Chapter Forty-Eight
I join Gryphon at the top of the stairs where we’re greeted by a dozen of Hadeon’s top guards. At first, I’m startled out of my mind and my shaking limbs don’t do me any favors as Gryphon and I stand, swords poised at the ready, waiting for Thaddeus and Thaliya to join us.
The guards, some smirking while some openly laugh, dare us to make our move. As I meet their gazes, I notice Patton at the head of their crew. Shaken, I realize this is what he’s trained us for. This very moment.
His slight bow of his chin is all the encouragement I need.
So, while the guards still laugh, waiting for the true fight to arrive, we strike as one.
Gryphon and I advance fast and hard, remaining with our backs close while driving a wedge between our enemies. Patton pivots and is able to strike three of his own men down before anyone is the wiser. And while another stands slack jawed watching Patton expertly cut down guard after guard, I step in, blade striking true to the collar bone before they’re able to comprehend my wrath. Gryphon drives two at once into the wall, using our surroundings to distract and trap, just as Patton taught us. He catches my eye, his courtly smile bright from ear to ear with delight.
I heave my sword through the belly of one young but skilled female guard and step back, the clanging of swords overcome by silence as the last guard falls. I step into Gryphon, our shoulders brushing against each other, confirming we both still stand. He’s blood spattered from head to toe but still smiling, eyes scanning the carnage before us as if it's the finest sight he’s ever witnessed. And with the more than sheltered court life he’s lived, maybe this is what he’s been waiting for.
Thaddeus sets Baylor down behind us. “I carry the injured and miss all the fun?”
Thaliya and I quickly rush in to catch Baylor. His eyes are open but distant, as if he’s fighting to gain control of his thoughts and movements.
“Next time, I’ll leave you one or two,” Gryphon says as Patton claps him on the shoulder, a look of pride shining in his warrior eyes.
“He’s coming around.” Thaliya looks to me and I nod in reassurance. Baylor keeps trying to hold his head up, but he’s not quite stable yet.
“It’ll come fast and hard,” Thaddeus responds. Our eyes meet for a moment and in that completely inappropriate moment, everything snaps back into place. A million memories flash unbidden through my mind, moments we shared together trading breaths and kisses in dark hallways and stretched out across the office carpet, fire blazing in the background. His songs, both dark and hopeful, play in the background of every moment passed between us.
“Grrrter rrmmm,” an incomprehensible breath escapes from Baylor and there's laughter. Laughter full of light in the darkest of moments.
Thaddeus looks up and as he does, another rush of guards head our way. Gryphon resumes his fighting stance, readying for the next onslaught.
“Keep him walking.” Thaddeus loops Baylor around my shoulder and kisses my forehead. “We’ve got this.”
I look up at him speechless. We’re fighting for our lives and he offers a forehead kiss? The very least romantic of kisses? “We’ll meet up with you at the stables.” And with that he’s at Gryphon and Patton’s side, advancing to give Thaliya and I time to escape with our still woozy Baylor.
Still in a daze, I help pull Baylor through the hallway, trying to remain inconspicuous amongst the people who have begun to notice not all is right within the castle walls. It seems as if those we run into help us in our plight, blocking us from the many guards searching the passages. We’re lucky enough to elude anyone who’d sound an alert all the way down the main hallway.
“We can run down and grab a few more supplies, then start our way toward the stables.” I look hopefully at Thaliya, staring down the steps that lead to the healer’s ward.
“No. The others will come this way looking for you. You must go straight to the stables.” She points toward the stables as if I hadn’t already realized I have to make it to the completely opposite side of the castle.
She looks at Baylor and a silent communication passes between them as she weighs the options, and Baylor in our arms. “Can you walk?” She nudges Baylor in the side and he stands, swaying between us.
“We can make it to the ward, the two of us.” The confidence in her words, at a time when everyone’s searching for us, makes me think they have other things they haven’t told me yet. “We’ll meet you at the stables.” She gives my hand a quick squeeze and shifts her attention to her son.
“I can make it,” Baylor huffs out as they turn toward the staircase. They shuffle off, slowly descending until I can no longer see them, Baylor leaning heavily on his mother’s shoulder. Thaliya is a pillar of strength.