The Assassin's Mark (Skeleton Key) (7 page)

I walked around the room slowly, taking a few practice swings with the sword to become reacclimated to using it. I’d failed when faced with the two attackers. My lessons had slipped away as fear took over.

Ten minutes of practicing different strikes and feints built back a little self-esteem. I knew how to use the sword. I just needed to put my training to practice when it mattered.

The soft sound of the tent flaps moving aside drew my attention as Sir Alan made his way into the tent. “Your Highness,” he said, bowing his head before walking into the tent. He had a tentative look on his face as if he were trying to find the right words. The few times he’d acted this way in the past was when he knew what he was going to say might upset me. Was this the scolding I’d feared?

“Please, Sir Alan, say what you need to say.”

“Well, there are two options with our ‘guest.’ Either way, we are in his debt. He saved you, regardless of his possible motives. He might be a spy, but that makes no sense because he prevented you from being taken, unless there is a third party after you as well. The second option makes me more uneasy.” He cleared his throat and shifted his feet. “I’m concerned that he is telling the truth, and you were saved by a stroke of luck,” he said. “We failed you. There is no way around it. I should’ve suspected an attack, and even so I wasn’t able to reach you in time. If he hadn’t been there, we would have lost you.”

In all the times I’d known him, I’d never seen him emotionally distressed before. “You’ve served my family loyally all these years, Sir Alan. I have faith in you that it won’t happen again.” I said, keeping my eyes locked in his.

There was a momentary pause before he unsheathed his sword and placed on the table between us. “I may not be up for the task. I fear I alone can’t guarantee your safety. We need to reconsider progressing toward Freehaven’s capital.” He kept his hand on his sword’s pommel, stroking it with his thumb. “I hate to suggest it, but the kingdom can’t lose you. If we do, it’ll all be pointless anyway.” Shaking his head, he released his sword.

“What are you saying, Sir Alan? I need to claim the throne. The kingdom needs its rightful ruler. I know you’re afraid of losing me, but I can’t let fear stand in the way of taking my place among my people. Besides, with you at my side, who would dare to oppose me?” I smiled at him.

“You are the last of your father’s line. Without you, the kingdom will descend into infighting and possibly tyranny. That is how kingdoms and empires fall. That is how your ancestors were able to carve out this land for themselves generations ago. The people need you to rule, yes. But they need you alive to do that,” Sir Alan stated. Fire burned in his eyes, and I could feel the depth of emotion behind them. He truly would do anything to keep me safe.

“A tyrant claiming the throne for even a year might mean he’ll have gathered an army, possibly by drafting my own peasants. I refuse to fight against the very people I’ve been destined to keep safe. It goes against everything my father ever drilled into me. Excuse me, Sir Alan, but we are both tired. Take up your sword and rest for now.” I kept my voice steady, not wanting this discussion to continue any longer.

His lips quirked a little, showing the barest hint a smile. “As you wish, princess.” He retrieved his sword and left.

Edward

I sat on the ground with my hands tied behind me to a sturdy pole that held up the tent, waiting for my captors to decide my fate. From what I’d heard, there was a power play ongoing in this kingdom. The reaction to my gun even further emphasized that wherever the bloody hell I was seemed to have medieval technology.

Still, I’d saved a princess in a kingdom I had few details on, made friends and enemies I had no context of, and followed a dreamlike notion that this woman was my anchor. Mine to protect.

It sounded silly since I was an assassin. Someone who solved others’ problems in the shadows when everything else failed. I’d just done the opposite. This wasn’t a mission. I’d merely obeyed the voices in my head to help a woman I’d dreamed about.

Those who killed wantonly became my targets. I made sure they got what they deserved. I knew every one of them and could easily give reasons why the world was a better place without them. Some were common criminals while others were known worldwide, but every one of them were justifiable and authorized. I didn’t save people. I merely took the lives of those who caused pain and misery.

Saving people was a different animal. She might be safe for the time being, but in the long run, she’d likely need rescued again.

I shook my head. They likely didn’t want my help even if I offered it. Besides, I was an assassin, not as a defender. Staying a few steps ahead of other assassins in this world would not be easy. There was no intel or satellites to give me an advantage. Then again, the people after her had no idea who I was.

