food on his plate. I hate to say it, but taxes are high. People don’t have a lot here. Northern Marsden is vastly different from Axian.”
Reid hoped to change that. She wanted to take Axian’s prosperity and bring that way of life into Marsden. People here didn’t understand how much it hurt them by not allowing women to work or own a business.
They ascended the hill overlooking the castle. When Reid reached the top, she came to an abrupt halt, the color draining from her face.
Ackley cursed.
Hundreds and hundreds of soldiers surrounded the city.
Chapter Eleven
“Those aren’t Marsden soldiers,” Ackley stated. “Nor are they from Melenia.”
“Who are they?” Reid didn’t see a universal uniform among them.
“Based upon what I’m seeing, I think they’re from Cartr, Alder, and Bridger. I’ll know for certain once I get closer.”
“Do you think they’re here to support us?” Dexter asked.
“I sure hope so.” Ackley headed down the hill, toward the city, Reid and Dexter following suit. “Because if they’re not, we’re in a heap of trouble.”
“With this many soldiers amassing, word is going to reach the king,” Reid mumbled.
“Probably,” Ackley replied. “But then Eldon will realize he has nowhere to retreat to since Dexter has his men in the south, and we are here in the north.”
“I think we need a plan in case those soldiers aren’t here to support us,” Dexter said. He stopped, crossing his arms and observing the scene before him.
“Get moving,” Ackley commanded. “I’m sure someone is watching us. If you stand there, you’ll attract attention. Pretend like you know where you’re going and what you’re doing.”
Dexter started hiking down the hill again. “What’s our plan?” His voice held a hint of worry, so used to being the one in control that it had to be hard for him to trust Ackley.
“Our first order of business will be to announce ourselves at the castle,” Ackley stated. “Then, we’ll get to work.”
Reid wondered who Eldon put in charge in his absence.
When they reached the bottom of the hill, Ackley led them slightly north, toward the main entrance. Reid tucked her hair under her tunic, wishing she had a hat to hide it with.
“Stop fidgeting,” Ackley hissed.
Rolling her eyes, Reid put her hands at her sides, not knowing how Ackley had managed to see her playing with her hair since she was behind him.
“The gates are open,” Ackley mumbled. “That’s a good sign.”
Dexter pursed his lips. Reid knew he had questions, but now was not the time to ask them. During her stay in Axian, she hadn’t seen a single city surrounded by a wall. Rumor had it Hudson built it to protect himself from his own brother.
They reached the main entrance. Most of the people meandering about were merchants, probably because of all the soldiers nearby. Hardly any citizens were coming and going. Four Marsden soldiers manned the gate. As Ackley, Dexter, and Reid entered the city, the soldiers barely even glanced their way.
Ackley took the main road cutting directly through the city. Malnourished children ran about, people slept in alleys, and others begged for food. Since the road was dirt, dust kicked into the air, making Reid sneeze. When they reached the portion of the city where the wealthier shops were located, the scenery changed. People here wore heavier clothes without holes, all had shoes on, and, instead of rotting trash, the smell improved to baking bread and roasting meat. Every single woman they passed wore a dress and was escorted by a man. Reid kept her head down, hoping no one noticed she was a woman wearing pants.
They finally reached the interior wall separating the castle from the city. Ackley rolled his shoulders back, stepping in front of Reid and Dexter to address the soldiers manning the gate. “Everything secure?” he asked, his voice deep and commanding.
The one soldier’s eyes widened, clearly surprised to find Prince Ackley in front of him.
“Yes, Your Highness,” he answered.
“Excellent. My mother and sister will be arriving in the next couple of days. Please be on the lookout for them.”
The soldier nodded, then granted them entrance.
They headed straight for the castle.
“The bells didn’t ring to announce you,” Reid commented. The soldiers manning the main gate for the city were usually the ones to ring the bells, announcing when a member of the royal family had arrived. However, Ackley hadn’t revealed himself to them.
“No, they did not,” he replied. “I didn’t want whoever is in charge to know I’m coming. Catching them by surprise will be so