Asunder: A Vatan Chronicle (The King's Renegade Book 1) Read online

  “Coin?” Kira hopped to the ground.

  Squirrel raised his hand in victory. “Better! Chocolate-covered coffee beans!” He popped a handful into his mouth and chewed proudly.

  Kira scoffed. “More energy is the last thing you need. Spit it out,” she said, snapping her fingers.

  The boy slowed his munching, looked away, then gulped forcefully.

  “Great. Now he’ll be up all night.” Kira threw her hands in the air and rolled her eyes to Alden as he lowered to the road with Mayli. Her brow furrowed. “Hey… Do you need help?”

  Alden pulled his hood tight around his face before Kira could further read his discomfort as the princess tugged and twisted to be set free. Alden tightened his grip, securing Mayli to his side protectively. “No. I have her.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  COLVILLE MINES

  “Get your asses to the Colville Mines, before someone comes along!” Reyn snapped as he used his boot to shove the last crying guard off his rapier. He whipped his blade and blood sprayed across the ground in a slick red line, pointing the way. Some landed on Alden’s cheek, dripping like a warm tear. Alden glared, wishing he could paint the same stroke of crimson across the Shadow Commander’s face. Reyn gave Alden a cocky sneer before marching up the hill.

  Alden attempted to follow, but Princess Mayli Drake fought back like a wild horse—kicking and tugging with all her might. As he wrestled to break her, Kira came to his side and tried to gently lead Mayli. Still, she stubbornly twisted and struggled, making the uphill climb difficult.

  With an annoyed moan, Reyn slid down the slope, dirt flaring in his wake. He shoved Alden into Kira, breaking their grip on their prisoner. Without hesitation, he punched the princess squarely in the jaw. The unexpected blow sent the blindfolded woman to the ground. She lay unconscious.

  “She’s supposed to be unhurt!” Alden growled, crouching to check.

  Reyn scoffed. “Well, then, keep her under control. That’s on you.” He gestured toward where he’d hit her.

  Alden lightly pulled Mayli’s hair away with the scarf. With a pointed button nose, long black lashes, and tanned skin, the Princess of Ammos was as beautiful as rumors had told. He frowned, seeing a deep red bruise peeking out from under her gag. Alden knew how hard Reyn liked to punch, and the man had no reservations when it came to women.

  “Was that really necessary?” Alden snarled as he stood to face his Shadow Commander.

  Reyn huffed with annoyance. “There’s a reason you aren’t usually on these missions. We’re not in the business of chivalry. If you don’t have the guts to use force next time, use this.” Reyn shoved a vial into Alden’s chest and brushed past.

  “And you only give this to me now if it could have been helpful in the carriage?”

  “I was curious to see what you were capable of. Not much, as it turns out.”

  “What brew is that?” Kira asked.

  “Breathing it in will do the same thing I did to the girl.” Reyn took a step in, scanning Kira up and down. “Still don’t recognize it?”

  Worry shook in her eyes. “Should I?”

  “No, perhaps not… It tends to make one forget,” said Reyn, taking Kira’s braid and caressing the weave.

  Alden pulled Kira behind him as she covered her mouth in disgust. “You bastard!” he sneered, gripping his knife.

  A devious laugh cackled from the man. “You going to do something about it, brim-nose? With that crude blade?”

  “Pierz forbade you from harassing her.”

  “He also forbade damaging his merchandise.” Reyn gestured at Mayli. “But look what you did.”

  Alden fumed, fighting the urge to finally slit Reyn’s throat. Knowing he couldn’t without having to fight off the others and put the princess in even more danger, Alden pushed his feelings aside. After pocketing the vial, he gently scooped her into his arms. “Let’s go.”

  Together, they faded into the forest above. Paige took the lead, navigating the woods effortlessly, only taking a few short moments to touch a tree, study the wind, or read the landscape. Eventually, she stopped at the mouth of a small cave where a set of precariously placed rocks loomed above the entrance. Once everyone was inside, Trod tugged at a rope. A loud snap echoed through the corridor as boulders fell, sealing them inside the dark tunnel.

