Chapter 7
The next two days followed a similar pattern. They floated along the tunnel river, switching torches every few hours, eating small meals here and there, and sleeping on occasion. Just when Sabine thought she couldn’t handle another minute in the mountain, she saw a faint light ahead. A minute later, the river exited the tunnel and entered a valley. The boat hit the bottom, and the soldiers jumped out, pulling it up onto solid ground.
Markis helped Sabine out of the boat. Her legs felt weak from being cramped in the small boat for the past couple of days. She reached up, stretching. The air felt wonderful and refreshing. Unfortunately, the sun had already set and dusk had descended over the land. At least tomorrow she would feel its warmth on her face.
“It’s a good thing we exited in the evening,” Markis said. “Otherwise, our eyes couldn’t have handled the bright light.”
Sabine hadn’t considered that. She glanced around. “Do we walk from here?” She doubted their horses were on another boat following behind them.
“We have a place not far from here,” the stockier soldier said. “We will eat and sleep there for the night. There will also be horses there for us to use.”
That sounded like a perfectly reasonable plan. As she started walking, she realized it felt as if the ground were moving up and down ever so slightly.
“It’ll take a day or two to get your balance back,” Markis said as he watched her.
She nodded and continued on, thankful to be on solid ground even if it didn’t feel so solid right now. They traveled for another mile before coming to a small wooden house with a pen out back, filled with half a dozen horses. Inside the house, there were several bedrolls and a hearth piled with wood. That was about it. The four of them ate and then went to bed.
They set out on horseback early the next morning. Now that it was lighter out, she could focus on her surroundings. They were traveling in a valley between two steep mountain ranges, both of which appeared to have an abundance of black rocks and bright green moss covering them. There were a few trees scattered throughout—mostly pines. As they went, the vegetation became thicker and brighter in color.
That night, they stayed in another empty house. Sabine suspected these houses had been built specifically for soldiers to use when traveling through Lynk. She had yet to see a town or village.
The following day, as they rode their horses, Sabine noticed what appeared to be buildings carved into the side of the mountain. “What are those?” she asked, pointing toward the top of the mountain to their left.
“Homes.”
She squinted, trying to get a better look. The structures seemed to be part of the mountain, as if born from it. The only reason she even saw them was because whatever they’d been constructed with, the material stood in contrast to the green foliage and the black rocks.
“I can’t imagine trying to build those.” Markis whistled. “That’s mighty impressive.”
“People live there?” Sabine asked, needing clarification. All she could envision was a little girl leaning out of a window and plummeting to her death.
“Do people typically not live in houses in Bakley?” the soldier in the back asked.
“They do,” she replied, irritated by his snide comment. “But our homes aren’t hanging on the side of a mountain. They are on flat, solid ground.”
He chuckled. “That sounds boring. And dangerous.”
“How is having a house on the ground not safe?” she asked.
“If an enemy approaches, you’re not at an advantage.”
As they rode, she thought about that. This was a military kingdom. Everything, it seemed, reflected that. It made sense. Her own kingdom was the same. Since farming was Bakley’s primary focus, the land, people, stores, and lack of a military reflected that.
A terrifying thought suddenly occurred to her. “Is the palace on a mountain like that?”
Both soldiers laughed, neither one answering her question.
The four of them traveled along the valley, between the mountain ranges, for several days. The farther north they went, the warmer it became. They finally left the valley, heading toward the mountain. When they reached it, they took a path carved into the side of it. The narrow trail wound back and forth as it gently ascended.
The sun started to set just as they reached the top of the mountain. Sabine didn’t know what she expected to find, but this certainly wasn’t it. An entire city stood before her. The homes looked like they hung over the edge of the mountain. Most of the structures were several stories tall, all constructed with stone. In Bakley, most of the homes were made from wood, and only the castle and the duke’s homes were made from stone. Toward the center of the city, the buildings were even taller, maybe five or six stories.
“We’ll walk from here,” the soldier leading the way said as he dismounted.
Sabine slid off her horse, her legs shaking from the journey up the mountain.
