I turned and walked out. I moved carefully through the halls, searching faces for any servants I recognized from the rebellion. I needed Roe, but I couldn’t find him. I went down to the kitchens and found Iva. I motioned to her from the doorway, and she stepped out.
“Can I get you something, milord?” She curtseyed before shoving me into a corner.
“Where’s Roe?” I asked hurriedly.
“He and a few of the others went down to check on the compound. Why?”
“Shit. How long ago did they leave?”
“Only a few minutes. You should be able to catch em’ near the stables.”
“Don’t let anyone else go to the compound, Iva. We’ve been discovered. Spread the word,” I was off before she could respond.
If someone saw me running in the castle, I’d be found, and if Roe and the others made it to the tunnel entrance, or anywhere near it, they would be found. I had to take my chances. Unfortunately, the stables were on the opposite side of the entrance where I could catch Rhogan, and he would likely be back soon. I slowed my pace to a painstaking walk each time I was near someone. I made it to the stables, but it took me longer than I would have liked, and I didn’t see Roe anywhere.
“Hey, Tem.” River bounced over to me.
“What are you doing up right now? You should be in bed.”
“Everyone’s on the move. I’ve had to ready all the horses and brush down the ones that have come back.”
“Right, well stay in the barn tonight, okay. Don’t come up to the castle.”
“Okay, Tem.”
“I’m looking for some friends of mine. One’s named Roe. He works in the castle. He’s a lot shorter than I am. About to my waist. His red beard nearly touches the floor.”
“Oh yeah, I know him. He just left. He’s with some others. They keep some tools in the barn sometimes.”
“Which way did they go?” I asked, already walking out.
“To the rebel compound, of course.”
I stopped short. “What did you say?”
“You know, the rebels.”
I walked back to him, dropped to my knees and took his hands. “Listen to me very carefully. Never, ever again say the word rebel out loud. Do you hear me? Don’t even think it. You’ll be killed for it. The rebel compound is gone now. You can never go there, do you hear me?”
“Okay, Temir. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you mad.” His eyes filled with tears.
“No, River. I’m not mad. You just shouldn’t know about the rebels or their compound.”
“Then they shouldn’t talk so much when they think no one is around,” he said, his face falling.
“I’ll be sure to pass along the message.” I ruffled his hair and ran toward the tunnel entrance I knew Roe would use. I caught them before the soldiers, thankfully. “Roe, stop,” I panted. “You can’t go to the tunnels. They are being raided. You have to go back to the castle and make sure you’re seen.”
“What about the others?” one of his friends asked.
“We got everyone out. They are meeting at Bryer’s Keep, but I need your help with something else.”
“Anything.” Roe stepped forward.
“It’s going to be dangerous,” I warned.
“Perfect.” He moved his hand through his beard as he waited for me to continue.
I explained to them exactly what they needed to do, which included sneaking into my rooms for supplies. I didn’t have time to stay back and help them though. I still had to get to the other tunnel and hope to the gods all these delays hadn’t cost Rhogan his life.
