Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,87

eager for a few minutes alone.

“Who’s there?” Dexter demanded as he shoved Reid behind him while simultaneously withdrawing his sword.

“Keep your voice down,” Gordon hissed. “No one can know we’re here.”

Reid’s heart skipped a beat—she hadn’t expected anyone to be in there—especially Gordon since he was supposed to be traveling with the army. After quickly lighting a candle, she scanned the tent, seeing Ackley and Owen were there as well, the three of them crouched alongside the back wall.

Dexter put his sword down. “What’s going on?” His whispered voice revealed a hint of panic.

“The bridge at the pass-through was gone,” Ackley revealed. “We can’t cross the Modig Mountains that way.”

Which meant someone destroyed it on purpose. Reid had been there not long ago with Harlan, and the bridge had been in impeccable condition.

“I sent the army west while we came here to see what you wanted to do. The soldiers can cross the Gast River at the bridge in Ellington.”

“I’m not certain the bridge could withstand so many crossing it,” Reid said.

“I agree,” Gordon replied. “The only other option is the lake, but that will take far too long to get that many across with our limited number of boats.”

Reid rubbed her temple, wondering who would have done this. Eldon or Anna?

“Continue to have the soldiers proceed west,” Dexter ordered. “Pretend as if they’re going to cross the bridge in Ellington. As your men travel along the Gast River, I want a unit of men stationed every mile or so. I don’t want to be taken by surprise if Eldon is planning something.”

“I think that’s a wise move,” Gordon replied.

“While the soldiers are making a big production of going west,” Ackley said, “what do you really intend to do?”

Dexter smiled. “We’re going to sneak into the palace and catch Eldon off guard.”

“Do not forget, my soldiers can help,” Owen stated.

“Or provide the cover we need to sneak in,” Reid suggested.

“We should assume someone is watching this camp, reporting back to the king,” Gordon said.

“Our plan will only work if everyone believes we’re still here,” Ackley pointed out. “Which means we’ll have to sneak out of here under the cover of night. We’ll need to travel quickly and without being seen.”

“The only issue I have is the duchesses,” Dexter said.

“I can remain behind to guard them,” Gordon offered.

Dexter shook his head. “When we reach the palace, we can only legally remove the king with the duchesses invoking the power the rings give them to make such a choice.”

“Then we’ll take them with us,” Reid said.

Ackley snorted. “We’re supposed to do this stealthily.”

“Since Duchess Lyndr isn’t here, that leaves only seven women besides me.” Reid held up her ring, indicating she could speak on her father’s behalf. “There are four of you. I think we can do it.” The only thing would be if the duchesses believed they could.

“I don’t know,” Gordon said, shaking his head.

“You don’t give them enough credit.” Reid folded her arms. “Why don’t we at least consult them and go from there?”

“I think that’s wise,” Dexter replied.

“I’ll speak with them,” Ackley said, getting to his feet. “Once I’m done, I’ll come back here.” Donning a black cape, he slid out of the tent, blending in with the night.

“Do you know where your men are stationed?” Dexter asked Owen.

“Most are just outside the City of Radella. However, Eldon has about a hundred on the palace lawn. I think that’s all we’ll need.”

“When are we going to leave?” Reid asked.

“Tonight,” Gordon stated. “We don’t have any time to waste.”

“Do you think Princess Idina will be safe here?” Owen inquired.

“There are over fifty soldiers at this camp,” Gordon said. “My sister will be fine.”

Reid chuckled. “If anything, she’ll be running this camp.”

Owen smiled.

“Idina will remain here with my mother and Princess Nara,” Gordon said.

“We’ll take Gytha and Harlan with us,” Dexter added. He knelt, then started shoving supplies in his traveling bag.

“Harlan?” Reid asked, surprised Dexter wanted to take him along. Granted, Harlan knew how to fight, but he wasn’t a soldier.

“After what happened with the Ellington soldiers and the sleep tonic,” Dexter replied, “I like having Harlan close by.”

It turned out all the duchesses wanted to accompany them to the City of Radella. Not a single one balked at the idea of traveling at night. Dexter insisted the women wear armor, so Ackley rounded up seven soldiers who happily donated their clothing and armor to the women. Then Dexter asked those same men to reside in the duchesses’ tents, pretending