The Song of the Keepers

Chapter 21 The First Stage

My head cold hung around for about five days before deciding to clear up but luckily for me, that was the worst of it. Despite Jasper's concerns for the antibiotics I was taking, I did not develop pneumonia, bronchitis, or anything terrible. Now, the day before the great escape, I had one mission in mind, convince Kyle to actually go through with our plan.

I found him at the shooting range, pelting a human-shaped target full of lead bullets. Unsurprisingly, every single one was a bullseye. When he stopped to reload, I stepped up into his line of view.

"Imagining Shane's face?"
I asked in a conspiratorial tone.

Kyle huffed in response.

"I just received word, they think they will reach a verdict by this weekend."
He told me.

"They're going to find you guilty."
I stated.

"Yes, most likely."
He agreed grimly.

"What's the punishment around here for murder?"
I questioned.

I knew it to be death, but I didn't know the specifics.

"Beheading."
He answered.

I tried not to flinch, remembering my mother's head rolling off her shoulders, the sword covered in her blood, the crowd cheering for the death of a traitor.

I scanned the area, confirming we were alone.

"I have a plan."
I started.

He raised his eyebrows.

"What sort of plan are we talking about?"

"The kind that will save your life."

He crossed his arms and waited for me to continue.

"I can get you out of the country."

"You're joking."

"Not in the slightest. Jasper, Vienna, Kairos and I have it worked out."

"Let's hear it then."

I got the feeling he was only humoring me, expecting the idea to be a flop. I proceeded to give him the details, excluding the part about his wife and daughter for the time being.

"Astrid, I can't ask you to do this. If you get caught, it won't be just my head that gets detached."

"You didn't ask me, I'm choosing to do it. I already saw one person I care about beheaded, I won't let you become the second."
I insisted.

"What would I even do if I escape?"

"Start a new life! Forget about Itova and find the happiness you deserve."

He sighed heavily and shook his head.

"I can't do that on my own Astrid, it's better to die here than out there in the wild. What kind of life could I have, alone with my dark self?"

"I thought you might say something of the like. Which is why you won't be going alone."
I reached into my pocket and withdrew the paper that held the images of his family.

I unfolded it and held it out to him. He froze, his eyes fixed on the image of the blonde-haired woman.

"This is Tanya."
He said in disbelief.

"Yes. And that's Kyla."
I confirmed.

His eyes flickered to the picture of his daughter.

"How did you-?"
He couldn't finish his question and pressed a fist to his mouth instead.