40. CHAPTER FORTY
Leukos’ face contorted in rage. “What are you doing here, traitor?”
Nik choked, struggling to breathe through the tight grip. “Leukos—”
The tip of Leukos’ blade rested over the Achaean’s heart. “Do you remember the promise I made if you ever crossed my path again?”
Leukos seemed to vibrate with a simmering, smouldering anger that threatened to erupt at any moment.
Alena’s knees locked at the sight. “Leukos…”
He whipped around, and his stare, cold and unyielding, collided with hers.
The air grew heavy with tension until he abruptly released his grip on Nik, and the blond fell to his knees with a sharp gasp.
“You know this man?” Darkness shrouded Leukos’ face and, on instinct, Alena took a step back. He snatched her arm, pulling her so close that his features blurred. “Answer me!”
“He was in one of the cells.” Her voice came out as a hoarse whisper. “I came to the arena searching for Katell, and he said he knew her, so I bought him with the money you left me. He used his magic and helped me save the other slaves.”
Leukos’ gaze drilled into her with icy scrutiny, and any further words died in her throat.
A deep rumble followed by shouts echoed down the arched corridor, drawing them back to reality. Leukos released her without a word and headed for the staircase.
Alena let out a shaky breath, glancing from one man to the other. “I don’t understand. What happened?”
Neither of them answered.
When the shouts drew nearer, Leukos said in a brisk tone. “Let’s go. We still need to make it out of the city.” He shot up the coiling staircase without a backward glance.
Despite the heat of the fires, a cold feeling seeped into Alena’s gut, spreading through her chest.
She tried not to take Leukos’ outburst to heart, but it had shaken her. He’d never looked so hateful, not even back in the cave.
She glanced at Nik, who staggered to his feet, rubbing his throat.
“You heard the man.” He wheezed and jerked his head towards the stairs. “Go!”
She ascended the stairs once more, adjusting the tattered bandage around her wounded hand. Although the pain had lessened, it required prompt attention nonetheless.
Outside, sunlight poured over the open courtyard, and Alena shielded her eyes.
The battle continued around the arena. Shouts and screams filled the air as bright flames licked the arena walls. Beyond the gates, a handful of warriors used magic to fight off city guards, spreading chaos in the streets.
The Kantabri warrior, torch in hand, used his Gift to start fires in every bundle of wood or hay in sight, cackling. Close behind him, two other warriors—including the green-tongued boy—pushed back those who opposed them. The boy’s spit hit a city guard’s helmet, and the man screamed as the steel melted away, revealing his face beneath.
Grasping her elbow, Leukos led Alena out of the courtyard towards the narrow, cobbled streets. Nik followed close behind, sword in hand. Agapios waited in the shadows of an abandoned stall, signalling to make haste.
“Alena, my dear.” He clasped her shoulders and looked thoroughly relieved that she was alive. “I thought we had lost you. Are you hurt?”
Before she could answer, an explosion tore through the courtyard, making them all jump. A Rasennan woman rushed past, clutching two young children.
“There’s no time,” Leukos cut in, unsheathing his sword. “We need to get out of here before they shut the city gates.”
“We must be cautious. Word of the attack has already spread, and the slaves of the city are taking up arms.” Agapios wiped the beads of sweat along his brow. “Felix is preparing the horses as we speak. We just need to reach my stables.”
Leukos nodded. “Lead the way.”
They followed the older man through less crowded streets, walking swiftly and avoiding the growing number of slaves brandishing torches and crying for freedom. Rallying cries drifted from all directions, and among them, the same name echoed.
“Alena! Alena! Alena!”
Alena froze.
“I never imagined your actions in the arena could spur a full-on rebellion, my dear,” Agapios murmured. They pressed their backs against a stone wall, watching with bated breath as city guards rushed by. “I didn’t think it possible, escaping the arena like that; no one did. And right under Aurelius’ nose, as well. I really must commend you for your quick thinking.”
“All I wanted was to free the arena slaves,” she whispered. “I don’t want innocent people to die.”
Leukos’ lips pressed together in a hard line. “It’s too late for regrets. Word will get back to Kisra, and the Emperor will come after you now.”
She flinched at his short tone.
When he disappeared round the corner followed by Nik, Agapios held her back. “Don’t listen to Leukos.” He offered her a weak smile, and his bushy eyebrows knitted together, marking his forehead with distinct lines of concern. “No matter their fate, the slaves of Bruna will never forget what you did for them. The slaves you released got away, and Felix hid all the Non-Humans in a wagon heading to my estate in Illyria.”
Throat tight, Alena nodded. His words lifted the heavy weight pressing down on her ever since the arena master had mentioned none of them would make it out of the city. If her actions had saved lives, then she was prepared to face whatever consequences Leukos had hinted at with regard to the Emperor.
