Crouching in a doorway beside the palace kitchen, I got a good waft of salty beef-vegetable soup. I scouted out the kitchen, watching people move in and out. My eyes stuck on a food cart parked in the corner. An idea forming in my mind.
“Rhonda!” One of the cooks yelled, wiping sweat from his brow. I could feel the heat radiating from inside. “Where's Adelaide? She needs to get her butt here so the food goes down on time.” He set the soup pot down on a cart, not getting an answer. “What do you want me to do if she doesn't show up?” he asked, walking further in the kitchen.
A loud metal noise came from the other room and a sigh. “How should I know Trevor? I have more important things to worry about. The prisoners can wait.” an angry muffled voice roared from the otherside of the kitchen.
I chuckled lightly from my hiding spot, this was fortunate. A perfect way to map out the prison. I studied the other girls helping in the kitchen, they all wore bandanas on their heads. If I wanted this to work I'd have to look the part. Finding a cloth close to me in the corner I tied it like a bandana around my head so I looked similar to other errand girls.
I jumped up from my spot, sneaking in the heat intensified. The smell of cooked vegetables and meats permeating the air. Bubbling pots and clanking metal, the kitchen was a noisy and busy place.
I walked slowly, pretending to belong. I got behind the cart, pushing it out. Wheeling out of the kitchen, I ran down the hall. The faster the better, I didn't know how long it would take for them to notice the cart was gone.
The wheels squeaked as I drifted around the corner, telling me to slow. I ignored it, still bounding down the hall. I was almost there, I could see the hall ending.
Approaching the stairs I slowed the cart and left it at the top. There was no way I was getting it down by myself.
I walked down the steps, abandoning the cart. Coming to the station in front of the prison door, I started ordering my words. A guard leaned back in his chair keeping a lazy eye on the prison entrance. He sat up in his chair at the sight of me. Weary eyes and a fixed frown, as if life had been unkind to him.
“No visitors today.” he growled, barely looking up.
I shrugged off his rudeness “I'm not here to visit. I'm here to feed the prisoners.”
He furrowed his brow “You're not one of the usual girls.” he sat up.
“Ya she was late. Rhonda sent me instead.” I grinned, folding my hands on the counter.
He drummed his fingers, stuck with that frown. “Really?”
“Yup, carts just at the top of the stairs.” I said, pointing to its direction.
“I don't know. This is highly usual.” he frowned pondering.
This guy was slowing me down. I rolled my eyes, “I can go back and tell her you're not letting me finish, but she has been rather cranky today.”
He sighed, loosening his frown. “I guess it's fine...” He stood up and walked back up with me to where the cart was.
We each took a side, lifting it down the steps. I was laughing on the inside. This was going better than I hoped, the guards helping me to break into their own prison.
Setting it down on the stone floors, he stepped back. “Stratford.” He called to a soldier coming down the steps. “Accompany this young lady while she gets her work done.”
The guard stopped, his face startled with a bewildered look. He quickly nodded in complice. I hid my frown. I was hoping to go alone.
He was a little more bright eyed than his senior. Raven hair and sky blue eyes, he was somewhere in his mid twenties. He hesitated before going to open the large steel doors that stood in between me and Euphoria’s most notorious criminals.
A cool draft poured out making me shiver. "After you." The young guard beckoned. I slowly walked forward, rolling the cart to the prison entrance.
I couldn't see anything inside, my view was pitch black. It made the uneasy feeling worse. I wanted to stay outside, but it was too late to reconsider my plan, besides Luca needed me.
The wheels made a nervous squeak. The young guard right behind me, he was a flaw in my plan. I'd have to keep this facade a little longer. The guard carried a flaming torch, light blazing in the darkness. He lit the wall torches as we passed, giving the space more light.
We eventually made it to the end of the eerie hall and the room opened up revealing three directions. Walls of cells down each path. It would be difficult to find Luca in this maze. I frowned wishing I could see the full length of the halls. At least this crossroads was a memorable enough reference point if I needed it.
"One way in, one way out." The guard announced. I turned around to see the way we came, the lights slowly fading out. He lit a torch in the center, a bigger flame erupting.
