Steeling her resolve, Allyssa said, “No. He’ll just track us, and when he finds you, he’ll be sure to kill you this time. If you want to save me, I order you to go and seek help right now. It’s the only way.”
He looked at her with a torn expression. “I promise to rescue you.” He turned and sprinted into the woods. Allyssa watched him until she could no longer see him. Even if help never came, at least Marek was safe.
Jarvik still hadn’t stirred. A black bird crowed overhead, and the sky darkened as a storm approached. A few minutes later, the assassin returned with her two horses tethered together behind him.
He dismounted and went toward Jarvik.
“What do you plan to do with him?” she demanded.
“The same thing I am going to do with you.” The assassin lifted Jarvik and threw him over one of the horses, securing his arms around the animal.
She thought she was going to vomit. “Which is?” This was the man who had killed Grevik and now Jarvik’s life was in his hands. She would find a way to save the squire.
“I’m taking you to Russek. There’s someone there very interested in the two of you.”
“I don’t know who you think I am, but you have made a mistake.”
The assassin chuckled. “I don’t think so, Princess.” He came over and untied her from the carriage. Picking her up, he threw her on the other horse, securing her arms around the animal’s neck as he’d done to Jarvik to ensure she didn’t escape.
“All of Emperion will be after you. There won’t be a safe place you can hide. Especially now that you’ve killed Prince Odar. Fren will descend upon you for revenge.”
The assassin mounted. “I see the decoy has even fooled you,” he mused. His eyes darted to Jarvik and then back to her. “I have exactly who I want—Princess Allyssa and Prince Odar—and I’m taking you to Russek.”