Gilbert and Ethyn worked tirelessly to loosen each other's cords until they could be shaken off at a moment's notice. The older boy had come around to Ethyn's way of thinking: being ignored was not so bad after all.
It had left them free to talk and take turns removing the knots from the ropes without the eagle-eyed captain giving them a second glance. The children were beneath his notice, Gilbert decided. And that was not a bad thing. Borit believed he was in control, and two children were about to deny him that luxury.
Borit was not used to being denied. It was one of the reason's that Silver irked him so much. The dark-haired man had burned down his stable, killing Borit's favorite horse, and then denied the Captain the pleasure of killing him twice.
No one told the sharp-nosed man no. Even the king was reluctant to deny him. It was how Borit had gotten away with so much. With the Captain's access, he could even rewrite how history was recorded—and had on a few occasions.
This also allowed Borit to secretly form the small private force he had with him now. Finding criminals in the prison who he could bend to his will, the Captain would then free them under the claim that they had been rehabilitated.
Then he would use blackmail and promises to keep them in his control. His biggest success was getting Ansel into the army under a false name. The man had provided him with quite a bit of valuable information while working for the Baron.
Leaning back in his chair, Borit listened to his cronies' praises. Although Aiden and Conall could only catch pieces of the conversation from the far end of the room, the boys were unintentional flies on the wall, hearing every word.
"This is by far your best scheme, boss…I mean Captain, sir. Though these uniforms are a bit itchy," a stick thin bandit said.
"Don't get them dirty." Borit rolled his eyes. "I will need to return them to the Baron."
"Haha tricking the Baron by using his own uniforms against him. Just brilliant, boss! And I always like a plan that involves a hot meal." One round-faced criminal cooed happily. "Can we take those ladies with us, please?"
"No," Borit answered. "You boys would grow fat and lazy. My aims are much higher than a few good cooks."
"Is that why you want the mirror?" Another man asked.
Borit shot him an angry glare. "Ansel needs to learn to keep his mouth shut. What I do with the mirror is my own business. You just worry about your part…"
"What do you think Borit wants with the Baron's mirror?" Ethyn whispered.
Biting his lip, Gilbert furrowed his brow. "I hope we never find out. Either way, it cannot be our focus."
Ethyn had been so engrossed in eavesdropping that he nearly forgot what they had been planning. "Right, right. So, when do we make a break for it? And how?" The ten-year-old shot a glance at Borit's men They had moved on to a new topic and some gambling.
The teen breathed deeply through his nostrils. "We have got to stay alert and be patient. Wait for just the right moment. We can go to my room and slip out the window. It's a straight shot toward the main road from there."
Gilbert had desired to be a soldier all his life, and these fake soldiers angered him greatly. So in his mind, he had made them enemy combatants. He would escape.
"How will we know when it's time?" The younger boy wanted to know. Silver had not gotten to that part of his training.
Tentatively, Gilbert answered him. "I am not sure, but I think we will just know."
The conversation ended abruptly as a guard entered with Sage. The guard looked very pleased with himself while the woman pale. His arm was around her shoulder as she limped toward the table.
From their spot on the other side of the table, the boys could only see pieces of the action. They craned to view the unfolding scene.
Ethyn nearly choked as he saw the beautiful woman. Anger rose up within him. "What is she up to this time?" he growled.
Ignorant of the boy's emotions, the kitchen guard cleared his throat. "Sir, the woman would like to speak with you."
Sage stared pathetically forward looking every inch like broken woman. A wilted flower had more color than her cheeks. The brunette's head drooped as her face held a weary frown.
If Borit suspected it was all an act, he didn't show it. He sat at the table gloating at the sorry state of his captive. On the final step, Sage stumbled in front of Borit and fell on her face.
"How the mighty have fallen!" One of the men taunted. "Guess you were able to break her after all, Boss!"
"It would appear so." Borit kicked at the woman, causing her to cry out.
As she lifted her eyes, she looked squarely at the boys from under the table. The fiery anger in Ethyn's eyes caught her off guard, but she quickly jerked her head toward the door with a plea one her face.
The redhead's expression changed to confusion, but Gilbert understood immediately. a clear sign that they should get out while they could.
"Looks like it is time," the teen whispered. The boys exchanged a glance and freed their hands. They needed no more encouragement.
Ethyn mouthed words to the woman that he never thought possible. "Thank you."
Understanding his message, Sage smiled weakly.
"Did you come to kiss my feet?" Borit nudged her roughly again with his shoe. "Get up and state your business!"
The woman laid their longer, stalling the proceedings as long as she could. At last, she was dragged by her hair and hastily lifted from the ground.
With a wicked laugh, Borit sneered, "Do not try my patience. There are far worse things than being tied up in a nice comfy kitchen."
The woman swallowed, her voice coming out weak and hoarse. "I want to make a deal. I don't want to end up on the wrong side of this when everything goes down."
The mayor grunted loudly. Sage refused to look at Aiden and Conall, who were bound and seated at the far end of the table. She wasn't sure she could handle the anger she expected to see in their eyes. Instead she held Borit's gaze and curved her lips into a seductive smile.
Borit had no real interest in the beautiful woman. His ambition was much greater and his hatred much deeper than any woman could hope to match.
Still, the opportunity to claim the Guardian's sweetheart held a temptation he was slow to pass up. His brows knitted together as he tilted his head back.
"I'm listening," he responded slowly.
He dismissed the guard who was gripping Sage's arm. The bandit gave a fake salute and returned to the kitchen.
During the movement, Sage hazarded a glance toward the corner where the boys had been. It was empty. Her smile widened. When all eyes were on her once more she spoke conspiratorially.
Sage slipped into the chair next to the Captain and ran her finger down his arm. "You want to humiliate your enemy? I have the perfect idea…."