I straightened out the cart, stepping back from the heat. “Which hall first?” I asked the blue eyed guard. He blinked at my question, pointing to the furthest on the right.
He kept looking around his shoulder, fidgeting awkwardly. His face seemed to twitch every once in a while. He seemed uncertain, maybe he was new to this or something.
“Did they go over the procedure with you?” he asked, turning back.
“Not really, it was all really rushed.” I answered carefully.
He walked over to the cart and pulled out one of the bowls “One scoop in each bowl. You place it on the metal tray and slide it under the space under the door.” He said scooping the first one and completing his own instructions. “Don't talk to them or acknowledge them. Keep your hands at the edge of the tray.” I nodded listening. “Think you got it?” he asked, his eyes less harsh than most guards.
“Ya I should be fine.” I said picking the next bowl. “Good, I'm going to get the rest of the torches down this hall.” He spoke, already walking off. “By the way what should I call you?” He turned around asking.
“Phynley.” I bit my tongue, kicking myself instantly for using my real name. There was something disarming about him. “And you?” I asked back. It would be good to at least be on even ground.
He smiled “Wren, Alexander Wren.” A strange name for a soldier. There was something familiar about it. He was very friendly for a guard. Most of them wouldn't have bothered to explain anything to me.
He went on his way and I got to work. Filling bowls and sliding them under. I figured I'd just keep playing the part till I stumbled upon Luca.
I looked intently into each cell hoping I'd see him. It was so dark inside the cells I could barely see more than shadows and outlines. I was worried that I would miss him. There was no way to be sure I hadn't already passed him, at least not without alerting Wren.
Luca where in this dark death trap are you?
I was nearing the end of the first hall. Now gaining speed with practice. Sliding the next tray in a hand emerged lurching the tray, trying to grab at my hand. I jumped back, the soup spilling on the tray.
A voice hissed, ringing through the metal. "Fire! I see fire… the end is full of fire."
I shivered carefully pushing it in, my hands as far as possible. The tray disappeared under the door, pulled away by the hands. In total darkness, I'm sure it was easy to go insane.
I kept with the pattern, shaking it off. I needed to figure out a way to find Luca faster.
Wren walked by, finishing lighting the hall. “I'm going to start in the next hall.” he held up his torch. The light shining off his black hair.
Wait a second. I stared back at him as he walked away. The guard at the door
…he called him Stratford.
“Wren.” I said, stopping him in his tracks. “Didn't the other guard call you Stratford when we came in?”
He froze at my question torch in hand. I suddenly was feeling uneasy. He slowly turned back around. “Stratford is a nickname.” He grinned fakely.
"Strange nickname." I bit, tightening my fists. His eyes building in intensity, I was suddenly afraid.
He shook his head and sighed, aware that he wasn't convincing me. “Listen, both of us are posing as something we’re not. So let's just both do what we came here to do and forget that the other exists.” His voice sounded more natural, loose and less acted.
I paused for a second, abandoning the cart. “Fine with me,” I said. I had no idea what he was up too but I could use the extra time that ending this facade would give me.
Wren dropped his torch, the light growing weaker. He continued back down the hall, disappearing in the darkness.
I called out Luca’s name, listening close. My voice bouncing off the walls, I ran back down the hall. I stopped at the intersection, choosing the second path. Prisoner's clamored, reacting to my shouts.
“Phyn?” A quiet voice stopped me in my tracks.
“Luca?” I called once more to pinpoint his location.
“I'm over here.” his voice echoed from the cell beside me.
“I finally found you!” I whispered excitedly. I kneeled at the opening at the bottom of the door, trying to find him in the darkness.
“What are you doing here?” he asked his voice hoarse. I caught the silhouette of him, his head hung low.
“I'm here to get you out of course,” I laughed but he didn't laugh with me.
“Phyn,” his voice was serious, “don't worry about me, just look out for yourself.”
I wrinkled my nose “What? Why on earth would I do that?”
Distant shouts from down the hall started to worry me. There was no time for him to play martyr.
“You wouldn't let me rot away in prison, why would I let you?” I reached out my hand to him. I could feel his hesitation. We didn't have the time for this.
