Honor's Price (29 page)

She didn't have to guess what lay in store for her, not after seeing the pain Ifre had inflicted on Kane. Even though Theda lacked her late husband's gift for magic, she sensed the nearby presence of pure evil. The terrifying chill was coming from the hall that led back to the keep above.

Right now, Markus was helping an older man set up a
new altar on the dais at the far end of the chambers. Before bringing the artisan in, Markus had dragged Theda over to the darkest shadows at the far end of the room behind the low wall surrounding the fire pit. He'd gagged her, warning Theda that if she made a single noise, the stonemason would die.

What had happened to the original altar? It had been intact when she and Averel had left the chambers behind. Had Kane found a way to destroy it, or had Ifre done it himself when he'd found his prisoner had escaped?

In the long run, it didn't matter. Old altar or new, she would die.

Before leaving, Markus had paused to glance back in her direction. Looking disgusted, he said something to the stonemason and walked back toward her.

He'd untied her gag and tossed it aside. Then he surprised her by cutting the rope that had bound her ankles. As tempting as it was to plead with Markus, to beg him to take her out of this place, she didn't even bother to try. There was no way he would cross Ifre. This time he walked away without looking back.

She leaned against the wall and rested her eyes, ignoring the tingling pain as life returned to her feet and ankles. Her hands were tightly bound, but she tried to untie the knots with her teeth. There was little chance she'd break free, but she refused to give up. Ifre was a coward at heart; maybe if she went on the attack, he'd back off.

“Ah, Theda, there you are. I wondered where Markus had left you.”

Her eyes popped open. She stared up at her grinning brother-in-law in horror. How had she missed hearing Ifre enter the chambers? And right behind him was that same cloud that had been hovering over Kane when he'd been tied to the altar. She shivered, recognizing it as the source of the dread chill she'd been sensing.

Its red eyes stared down at her from over Ifre's
shoulder. She couldn't hide either her revulsion or her fear, which had her brother-in-law laughing in obvious amusement.

Then his expression hardened. “I regret that you've taken sick and will not survive to wed the husband I had picked out for you. A surprising number of my courtiers expressed sincere regret to hear of your sudden illness. I'm sure they will mourn your passing as well.”

His words gave her the courage to share a little truth with him. “Eventually, your people will rise up against you, Ifre. When they do, you will die. That will be a day to celebrate! My only regret is that I won't be here to dance in the streets.”

Ifre snarled and slapped her, banging her head against the wall. Fisting her hair, he hauled Theda to her feet. “You speak treason, a crime that carries a death sentence.”

She stumbled along behind him. “As if you've ever needed an excuse to kill. How many have died down here to feed your hunger for power?”

He yanked her hair hard as he sneered, “Not nearly enough, Theda, but rest assured you will be just one in another long line of sacrifices. And don't think it has escaped my notice that you've somehow managed to smuggle your ladies out of the city.”

A small victory, but one she savored. “I wasn't about to let you harm them.”

They'd reached the steps up to the dais. He tossed her to the ground while he studied his new altar. “I had warned you that if you did anything to thwart me, I would execute your stepson, but that would be an empty threat now.”

Her stomach clenched as she guessed what he was about to say.

“Terrick has been dead for some time now. He was with the forces I sent to retake Lord Fagan's keep, and they failed.”

Acid-hot tears burned down her cheeks. “You murdering bastard. I'm glad Armel didn't live to see what a monster you've become.”

She expected Ifre to respond with another attack, but he laughed again. “And it's one of my few regrets that my noble brother didn't survive long enough to see what all I've accomplished. You'll be joining him soon, so perhaps you can tell him.”

He returned to pull her up onto the dais. “Don't look at me like that, Theda. You chose to interfere with my plans for Captain Kane. If you hadn't, I would've stripped you of your fortune, but I might have let you live.”

Then he paused as if to think about it. “No, you would've died regardless. You hate me too much for me to risk letting you live.”

After shoving her into an elaborate chair, he pressed his fingertips against her temples and spoke some unintelligible words. A strange lethargy spread from her head down through her body.

“There. You'll do whatever I ask now.”

It was if she were watching from a long distance as he untied the ropes on her hands and then used them to lash her arms to the chair. Her mind screamed that she should fight, that she should run. Something, anything other than to meekly sit there waiting for the pain to begin.

“You will remain right there until it is your turn to offer up your blood.” He patted her cheek. “While you wait, you'll have a perfect view of those who will die before you.”

As he looked over his new altar and checked the strength of the new chains, Ifre asked, “So, tell me, my dear, did Captain Kane charm his way into your bed, or was it the other way around?”