“We’ll take care of them, my dear.” Agapios squeezed her shoulder, his smile shifting to one of genuine warmth. “The Twelve bless you! You showed more courage today than I have seen in a long time. Come, let us not linger.”
They rounded the corner, catching up to Leukos and Nik. The alleyway was empty save for a stray dog sniffing for scraps around the abandoned food stalls.
Shouts barrelled down the streets, getting closer. Without warning, a cluster of slaves burst from a side alley, wielding weapons and torches. They halted, taking note of Leukos and Nik’s swords, and then Agapios and Alena behind, dressed like Rasennan nobles.
The slaves, with sunken cheeks and sharp collarbones, held violence in their eyes. For a moment, no one spoke a word, and then a bellowing shout erupted from one of them. The others matched his cry and raised their weapons in unison, ready to charge forward.
Beside Alena, Agapios grew tense and pulled her back. Before the slaves could take a single step, a sheer layer of ice raced along the stone wall where Leukos’ hand rested. Sparkling wisps of ice-blue magic emanated from his hand, and panic flittered among the slaves—too late. The ice grew around their bare feet and trapped them on the spot.
Alena gaped, transfixed by the breathtaking sight until Nik grabbed her good arm and urged her ahead. They hurried past, leaving behind the slaves, who pounded their weapons against the ice in a vain attempt to break it. Back on the main road, they hid from incensed slaves and city guards until they reached the stables.
Agapios’ servants waited in the courtyard, holding the reins to half a dozen horses. San and Kaixo were sitting atop a stocky grey mare. Alena smiled at them both, then sat with Felix at the back of a small cart.
Leukos grabbed a travel cloak among the supplies and wrapped it around Alena’s shoulders without a word, covering her ruined Rasennan dress.
“Please…” The beseeching tone he aimed at Felix was one she’d rarely heard him use. “Take care of her hand while we make our way out of the city. She needs fresh bandages and something for the pain.”
Felix inclined his head and rifled through a satchel. Alena glanced back at Leukos, but he’d already left her side to mount his horse.
“Quickly!” Agapios called out. “We need to leave before they close the gates.”
Leukos rode ahead. “Let’s head to the western gate. It’s the furthest one from the arena.”
The old man agreed, and they set off, mingling with the locals and merchants heading out of Bruna. Nik’s horse stayed close by the cart while Felix tended to Alena’s hand. He covered it with the same shimmering salve Agapios’ healer had used the night before, then wrapped it with a fresh linen bandage.
They reached the western gate and, unnoticed by the guards, slipped out of the city.
Alena slumped against the wooden chest at her back, breathing a little easier once the city walls disappeared from view. They rode until the sun began its descent and a shallow stream crossed their path. Agapios dismounted his stallion and led it to the water. The others followed, and Leukos filled the waterskins while Alena and Nik washed off the grime and soot from their arms and faces.
“This is where I must leave you,” Agapios said, wrapping a large travel cloak about his shoulders. “I have prepared some supplies and cloaks for you all.”
Each horse carried leather bags strapped to the saddles, and Felix handed them all dark green travel cloaks. The servant showed Alena to a sleek bay mare, and then it was time for Agapios to leave.
“I am once more in your debt,” Leukos said, clasping arms with his old friend. “I cannot repay you enough.”
“Anything for you, my boy.” Agapios patted his shoulder with a smile. “Whenever you need me.”
“Be careful, my friend. If the arena master is alive, he’ll come after you with everything he has. And once the Emperor hears of the rebellion—”
“Fear not.” The older man waved his hand in a dismissive manner. “I will ride south to my estate in Illyria and stay there until this whole affair dies down. With a bit of luck, Aurelius was killed in the fires, and the Emperor will never find out about my involvement.”
Leukos jerked his head towards Nik, who was still in the stream, gurgling and spitting out water. “Take him with you. I have no need for his traitorous kind. Sell him to the next arena for all I care.”
“Leukos!” Alena cried out, taken aback by the vehemence of his words. “Nik helped me rescue all those slaves. He’s staying with us.”
The icy glare Leukos cast her way would have cowered others, but she stood her ground. She didn’t know the history between the two men, but in that moment, she didn’t care.
“Besides, I used the money you gave me to buy him from the arena master.” She raised her chin, meeting his gaze. “So, he’s officially our slave.”
Agapios laughed, eyes crinkling. “You should listen to your lady, Leukos. She has good instincts.”
“I wouldn’t call burning down the arena and drawing the Emperor’s attention ‘good instincts’.”
Heat rushed to Alena’s cheeks at Leukos’ scathing response, and she quashed the prick of pain that rose inside her chest.
“May the Sea God watch over you, old friend,” Leukos went on.
“And you too, Leukos.” Agapios’ attention then shifted to Alena. He reached out his hand to her. “I wish you good fortunes, Alena.”
She clasped hands with the older man and bowed her head. “Thank you, Agapios, for everything. I couldn’t have done it without you.” She would never forget everything he’d risked to help her.