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“Don't get yourself in trouble for my sake, I'll figure a way out of this,” he said.
I kept my hand there not moving.“You don't need to, I've got you." I stretched out my hand wider. The shouts growing louder, followed by the sound of stomping feet.
"Phyn, I'm serious, what if-" he stopped, a break in his voice.
"What if, what?"
"What if Merle traces you back from this? If gossip of you disappearing gets out he will look here. He could find you, you'd have to run again."
"So what?" I proclaimed decidedly. " I'm willing to risk it."
He sighed, "Just go Phyn."
I shook my head. "I'm not going anywhere you either take my hand or wait till they drag me away.”
There was a long pause, “Fine." Giving up he took my hand.
“You ready?” I asked knowing how jolting teleporting could be. “Yup,” he said, squeezing my hand.
I breathed and brought up a familiar mental image. A meadow just outside the city, away from many eyes. I focused on it, imagining us standing there, till we disappeared.
Following the sudden pull, we left the dark prison. Appearing in the sunny meadow, I stared up at the bright sky. Luca gasped, keeling over.
“Teleportings got quite a kick doesn't it.” I grinned at his reaction. I was already so used to the gut wrenching feeling.
“Ya no kidding,” he laughed, catching his breath. "It’s quite exciting though." He stood up straighter.
I smiled. "Ya, you think so?" Pride swelling inside me.
"Ya, it's quite extraordinary, Phyn."
My grin widened.Not many people knew about my gifting let alone experienced it first hand.
"If you ever decide you want to give this world a fighting chance, let me know. I think we'd make a good team." Luca’s eyes lighting up at the idea. He searched mine for an answer.
He must be joking. I laughed, watching the light fade from his eyes. it was a nice idea but I had a hard enough time saving myself.
"It's just a thought." He shrugged.
My eyes drifted back to his bloody lip. "They weren't too rough on you were they?" I asked.
"Nothing I can't handle," he said with a brave face. I was skeptical but it didn’t matter, he was safe.
I scanned the field, not a soul in sight, just wind waving grass and an old tree. We needed to get out of here before that changed.
“I guess this is where we split." I pulled off the bandana and stuffed it in my pack. "I still have business to finish in Euphoria," I added.
He nodded, mild disappointment across his face. “I should probably get out of here, sooner rather than later.”
I smirked, “Ya that’s a fair guess."
Luca put his hands in his pockets. “It was nice to see you under better circumstances.”
“Same here,” I agreed. My heart falling to my stomach, I probably wouldn't see him again for a long time.
“I should get going." He skirted around my gaze.
"Me too," I mimicked, ignoring the dull pain in my chest.
“Take care Phyn,” there was an ache in his voice.
I was tempted to stop him, maybe I really could go with him. Abandon the scum life I was living and fight for something that mattered. I wanted what Luca had, his heroic path. I ached for it.
I shook my head. I couldn't go, it was silly. Diggery would be waiting for me back at the camp. I had steady work. Best to just be grateful with what I had. I was safe at the camp. I knew how to survive and I shouldn't want anymore than that. No more thoughts of heroics.
"You as well Luca. If you ever find yourself in prison again send word and I'll be happy to break you out." I grinned, covering my dread.
"Don't worry I'll try and avoid ticking off royalty in the future," he snorted before he turned, stomping through the field.
"See you later, Phynley Okie." He called back, turning with a wave.
I waved back "See you, Luca." I whispered to myself. I hoped the world would be kinder to him, he deserved better.
I turned myself back towards Euphoria. Unfortunately back to the creepy taxidermy man's lair. I decided greater caution was necessary . That prison guard saw my face and so did that strange Wren fellow. I didn't want to risk stumbling upon either one of them.
I did a quick spin, scanning for any watchful eyes. I brought to mind the closet close to Rayburn's office. A dark musty space, a mop leaning in the corner. I had to be careful with the details, a closet was generic enough to be mixed up with similar places. I didn't want to end up halfway around the world because I was sloppy.
