Ever the Hunted (Clash of Kingdoms #1)(40)

“Where did the keys fall?”

“Underneath the bed.” Cohen twists against his bindings.

I turn until the edge of the key ring is visible, only it lies out of reach. Right then the locking mechanism in the door clicks.

No! I jolt up. Cohen’s eyes meet mine. As soon as Captain Omar enters the room, our lives will be forfeit. We were so close. So close.

The door opens.

The captain doesn’t walk in.

The woman from the well does.





Chapter

18


I WONDER IF TOMAS’S PUNCH BRUISED MORE THAN MY FACE. Surely, I’m not seeing things right. But after a good eye rub, she’s still there—?with ebony hair pulled to the side in a braid that snakes over her right shoulder, it’s definitely the woman from the well.

“I heard about your arrest and came to help,” she explains as she rushes to Cohen’s side and loosens his bindings.

The truth in her words amazes me. Gratefulness wells up inside, putting a lump in my throat. “Someone told you we were arrested, and you didn’t run in the other direction?”

She smiles like I’ve said something comical.

“Who helps two criminals? We could be murderers for all you know.”

The woman unlocks my manacles. “Not you. Your heart is too good.”

“How’d you find us?” Cohen asks as he finishes freeing his legs.

“This inn belongs to a friend.”

How trustworthy is that friend?

“Promise, you’re safe for now,” the woman assures me as if reading my mind.

“The guards, they’re not from Shaerdan,” I say, realizing the additional danger she’s put herself in.

She nods. “Aye. Noticed that. The big one doesn’t hide his Malam accent well.”

True. Leif’s faked brogue sounds more like a lamb’s bleat and bellow than Shaerdanian.

She steps around Tomas and extends a hand to help me to my feet. “Besides, you needed my help. Doesn’t matter where the guards are from.”

Not wanting to question her motives any further, I ask her if she passed Leif and the captain on her way in. Even though Tomas has been knocked out, the captain will never allow us to stroll out of here.

She pulls a flask from her skirt. “Sleeping draught.”

I stare at her slack-jawed and, at the same time, mesmerized by her cunning as she explains how she snuck a few drops into Leif’s and the captain’s morning drinks. According to her, both men will sleep for eight hours.

Cohen steps beside me and points a thumb to his chest. “Cohen. This is Britta. We’re glad for your help.”

“Jacinda.” Her blue eyes twinkle. “Happy to be of service.”

“You feeling all right?” Cohen asks. I think he’s talking to her, only to jump when his fingers feather across my jaw and up to the bruised area on my face.

My lashes lower. “Probably not as bad as I look.” After a day’s travel and having the crow beat out of me, I’m probably no sight to behold.

“When we get some distance, I’ll make a poultice for the swelling,” he promises.

My palm moves to the curve of my cheek, where his hand was moments ago.

“I found your horse in the woods. Must’ve followed the guards. Smart animal. Never seen such a loyal southland horse before,” Jacinda tells Cohen, seeming impressed. “He’s in the stable now, having a drink.”

It’s not the least bit surprising that Siron followed his master. If that horse were from Shaerdan, I’d think he had Channeler abilities.

Cohen takes her hand and inclines his head. “I’m in your debt. Thank you for watching out for him,” he says, relief coloring his voice, before crossing the room to pick up the manacles. He shoves them on Tomas’s wrists and jerks twice to test that they’re secure. “I’ll go check Omar and Leif. Then we can figure out an escape that won’t alert neighbors. Don’t want anyone pointing the guards in our direction.”

Jacinda goes to drop the key on the bed, but Cohen stops her. “We can find a resting place that’ll be a bit more difficult to find. Wouldn’t want to make it too easy for them.” His mouth tilts in a half smile.

With an expression that mirrors his, Jacinda tosses the iron ring to me. “Sly friend you have there, Britta. I like him. And I certainly don’t mind putting a little hurt to those Malam guards. Last night, Lockdell, the village southeast of here, was raided by soldiers from your army. Buildings were burned down. It’s chaos in the town square here with all the surviving kinsmen gathering.”

“Malam attacked an entire town?” Astonishment raises my voice a notch.

“Aye,” Jacinda says gravely. “Not the entire army, but some of your men did.”

My eyes dart to Cohen, taking in his flat expression. “What does this mean? Is this the official beginning of the war? Has King Aodren declared it so?”

“Might only be a skirmish,” Jacinda says. “I’ve heard no word of a formal declaration. Still, you shouldn’t tarry long in Shaerdan. Judge Auberdeen assigned armies from the coast to meet at the war front. Don’t know how long it’ll take the kinships to assemble, but as soon as they reach the border, you won’t be getting into Malam.”