Hasty plans

Skirting behind the Norads at a safe distance, we made good time getting back to the manor house. Every so often Lord Holden would kneel to the ground. Cali and I would follow his lead, listening for any signs of danger.

I admired Lord Holden's ability to keep such a brisk pace with almost silent footfalls. He was truly a man of great talents and we were learning from the best.

At some point the Norads must have veered southward, missing my home for a second time. I could not begin to describe the feeling of relief that washed over me to see my family's home.

I only hope appearances did not deceive me. It looked like the enemy never found my peaceful retreat.

Holden, Cali and I entered through the back door. Seeing no one in the kitchen set my nerves on edge again. I dared not call out for anyone in case something had gone very wrong.

Holden raced into the front room with Cali and I on his heels. He stopped mid step upon seeing my uncle and Carrion sitting in front of the fireplace.

Uncle John stood upon seeing the expressions on our faces. He knew something was wrong.

Carrion continued sharpening a sword, not bothering to look up at our rushed entrance. "Enjoy your training?" He said flatly.

No one answered. With all of our eyes searching, Uncle John pieced part of the puzzle together. He pointed toward the stairs, indicating where Alina was. Cali rushed up the stairs to try and lay eyes on Alina.

The sudden commotion of Cali running up the stairs finally tore Carrion from his task. "What's wrong?"

"We will let you know once Princess Alina is safe," Lord Holden put Carrion in his place. The Swordsman from the clan of Bear drew the curtains in one of the front windows before repeating the process with the adjacent one. He lingered at the second window peeking out from behind the shade.

"Safe? She has not even left the house. She's been napping. How could she not be safe?" Carrion continued, not understanding the severity of our concern. Once again no one answered him.

Alina and Cali emerged from upstairs, with stark expressions. I don't know what Cali said, but Alina looked unsettled.

"The Norads are in the woods. They plan to attack the castle tomorrow. We must get word to the council," Lord Holden announced.

Carrion jumped up from his seat with sword ready. Alina's face blanched. She was not expecting this news.

Uncle John's face looked pained in a way I had not expected. Was he worried for my father, his best friend? "I will go and tell Va.. Queen Valerie directly."

I knew Lord Holden dropped titles in the woods for safety but I did not think my uncle was accustomed to such liberties. Especially since Queen Valerie was nowhere near the woods.

"The Autarch plans to steal Parker's wagon!" I blurted out as if my uncle could save the loyal friend and steward.

"The Autarch?" Uncle John and Alina said in unison. Alina's tone was one of disbelief and awe. My uncle's tenor tone highlighted an edge of anger in his thoughts.

"The Autarch is in the woods right now?" My uncle asked directly.

"We heard her plotting the whole attack. The army is supposed to stay off the main roads, cutting toward the capital. Sadly that means you would have to stick to the roads to avoid them, making outpacing them difficult," the words poured from my mouth without consideration.

"I'll go. I know how to sneak through the woods without being detected," Lord Holden offered.

"This doesn't seem wise. The Autarch could change her mind and stay in the area. We need more protection for Her Highness, not less," Carrion insisted.

My stomach turned at the thought of Carrion being right yet again. What if Alina was a sitting duck here?

"I agree with Sir Carrion. I think we all need to go back to the castle. Jack knows of a tunnel that can get us into the castle unseen," Alina said with an air of authority.

I had not planned on leaving my safe haven, nor had I planned on telling this crowd about my discovery of the secret passageway. I guess my Princess had other ideas.

"Your Highness, we do not have enough horses to carry everyone back to the castle swiftly. I think you might be better off here," my uncle tried to reason with Alina.

"We will simply have to buy horses at the nearest town. Our kingdom needs us all. We will not abandon the fight," Alina's resolve held strong. John's face fell as if he knew there was no changing the mind of this royal.

"John! Someone's coming," Lord Holden stepped back from his place where he peered from behind the curtain, making room for John.

John took Holden's place. "It's Parker. He looks worried. Everyone be quiet and I'll send him away."

John nonchalantly walked out the front door as if he were about to check on something in the barn. He wisely left the door slightly ajar so we could overhear.

"Parker! Nice to see you. Is something wrong?" Uncle John inquired.

"Sir John! Bandits stole my wagon! I heard them carting it away just now. I know you are a capable swordsman. Can you pursue them?" The man sounded distressed.

"Did they take your horses?" Uncle John sounded as if he worked out a puzzle. I still couldn't see the full picture.

"No, they must have had their own," Parker sounded confused.

"Let me pursue them with your horses and hopefully I can bring back your wagon without having to steal from them too," Uncle John cleverly just acquired two more mounts.

Footfalls followed the conversation and the two men were off to get the mounts. My mind started spinning. Could we make a difference in this battle? Could we make it in time?

A larger worry surfaced. Could I find the secret passageway from my mental map of where the tunnel left the city? I hope so