Two young boys wearing loose pants and sleeveless shirts approached. They smiled and then took all four horses, leading them away.
“Follow me,” the one soldier said as he assumed the lead. Sabine and Markis did as he asked while the other soldier walked behind them.
They took what must be the main street since it went straight through the city. Along the way, they passed several storefronts. Some had displays of fabric, others beads and jewelry. On top of the stores, lines strung from one window to another across the street, laundry hanging on them to dry. Sabine peered down one of the side streets. It, too, was lined with stores and homes. However, it only went fifty or so feet, right to the edge of the mountain.
The people all wore strange clothing. The men had on loose pants and thin shirts, many of the shirts unbuttoned. The women looked as if they’d taken a large swath of fabric and twisted it around their bodies, securing it with a belt. A lot of people didn’t bother with shoes and simply went barefoot. Sabine didn’t think it was a lack of money based upon the jewelry many of the people exhibited. It had to be a cultural thing. She couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of Alina seeing all of this for the first time. Her sister would have been horror-stricken to see so much skin exposed. However, based upon the warmth and humidity, Sabine guessed the people of Lynk dressed accordingly.
The buildings abruptly ended but the road kept on going for another thirty feet or so, appearing as if it led straight off the cliff. It was hard to tell because as the sun set, thick clouds rolled in, level with them at the top of the mountain. About five feet from the end of the road, two men clad all in black, including a black cloth that covered their heads leaving only a small cutout for their eyes, stood in the middle of the road.
“Halt,” one of the men stated. “No one gets in or out. Direct orders from the king.”
“I have a letter from the king’s personal steward, Gunther,” the soldier to Sabine’s right said as he held out the letter Markis had handed over to them when they first reached Lynk.
The man on the right stepped forward, taking the letter. He quickly read through it. “We’ll take it from here. You’re both dismissed.”
The two soldiers who’d accompanied Sabine and Markis bowed and then left without saying a word to them. Even though Sabine had never learned either of their names, she suddenly felt abandoned. Instead of showing any hint of unease, she kept her face blank and made sure to keep her head held high. She was going to be the queen of Lynk and needed to make sure she behaved as such.
One of the men knelt, opening a wooden door in the ground that Sabine hadn’t noticed before. He pulled out a blue flag and stood, waving it in the air. After a few seconds, he returned the flag to its place. A loud groan resounded. Sabine could have sworn the ground beneath her feet shuddered.
“I’ll be damned,” Markis muttered.
Two large wooden planks began to lower, one from the mountainside where they stood, and the other from what appeared to be another mountain across the way. The other mountain ended up being more like an island, only surrounded by air instead of water. Perched precariously on that island mountain sat an elegant white palace. Sabine hadn’t seen it at first because the clouds were so thick, concealing a portion of it, making the palace look as if it were floating.
Once the two bridges fully lowered, they connected, forming a long pathway from one mountain to the other. Two wooden doors opened on the other side and a dozen soldiers exited, coming straight toward them. These men, like the two with them, were dressed in solid black pants, tunics, and masks. Only seeing their eyes sent a chill down Sabine’s spine. Each man also carried a spear and had a sword strapped to his waist.
They stopped just before the end of the bridge.
Sabine half wondered what would happen if the wind blew hard enough. She suspected the soldiers would be blown right off the bridge. The men kept their focus straight ahead, probably not wanting to look down. She wouldn’t want to look down either.
One soldier stepped forward. “I am Captain Lithane, in charge of the palace guard.” He held his hand out, and one of the other soldiers handed over the letter. He quickly read it. “It bears the king’s steward’s seal.” He looked at Sabine and Markis.
“I am Lieutenant Markis Belle, tasked with delivering Princess Sabine Ludwig safely to the palace.”
“We’ve been expecting you.” He looked at Sabine again. “Though we didn’t expect you to arrive like this.” His eyes narrowed. “Lieutenant Markis, you may leave. I will escort Princess Sabine inside.”
