"He's had no light, no medical care, no bed, and little food," said Nerissa.
"Oh, excellent," said Ripred. "Let's alienate the warrior altogether."
"Fine, allow him a torch and a blanket," said Solovet.
"I will take responsibility for him," said Mareth. "He will not leave Regalia."
"No, I need you here. And if he outsmarted Horatio and Marcus, there is no guarantee you can hold him," said Solovet.
"What holds him is already in Regalia, Solovet," said Ripred.
"His family was not enough to keep him from going before," said Solovet.
"Not his family. Your granddaughter. Why do you think he was in such a rush to get back to the Firelands? Concern for me?" said Ripred.
"Luxa? What has she to do with it?" asked Solovet. For the first time she appeared interested in the conversation.
Gregor could not keep himself from speaking. "Shut up, Ripred."
"See how he protests? Oh, he's head over heels. I got my first smell of it when they were having some quarrel in the Firelands," Ripred said nonchalantly. Gregor remembered that argument. He had blown up at Luxa for abusing Ripred and bossing everybody around. It had ended with him feeling very confused. That's when Ripred had taken a deep, noticeable sniff. So rats could smell more than fear, they could smell love as well.
"He about got himself killed in the Firelands when I just mentioned she was unwell," continued the rat. "Oh, think back about half a century, Solovet. You remember what it's like."
"He is in love with Luxa?" Solovet asked with a look of amusement. "Is this so, Gregor? Is this the reason you disobeyed my order?"
Gregor made no reply. His face burned like fire.
"If it were so, I would be far more amenable to letting you free, as I do not believe Luxa will be planning any outings anytime soon," said Solovet. "But I should like to hear it from you."
Gregor stared at the ground, thinking of what he might do to Ripred if he ever were free.
"No? Then perhaps the dungeon is the safest place for you," said Solovet.
The guards had just laid hands on him to lead him away when Mareth burst out, "Check his pocket!" Gregor shot Mareth a look of disbelief. This was far worse than Ripred's betrayal. With his hands tied behind his back, there was nothing Gregor could do but watch as Solovet crossed to him and plucked the photo from his shirt. She examined it closely for a moment, then laughed and held it up for Ripred to see.
"What did I tell you?" said the rat, and stuffed a clawful of shrimp into his stupid mouth.
Gregor knew then it was all there in that photo. All the proof anyone needed of his feelings for Luxa, captured in that one shot. He had been an idiot to carry it around. But how could he have anticipated this moment?
"This has simplified my job immensely." Solovet tucked the photo back in Gregor's shirt, gave it a little pat, and smiled at him. "Do not worry, your secret is safe with me." She nodded to the guards. "Unbind his hands, he is free to go."
Chapter 8
The second they cut through the strap at his wrists, Gregor spun on his heels and stalked out of the door. He was livid at Ripred and Mareth for revealing his feelings for Luxa to Solovet. First of all, it was a personal thing. No one's business but his own! Second, didn't they know Solovet would just use Luxa against him? Like she did everyone he cared about? Didn't they see how it would only give her more power to control him? And finally, what if Luxa found out? He had no idea how Luxa really felt about him. They had never talked about it or anything. Now someone would tell her and the idea was just so embarrassing. He was ready to find Ares and head home and —
A form brushed by him as he reached the end of the hallway, and suddenly Ripred was blocking his way. "Hold on, boy."
Gregor had his sword out of his belt so fast it was a blur. "Move. Now."
Ripred held up his paws in mock surprise. "Oh, dear. Is this where we fight to the death? I didn't expect it so soon."
"Move, Ripred!" said Gregor, and swung at the rat, who dodged his blow but still lost a few inches of whiskers on one side.
"Either I'm getting old or you're improving a good deal," said Ripred. "But I suggest you don't try that again."
Gregor lifted his sword to slice at the rat when a pair of strong arms caught his in some kind of headlock from behind. "Stop, Gregor! You do not understand what service he did you!" Mareth said.