Should I lure the assassin in by using her as bait, or should I keep her sheltered from harm? Were the assassins enemies or just deluded mercenaries? I didn’t have enough details to make a solid decision, and I hated operating from an emotional standpoint alone.

Sir Alan followed the princess’s command with a level head and didn’t seem too quick to jump to conclusions. Her followers appeared to following her out of respect, not fear. The chances of her being a tyrant were slim.

But I really didn’t belong here. My firearm, my way of thinking, and the skills I possessed didn’t mesh with this world. If these people knew of a way for me to return to my world, I’d take it in a heartbeat. After all, my life wasn’t in here.

My thoughts returned to my world where I’d witnessed horrible things done in the name of revenge, faith, and all sorts of the other justifications. But there was also good. England, despite its problems, was my home. I’d served the Crown without question. It held a fond place in my heart, and it always would. I had responsibilities not many could handle. Poor Croft would lose his mind going over the wreckage, trying to figure out what happened to me. I just hoped that whoever had been in the building had escaped.

Rising up to stretch, I rolled my neck to try to release the tension there. I didn’t know what I was going to do or even what I wanted here. It seemed the princess wasn’t a tyrant, and if anything, she needed all help she could muster in order to stabilize the kingdom we were in.

A woman walked into the tent and looked me over. She was carrying what appeared to be herbs and other supplies in a basket, but I could make out the outline of a concealed dagger in her clothing, barely hidden beneath her fabric belt.

I slid my back down the pole and crouched there, keeping her in the field of my vision. If she were to lash out, I’d be prepared. “What’s your name, miss?” I asked as she walked closer.

“Tabitha. Don’t do anything you might regret, stranger. There are knights outside,” she said softly.

I nodded to the pole behind me. “I don’t think you have to worry about that.” I kept my gaze on her. After she didn’t say anything for a moment, I stated my name and just waited.

After a few moments, she reached for something in her basket, and it almost made me jump to attention. “Don’t rush with the basket. I’m aware of the knife you’re trying to hide. While I doubt you’ve been sent here to kill me, I still don’t know who to trust,” I said, keeping my voice low to prevent any nearby guards from listening in.

Tabitha gave me a soft smile. “Maybe there is more to you than meets the eye.” She gave me an appraising look. “Has anyone hurt you? Some of the mercenaries had poisoned blades, and Sir Alan wanted me to ensure you didn’t die before they decided your fate.” Her voice increased in pitch in a few places, and she blinked more than when she first entered the tent.

Telltale signs of her lies mattered little to me. I didn’t care who sent her. I was more interested in why she’d seen the need to lie. “Lies don’t suit you, Tabitha.” I sighed. “No, they didn’t cut me. I merely sustained a few bruises. I’ve been through worse.” I gave a brief rundown on my encounter with the men in the princess’s tent.

Tabitha’s eyes were still wide from me noticing her lie. When she finally collected herself, she grabbed her basket and started to leave but stopped. “If your story is true, why did you care about what would happen to her?”

“I’m not sure. Before I woke up here, I saw her in a dream. There were green fields and thunder rumbling in the distance. She needed my help.” I spoke truthfully, but a few details I wanted to keep private like the princess’s nearly naked form in my dream.

Her mouth opened slightly as a slight blush filled her cheeks. The first wave of giggles left her lips before I could ask her not to laugh. It took a few moments for her to realize I was being honest. “What? Are you sure? I thought that only happened in bardic tales.” Her smile melted into a frown.

“Trust me. It sounds like some sort of bizarre fantasy novel. But here I am. What can you tell me about the princess?”

For a few heartbeats, hesitation creased her brow before she shook her head. “I’m really not at liberty to tell you anything. My apologies.” With that, she collected her things and left.

“Shite. I meant no harm.” Part of me knew she wanted the best for her princess, but I was merely curious to know more about the woman I’d saved.

I sat on the ground and leaned my head back against the pole. I’d been meaning to catch up on sleep. Now was my chance. It seemed I’d be here for a while.