When she didn't answer, he returned to her side. “Answer me when spoken to.”

His monster floated down to settle on her right arm. Its hideous eyes stared into hers as a hole opened up like
a misshapen mouth. She screamed as soon as it bit down on her skin. The attack lasted but a few seconds before Ifre called off his monster.

“That's enough. We don't want to weaken her too soon.”

The cloud released her arm and floated back up above Ifre's head, its color darker now. Her arm ached, but there was no mark on her skin. How was that possible?

“Are you going to answer my question, Theda, or shall my friend steal more of your life from you?”

What would the truth hurt? “Kane and I found each other.”

“Interesting. Had I known you had a taste for dark-magic mages, I might have had you myself.” His eyes glittered with a sickening heat. “Tell me, what did he promise you to get you to help him escape?”

“Nothing.” She'd helped him because she'd wanted to, not because she expected anything in return.

“Who else helped you? That troubadour friend of his?”

All right, so he also knew about Averel. “It was just the two of us.”

He stared at her for a few seconds before slowly nodding. “I think that much is true. You'll tell me far more eventually, but that's enough for now. I have business in the hall upstairs, but I will return soon. Then things will get most entertaining.”

When he walked away, the cloud drifted to hover over the altar. Its hideous eyes yet stared at her, but it made no move to attack again. She slumped in relief, even knowing the respite would be short-lived. Rather than dwell on what was to come, she concentrated on the one person who had reminded her what it had felt like to be happy. In her mind's eye, she pictured Kane's face, all harsh lines and so fiercely intense. His body was lean and powerful, built for combat, yet he'd been so gentle with her. A complex man, one she would love unto the grave and beyond.

Thanks to him, she still held on to a small glimmer of hope. Kane had promised to return, and she believed he would. Even if he didn't get back in time to save Theda herself, he would save her people. Cold comfort, perhaps, but right now it was all she had.

G
ideon rode at the head of a column of foot soldiers marching four abreast, the last company to be moved into position. Merewen had called as many horses as she could muster to help transport their foot soldiers into position. Given the short distance left to ride, they'd put two men on each animal to speed up the movement of Murdoch's forces to the other side of the small valley. Once there, they would form up to march on the city.

The remaining horses ferried Gideon's men closer to the city, returning over and over again to carry his forces to the front. They'd made good progress, but he'd feel better when everyone was in position. With dawn nearly upon them, it was only a matter of time before Keirthan's forces realized the city was about to come under attack.

Two of the scouts broke free of the trees just ahead of where he rode. As soon as they spotted him, they rode hard straight for him. “They've sounded the alarm in the city, Captain!”

He'd hoped to get closer before encountering Keirthan's troops, but at least Murdoch's men were formed up and ready to fight. Gideon shouted to the closest sergeant at arms. “Blow the horns. Get everyone moving.”

He'd no sooner spoken the words than a large band of horses came crashing through the woods with one man riding at the front of the herd. “Sir Murdoch thought you might need the horses.”

Having delivered his message, the rider wheeled his
mount around to return to Murdoch. Without being told, the men who were afoot began clambering up on the horses in pairs. When they were mounted, Gideon led the charge to where the rest of his forces waited.

As he rode, he thought of his friends, praying for victory for them all. Damn, he wished they were all together rather than scattered this way. His gut told him their strategy was the right one, the only way for them to stand a chance of success. But he missed the comfort of having Kane and the others riding beside him.

When he reached the rise that overlooked the city, he paused long enough to offer up a prayer to the Lady of the River. “My lady, your warriors will do their best to see this battle won. Please watch over those who cannot defend themselves and the ladies who have so bravely joined us in this fight.”

As he spoke the words, the duke's soldiers began pouring out of the city to join forces with the patrol that had sounded the alarm. Murdoch's men flanked them, blocking their retreat. If they made it back inside the city walls, this would turn into a siege, something the Damned could not afford. They didn't have enough time left before the solstice to starve a city the size of Agathia into surrendering.

Gideon drew his sword and bellowed the war cry of his people, gone now for all these centuries. From across the valley, he heard Murdoch echo his own challenge to the enemy. As one, the two forces surged down the hillside toward the enemy's gates, coming together with a clash of swords and a bath of blood.

*   *   *

Growing more tense by the minute, Kane restlessly patrolled the route to Keirthan's chambers while Sigil returned to fetch the others. He'd been about to turn back to meet them when he spotted a rider moving through the woods in the distance. All of the scouts had already returned, making it unlikely the intruder belonged to the rebel forces.

