Krystal’s face softened. She was about to say something when we heard a noise in the hall. She jumped.
“I must get back to my room before I’m discovered,” Krystal said. “The elves are in the southeast dungeons. Prastian should know the way. Please convince King Sharald to help me.” She turned to go, and then came back and leaned in close, kissing me on my cheek. “Thank you again, hero. Please be careful.” Krystal moved noiselessly to the door and opened it a crack. It seemed that the hallway was clear, because she vanished through the door, not looking back.
I watched her shadow disappear, and put my hand to my cheek, letting it linger. “You too.”
I closed the door. There was no turning back now. Whatever she asked of me, I would do it. Whatever help she needed, I would give it.
We had found the information we needed about the elves. There was one last question, and it was about Premier. I would get my answer, but I was pretty sure I wouldn’t like it.
CHAPTER 14
I dressed, grabbed my belongings, and left the room. The guards outside our doors still slept, slouched against the walls. One of them stirred as I passed. We didn’t have much time. Behast and Prastian were wide awake and holding their daggers the moment I entered. I waited until we had collected Demay and were far away from our corridor before pulling into an empty reception room and explaining what the princess had told me.
“They’re as good as dead if we don’t free them!” Prastian could barely contain his anger.
“At least they're alive right now,” Demay said. “Let's go rescue them and leave this place.”
“I do not like the idea of a rescue attempt without our main weapons,” Behast said. “If we should encounter resistance, I’m not sure how much of a fight I can put up with this little thing.” Behast held his dagger in the air with his fingertips.
“I’d like my bow and arrows at my side,” Demay said.
I turned to Prastian. “What do you think we should do?”
“Our weapons will still be stored in the guardroom at the entrance to the keep. The dungeons are located on the east side, near where we are now. We should rescue our follow elves, get our weapons, then leave. Don’t worry, Behast. We have a mighty and powerful wizard with us.”
I forced a smile. “Thanks.”
“I’m going to take the lead, using my ears to guide us. There won’t be many guards around at this hour; however, servants may be about. Keep your ears ready, but don’t harm anyone who’s not armed.”
We left the room and disappeared into the darkness of the castle, moving as fast as we could without making noise. The elves took the lead. I tried to keep up with them and move as silently as they did. It was hard. The only places where there were lights also had guards or servants.
The elves had no problem moving around in the dark. Prastian knew the area well, and they let their ears be their guides. I couldn't use any magic to help me. A weak spell would do no good, and anything stronger might be detected by Premier. I had to pray my black robes concealed me in the shadows.
After many turns, stairs, and long corridors, we reached our destination. Prastian put his hand up to tell us to stop. We huddled against a wall, near a statue. Prastian peeked around the corner, his long ears quivering. Finally, he waved us forward.
Prastian whispered, “There are two guards in front of the entrance to the dungeons. From the sound of it, they seem bored. They’re obviously not expecting any trouble.”
“Good,” Behast said. A gleam shone in his eyes. “I will deal with them.”
“No, we must not kill any of them,” Prastian said.
“No? What do you mean no?”
“Shhh! I mean no. These are good people, following orders they believe come from their king. What's happening is Premier's fault. We will only kill people in self-defense. No more, no less. They're our allies, Behast.”
Behast bowed his head in agreement. He looked disappointed. “As you wish.”
“As I was about to say,” Prastian said, “we need some kind of distraction so they don’t have time to alert anyone else. Hellsfire, I don’t suppose you could extinguish those candles over there?”
I peeked around the corner, then slid back to where the others were. “No problem.”
“Good. The moment you do that, we go and knock the guards unconscious.” Prastian looked back towards Demay and Behast. “Are you both ready?”
They nodded in unison.
“And remember, no killing.”
I poked my head around the corner and drew the element of wind around me. In Caleea I said, “May the God of Wind carry my breath and extinguish those candles.” I opened my mouth and blew. My breath divided, streaming towards each of the candles. The strands of air brushed against the guards. They looked around in confusion before the wind crushed the light.