Chapter 185: Escape from Korvas

Rosalyn Losenska

Her body was not built for this. The constant sprinting and hard stops as they hid from guards was getting to her. Her lungs burned as she tried to keep her breathing steady and quiet. At times like this, she wished she had some of Ann’s natural athleticism. She could keep up on hikes and all that, but this was entirely different.

Ann’s ears twitched. They were doing that a lot. She had them on constant alert, listening for even the faintest sounds. If either of them could see Kat, Rosalyn had no doubt the pointy ears on the princess would be twitching as well.

“Don’t hear anything,” Ann whispered. “We’re getting close, though. A few more blocks, and we’ll be at the meetup point.”

“I’m so ready to be done with this,” Rosalyn sighed. “I don’t like being all seen, but sneaking is different. Feels wrong.”

“Well, we are kinda breaking out against the Queen’s orders, so by strict definition what we’re doing is wrong.”

“Not helping,” Rosalyn grumbled.

“It’ll be fine, Lambchop,” Ann said soothingly. “Once we’re out of the city and deep enough into the woods, we can relax.”

“Right, gotta make it that far. Ugh. You think they’re going to chase us?”

“At first? Nah. They’ll be too busy with Remmi’s distraction and it’ll take a bit of time before they realise Kat’s gone. Figure we’ve got until about mid day tomorrow until they figure it out. We’ve gotta be long gone by then.”

“Yeah. Kat’s late mornings are finally becoming useful,” Rosalyn giggled. She felt a tap on one of her horns. It was a little more forceful than just getting her attention. Kat was pouting. She just grinned into the empty air and stuck out her tongue. The faint silhouette of the invisible tent shifted, barely noticeable in the gloom. Thank the Gods they hadn’t been separated yet.

Ann signaled, a hand slicing through the air in the direction she intended, then scurried forward. She kept low, moving like a shadow along the cobbles. It was almost instinct, Rosalyn noticed, that she kept to darker spots, avoiding light. Maybe their little session in the woods had helped her girlfriend practice. Once Ann was in a good spot, she motioned for Rosalyn to follow.

The Druid did her best, but it was slow going. None of that natural grace. She crouched low, sure, and pulled up her hood to hide her white hair. Stuff shone like a beacon in the night whenever it caught the faintest bit of light. As she moved, she tried to look for Remmi. Ann’s teacher was somewhere, Ann had assured her, but Rosalyn hadn’t spotted her yet. Maybe she was moving too fast, but Rosalyn could track where her lightning was arcing. She should be able to track the woman.

“Fighters,” Rosalyn grumbled to herself as she waddled. “Not natural.”

“What was that?” Ann whispered as Rosalyn got to her.

“Nothing.”

“Got an inquisitor up on the roof ahead.” Ann pointed to the top of a store two doors ahead and to the right of the street. Rosalyn tried to make them out, but her eyes weren’t as good in the dark. “Seems like they’re fanning out and searching. No sign of Remmi right now.”

“Think she’s off helping Bren and Lucia?”

“Might be. Either we take a detour or wait. I don’t want to take any chances against secret police just yet.”

“I couldn’t help either,” Rosalyn whispered. “Only Entangle is quiet enough that it wouldn’t bring attention.”

“And you need to concentrate on that. Not happening,” Ann nodded. “Back to the last alley, then south two blocks. See if we can get past them.”

The problem with sneaking, Rosalyn had discovered, was patience. Everything moved so slowly, but one mistake, one motion that was too hurried could give them away. She felt her brain screaming at her to think, to talk, because her nervousness was boiling over. Telling it to shush wasn’t working, either. It just got louder. Xirali was trying to help, to her credit. Rosalyn felt waves of calm radiating from wherever her soul was located. Internally, she thanked the satyr, and hoped Waheela and the Dragon were doing similar to Ann and Kat, though she knew they were probably doing the opposite. Well, maybe Waheela was helping Ann. She seemed kinda protective of what she considered her pack, which all of them fit into.

