'd look stained with blood.

"This one came willingly too." The shorter dedori man said. "Katelyn Emeric- she calls herself."

Nara put a hand up, dismissing her soldiers. Katelyn stood with her hands clasped- one thumb painfully digging into that skin between her other thumb and forefinger. "Your family never learns, do they? I gave clear terms."

"They are stupid." Katelyn shrugged. "I chose to do this on my own."

"Very well then. You'd fit in nice next to your sister-" A sudden groan from one of her councilor's interrupted the other. The Alenian woman fell forward, her head leaning against the table. Andre Hemin- she did recognize him from a portrait, immediately put an arm around the woman's back. He tried, but he was powerless when it came to that sort of pain.

  "I'm fine-" She insisted. "False labor."

  Andre didn't look too convinced, keeping an arm around her the entire time Katelyn was there- but he let it go for the moment. His eyes would still flicker to her every now and then, watching for any signs of discomfort.

"I came to negotiate more-" Katelyn continued, earning an eye roll from Nara. "But not... in the same way my sister did. I offer no material goods. How's my sister?

  "Alive." Nara shrugged. "Her limbs are attached to her body if that's what you mean. It's not much of a negotiation to-"

  "You're the best swordsman on your side." Katelyn interrupted. "I'm the best one in my family. I would like to arrange a fair fight to the death. No armor, just swords. No deciet, no thick layers under our clothing then. If you die- Valia is yours as my family will kneel. They will forget what you've done to our father and my sister... and they will take no action for my death. If I win, we keep the home that's been ours for hundreds of years. Whatever heir your councilors manage to conjure up will take no action against us, nor will I be killed for winning. Your armies will leave Valia afterwards, you will release my sister regardless of the fight's outcome- and you will forgive the sharper tongues in my family should they not learn to mind them."

  Nara smiled, paying no attention to the protests of her councilors. In another world, she may have liked this girl. She knew what she wanted and was bold enough to say it, and she appeared to be loyal to her family. "Very well. It will happen tomorrow. You may go now."