“I am not to leave her until she is delivered safely to the king.” Markis’s voice remained strong, not once wavering.
The sky began to darken and the air turned cold. “It is getting late,” Sabine said, using her most sophisticated and haughty voice. “The journey here has been long and harrowing. I wish to go inside and retire for the night. Lieutenant Markis will remain at my side. That is not negotiable.”
“The king will decide,” Lithane replied. “If you wish to enter, you must be checked.” He took a step toward Markis. “Spread your arms and legs.”
Markis did as he said. “In addition to the sword at my waist, I have two knives.”
Lithane quickly patted him down, retrieving the three weapons. “These will remain with me until you leave.”
“I will discuss the matter with the king,” Markis said.
Lithane ignored him and turned to face Sabine. “Now I will check the princess.”
“You will maintain your place,” Sabine said, her voice loud and firm. “And you will not lay a hand on me.” She’d never been patted down by a soldier before and would not consent to being touched so brusquely now.
“I can’t allow you inside the palace without making sure you are free from weapons.”
She chuckled, like she’d seen her mother do when confronting a situation where she wished to have the upper hand. “Yet you all walk around with weapons. Weapons that anyone wishing the king harm could easily steal and use.”
“No one gets past us.”
“If no one could,” Sabine said, folding her arms, “then you’re telling me my sister was assassinated by a Lynk soldier?”
She heard Markis’s sharp intake of breath.
No one said a word for an uncomfortable minute.
“Are you accusing a Lynk soldier of killing your sister?” Lithane asked, his voice low.
“You will address me as a princess. And by your logic, you are admitting someone from your guard killed her since, as you stated, no one could get past you and your soldiers.”
He opened his mouth to speak again but closed it, remaining quiet instead.
Sabine took the opportunity to maintain control of the situation. “As far as I’m concerned, I am entering the place where my sister was murdered. I will proceed with my dagger and my personal guard. You cannot—and will not—deny me these things. I am your future queen. Now take me to meet King Rainer.”
Lithane stared at her for what felt like a full minute before answering. “I do not have the authority to admit you into the palace armed. Nor can I allow your…guard in. I will have to consult with my superior. Please wait here…Your Highness.” He bowed and then returned to where his men stood waiting. They parted, and Lithane walked between them, back to the opened gate and into the palace.
Markis folded his arms and turned his back to the soldiers and the palace. “That was…a tad bit risky, don’t you think?”
“No. It was necessary to establish my authority and make sure you remain at my side. I trust no one else with my protection.”
He nodded. “Then let’s hope this works. Otherwise, we’re sleeping out here tonight.”
The clouds continued to roll in, concealing the palace. Sabine shivered from the light wind and the moisture in the air.
“Who is he consulting?” she asked.
“I’m not sure how their chain of command works here. He said he was a captain, so I’m guessing he’s pretty high up.” He kicked the dirt with the toe of his boot. “Maybe we should have waited for the carriage to catch up.”
“We’ve been over this. Stop second-guessing yourself.” She needed food. And water. And a warm bed. Oh, and a bath sounded lovely. However, if she had to remain out here tonight to prove a point, she would.
About thirty minutes later, Lithane finally returned with a man at his side.
The man was dressed differently from the soldiers. He wore cream-colored pants and a matching tunic with the buttons open in the front, revealing his toned chest. Sabine had never seen a tunic like that before—worn like a jacket, only without a shirt beneath it. Beautiful gold stitching adorned the thick collar. As the man got closer, Sabine saw he had a thin crown atop his head though she didn’t think he was the king.
He stopped in front of her. “I am Prince Axel Manfred.” He bowed. When he straightened, his dark brown eyes scanned her from head to toe and the corners of his lips rose, as if fighting a smile.
She replied, “I am Princess Sabine Ludwig.” From what she’d been told, the twins were twenty-two years old. He was certainly handsome in a generic sort of way. Square face, strong jawline, and dark hair.
“First, I would like to start by offering my condolences.”
That surprised her. “Thank you.”