  A torch roared to life as Trod followed behind Paige, who seemed comfortable in the dark. Alden kept close as they traveled down endless halls. Each turn was like a labyrinth, but Paige led them confidently. She touched the walls and surveyed the floor as if it told secrets only she could hear.

  After hours, an eerie breeze blew over him. It was warm and smelled of sweet hill blossoms. Stepping around the corner revealed the forest and sky. The beautiful auburn sunset shone through the canopy of swaying trees. Their tall trunks danced around the mouth of the pit, tossing leaves into the cave as if welcoming its visitors.

  A decaying corpse of a young deer lay on the ground. From its broken leg, Alden assumed that it had fallen into the mine. Trod walked over to investigate. He took out some dried weeds and flowers bound tightly in a string. He placed it on the deer’s skull, mumbled a few words Alden couldn’t understand, and then retrieved the bundle.

  “You know your jobs, get to work,” Reyn commanded, kicking the bones aside, earning a scowl from Trod. He ignored the look and rolled out a blanket in the middle of the pit and laid down.

  While Trod, Paige, and Squirrel climbed above to hunt, Alden and Kira brought Mayli to a gnarly tangle of roots protruding from the cave wall. Sweat beaded on Alden’s brow as Kira kept a watchful eye on how he tied the princess to them. Nervous, he roughly added an extra knot and met Kira’s gaze. She frowned and walked off to prepare the fire.

  After a while, the smell of thyme and cooked meat began to bloom. Squirrel bounced impatiently on his knees for it to finish cooking, occasionally popping one of his chocolate-covered coffee beans in his mouth. Finally, Reyn helped himself to a bowl and a roasted rabbit leg. This invited Squirrel to do the same, followed by the rest.

  Guarding the princess, Alden waited to be last. When he reached for his serving, he found only a few chunks of grizzled meat and a couple of potatoes floating in a thin broth. Mayli would be starved, and a warm meal might help her trust me. But I need this if I’m to help at all… Alden sat beside Kira and took a guilty mouthful. Once finished, Alden looked at Reyn across the fire. “Who’s our client?”

  Reyn’s stringy, black hair drooped in front of his beady eyes as he leaned forward. He pointed his hulk of rabbit at Alden. “It’s irrelevant,” he said with a discussion-ending tone. He then ripped into the meat with a ravenous bite.

  “Do you know who the woman is?” Alden pressed.

  “She could be a farmer’s daughter, my sister, or a queen. Doesn’t matter. A job is a job, and the time to gather information is over. Pierz will be here at dawn if you’re brave enough to ask him. Until then, just sit tight and shut up. It’s going to be a long night, and we need to be well-rested for tomorrow.” Reyn threw his unfinished leg of rabbit into the fire and cozied into his bedroll. “Take shifts. Alden and Kira, you first.”

  As the others settled into sleep, Squirrel extended his hand. Alden looked at the clenched fist questionably. The boy bobbed it and grinned cheerfully, urging him to accept the offering. As Alden opened his palm, a handful of chocolate-covered coffee beans fell into it. Alden smiled, thanking him. I’ll be needing the energy.

  CHAPTER THREE

  GOING ROGUE

  Mayli shifted uncomfortably. Her face burned from where someone had struck her. Never before had she been so greatly disrespected. She’d be sure to have her father strike down every last fool who dared touch her, especially the two who had apprehended her in the carriage. They had killed Lidia. Killed her guard, whose name she wished she had made a point to remember. Ken? He died trying to defend me. Would Charli have fallen just the same?

  Mayli shivered, wishing her captives had the decency
to provide her a blanket, a pillow…or anything. She shifted again but roots jabbed at her no matter which way she turned. Dirt crumbled and fell inside her dress and down her back. The more she moved, the more she found herself covered in filth. Finally, feeling as though she was now part of the wall, she gave up.

  Hushed voices murmured nearby. Curious, Mayli moved her head around in an attempt to peek beyond the blindfold. Through a crack, she could make out a pair of malevolent shadows silhouetted by the fire’s faint glow.

  Alden held the bottle Reyn had given him. It held clear liquid with oily orbs clinging to the surface. Closing his eyes, he rolled it in his hands, feeling the contours of the glass. He squeezed the bulbous bottom and absently played with the rope choking its neck as he debated using the knockout drug in his escape. On Kira.