Settling it in my mind, I let my power surge. Appearing in the dark space, I pushed the door open and welcomed the light. As I did I scared some poor servant girl outside half out of her wits. She almost dropped the platter she was carrying, flinging herself in the opposite direction.
“Sorry!” I called, running off. I had no time to worry about her surprise, I needed to do this fast before my schemes caught up with me.
No one was in front of me so I ran fast, bounding down the hall. I was probably going to be early to Rayburns but I didn't care, I needed to leave the city. I slowed my feet approaching his door. Dread filled me once again. I didn't feel good about this. Maybe I should just pack it up and lie to Malachi. I’d doubt he'd buy it though.
I sighed, turning the metal door handle. “I know I must be early but something came up so if you have your reply I'll be on my way.” I announced, pushing past the monkey.
I stopped in place. Rayburn sat at his desk, eyes intently fixed at the man standing opposite to him. They were both caught up in aggressive whispers. The other man had a strange tattoo wrapping around his arm. A mesmerizing pattern ending in a clawed paw. I couldn't see his face but I bet it was intimidating.
They didn't even seem to notice me. I slowly stepped back, a fear in my chest. Maybe this could wait. I didn't want to get mixed up in this. I looked back at the monkey, pausing as my eyes stuck on something behind it. A skinny man with jet black hair and light blue eyes. Alexander Wren stood hiding behind the monkey his finger pressed to his lips telling me to be silent. What on earth? I raised my eyebrows confused. I was amazed that he made it out of the prison okay.
He motioned for me to follow him. I stepped closer, against my better judgement. He latched a firm grip on my arm, pulling me further in. I stumbled through the curtain, crashing into a hidden room.
Panic set in and I shoved at him, fighting his grasp I kicked at him, his grip tightening. I sunk my teeth into his arm and he yelped finally letting me go.“Hey watch it” he hissed, shaking off the pain.
“Let me go you numb skull!” I spat at him, pulling away.
"Hey, I'm trying to save your life. Do you have any idea who the tattoo man back there is? He's got quite a reputation for violence. You don't want to introduce yourself to a man like him.”
“I can handle myself.” I stated proudly.
He raised his eyebrows “Ya? Cause I pulled you in here no problem.”
I glared at him, biting my tongue. I could escape anytime I wanted to, but he didn't need to know that.
“Listen kid you need to get better friends. Rayburn is not someone you wanna cross paths with either.”
I snorted, “Rayburn and I aren't friends. This is purely business.”
Wren shook his head. “Even worse then,” he said. “These kinds of people aren't to be trusted. Take it from someone who knows. They're always scheming in the background.”
I rolled my eyes, “But you, I should trust?”
Wren sighed, wringing his hands in his hair, “No I guess you shouldn't. I don't know. It's complicated." His face stuck in a frown, he slouched his shoulders. “I'd just hate to see such raw talent go to waste. Loved your plan’s gumption. I didn't even see how you got out of the dungeon.”
I grinned to myself, knowing the truth. “Well thanks for the compliment but my business isn't your business.“
“Actually my business is knowing everyone's business. Alexander Wren is known for knowing what people are up too.”
I snorted at his use of the third person. “Ya? Then what am I up too.”
He shook his head “I don't know who you are, kid, but don't test my powers of deduction.”
I smirked at him daring him to try. He widened his grin. “By your clothes I can tell that you're from middle Tetrad. Freelancers aren't going to get an audience with someone like Rayburn so you must work with a big name. The only major player in middle Tetrad is Malachi, so I assume you work for him."
I choked back my surprise.
He laughed, seeing through my composure. "You mentioned a reply when you walked so I assume this has to do with a letter, making you some kind of errand girl. Although you must be a special errand girl to come alone and to carry Malachi's medallion. At least that's what I assume is at the end of the cord around your neck."
"You have no clue," I hissed, stepping back. I didn't want him to know all that stuff about me.
He laughed, "It's cool I'm not going to stop you. One thing I don't get is the whole prison thing, but regardless I think I've proven that I'm pretty good at this."
I just scowled at him, "Well then what are you doing here, since you've already figured me out."
He shook his head, "No, that's not how it works. I don't give information for free, I either get paid or I trade."
