coming to the same conclusion, Mikkel’s brows came together in a deep scowl. “Why would the queen punish Prince Vilmar for eliminating this monster?”
The prisoner snorted. “I already told you. He released the slaves from the mine pits.”
The peasant man wrapped an arm around his children. “And now the criminals be runnin’ through the land plunderin’ and destroyin’.”
“We lost our home already.” The woman clung to her husband, her expression desperate. “And these men would take the little we have left.”
Mikkel stood rigidly. “Has the queen not sent her knights to restore order?”
“We haven’t seen nary a one since Midsummer’s Eve.”
That was at least six weeks ago, if my calculations were correct.
Mikkel’s eyes teemed with questions, likely the same questions I had, ones I couldn’t begin to answer.
“Did Prince Vilmar return to the mine pits?” Mikkel asked.
“No one knows where he is.” The prisoner released a sneering laugh. “If we did, we sure wouldn’t tell you and let you collect the reward.”
Mikkel studied the prisoner a moment. “Tell me, why would Prince Vilmar risk his life to save this land from Grendel’s ravages only to free criminals to roam around and ravage in the monster’s stead?”
The firelight reflected off the prisoner’s face, revealing a smirk.
“You were not in the mine pits.” I wanted to move into the firelight but forced myself to remain where I was. “Were you?”
“Aye, of course we were.”
“Then tell me how you left Slave Town.” There was one way in and out of the mine pits—a suspension bridge made of ropes and wooden slats. It hung over a deep ravine and was frightening to cross. It had swayed the entire time I was on it, and I’d feared at any moment I might fall to my death.
The prisoner hesitated. “I can’t tell you now, can I? Or more prisoners would end up revolting.”
“You cannot tell me because you have never been there.” I shifted in my saddle, wishing I could get down and wrest the truth from him.
“I’ve been there. I swear it.”
I locked gazes with Mikkel. “He is lying.”
“What shall I do to elicit the truth from him? Skin him alive?”
Mikkel would never do such a thing, but I played along with him. “Yes, but scalp him first.”
“Very well, my lady. Your wish is my command.” He unsheathed his knife and stalked toward the prisoner now tied to one of the trees. Mikkel’s blade was longer and sharper than most, and it glinted in the firelight. Upon reaching the prisoner, Mikkel grabbed a fistful of the man’s hair at his temple and then pressed the knife to the spot.
The prisoner screamed—more from fear than pain, for Mikkel had drawn only a scant amount of blood. “You’re right. We weren’t in the mine pits. We were in the dungeons beneath the palace.”
Mikkel withdrew his knife a fraction. “Who released you and why?”
“The queen’s guards. They told us we were free and to do what we would, but that we had to tell people we’d escaped from the mine pits.”
Mikkel pulled his knife away, then thrust the man’s head back as though disgusted with him.
I was more disgusted with my mother than with these criminals. She’d set them free? And for what reason? Did the reason even matter? Was there any excuse for giving such dangerous criminals license to do what they would? And why would she want to cause Vilmar distress, especially after he’d put an end to the dreaded ritual that had cast a pall over Warwick for so many years?
Mikkel mounted his horse and gave instructions for the family regarding the criminals. When we were on our way, Mikkel rode silently. I sensed his tempestuous mood and so remained quiet as well, letting my thoughts gallop far ahead. What was my mother thinking?
The truth was, I’d never been able to understand her. Especially not her plot to have me murdered.
Shortly after I turned eighteen, she had planned a hunting trip with courtiers and friends. Only two weeks before the Choosing Ball, I’d assumed it was one last gift to me, that she suspected as well as I did that there was every real chance I’d be sacrificed to Grendel. I hadn’t been overly frightened by the prospect, had decided if someone must die, then I would give my life. I only regretted having to leave Ruby behind.
I’d started the hunting trip determined to make the most of my favorite pastime. Little had I known the queen had arranged for one of the royal huntsmen