“Rosalyn!” Ann hissed, grabbing her shoulder and jerking her to the side.

She’d lost herself in thought, and Ann pulled her into the shadows just as a guard stepped out of a cross-street in front of them. Ann’s hand clamped over her lips as she held her tight.

Silently, they watched the woman look around. She had a spear, as most guards did, and full armour. No big insignias, badges, or plumes to indicate she was anything but a normal guard. The woman paused in the middle of the intersection, leaned her spear against her shoulder, and let out a loud yawn, stretching her arms.

“Damn night patrol,” she grumbled. “Can’t wait to get to bed.” She then carried on, walking slowly, right towards them.

Rosalyn’s heart picked up its pace. Rapid beats of thunder rose in her ears as she watched the woman’s features come into sharp detail as she got nearer. She was right at the mouth of the alley. She’d see them!

The guard continued walking by.

CLANK, Clank, clank. Further and further away.

Ann released Rosalyn’s mouth, and both took a moment to recover their nerve. Rosalyn’s hands were shaking, and her clammy sweat coated her forehead.

“That was close,” Ann whispered, a giddy lilt in her voice. Adrenaline, Rosalyn figured.

“Way too close,” Rosalyn agreed.

“Shit, inquisitor coming.” Ann’s ears perked up. They did that when they caught a strange sound. It was adorable normally, but right now it was frightening. Her tail was dead still as well.

“Should we move?”

“No, quiet. Coming from behind us.”

Rosalyn’s eyes flicked back the way they came. She didn’t see anyone, but that was the point. Only people with very acute senses would pick them up.

Ann held still, then her ears twitched again. She held up a hand. Five fingers up.

Four.

Rosalyn’s heart pounded.

Three.

Her hands started sweating.

Two.

Ann paused. Cocked her head, then grinned.

“We’re good,” she said. “Remmi made it back.”

“Thank the gods. Let’s get moving. My heart can’t take more of this.”

“Agreed,” Ann nodded, then took her hand. She never commented that Rosalyn’s was usually slick with sweat, especially when she was nervous. It was a nice little thing.

Praise the gods when the buildings stopped, and a gate loomed in the cavern wall like the maw of an ancient beast. The doors were shut, and two guards stood watch. This is the place. They’d need to meet Bren here. He’d have done whatever he needed to make sure they could get out unmolested.

“I hear them. Coming in… what’s that racket?”

Rosalyn heard the ruckus, too. Clatter then a shout. Guards? Then a woman’s cackling laugh tore through the quiet of the night.

“Damnit all, she’s started,” Ann hissed. “Gotta pray Bren and Lucia get here quick.”

Bren Hedera

Bren stared up, wide eyed, as a woman grinned a spectral grin from the rooftops. She was cloaked all in black and had a shiny dagger in her belt. The top of her face was obscured by a thin strip of cloth that Bren knew was easy to see through. An inquisitor.

“Now, what are two mice doing hiding out like this?” she asked, not moving a muscle. “We got a tip that someone was trying to evade the guards. Who knew it was the Hedera boy and his girl? Interesting night, this is.”

“We had a misunderstanding, is all,” Bren said.

“Oh, what kind of misunderstanding lets you wind up somewhere like this?”

“Well… um…” Bren faltered. Normally he was good at this, but the surprise of the inquisitor’s sudden presence had thrown him off. He grasped at thoughts as they slipped through his mental fingers, disappearing into smoke.

“Oh, come on. Just gotta fill out reports for my superiors. You know how this is,” the woman said, dropping silently to the ground. “See something, say something. What I see here is a noble and his friend evading the guards. I have to know why.” She cocked her head to the side, that eerie grin never leaving her lips. This was absolutely one of the inquisitors that gave their order the fearsome reputation.

“We… uh…” Damn. Why could Bren not formulate a lie. It was like his mind was slowing down.

