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I push out a heavy breath and get to work. There’s a lot to do before noon.

5

McColl

So much for coming up with a good plan.

I couldn’t think of anything that would work to get me out of my duties. Not one reason that wouldn’t land me being led straight down to the mines.

In the end, I opted to pack up some of my meager belongings and hide. I am holed up in a small alcove underneath the wooden stairs leading up to the servants’ quarters. It’s dusty and dim, but at least it’s secluded. No one will think of looking for me here. The time ticks by slowly as I wait, my heart pounding with a mixture of fear and excitement.

At first, it is busy. I hear people talking and many booted feet on the wooden stairs. I’m pretty sure that some of those were guards looking for me.

As the Feast of the Shadow Moon draws closer, the sound of laughter starts to grow. Then the music and singing start up. My heart races with anticipation and dread in equal measure. I clutch the amulet around my neck, feeling its weight like ashackle. The plan is set, the stakes are high, and there’s no turning back now.

I’m ready.

I have to try.

I leave the alcove, taking careful steps. The air is heavy with the scent of roasting meat and freshly baked bread. My stomach rumbles, but I ignore it. My strides are quick as I make my way to the old bell tower.

Thankfully, no one pays me much attention. They’re having too much fun. I don’t see any of the guards. None that know me, at least. I hurry to the bell tower.

Alaric is already there, his eyes scanning the surroundings, possibly for any sign of trouble. Or perhaps for me, because he gets a look of relief when he spots me, inclining his head for a moment as I approach.

“You came,” he says, smiling. His blond hair glints in the bright sunlight.

“I said I would. Is everything ready?” I ask, eyeing the hammer through his belt. “Are we really doing this?”

“We are, indeed, and yes, I managed to pack away a week’s worth of food and two days’ water. The supplies are with the horses.”

“Great.”

“I hope you have something warm stashed away in that bag?” Alaric asks, looking unsure.

“I have a cloak.” I nod. “It will do well enough. I’m wearing my boots under my dress.” I lift the hem to show him.

He makes a noise like he isn’t sure.

Alaric looks to the side as we hear someone approach. Heavy, booted footfalls that grow closer. It’s more than one person. Voices filter through.

I recognize one of them, and it makes my hands go clammy.

“If I find that little wench…” It’s the guard from last night. He hates me.

“You’ll what?” another sneers.

“I’ll take her to the mines myself, but only once I’ve taught her a lesson or two.” He sniggers.

I suck in a breath. Alaric and I look each other in the eye. Mine feel wide. My heart is racing.

Kakara help me.

“They’re looking for me,” I whisper. “Guards,” I add. “The one from last night.”

Alaric curses under his breath. He leans in. “You need to trust me, McColl. Follow my lead.”

They’re about to turn the corner. About to find me. There is nowhere to hide. I’m out in the open. Exposed. The door to the bell tower is padlocked. There is nowhere to go.