28. Haldric #2
“That’s King Haldric now,” Janelle said. The title twisted at Haldric’s gut. She peered past the Grand Magus down the empty corridor, seeming satisfied when she saw no one else. “What are you doing out here, Dexil? The halls aren’t safe. In case you haven’t noticed, we’re under attack.”
“Attack?” Dexil gasped. “By the Goddess! I’d noticed something was amiss and was on my way to check it out, but I didn’t realize the situation was so dire. Who would dare do such a thing? And how?”
“Rebels, by the look of it,” Haldric replied grimly. “As for how, we don’t know yet. Regardless, it’s not safe for you to wander alone. You’re welcome to accompany us.”
The Grand Magus blinked, hesitating a moment before jerking a nod. “Of course. If you’re moving to escape, then I’ll guide you. I’m well-versed in the palace’s hidden passages.”
“Not escape.” Haldric stepped past Dexil and continued down the hall. “At least, not yet. We’re heading for the dungeon.” Glancing over, he met the Grand Magus’ startled violet eyes. “To rescue Benjin.”
Dexil held his gaze, and Haldric willed him not to argue. After all, if anyone should be sympathetic to Benjin’s plight, it was the Grand Magus. Benjin’s current predicament was at least partially his fault. While Haldric might’ve accepted the curse, it had been the Grand Magus who offered it.
Dexil eventually bowed his head. “Of course, Your Majesty. Lead the way.”
Haldric obliged. As they walked, Janelle on edge for any signs of danger and Dexil seemingly lost in his own thoughts, Haldric considered the Grand Magus from the corner of his eye.
He hadn’t really had time to ponder Dexil’s role in all this, but it occurred to him now that the Grand Magus had known the truth of Benjin’s innocence all along. Yet, he’d still perpetuated the lie that Benjin had kidnapped him. Why? Had it been some misplaced attempt to shield Haldric from blame?
Sneaking a glance at his aunt, Haldric decided to hold his questions until they had a chance to discuss the matter in private. He didn’t want to get Dexil in trouble if the man had simply been looking out for him.
When they reached the stairs to the dungeons, Janelle insisted on taking the lead in case any rebels lurked below. Thankfully, the area appeared to be deserted, even the usual guards not at their posts.
Benjin’s cell stood all the way at the end of the musty corridor. Designed specifically to hold casters, it had been reinforced with wards to block any attempts at channeling magic from within.
Anticipation squirming in his stomach, Haldric reached for the door.
Dexil held up a hand. “Wait, Your Majesty.”
Haldric paused. “What is it?”
Dexil gestured to Haldric’s sword. “The antimagic wards might damage your weapon. Leave it here with us while you grab Benjin.”
Haldric frowned. It seemed unlikely the wards would damage anything, but he supposed the Grand Magus knew best. After all, he was the one who’d built the cell in the first place.
Nodding absently, his mind focused on his impending reunion with Benjin, Haldric did as Dexil requested, relinquishing his weapon. All the while, his aunt muttered under her breath about what a waste of time this was.
Perhaps she was right. Perhaps he was being foolish. He was king now, after all, which made the defense of Ilthabard his prime responsibility.
But he’d misguidedly attempted to leave Benjin behind once. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he made the same mistake again.
With a deep breath to calm his nerves, he opened the door and stepped into the cell. A shiver racked his flesh as the antimagic wards washed over him, even more powerful and constraining than the blood hex that enemy mage had used on him.
As soon as his eyes settled on Benjin’s slumped form chained to the back wall, he rushed to him. “Benjin!”
Benjin looked up blearily, his eyes widening when he saw Haldric. “No!” He strained against his chains. “Get out of here! The Grand Magus—he’s the one behind this!”
Haldric froze, struggling to process Benjin’s words. The Grand Magus? But that would mean—
A cry echoed behind them. Haldric whirled to see his aunt collapsing at Dexil’s feet, twitching in the throes of some spell.
An empty glass vial glistened in Dexil’s hand.
The Grand Magus met his gaze, his violet eyes soft with sorrow.
“I’m sorry, Haldric. I do only what I must for the future of Ilthabard. ”
Dexil reached for the door, and Haldric suddenly snapped to his senses. “No!” he cried, rushing forward.
But he was too slow.
With a resounding clang, the door slammed shut, sealing both him and Benjin inside. Haldric pounded on the thick wood, desperation squeezing his chest. “Dexil, please! Don’t do this!”
“It’s too late, Haldric,” the muffled reply came from the other side.
“Nothing can stop the tides of progress now. Ilthabard’s age of princes and kings must come to an end.
” His words grew shaky, barely audible through the thick wood.
“I’ll return as soon as I can. I…I don’t want you to suffer any longer than necessary. ”
Alarm rippled down Haldric’s spine, and he slammed a fist against the door. “It doesn’t have to be this way! Stop this madness, and I swear I will sit down with you and listen to whatever you have to say. Dexil? Dexil!”
No response except silence. The Grand Magus was already gone.