The Treasure *Phantom of the Opera* (sequel to The Quest)

Chapter 29

A/N: Okay, deep breath ... (and please do remember to breathe ...)

**Chapter XXIX**

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A real leader faces the music, even when he doesn't like the tune.

~Benjamin Britten

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Armando followed Cedric down the corridor, his pistol cocked and ready for any guards they might come up against ...

The French boy fitted the key into the lock, as Armando looked over his shoulder, keeping watch. Cedric opened the door quietly and Armando slipped in after him, closing the door. He halted abruptly at the sight of Cedric's friend — a small girl kneeling on the huge bed and holding a pillow close to her, as if in defense.

"Jaelle!" he whispered in wide-eyed shock.

She flung the pillow aside and flew from the bed, throwing herself at Armando and wrapping her arms tightly around his middle.

Cedric stared at the two curiously.

"Free the others," Armando ordered when he could talk, his voice barely there. "Take them to the wine cellar as the King commanded."

Cedric's eyes widened at the hushed order. He looked at Jaelle.

"You will be all right?"

She nodded against Armando's chest.

Still looking between the two of them, as if uncertain, Cedric at last nodded in agreement and sped from the room. Jaelle's trembling now came in earnest as she clutched Armando even more strongly, as if afraid he might suddenly disappear.

Moisture filled his eyes, and he cradled his large hand against the back of her small head. "Shh, do not cry. It's all right, my little Phei. They told me they killed you."

"They killed our Dai," she cried softly, tears filling her haunted brown eyes she turned up to him. "I saw them do it, Armando! And ... and ... Nadya, they did to me, and her ..."

"I know." He smoothed his hand down her hair, swallowing his emotion and rage. "Nadya is safe. And our dadro. The masked one of our legends - Rey del Música –fights for us. We must go — now, Jaelle! Before the guard makes his rounds! Quickly!"

Grabbing her hand, he led his little sister out of what surely would have been her chamber of death. Her legs wobbled so, she couldn't keep up his fast pace.

"Climb onto my back," he urged bending down for her.

She did, holding tightly around his neck as he held her legs and raced around the corner, grateful the bullet hole in his thigh had mended well enough that it ached only a little as he ran. He hoped no soldiers would suddenly emerge from behind a wall, as he could not fire both his pistols and carry Jaelle at the same time.

Fate played her cruel hand as one of the Don's men materialized in the distance and aimed his rifle their way. Armando cursed, ducking with Jaelle, hoping the soldier's aim was faulty or that the gun proved inaccurate as was often the case with such inferior weapons.

Armando staggered his pace, running in a zigzag to reach the next corner. A vase shattered nearby, a flying shard of pottery grazing his arm. Jaelle muffled a cry into his shoulder.