Page 129 of To Kill a King
“Therolis was a good man,” Karlee murmured.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” Aliya swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. “For what it’s worth, Elessan is most likely dead. Killed by one of the human’s Whisperers.”
“Good riddance,” Kord mumbled under his breath.
A dagger twisted in Aliya’s heart. She ground her teeth and clenched her hands hard enough her fingernails nearly cut into her palms.
It shouldn’t bother her so much that someone else was happy he was dead. Personally, she would feel the pain of his loss for the rest of her days, regardless of what the world thought.
“You didn’t know him. He was a good elf.” At least, at the end. “He died trying to save me.” She swallowed again and blinked as the tears threatened to spill down her cheeks.
Karlee squeezed her shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. It wasn’t your fault. Kord has a quick temper and isn’t happy unless he’s holding a grudge. But he’s a good fighter, and he’ll have your back.” The last sounded more like a command than an assurance.
At least someone had forgiven her. Aliya sent Karlee a watery smile before she turned to Jalius. “You knew Elessan killed your friend, and you still saved my life?”
The gnome nodded. “I saw an opportunity for change, and I took it.” He smiled, meeting every pair of eyes in turn. “And now, here we are, looking at the future with hope for the first time in decades.”
The door to the warehouse burst open, sending shards of wood flying throughout the room. The crack sent echoes bouncing between Aliya’s ears.
Karlee screamed as Brooks stuck his head through the door.
Aliya’s heart jumped into her throat. He’d found her!
A rough hand grabbed her shoulder, spinning her around. Jalius’ wide eyes met hers. “That way, Your Majesty! Out the back!” He pointed to a door hiding in the dark corner along the far wall that she’d missed earlier.
Glancing over her shoulder, she grabbed Karlee’s hand and tugged her toward the second exit. Heavy footsteps came closer as more of Brooks’ soldiers poured in.
Overhead, a falcon screamed as it dive-bombed the intruders.
A flash of crimson light from behind them lit the walls ahead just as the second door swung open. A chunk of wood and iron from the busted latch flew past Aliya’s head as she ducked to the side.
A reflection off metal brought her up short. Karlee slammed into her, nearly knocking them both to the floor.
Guards stood on the far side of the second door, blocking their escape.
They were surrounded.
Aliya glanced at the ceiling, to the open skylight as Kord’s falcon circled high above, picking its targets before plunging toward its next victim. If only she’d learned how to fly…
She shook her head. That might have saved her, but it would leave the rest of her friends in Brooks’ hands and Malkov’s dungeons, which she couldn’t allow.
Grabbing a fistful of magic from her core, she hurled a fireball at the soldiers standing between her and freedom.
It hit the guards’ breastplates and fizzled out as though she’d thrown flames into water.
The closest guard flashed her a self-satisfied smile as he drew his sword.
She gasped as her stomach clenched.
Grabbing even more magic, she threw it at him again.
The power hissed as it collapsed onto itself and disappeared.
“Your magic’s no good against our new armor, mage.”
The screams and grunts behind her were getting closer.
“Your Majesty!” Jalius’ voice rang out behind her. “Run! Save yourself!”