looked into his eyes once again. “Yes,” she said. She leaned in to kiss him this time, and he was about to accept when both of them were snapped to attention by a noise to the north of their camp. Silas gripped his staff tight and Inga readied her hands after they jumped from the fallen tree to the ground. They were quickly joined by Kaden and Lorcan who must have been startled awake by the approaching sound.
“I knew we shouldn’t have come through here,” Lorcan said. “They’ve spotted our camp.”
“We aren’t in danger,” Silas said. “The staff hasn’t changed.”
“There’s no danger to you, maybe,” Lorcan said as he pulled his cloak tighter and drew the hood further around his head.
Kaden gave the others a concerned look, but it barely registered before the group of Erellen soldiers in the distance called out to them.
“We mean you no harm,” Kaden shouted out.
“We’ll be the judge of that,” came the reply. The Erellen was taller than the others he travelled with, and he carried himself with readiness. He had no weapon drawn, but Silas had the feeling that he was prepared for any scenario. He and his group of five soldiers stopped about ten feet short of Silas and the others.
“I’m Commander Teymus,” he said. “I’m on assignment, patrolling the Gated Passage. What brings you to the Erellen borders?”
“The Meshulan,” Kaden said without hesitation. Silas and the others looked at him quickly, surprised at his willingness to give up the information. Then again, what did they have to hide? The more Silas thought about it, didn’t they need the Erellens on their side?
Teymus stood speechless for a moment, obviously not having expected to hear such an answer.
After a moment he finally found his voice. “Excuse me, say that again?”
“We’re on a mission to find the Gatekeeper and you are in the presence of young Silas Ainsley,” Kaden said as he motioned to Silas.
Silas sheepishly waved a hand. “How’s it going?”
Teymus stepped toward Silas to get a better look at him. Silas didn’t move. The expression on Teymus’ face was one of disbelief, but he did not question Kaden about the validity of his statement. No one would think to make such a claim to try and get out of a situation.
“You killed General Maroke, didn’t you?” Teymus asked.
Silas nodded.
“He was a terrible enemy indeed. I only wish I could have been there to see you do it.”
Silas wanted to say, No one should wish to be there, but he held his tongue. Teymus was in charge here and he didn’t want to rub the Erellen the wrong way. It was important that they get to the Gatekeeper without any problems.
“That must mean you are Kaden Osric,” Teymus continued.
Kaden nodded. “That’s right.”
“What about the other two of you?”
“These are our traveling partners, Inga and Lorcan,” Kaden said.
Silas could see the horror register on Lorcan’s face at the mention of his name. Silas knew he must be angry with Kaden for ratting him out. It had been apparent that he wanted to avoid the other Erellens, but Lorcan’s reasoning had remained a mystery.
Teymus’ eyes narrowed at the sound of Lorcan’s name. “Lorcan Zamire?”
Everyone looked back at him as he stood motionless and refused to respond. From the look on Teymus’ face, Silas knew something bad was about to happen. He only wished he knew why.
“I’m guessing you and the Meshulan don’t realize who you are traveling with,” Teymus said.
“Lorcan has been a very good friend to the Dunarian cause for the past several months,” Kaden said in his defense.
“You travel with a criminal,” Teymus said. “One that I have sworn to take in.” He breathed a deep sigh and pulled out his sword as his soldiers did the same. “I’m sorry to have to do this, but I must place you all under arrest for traveling with the wanted murderer, Lorcan Zamire.”
Chapter Sixteen
The Royal Guard moved in unison under the command of Robin and their King, but they were exhausted. None of them had slept the night before because after the battle, Julian had ordered an immediate departure. They had travelled west throughout the night and all the next day with hardly a rest. By nightfall Robin strongly urged Julian to consider a chance for them to make camp. He argued that the Dunarians were going nowhere and that the Royal Guard needed to be rested up for any possible confrontation that might arise whenever they reached Jekyll Rock.
Julian gave in, realizing the man’s