Chapter 10

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''And you let them escape?'' Richard felt the pressure in his head mount.

''N-No, my lord,'' the guard they called Wiley shook his head, slightly shaking. ''They took my weapons and forced me to leave.''

He'd let them escape. A lead rebel AND the only living threat to his reign. Richard roared loudly, startling Marie.

''How could you let them escape?'' Richard lifted his hand, preparing to snap his fingers and call the guards to take Wiley away. ''Did you see where they went?''

''Y-Yes, my lord, they headed west. But I hurried back to deliver a message from the son of Duke Baldric.''

A message? Richard dropped his hand.

''He has said that the rebels are still very much alive and that he will not stop until he's taken back what is his.'' Wiley took a step back. His boot clicking on the marble floor of the great hall.

Richard's fists tightened at his sides and he spit out a curse. Peter was much too similar to his deceased father, Richard's brother, Baldric. A fighter to the end, yet fool enough to become careless. Carelessness had led Baldric to his death, and it would do the same to Peter.

''That bloody.....'' Richard started, then looked back at Marie who was sitting at the small game table. Her face white, and lips pressed. ''Send a messenger to Jonathon and tell him that Peter and a rebel are heading in his direction. I will take soldiers and head that way myself.'' He looked at Wiley then snorted. The man was an insipid fool, but he'd given him information. And for that he wouldn't kill him.

                                                                                       ...................

              Avelina's calves burned as she and Peter climbed over a large boulder. Likely their hundredth within the past two hours. From her estimates, they were probably about another hour's trek from the central river. From there, they would be meeting Adam and Peter's friend James. Hopefully, Adam would have useful information regarding the whereabouts of Lord Richard's guards. They could then make the two-day hike to the cavern within the Mercury Cliffs, and avoid Lord Jonathon. By the time they made it back to Davnenshire, the other rebels would be ready to raid the castle. And retrieve Mother and Isolda. 

''Have you always lived in Davenshire?'' Peter asked, and offered his hand to her. 

She accepted it and allowed him to help her over the boulder. ''Yes, though my mother is originally from the mainland. Her father was a wealthy merchant.'' 

                  ''And your father? A baron? An earl?'' Peter gripped a thin tree trunk and continued to climb. 

''An earl. Lord Farren.'' The words felt sour on Avelina's lips. They were a reminder of what wasn't anymore. A distant crow hawked, seeming to agree with her. 

''I knew your mother looked familiar, she often came to the castle......a healer, wasn't she?'' 

''She often assisted the healer since she practiced in healing arts. She stopped after Father died,'' Avelina swallowed and wished he'd stop asking questions. Questions probed deep, where hurt lie. 

''Aye, I remember my mother speaking with Lady Thalia on several occasions. I'd like to say the two were close.'' 

Thalia. Mother. Was she alright? What about Isolda? Were the two locked up in some dark, dank dungeon? 

''And you? What of your life back in England?'' Avelina asked quickly, almost too quickly. 

                 ''Exciting. But I was ready for something different and I knew I had responsibilities here.'' 

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