Brigit

Sir Alan had been gone a while by the time Tabitha returned. My mind still raced, going back over our conversation and the fact he’d lay down his sword. I hated that Sir Alan felt helpless to protect me. I also mulled over the next day’s schedule. We couldn’t afford any more incidents like this along the road.

While Skyhaven was close, the surrounding woods were great ambush locations for a group of travelers who didn’t pay attention. So far we hadn’t been ambushed on the move, but that could change. Being on horseback was advantageous, but a few assassins with crossbows could do serious harm to the brave knights.

“Did you learn anything interesting?” I asked Tabitha as she sat at the table. She had a way about her that could made most men turn their heads, but few paid attention to the knife she kept hidden under her belt. She’d moved the knife, which was concerning. “Did you have to use your knife?”

“Your Highness, Edward is more interesting than I’d originally thought. He has brains but there’s something more hidden just beneath the surface.” She sighed. “To answer your other question, no. I moved the knife after he spotted it. He has keen eyes and good intuition, more than I’d imagine a mercenary would possess.”

“Can we trust him?” He’d saved my life, and even though he’d a chance to kill or kidnap me, he’d checked to make sure I was safe.

“I believe so, but keep an eye on him.” She shook her head and stood. “You’re vulnerable. There will likely be those who want to take advantage of that. I didn’t get that feeling from him, but one never knows.”

“Of course. I’m going to see him.” I walked toward the tent’s entrance, and Tabitha followed after me. I held up my hand to ward her off. “I’ll go alone.” Why did everyone think I didn’t need space to breathe?

“As you wish, Your Highness.” Tabitha bowed her head.

As I made my way through the camp, I saw the on-duty guards had been doubled again. Sir Alan wasn’t taking any chances with mercenaries invading the camp again. An extra knight was even stationed at the entrance to Edward’s tent. He seemed more tense than usual. Sir Alan likely had torn into everyone on how they’d let down their guard.

“Your Highness.” Sir Orlan, one of my father’s knights, bowed to me and pulled back the tent flap. “If he gives you any trouble, we’ll be right here. Just scream.”

“I will, sir. Thank you.” My reply sounded hollow in my ears as I pushed ahead to question Edward. He was tied to a pole in the center of the tent with his legs stretched out before him. From the sound of it, he was fast asleep.

Conscious of what Tabitha had told me, I didn’t trust his posture. Instead, I stood some space away from him and waited.

After a few moments, he finally lifted his chin up a little. “Your Highness,” Edward said, sleep roughing his voice.

“Are you well?” The question came was out of my mouth before I could hold it back. I was confident Tabitha and Sir Alan had taken care of him aside from him being tied to a pole like this.

“I’m fine. But I hardly think that’s why you are here.” Edward rolled his neck as if to loosen building tension there. Something about his graceful movements drew my attention, scrambling my thoughts at times.

“Yes, you’re right. I want to trust you, but I have enemies who want me dead. My parents were assassinated, and I’m afraid without your intervention, I would have been next.” I paced my side of the tent, feeling anxiety tighten my chest. “My family has ruled this kingdom for generations. Now I’m in a position where I don’t know who to trust.” I caught myself halfway through and turned the discussion to focus on him. “I know we talked earlier, but I need to ask you this directly. Are you an assassin?”

A slightest smile twisted Edward’s lips. “To be honest, yes. Don’t worry, you are not one of my marks. In my world, I worked for my queen with sole dedication to ensure safety. Some people considered themselves above the law’s reach. In those rare occasions, I was employed under strict rules. Each of my targets were dangerous to those around them, uncaring of innocent lives or whom they hurt in the process of pursuing their goals.” As he spoke, his eyes became distant, focusing on something only he could see.

“I guess I’ll need to take your word for it.” Oddly enough, it didn’t surprise me that he was an assassin, but I was quite intrigued that he worked for his queen as one.

“I’m not a knight. I do what needs to be done. You will need to as there’s no one here to vouch for me or regal you with my past heroics. But that’s not really needed here, is it? You have assassins after you, and I was trained as one. We may have different weapon skills and techniques, but our natural inclinations unite us.” He paused for a moment, then met my gaze. “How do I leave your realm?”