The Final Hour

Chapter 8

"Somebody let out our horses last night. I promise we will find out who has done this treacherous act. If you come forward now, your punishment will be less severe. If you have information on this, please also step forward now." A tall man with long greasy white hair and a crown perched on his head walks in front of the camp. King Artol, the king of Echidninare. My sworn enemy. His eyes skim over me, and rest on Gray, who is standing to my left. She shifts uncomfortably.
His eyes stay on her for a long second until he moves on. People start to leave. Gray grabs my arm and drags me away.
I roll my eyes and let her pull me along.
We stop behind a large tent in the middle of nowhere.

"That was you! Wasn't it?" Gray glares at me. I shake my arm away from her tight grip.

"Let go of me!" I snarl. Gray rolls her eyes.

"I knew it. Why didn't you tell me? You asked me for help remember? " She growls. I glare at her.

"In case you didn't notice, I was being chased down by a bunch of perverted pigs. Thanks for helping me then." I shoot back. Gray glares at me.

"Did you see the way he was looking at me? He knew it was me! Thanks to you I'm going to be killed and I didn't even do anything!" She shouts.
I sigh. I know in this case she's right. She didn't let out those horses. I did. As much as I don't like Gray, I can't let another person die for me.

"Your right. I'm sorry. Look I won't let them hurt you ok?" I mutter. Gray just glares at me.

"Whatever." She tosses over her shoulder as she walks away. I feel almost guilty as she disappears from my sight. If she died for me, or because of me, I don't think I could cope. I would collapse and never get back again. Because, like it or not, Gray offered to help me in a stupidly dangerous mission. If we both survive this, I'll never be able to repay her.
I think again of Laura, and how she did die for me. She saved me in more ways then one.
I believe she's still around though. She's my guardian angel, looking out for me. She's in a far better place anyway.
I'm so lucky to have been her friend-she was truly the better half of me. I know that sounds cliché, but it's so true. We all have that friend, that brings out the best in you, and helps you when your at your worst.

"This one's for you Laura." I murmur. I stand up and look around. I see my target. I don't know quite what I'm doing yet, but it's going to be big. I want to stop this war before it ever really begins.

Eadu, you are such a idiot
I think over and over again. It's true. I can't even believe what I'm doing. I'm in the Kings tent, standing at the grand circle table. This is where they make their war plans. This is where they plan to destroy my country. A burst of anger rips through me as I glare at the table. I see several sheets of yellowed paper sitting on the other side of the table.
In seconds I'm there, snatching up the paper. I look it over. The Kings seal is stamped on the front. I grin. If some top secret plans were stolen from the Kings tent, that would sure cause a ruckus. I carefully roll them up and stick them under my shirt. I begin to walk out, but something stops me dead in my tracks. I hear my name. For a second I think somebody has discovered my identity, but I realize that they aren't talking to me. The voice is coming from outside of the tent.
And it's coming closer.
I look around. The only thing in the room is the table, and several chairs surrounding the table. It will have to do.
I dive under the table and curl up as small as I can. I hear footsteps.

"I know who let out the horses." A familiar voice says. I grit my teeth angrily. I knew she'd betray me! I knew it! It's Gray talking about me. Betraying me to my enemy. I want spring up from under the table and scream at her. But before I can make up my mind to leave my hiding place, somebody else speaks.

"We'll get to that. But I asked you here to tell you something." King Artol says from just above me. Curiosity makes me stay under the table. What could the King possibly want with her?

"Years ago, I had a daughter. She was taken from me at a very young age. But when she was living with me, her mother gave her a beautiful silver locket. The same one you have around your neck. Gracia, you are my daughter. Princess of Echidninare, heir to my throne."

I'm in shock. There is no possible way that Gray could be related this awful man. I didn't even know he had a daughter!

"Father?" Gray murmurs. Then it's quiet for a couple minutes. I start to wonder if they've left, but King Artol speaks again.

"Now that we've got that out of the way, will you tell me about this traitor?" He asks in a fake kind voice.
It makes me sick.

I hear Gray take a deep breath.

"Her name is Eadu."

Anger builds up inside of me as I listen to Gray spill everything. My identity, my plans-everything. I've never been this angry in my life. I am squeezing my hands into fists so hard that I think its going to leave a scar.
After she is done betraying me, King Artol is silent. Then he hits the table right above my head.
I flinch.
"She will be paid in justice. We need to go apprehend her right now."
The pure fury in his voice makes me shiver. I hear him stalk out of the tent. I hear Gray sigh and follow him.
As soon as I think the coast is clear, I crawl out under the table. I get up. I look at that table. I need to do something-something to tell Artol that he's bitten off way more then he could chew in attacking me. I pull out my knife and carve my name into the table. Then I yank the blade out of the table and stalk out of the tent. I'm so angry, I'll kill anybody in my way.
My thoughts turn to Jaosh and Branwen. I need to warn them. My time is up.
I've got to go.

Hi guys! This chapter is dedicated to my best friend. She is amazing!!!!! Also I just wanted to let you know that I'm not sure when I'm going to next update-it might be a while. I'm having surgery this week, and I'm not going to be in any shape to update. I just wanted you guys to know that I'm not forgetting this book. Anyway-see you guys later!