Kane recognized the rider as soon as he reached a small break in the trees. What was Sergeant Markus doing out here on this day of all days?

Only one way to find out.

Kane connected with Hob long enough to ask the gargoyle to startle Markus's mount. Hob dashed in and then out again, nipping at the horse's ankles. Within seconds it was rearing and plunging, finally unseating his rider. Markus hit the ground hard, but regained his feet as Kane rode into the clearing. He slid off Rogue's broad back with his sword drawn and stalked toward the guard.

“Ah, Markus, I had hoped we would meet again.”

To give the man credit, he held his ground. Most men who faced Kane with Hob at his side broke and ran. This one drew his sword, although it didn't take Kane long to disarm him. He shoved Markus back against a nearby tree and held him there with the tip of his sword pressed against his captive's stomach.

“Care to tell me where you were headed?”

Markus was too busy staring down at Hob to answer. Kane tried again. “Was the duke sending you to seek aid from his nobles?”

Finally, the sergeant looked up. “What is that thing?”

Kane sighed with disgust. “A gargoyle. Since it is unlikely you've ever encountered one before, you should know that his venom is poisonous, and he hasn't yet fed today. Now, answer me. What is your business out here? Were you riding to request aid for the duke?”

Markus shook his head. “No. I've resigned my commission with the duke. I haven't spoken with him at all, not since last night when he ordered me to . . .”

He hesitated before continuing, his eyes shifting away to the side.

Kane brought the tip of his sword up to Markus's neck, the razor-sharp blade drawing blood. “When he ordered you to do what?”

The guard swallowed hard before answering. “He ordered me to take Lady Theda down to the chambers
where he'd held you prisoner. Keirthan knows she helped you escape.”

Fear for her knifed through Kane's heart, but he continued to talk, hoping to learn as much as he could before ending the man's life.

“We both know you provided him with any number of victims, even knowing what he had planned for them. Why quit now?”

Besides the fact that by betraying Theda, the bastard had signed his own death warrant.

Markus shrank in upon himself, as if he'd suddenly aged two decades. “Something you did weakened the duke's powers. He's desperate to rebuild it, and he's been using anyone he can snare with his magic. When I made rounds last night, the guards were missing. I found them down below, all dead. There had to be a dozen or more. I won't be the next one he catches.”

Kane fought to keep from killing the bastard before he got the answer to one more question. “And Lady Theda, what of her?”

Markus shook hard enough to rattle his teeth. “He made her watch. I think she was in shock, but as of an hour ago, she still lived.”

“And you left her there?”

Markus's head dropped. “To my shame, I did.”

Kane stepped back, lowering his sword. “Pick up your weapon and say your prayers. Although I doubt the gods will listen to a man who broke faith with both those he was sworn to protect and those he was sworn to lead.”

Markus didn't argue. As he faced off against Kane, he said, “Please tell Lady Theda I regret my actions.”

He held up his sword in salute, and the fight began. It didn't last long.

*   *   *

Kane gritted his teeth and kept riding. He doubted Lady Lavinia could hear the battle being waged on the far side of the city, but the god-enhanced senses of the Damned painted a clear picture for him and the other three
warriors. The fight for control of the city had begun. May the gods guide Gideon and Murdoch.

“We're here.” Finally. “This is as far as we can ride.”

Kane dismounted and stroked the stallion's nose. “Take the mares away from here, but not too far. If we fail, return to Lady Merewen.”

The horse shook his head and stomped his foot. Rogue had the heart of a warrior and wanted to fight. Kane understood his frustration. “This tunnel is no place for you. Now, go, my friend.”

As the horses moved away, Kane led his small force around to the far side of the hill to the hidden entrance. Kane knelt down to study the lock. As he worked on the mechanism, Duncan stood close by with Lavinia at his side. She hid her fear well, but Kane could taste it on the air. Sigil and Averel brought up the rear, both men scanning their surroundings for any sign of opposition.

It took him several tries before the lock clicked open because he kept picturing Theda chained and bleeding as Ifre Keirthan tormented her in retaliation for assisting Kane. He had to block out his fear for her, knowing he'd serve her far better with his emotions running cold.

It was time to call forth the other four-legged avatars. Within seconds, Averel's dogs and the huge wolf that belonged to Sigil joined Hob in prowling the area. Kane opened the door wide and motioned everyone inside. Before closing the door completely, he considered their options. The four men and their beasts could see to move in the darkness well enough, but that wasn't true for Duncan's lady.

“Lady Lavinia, a bright light will alert the enemy that we are coming. But if the darkness will bother you, I will light one.”