“You have darker hair than your sister, but I see the resemblance. We did not expect you to arrive here at the palace so soon. We thought it would take at least another week for your carriage to arrive. Unfortunately, the king is not here to greet you.” He clasped his hands behind his back.
Markis quickly introduced himself and explained why they were dressed the way they were and without a carriage and guard.
As Markis spoke, Sabine studied Axel, trying to determine if he knew about the attack on their carriage or not. Maybe he was behind her sister’s death. No one could be ruled out.
“I’m sure you’ve had a long, tiring journey,” Axel said. “Let’s get you inside.” He turned to face Lithane. “Princess Sabine and her guard are granted entrance. And the princess may keep any weapons she has in her possession.”
“As you wish, Your Highness,” Lithane replied.
Axel spoke quietly with Lithane for a moment, presumably giving the man instructions. When he finished, he turned to Sabine. “Princess, my men will show you to the room your sister was using, if that is okay with you? Her things are still there—we haven’t packed anything up yet. It didn’t feel right to touch her belongings. We thought it best for one of her family members to handle the matter. However, if you prefer, I can have another room prepared for you, in case her things hold too many memories.”
Emotion overwhelmed her at the thought of being in the same room Alina had been in. “My sister’s room is fine.” Then she could wear her sister’s clothing. The mere thought of touching Alina’s things gave her a sense of comfort.
“Once you are washed and dressed appropriately, my siblings and I will join you for something to eat. I assume you are hungry from your journey?”
She was famished. “Yes, thank you.”
He bowed his head, then left.
“Follow me,” Lithane said. He led Sabine and Markis across the bridge.
The soldiers remained parted. Lithane, Sabine, and Markis walked in the center, past the soldiers. The bridge had more bounce than Sabine had anticipated, making her nervous to cross it, even if it was fifteen feet or so wide. She dared not look at what lay over the side—if she could even see down that far. Instead, she kept her focus straight ahead, on the two large wooden doors that seemed to be screaming her name, begging for her to reach them.
And then she was back on solid ground, entering through the doors. Once the soldiers were safely back in the palace, the bridge was lifted using cranks on the wall, and the doors were closed and locked.
“This way,” Lithane said. He led Sabine, followed by Markis and half a dozen soldiers, under an archway and into a courtyard adorned with water fountains and roses. In the dim light of the early evening, it was hard to see much. The courtyard branched off into a dozen or so archways, some with doors and others leading to long corridors.
Lithane escorted them through one of the archways on the left and then down a hallway that seemed to extend along the side of the palace. To her right, there was a smooth white wall; to her left, there were several open archways—without windows—which appeared to have a complete vertical drop straight to the floor of the valley below. She couldn’t bring herself to lean out and look to verify.
They turned and went along another hallway before Lithane opened a door and escorted them into a large room. They crossed it and went up four flights of stairs, down another hallway, and then stopped at a door.
“This is your room,” Lithane said. “A servant has been called to attend to you. Your guard may remain on watch out here. Prince Axel is arranging for sentries to guard you as well. He should be along shortly and will show you to the dining hall once you are ready.” He bowed his head and then left.
“Wait here,” Markis said, opening the door. “I want to inspect the room first.” He went inside.
Sabine remained at the threshold, the six Lynk soldiers spreading out in the hallway behind her. She peered into the room, observing her sister’s trunks. Tears filled her eyes. A piece of her sister was in there. She forced herself to look away from Alina’s things and examine the room. On the left side there were eight arched openings and a single doorway, without a door, revealing a sizable balcony. She suspected it jutted out over the side of the mountain. In the center of the room, there was a large bed with sheer fabric hanging around it. It wouldn’t shut out the light, so she didn’t understand why the fabric was there at all. The bed had several light blue blankets. To the right, it appeared there was a dressing closet and a bathing room.
“It’s all clear,” Markis said. “I’ll let you get ready. Shall I send the servant in to assist you once she arrives?”
“Yes, thank you.” She closed the door and took a deep breath. It was time to get to work. She swore to discover who killed her sister, and she planned to keep that promise.