“No lies now,” the inquisitor sang. “Lies are tricky around me. Have a way of slipping into the darkness. Like me!”

Bren scrambled. Someone who could prevent others from lying was incredibly rare. Just their luck to wind up with them. A half truth. He had to find something.

“Walk,” Lucia said suddenly.

His head whipped around to regard her calm expression.

“Yes, well, a walk is fine, but not a reason to run from the guard, now is it?”

“Privacy,” Lucia said. For once, the woman’s reticence may be an asset. Single word answers might be able to wiggle around the woman’s ability.

“Hm? Privacy? I guess citizens are allowed the right to some level of that, but not right now. Not in the middle of the night, and especially not when the guard had an interest. So you will tell me why you needed privacy, or I’ll drag you both in for questioning.”

Bren paled. He didn’t have anything prepared for this either. Lucia needed to make the next step here. Everything he came up with would be a lie. Useless.

“This,” Lucia said simply. Bren’s robe was suddenly bunched up in her hands, and she was pinning him to the wall.

His heart leapt as she leaned over him. Black hair framed her angular features in an inky black darker than midnight. Her crimson eyes met his as a blush crossed her cheeks. Suddenly warm lips were on his. Bren’s eyes bugged out as he felt Lucia push close to him. It was a shy kiss. Tentative. He felt her tusks pressed up against his cheeks; the bands poking him slightly. What did he do? Did he kiss her back?

Need pulsed over the bond between them. Lucia was holding back for his sake. She knew how uncomfortable he was in regards to their relationship. Still, it was now or never.

Bren kissed her back. His hands ran up the woman’s back, feeling her wiry muscle under her simple shirt. Soon, his hands were up in her hair, tangling as he pulled Lucia closer. His breath was stolen away as Lucia fell deeper into the kiss. His head was pressed against the wall, his back flat. He had nowhere to escape but in kissing her.

Lucia pulled back just before he started hurt for breath. Her cheeks flushed, her breathing heavy, and her eyes wild.

“Wow,” the inquisitor gasped. “Yeah, that’s a pretty damn good reason to want some privacy.”

Bren barely heard her as he quested through the Life Debt. He sought any regrets, any uneasiness at what had just happened. Not why, but what. He found none.

“Well, um, this is awkward as hell. I’ll go tell the guard to lay off,” the inquisitor said, kicking her feet against the cobbles. “Just try not to get into any more trouble, yeah?”

“We will try,” Bren said. That was an absolute truth.

The inquisitor coiled her legs and leapt to the roof in one motion. Then, she stopped, and was yanked out of sight.

Bren tensed, ready for more, but a red-haired fighter’s face peeked over the edge.

“You lovebirds good?” Remmi asked.

“How long have you been there?” Bren demanded.

“Long enough. Gotta run and help the girls. Stay safe. Lotta whoresons between you and the exit. Only so much I can do.” With that, she was gone.

“Worst timing,” Lucia huffed.

“I’ll say. If she had not done that, we could have proceeded in quiet.”

“Talk?”

“About?”

“Kiss.”

“Did you enjoy it?” Bren asked, suddenly incredibly nervous. More nervous, in fact, than he’d been staring down an inquisitor.

Lucia just nodded, avoiding his gaze. “Bond.”

He felt her emotions, like she likely did his. She had enjoyed it.

“Bond,” Bren nodded. Smiling, he reached out, palm up, for Lucia.

The Thrundol paused, glancing from his hand to his smile, then took his hand.

“Let us get out of this city. We have much to discuss.”

Lucia nodded.

And so they ran.

Annita Kronforst

“Shit, that’s them,” Ann growled. “What the fuck happened on their end. Are… are they holding hands?”

Bren and Lucia came sprinting from one of the side streets, a couple blocks away. They looked sweaty and out of breath.