Lavinia held out her palm, and he felt the stir of magic as a small ball of light flared to life. Kane smiled in approval. He should've guessed that she would know how to call mage light. Her control was good enough to
ensure the circle of illumination barely extended an arm's length in front of her.

The light floated down to hover near their knees, reducing its visibility even more while lighting the way before her. When it was stable, she said, “Let me know when you wish me to douse it, Lord Kane.”

He nodded as he closed the door behind them, making sure it locked. With battle fever raging within him, Kane started forward with his sword drawn and his friends following after him. If Keirthan wasn't in his chambers, they would have to fight their way through his great hall until they found him.

But find him they would.

*   *   *

The tunnel stretched on forever, gradually sloping downward to cross under the city walls. Kane cursed when he almost tripped over Hob for the third time. The gargoyle clearly remembered their last trip down the tunnel and had no interest in a repeat visit.

Kane stooped down to reassure his friend. “Steady, boy. We'll be leaving this tunnel behind soon.”

He'd pitched his voice low, intending the words of reassurance for Hob's ears only, but both Sigil and Duncan responded anyway.

“Not soon enough.”

They laughed softly, lightening their mood even if it had no effect on their situation. He needed to gauge how far they had left to go.

“Remain here. I want to make sure that we're not walking into a trap.”

Duncan wrapped his free arm around Lavinia's waist and stepped back. Kane motioned Hob to follow him and started forward. He'd gone about forty steps when he heard voices speaking up ahead. Kane tightened the grip on his swords, straining to hear what was being said.

“Talk to Captain Markus, Commander. He should be dealing with the city defenses.”

“I couldn't find him, Sire. No one has seen him since last night.”

To Kane's relief, Theda spoke next. “Ifre, don't tell me Markus already regrets his promotion. Perhaps he had second thoughts, considering the short lives of those who were captain before him. Only Kane survived long enough to escape your clutches.”

As glad as he was to know she was still alive and strong enough to speak, he worried about what would happen if she were to continue to taunt her brother-in-law. As tempting as it was to go charging in, Kane held his position. He needed to know more before he could figure out how best to attack Keirthan.

The other man spoke again. “Sire, the army awaits your orders.”

Keirthan sighed in obvious frustration. “What would you suggest?”

“The capital is being attacked from two sides. Right now two of my three companies are defending the gates to the city and trying to hold off the enemy. They need reinforcements and fast. I can send the third company of army regulars to one gate, but I need your guards to join the fight at the south gate.”

Keirthan snapped, “Send your men wherever you want to, but not my guard. Their job is to protect me, not the city.”

“But, Sire—”

Keirthan cut off the protest before the man could speak another word. From the sound of choking, the bastard had used the same spell on his own commander that Damijan had used to immobilize Kane earlier.

“Don't argue. Do as I said and send all of your own forces to hold the gates against the enemy. Now, go and leave me to my work. I, too, shall play a role in keeping the city safe. The enemy will come to regret their decision to attack me.”

The commander managed to whisper, “Yes, Sire.”

As soon as his footsteps faded away, Keirthan began speaking again. “Theda, you would think even those fools should be able to hold the gate long enough for me to unleash my weapon. My enemies will die as my fury rains down from the sky. No one will oppose me once they know the true scope of my power.”

Kane reached the end of the tunnel in time to see Keirthan chanting as he raised his knife over the chest of his latest victim. Kane bellowed in fury and charged forward, only to run into an invisible wall. He watched in horror as the duke brought the blade down in a sweeping curve, cutting deep into the man's chest.

The dark cloud immediately swooped down onto the struggling prisoner's chest, its color pulsing black as the night sky as it suckled greedily of the blood. When Damijan finished feasting, it turned its crimson gaze toward Ifre himself.

“More.”

Keirthan glared up at his creation. “Not until you attack those outside the gate.”

The cloud spun on its axis, picking up speed as three bright spots flickered to life in its interior. With a clap like thunder, bolts of light shot out from its center, disappearing straight through the stone walls. Almost immediately, Kane heard answering explosions in the distance. Memories of similar attacks on Gideon's avatar and Merewen's horses only fed his need to destroy the duke and his magic.

The cloud faded again as it gave voice to its demands. “More. Promised. Don't argue.”

The duke's movements were jerky as he unchained the body on the altar and rolled it off onto the floor. With a flick of his wrist, another man stumbled forward from the back of the chamber, his eyes wild as he fought against the summons. For the first time, Kane noticed the ragged line of people clustered on the far side of the fire pit.