  The idea of subjecting his partner to that after everything she’d been through with Reyn put a sour taste in Alden’s mouth. He eyed the mound behind him where the Shadow Commander snored.

  That bastard.

  With a snarl, Alden turned back to the fire.

  Kira was staring.

  He froze.

  She eyed what he held warily. “You’re not talking much.”

  Ashamed, he pocketed the bottle. “Nothing to discuss.”

  “Uh-huh. So what has ya so upset?”

  “I’m not upset,” Alden countered calmly.

  Kira raised a brow. “Come on. I got you a field job. Thought you’d like it more than being a Shadow Seeker, hanging back, and sketching for information. It’s a good gig.”

  “It’s the worst yet.” He grabbed a branch to poke the fire. Coals growled and hissed in response. He overturned a log, allowing the unburned tip access to the low flame. It crackled back as if to thank him and the den grew brighter.

  “Worse than last year in the Cad Islands?”

  “Maybe.” He tossed the stick into the diminishing fire and sulked further in his hood.

  Kira rested her arms on her knees and gave Alden a long, hard stare. One long enough for him to break his absent gaze from the hungry fire and finally look at her. When he did, she nodded toward their prisoner. “Then what have you learned about her?”

  He resisted the urge to look at Mayli. His heart pounded knowing how well Kira could observe tells. “Nothing. She’s just another job.” He tried to sound uninterested as if Reyn’s words had made an impact.

  “Think she’s crested? The orange silk has me think Ammosian. I know how much you hate them.”

  Heart pounding, Alden rose with the bottle back in his hand. As much as he loved Kira, he couldn’t trust the thief and time was being wasted. “I’m gonna get more wood,” he lied.

  Acutely aware of what he held, Kira quickly stood and strapped the canvas bag across her back. “Allow me,” she offered sweetly, signaling him down with a wave of her hand. Before he could sit, she dashed to the pit’s edge.

  Relief and shame took hold as Kira fled. She likely thinks me a creep now, but at least she’s gone and I didn’t have to use this damn thing.

  Although he knew Kira well, he still watched in awe as she scaled the cliff face. She used roots as if she were a deckhand climbing a rope to tend sails, nimbly hoisting herself up on ledges. As she skirted around, dirt fell and rocks loosened, threatening to break free from the thin web of roots. After reaching the top, Kira smiled down at him. He smiled back, heart breaking. She waved, then disappeared into the forest. He listened to the crackling of leaves until the sounds became distant, and then, she was gone.

  He stared longingly. Bye, Kira.

  Seizing the opportunity, he moved like a fox—swift and silent—creeping up beside Princess Mayli. She lifted her head and let out a worried whimper. Alden checked back around the den to ensure the thieves still slumbered. He took another glance to where Kira had vanished. All was still.

  Mayli began struggling. Rocks and dirt crumbled around them. She fought against him as he tried to hold her still. “Mayli, shh.”

  She muffled a scream through her gag.

  A mumble groaned from behind, sleepy and irritated.

  “Fuck it.” Alden gripped Reyn’s bottle firmly and popped off its cork. Resisting the urge to smell the liquid first, he lifted it to the princess’s nose. She jerked back and squirmed but after a short moment, she quieted.

  “Alden?” asked a groggy, inquisitive voice.

  Alden jumped in surprise, dropping the bottle. Liquid spilled, soaking into the dirt. Knockout drug gone, Alden slipped his hand into his cloak and gripped his dagger. He turned on his heel, drawing his blade, but as the inquisitor came into view a falling rock struck the lad’s head. Squirrel crumbled to the floor, groaning as he lost consciousness. Dirt rolled down the cave wall.

  Must have been shaken loose in the tussle. Lucky!

  Alden squatted beside his friend and touched his head where the rock hit. He felt blood wetting his curly hair and parted it to find a shallow cut and an egg-shaped lump developing. “Sorry buddy, but Kira will help when she returns,” he whispered.

