The Reformation Wars: Conflicts Rekindled

Chapter 19

Twelve days after Manfred's initiation, Andre and Deljegne arrived in the capital city of Innutuk Proper, Raneteink Lek. After leaving their horses at the stable of some nondescript inn on the outskirts of the city, the two wound their way down the streets on the way to the imperial palace. Along the way, Andre purchased a cloak to conceal his face, as his plan was to keep his identity hidden until the moment his blade was in the emperor's heart. Then he wanted the wretch to know for certain who it was that had sealed his fate.

His mood had been sour most of the trip to Innutuk, as his heart still ached from his recent losses, but he was determined to accomplish this new goal. Surely Kate's esteem of him would rise upon hearing the news that he had slain the vile emperor who had imprisoned her. After all, what had he really done? He'd only lashed out at Manfred when already agitated at the news of his father's death. Certainly that wouldn't outweigh the massive benefits of having Innutuk's emperor torn from his throne.

All too soon, Deljegne came to a stop and pressed himself against a brick wall. Andre followed suit on the other side of the alley they stood on, peeking his head out to see the thick gate that surrounded the imperial palace. At the nearest opening stood a mere two guards, and their attention was more focused on a quintet of giggling young ladies at a flower stand than anything else.

"There're only two of them." Andre whispered to Deljegne, "Perhaps we should wait until the ladies leave, and then take them on?"

Deljegne pulled his hood back, presumably to allow cool air to pass over his head. "I guess that's a good plan. One each is the best we could ask for."

"Precisely." Andre slid his gold-hilted sword from its scabbard, eyes still trained on the chatty women. Only a minute passed before they made their final purchases and boarded a pair of carriages that sped right by Andre and Deljegne's hiding place. Now that the two guards were all alone, Andre glanced at his redheaded companion. "We're all clear."

Deljegne pulled his hood back over his head and unsheathed his own weapon. "On my mark, ready, bolt!"

Andre exploded into action, dashing at the two Innutukian guards with a speed he'd never known he had. Wind rustled through his hair and whistled in his ears as he raced forward. He raised his sword and prepared for impact.

The guard Andre had targeted spun to face him and held up his bulky shield to absorb the incoming strike. He swung his own counterattack, and an axe blade whizzed right by Andre's ear. He ducked and sidestepped just in time. Before he could decide on a second offensive measure on the first guard, the second rushed in with a shield protecting his advance and a spear pointed at Andre's heart.

Andre evaded with another sidestep at the last minute. He glanced about and wrinkled his brow at the fact that Deljegne was nowhere to be seen. He had no time to process the confusion, however, because the two guards had begun teaming up on him. Cornered between two armored guards with shields who also never ceased to attack, Andre found himself in a tricky situation.

The spear-wielding guard kept Andre's attention high with his many stabs aimed at face, neck, and shoulders. But then Andre gasped. Metal met his shins, and he felt himself swept off balance. He dropped onto his back with a grunt, only to see the first guard snatch his sword away before he could react. Finally, Deljegne strolled up with his hood back and sword back in its scabbard.

"You...you good for nothing traitor!" Andre spat at the redheaded man, "You...we had an agree—"

"I'm aware what you thought we had. But it was a ruse." Deljegne nodded to the guards. "Bind him."

Andre growled and struggled against the men, but to no avail. They yanked him to his feet and pinned him agains the gate, face pressing into the bars. His resistance only made things more painful when the men yanked his arms behind his back and tightened a length of rough hemp around his wrists. Andre managed to hold his tongue mostly through the ordeal, but he could swear the top layer of his skin had been torn off by the abrasive rope.