“Guess it’s time,” Ann said, grabbing Rosalyn’s hand. It was sweaty. Poor thing was wracked with nerves. She wouldn’t comment. Not like the Druid could help it. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

They joined Bren and Lucia easily enough.

“The Hells happened?” Ann shouted.

“A mad woman!” Bren shouted back. “Brawling with the guards! I think I saw some inquisitors in the fray as well!”

“Guards! You’ve gotta help!” Ann cried as they ran toward the gate.

“Hold up,” one of the pair called. “What is happening?”

“Not sure. Came running here as fast as we could,” Bren panted, putting his hands on his knees. “She just appeared out of nowhere and started knocking guards around like they were children!” As he straightened, he swept his hair back, and patted the top of his head twice.

Ann, watching the guards, noticed the one who wasn’t speaking wink. That must have been the signal.

“Come on, Alfy,” the guard said. “Gotta help. Sounds like that madwoman who came from the Keep. Heard she fought Polaris to a standstill.”

“Fuck that. I’ll take standing here for the night.”

Another scream followed by mad cackling. Remmi was having a blast. Ann wished she could see the spectacle. Lights in several buildings flicked on. The city was waking up to the commotion.

“Shit,” the first guardsman said, noticing the lights. “Fine. Get back to your homes. Stay inside. Gods, I hope we can get her to calm down.” The guards ran off. The one who winked bumped into Bren, then sprinted to catch up with their partner.

They waited until the pair was out of sight, then let go a collectively held breath.

“Gate’s locked,” Ann said, testing the door.

“Let me,” Bren said, pulling a key from his sleeve. He gently twisted it in the lock, and the door swung silently open. “Bless Bultrong smithing. Always silent. Hurry! Before anyone sees us!”

Ann and Rosalyn slipped through, followed by a gap, then Lucia. Bren gently closed the door behind them, clicked the lock shut, then flicked the key back through a gap in the stone.

“Your friend won’t get in trouble?” Ann asked.

“They’re a forgetful type. Drop things all the time,” Bren shrugged. “We need to leave. Now.”

Ann was all for it. The wilds were calling to her. A few minutes of running later and they came across a copse of trees.

“In here!” a familiar voice called.

Inside, they found Sybil and Kieran, each with a sack containing their armour and weapons.

“Gods, you two are lifesavers,” Ann laughed, giving each a big hug.

“Just another favour the apparent chosen of a Goddess owes me,” Kieran shrugged. Despite her cool demeanour, her silvery fox tail swished excitedly behind her.

“Yup. You let me know what you need, whenever you need it,” Ann said. “Rowena can get us in touch whenever you need.”

“Rowena?” Kieran asked.

“Mother Superior in the Orenous temple. Just tell her I asked, and she’ll do whatever she can,” Ann said, slipping on her gauntlets. She didn’t have time to get into all her armour. It would just tie on to her pack.

“We’ve gotta run,” Kat said, pulling the tent off her. “Thank ye both very much.”

“No problem!” Sybil bubbled. “We’ve got our tent out here. Just gonna spend a fun night camping! Got some snacks, and we’ve been sparring while we wait.”

“Glad to hear it,” Rosalyn giggled. “Have fun! Let us know how your next expedition goes!”

“Will do. Now get!” Sybil laughed, shooing them out.

The next leg was easy. They set a brisk pace, but not running. No one talked, but Ann noticed something entertaining. Neither Bren nor Lucia was looking at each other. In fact, it looked like they were avoiding touching all together. Something had happened. A giddy feeling bubbled in her heart. She couldn’t wait to tease this out of them.

A few minutes later, they came to an outcropping of stones. Nestled discreetly in the pile were five packs. Bedrolls, food, water, tent supplies, everything they’d requested. There was no time to take more than a cursory inventory. Everyone picked up their things, packed away what extras they had on them, and set off.

The dark woods loomed before them. The trees were thick. Dark branches reached towards them like spectral fingers.

Ann couldn’t be more excited.