Richard’s voice is concerned. He breaks through my image of Kate near death. I explain what I feel. ‘It is time, my Lord.’
His eyes grow in alarm. I hear his mind thoughts, reading his doubts. We both know I’ve trained hard, and with his and Malcolm’s help and that of the other knights, and of course the maid, Morgana, I can do incredible things now. Things I never thought possible. But still, Richard wonders if I’m strong enough to match Rhauk. Strong enough to better Rhauk.
I throw my arm around his shoulder. ‘I had better be, my uncle,’ I say, surprising him that I accurately read his thoughts. ‘Rhauk will not give me a second chance.’
Kate
I come to while still on the floor. Slowly I drag myself to the bed and sit, my head heavy in my hands, as if it’s filled with lead. I try to recall what happened and how I ended up in this state, but I hear distant voices. The sound is so unusual it has my instant attention. In all the time I’ve spent at Blacklands, never once have I heard Rhauk in conversation with anyone except his crow. But this is different. There are two distinct voices, both male, one definitely Rhauk’s. The other … I can’t place, yet it sounds vaguely familiar.
I stumble to the door. It’s not locked. There’s no point, no one can leave or enter Blacklands without an invitation. It’s magically enchanted. The gates operate at his command. Only the birds are free to fly in and out.
Thank God my head starts to clear. It gives me the strength I need to find out who is Rhauk’s visitor. Perhaps it is someone who can help me escape. This thought triggers an adrenalin surge. I walk the corridors with bare feet, tracing the sounds of conversation.
I find them eventually in the Refectory, which used to be the room where the nuns did their learning. It still has several of the original chairs and desks. I stay just outside the slightly open door, my heart galloping so intensely, I’m sure I’m on the verge of swallowing it.
This close at least, I can make out their words. At first I think, at last, here’s the help I need, if only to get a warning to Jarrod. The other voice is Malcolm’s – Lord Richard’s son.
It only occurs to me when I hear them laughing, that something is terribly wrong with this scene. They sound on too good terms; and how did Malcolm get into Blacklands? By Rhauk’s invitation? Or did Malcolm request this meeting? Knowing Rhauk, anything Malcolm requests will carry an expensive price tag.
I listen, cautious not to send out a mind probe as Rhauk would know instantly where I am.
‘So,’ Rhauk’s velvety voice echoes through the hollow rooms. ‘Your information is interesting in the least. Our mutual acquaintance has come far these past weeks. Of course, not nearly far enough to better me.’
‘Of course not.’
There is an audible pause, then Rhauk again, ‘Do we have the same goal in mind?’
Unhesitatingly, Malcolm replies, ‘You know I treasure Thorntyne Keep as much as you do Blacklands.’
Surely Malcolm isn’t that naive. Rhauk wants Thorntyne Keep as well as Blacklands, if only to satisfy his need for revenge.
‘Your information shall not go unrewarded,’ says Rhauk.
‘I’m just glad I can be of service. The sooner this scoundrel is dispensed with, the better we’ll all be. But …’ There is a pregnant pause. I think my heart stops. ‘If you have a small reward in mind … Perhaps an evening with the sweet Lady? She still keeps you company I assume.’
I fall back as if I’ve been physically pushed. My God! Malcolm means me! Rhauk laughs, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ‘Oh yes, she makes intriguing company. And, my friend, don’t fear, for your reward shall be very sweet indeed.’
I can guess what this means. As soon as this business with Jarrod is over, Rhauk will probably murder Malcolm, whom he no doubt sees as another threat to securing his inheritance. Can’t Malcolm see this? Obviously his fear over Jarrod claiming his inheritance blocks his mind to other dangers. The man isn’t only a traitor, feeding Rhauk inside information about Jarrod’s emerging powers, no doubt informing Rhauk of Jarrod’s strengths and weaknesses; but Malcolm is also a fool. He’ll most likely die for his mistakes.
Well, it will be a just death.
The meeting breaks up, and I stumble in a mad panic to get out of sight. I don’t go back to my room though. I can’t. Somehow I just have to warn Jarrod that he has a traitor in his camp. A man that cannot be trusted. So I decide to give it one more try. Escape. I find my way to the stables. Ebony Prince neighs restlessly in his stall, several mares snigger as I pass their stalls. But I have to take this risk. The horses are the only things I haven’t already tried. I’ve never had an opportunity like the one that’s about to present itself. And Ebony Prince took me once to Thorntyne Keep, perhaps if I can convince him, he will again. I’m counting on a lot going my way. It all hinges on the gates. They won’t open without Rhauk’s request. But they’re about to when Malcolm leaves.