The Ashen Raven's Treason

Chapter 14

"What do you mean, she's fled?" Gustus shouts. He skids down the mountain of dirt to stand in front of Lyndel.

Seconds ago, the fladline had fought like no guard I have ever seen. Quickly, and without the slightest hint of hesitation. If I didn't know any better, I would believe him to be part of the royal family and trained to behave in the same manner. Like he stands on top of the world and everyone, down to the royals themselves, are beneath his abilities.

And with one arm, I realize. When he moves his right arm, even to take a deep breath, he winces. A puddle of blood leaks out from underneath his armor, near his shoulder. A stream is granted access through the blade that once struck him. I have a compelling reason to believe the soldier behind the wound is dead now.

"Millicent Terravale has left her people to fend for themselves. The four of you, her four children, are the only members of nobility attempting to fight for their city."

"That doesn't make any sense," Theo scoffs. "She wouldn't leave."

Lyndel's expression turns heavy. "She would if she values her throne over her people."

"But the people—"

"It doesn't matter what Wyetta does to those in the city." Lyndel raises a hand to stop Theo. The one time he wishes the queen's heart to be pure is also the least likely place for that to happen. Of course, she abandoned us. I wouldn't expect anything less from her. "She has separated support from a throne, and if her sister makes it far enough into the city to reach the palace, Millicent wishes to be there to defend it."

Gustus and I share a knowing look. We truly are running out of options.

"I advise you to flee," Lyndel goes on. Immediately, Cloak shakes his head. "We have secret entrances into the city, through the wall, that'll provide the royals with protection until this blows over."

"Until this blows over?" Cloak snaps. He stops himself from charging at the guard that protects his doors. Protects him from what he might do to himself if no one else is around. "This doesn't blow over. If Wyetta wins, we won't have a city to save or a home to go to. We'll come out to bloodshed and death."

Lyndel drags on an exhausted sigh. More soldiers are approaching. My heart thumps unsteadily in my chest. I look between the four of them, each of them attempting to make a very difficult decision in their heads. Either way, they stand to lose something if they fight or hide.

I will lose my family. The boards over their windows and doors won't stop the inevitable from coming; Wyetta will knock down every house with a simple wave of her hand and that doesn't scratch the surface of what she'll do to the people within. Torture, hangings, it all comes to mind. For them, for the city, for these people standing around me that have offered more protection than I could ever give...I have to do this.

Even if I lose my life in the end.

"Take him," I say shakily, never once tearing my eyes away from Cloak.

"What?" he snaps.

I wipe a tear from the corner of my eye and look towards Gustus's softened stare. He knows of the conclusion I have come to. "Take him and get him somewhere safe."

Cloak takes a hurried step towards me. The enemy is closing in. They're drawing their blades. "What is going on?" the prince shouts at the top of his lungs.

If only I knew.

I want to make a parting remark, to tell Cloak how much his friendship has meant to me, how much I wish to see him happy after this when I look down upon him from wherever I end up. Likely, in the gallows. Before I receive the chance to tell him anything of value, Gustus and Theo take his arms and begin the long trek to drag him away. On impulse, he thrashes against their hold. Stronger than the both of them, he knocks his brother away with a blow to the cheek after slipping his arm out of what should've been an irresistible hold.