Leukos aided Agapios in mounting his horse and, with a toothy smile and a final wave, the old man left, followed by his servants and the cart. They soon disappeared down the winding path, through the thick pastures.
A frosty silence fell over the remaining party.
Anger rolled off the Megarian’s powerful frame in waves as he glared at Nik, who was still guzzling down water in the stream. Beside him, Kaixo tried to catch fish with his bare hands, shrieking and splashing, while San watched from atop the stocky mare.
After a moment, Leukos’ gaze shifted, and Alena sensed it burning her face but ignored him. Even if he had her best interests at heart, she hadn’t deserved his sharp tongue. When he still didn’t say a word to her, she brushed past him, heading back to her mare.
She stroked the beast’s long neck, taking in her height, and frowned. Rasennan horses were taller than Freefolk ones. She’d also need help mounting.
“You can ride with me.” Leukos’ deep voice ghosted the nape of her neck. “Or at least, let me help you.”
She gripped the mare’s mane with her good hand, refusing to face the insufferable Megarian. “It’s fine.”
She jumped up, but with her injured hand and the constricting Rasennan robes wrapped around her body, her leg didn’t swing high enough.
“I’ve got you.” Two firm hands caught her waist and hoisted her up into the saddle.
Her face flushed, but she kept her gaze firmly ahead, taking the reins in one hand. She hoped the mare wouldn’t give her any trouble, but refused to voice her fears out loud.
Leukos’ hands lingered on her hips, and her traitorous pulse quickened at his gentle touch. “Alena, I’m sorry.” His words carried a deep rumble of remorse, and his shoulders sagged. “I was caught off guard with everything that happened and reacted with anger. I didn’t mean to be unkind. It was unfair of me.”
The warmth of his hands disappeared, and he walked away.
Alena took in a painful breath. The sincerity in his voice eased her wounded feelings. She’d never met someone who could infuriate her one moment and then make her stomach flutter the next. The men at Camp Bessi had only been interested in the hunt or their flock. Young men would approach her during the lunar festivals when honey wine flowed, but they’d never listened to her. Besides, one piercing look from Katell, and they’d kept their distance. None of them bore any likeness to the tall and handsome Megarian with the most striking eyes she’d ever seen either. Not even close.
She wondered if Leukos’ kiss would feel different too, but swiftly pushed the thought aside.
Leukos jumped atop his horse and called to the others. “Time to go.”
Kaixo rushed back to his mother, soaking wet, and she leaned down to help him mount their mare. Nik tugged on his sandals, then hopped onto a chestnut horse. Ever since his encounter with Leukos, he’d grown subdued.
Under the midday sun, Leukos’ raven-black hair seemed to gleam with a bluish hue. “My friends have set up a hidden camp in Eluvia, not far from here. We can stay there and decide our next steps.”
A sinking feeling settled in the pit of Alena’s stomach. “Wait, what about Katell? Aren’t we going to save her?”
She pivoted towards Nik, who was busy rolling his shoulders, his powerful back muscles flexing beneath his tunic.
“She left the arena with the Rasennan army,” he said. “Dalmatius, the Sixth Legion’s praefect, took her.”
Alena’s mouth fell open. “What?!”
At the same time, Leukos’ eyebrows shot up. “Dalmatius, the Undefeated? In Bruna?”
“The very same.” Nik’s voice was still hoarse from the smoke. “I heard he sends spies to arenas all over the Empire to find Gifted warriors and bring them into the army. I never thought the praefect himself would show up in Bruna.”
“He should be up on the northern front with his legion. It makes no sense for him to be in Bruna...” Leukos trailed off.
Trying to make sense of their words, Alena blinked. The name ‘Undefeated’ didn’t reassure her in the slightest.
“Where did they go?” she asked Nik. “Where did he take her?”
He shifted in his saddle and then picked up his reins. “No idea. Back to his legion, I suppose. The Sixth must be camped nearby since Dalmatius came to Bruna with only a handful of soldiers.”
Leukos wheeled his horse around, heading westward. “We need to reach my friends’ camp. There’s no time to waste.”
Alena frowned. “But—”
“If one of the legions is camped nearby, my friends will know more. Let’s go.”
He took off at a gallop, and frustration welled up inside her. “Stars be damned,” she whispered under her breath.
Nik’s gaze fixed on the Megarian ahead. “If anyone can help you find Katell, it’s him.”
She sighed and signalled to San. All four followed Leukos at a trot.
“Will you at least tell me how you two know each other?” she asked.
Nik rubbed the back of his neck, a fleeting touch of sadness clouding his features. “Leukos was my closest friend growing up. We were like brothers.”
Alena’s breath caught and her eyes widened. They’d grown up together in Megara? Was Nik also Megarian, then?
A deluge of questions flooded her mind. Yet, as she opened her mouth to probe further, he spurred his horse forward and galloped away.