Three days after the interrogation with Einnig, I was outside wandering the streets while I waited for Kesar to finish training. It was raining and Lord Thiebalt gave me a jacket. Water dripped from the hood and splashed the puddles beneath my feet. It was cool, yet not chilly enough to send children inside. They splashed in the puddles, jumping and laughing. I was happy to just watch, hear their joy.
"Jose!"
I turn to see Thelia running over. I smiled and said, "Zargis happy Thelia wet?"
She laughed. "He doesn't know. He's busy and I wanted to get out."
"Thelia scared?"
She shook her head. "Are you?"
"Yes."
"The why are you out here?"
I gestured around us. "Peaceful. Jose like children laugh."
Thelia shrugged and began walking, I followed. "My fear doesn't keep me from living life, just like you. We need to have fun. We can't stay safe all the time."
"Zargis sad Thelia pain."
"Yes, but he knows he can't keep me safe all the time. Just like Kesar can't keep you safe."
I nod and we walk little more before a male in a large hood came up and said, "If you don't want the blood of this kingdom on your hands, you will find me in the castle stables at dawn. If either of you does not show, the other will die. Speak of this to anyone, and your mates will die. Make your choices wisely."
I stared after him, mind replaying his words. Thelia gripped my arm and nearly dragged me into a store and into the bathroom. I stare wide-eyed at her. "Kesar?"
"Jose, it'll be okay. Listen to me!"
"Kesar danger!"
Thelia shook her head. "Jose, Kesar will be fine. He's with the other soldiers training, remember?"
I nod.
"We can't tell them. We need to do this on our own."
"Help?"
"We'll grab weapons. We'll go tonight and see this male. We'll fight him. Hopefully someone will hear the commotion and come running. I need you to stay calm though."
I swallowed my fear and nod. "Kesar safe. Thelia Jose fight."
Thelia nodded. "That's right, now follow me!"
I have had to ignore Kesar's voice at Thelia's door, had to let Thelia make him go away. She had to do the same with Zargis. I couldn't stop crying.
Thelia had snuck in the weapons room and grabbed knives and a couple short swords. We practiced in her chambers, but neither of us were any good. Not like Zargis and Kesar.
I cried harder, wanting Kesar back. But he would get hurt if I said anything.
Thelia sighed and came over. "Jose, I know this hurts, but think about it like this. We're saving them."
"Jose Kesar hurt!"
"He will understand soon, I promise. He will also know you are not to blame."
I could only hope she was right.
"Come on, it's time."
I followed her to a wall which she opened somehow and inside. We crept along until we heard angry voices. One was Kesar. "I don't understand! She was perfectly fine this morning! What happened?"
"Thelia is up to something," Zargis murmured.
"What does this have to do with Jose?"
"Maybe nothing, but Thelia has been ignoring me too."
I wanted to call out to Kesar, but Thelia pulled me along.
Once we were clear of earshot, I couldn't hold back anymore. I let it out.
We finally came up to a door and Thelia opened it, revealing the stables. The male was there, waiting for us.
We stepped out and he turned, grinned. Thelia went still. I sniffled and shook my friend's arm. She didn't move.
"Glad you both decided to listen to me. Now, since only Thelia knows who I am, I will go easy on you, Jose. The rules are that you listen and follow orders or I break some bones. Follow my orders quickly and efficiently, this trip will be quick and easy."
"Thelia!" I cried.
Thelia stepped back, pure terror on her face. I didn't understand. How did she know this male?
"Now, Thelia, I assume you know how to prepare a carriage?" Thelia nodded, gulping audibly. "Do it," the man ordered.
Thelia began to do as she was told, gently pushing me away. I could see her bravery was shot, could tell that nothing I could do would help.
I turned to the male. "Go?"
"Yes, we're going," he said, watching Thelia with a smirk.
"Who?"
He looked at me with an annoyed expression. "Switch didn't say anything about your lack of ability to speak," he hissed. "Just shut up and follow orders!"
I shrugged and sat down, using a knife Thelia took and began to carve.