I frowned, "Well what is it that you want to know? Do you want to know why I broke into the prison?"
"Oh no, not that. I figure that's probably personal. What I'm dying to know is what the seal on that letter looked like?"
I froze, how did he know about the seal? It suddenly felt like dangerous information to give up. "And what info do I get in turn?" I stepped in closer.
"Hmmm, well I'll answer your question about what I'm doing here," he retorted with a grin.
I shook my head. "No, you're too comfortable giving that up. I want real dirt."
He appeared surprised. "Guess you do know what you're doing. Try another question then and I'll see."
I took a second to think, I needed to make it good. I could ask something about Malachi, but I didn't think I needed it. I lifted up my eyes and smirked. "Who do you think that seal belongs to? I assume you already have a guess."
He smiled, "What an interesting thing for you to ask." He paused as if thinking. "Yes I think that's a fair trade. You go ahead," he said waiting for me to speak.
I scowled, "No way, you're the one who said not to trust you."
"This is my game you play by my rules. I'm not about to skip out on you kid, I like you"
I sighed and hoped this wouldn't come back to bite me. "Fine. The ribbons were black and red and the seal pattern was a circle with little knobs coming off of it. Kinda like a gear or maybe a table with people around it from a bird's eye view. I don't know, it was weird." I said half expecting him to run off as soon as I said it.
He cursed something beneath his breath, a serious look in his eyes. "I was afraid they were moving again," he said with genuine fear.
"Who is?" I matched his tone. His expression was worrying me.
"You're old enough to remember talk of the war right? The war that formed the Tetrad alliance."
I nodded, my own parents had moved a great distance to get away from the worst of it.
"The story goes that before the war the four capitals were caught up in a bloody war against each other. The reasons being the usual, greed, power, what have you. An alliance only reached because of the threat of outside forces. Surrounded on all sides, they could either band together or fall to the chaos. None of the four wanted to fall by the wayside, so they swallowed their pride and merged their states. They stopped their enemies in their tracks and created a powerful nation. This is the story they tell, but it's only part of the truth." He cleared his throat, a sour smile on his face.
"Firstly there were many more states existing than just the four, some even stronger than their successors. People don't talk about the losers, they're glossed over, skipped, basically erased. It's not their lack of mention that is the sinister part, but how they were overcome. The four capitals that succeeded each had help. There is a group that lives in the shadows, existing for centuries. They pull the strings of the kings of this earth, looking out for their own interests. They hold dark powers, the kind of stuff that turns the tides of wars. For years they mostly kept to themselves, but in the wake of the great war they took strategic action. Offering their skills to the kings of the land, those who accepted their help gained victory and those who didn't were forgotten. They went silent after the war was over but now I fear they are moving again. They certainly are communicating, you described their seal perfectly," Wren took a breath, looking nauseas.
I frowned, analysing his words. "How do you know so much about them?"
He chuckled, "Believe it or not but, I've had a run in with them some years back." He rolled up his sleeve to show large oddly shaped scars on his forearm. They looked as if they had been pretty deep once, I shuddered.
I felt as sick as Wren looked, he gave me more information than I wanted. I didn't know what to do with it, it all seemed so bizarre. My mind went back to Luca's prophecy, old alliances being a common theme. Had I just handed over a letter that would start off the catastrophic events Luca described? I couldn't shake the feeling. It would be quite a coincidence if this all wasn't related.
"What do I do? I'm supposed to take back Rayburns reply to it." I asked him with desperate eyes.
Alexander Wren looked down on me with compassion."That's the hard part kid. Now that you got the info you have to decide what to do about it." He patted my shoulder, his voice gentler.
"Do I deliver it or not?" I asked looking up at him desperately hoping he would decide for me.
"That's your call kid, even if you don't bring it back you can only hope to delay what's coming. There's no stopping the inevitable." For the first time his bright eyes appeared dim.
"I'll make sure Tattoo man's gone and then I gotta go," he said peeking through the curtains. As he did I heard a distant clock tower ring out, four bells sounded. I didn't have any more time to think about it. "All clear. Stay safe kid, I like you." He smirked as I walked back into Rayburns office. It was time to get on with this.