  After untying the princess from the wall, Alden fled with his burden. He guessed which corners could lead him out, but only seemed to find himself deeper within the Colville Mines. Overwhelmed after hours wandering, he set the princess down.

  Alden leaned against the rough stone wall to catch his breath. He looked down. Although unable to see, he knew the thinning soles of his boots needed mending. The little pay from the guild recently made waiting for his allowance taxing.

  Luckily, Prince Briar Densen of Brimley was the Captain of the Guard in Dregs and paid Alden for passing along information about the Shadowen Thieves Guild. Unfortunately, it had been nearly a month since his last visit and he was down to just a few coppers. Enough to buy him a good cup of Brim tea and a mediocre meal. If it weren’t for his desperate need, he’d never agree to take the field job from Kira. Thankfully he did, as now the fate of the Ammosian Princess was in his hands. The situation delicate, Alden contemplated his plan. I could tell her… But Mayli would tantrum if she knew she was receiving help from a Densen. Would Granda allow me back in? Gran would.

  Irritated by sharp rocks poking his back, Alden shoved off, bumping into the adjacent wall with his hands. He stroked a smooth line of stone etched like an arrow.

  He smirked. So, this is what Paige was feeling for.

  He scooped Mayli over his shoulder. With one arm wrapped around the woman’s legs, he let his other hand guide him along soft corners like a map until he was led up an inclined slope. At the end, he found a ladder bathed in cool midnight light.

  Alden took a step but the old wood snapped from their conjoined mass. He set Mayli down. Cautiously, he tested the ladder again. It creaked, complaining about his light weight, but held.

  “Princess,” he said calmly, announcing his presence.

  Mayli lifted her head toward a gruff, disembodied voice. Charli? Everything was a haze and her ears rung along with a pounding headache. As she tried to move she felt restricted as if tangled in sheets. Faint recollections of a carriage ride tempted her memory. There was Lidia. A guard… Blood. The heavy scent of smoke and musty sweat hit her nose as her blindfold was pulled off. She blinked to gain focus, then her eyes grew wide. Thieves!

  Mayli squinted her eyes back shut and backed into the dirt wall as far as she could. “Get away!” she tried to say, but the words came out jumbled through the ball of silk stuffed in her mouth.

  “I need ya to climb,” said the thief, deaf to her demands. “The ladder won’t hold us both at once.”

  She peeked through her lashes spotting crumbled wood beside the man’s scuffed boots. She followed the long brown cloak up to his face. The thief turned his head toward the moon, silhouetting his deep frown upon his stubbled chin in the night sky.

  So that way is freedom?

  A glint of white reflected from under the dark hood as the man eyed her. The look was menacing. Frightening like the tales her brother would tell of thieves in the Cads.
Then, as if his stories came alive, the man unsheathed a knife. “Don’t move,” he commanded.

  Startled, Mayli squealed and kicked between his legs.

  “Uff…” grunted the man, backing off slightly. Mayli prepared to buck again, but her feet were pressed down as his body came over her, seizing control. “I was gonna untie you so you could climb. But now I remember you can’t be trusted to listen.”

  Mayli gulped.

  The man sighed. Keeping his hold on her, he threaded a rope around her waist and tied a complicated knot. He then gripped her arm before pressing his blade between her wrists. As each thread was carefully severed, Mayli felt lighter. She gazed at the open sky eagerly, as if she could float away. Once freed, she reached for her gag and pulled it off.

  Before she could speak, the man interjected. “Best pretend that’s still around your mouth. I don’t want to argue with ya.”

  “You’re right.” She spat at his feet. “You don’t.”

  He stepped from the wet mark.

  Access to the ladder now clear, Mayli bravely walked to it. After one step, the ladder cracked. She cursed under her breath, halting her ascent. Realizing just how brittle the wood was, she climbed more delicately, careful not to break any more wavering planks. An open field met her at the top, trees encircling it. In the distance, she saw the crisp peaks of Mount Hiore. She took off running.

  Freedom!

  Making it no more than five paces, her stomach wrenched, squeezing a yelp from her as she fell to the ground. The snap of wood burst from the cave as the thief hurried up the ladder. Mayli clawed desperately at the knot around her waist. As she struggled, the thief walked slowly toward her.