Page 72 of Kingdom of Chains

‘That’s a relief given the state of her.’ Tolly’s eyes narrowed on the marks on her throat. ‘What’s your name?’

‘Don’t answer that,’ Blackmane said.

Tolly’s gaze returned to him. ‘She can’t tell me her name?’

Blackmane looked around at the men watching them. ‘Are you part of the Emlyn group?’

Tolly appeared amused by that question. ‘Much has changed in the past five years, hasn’t it?’

‘You grew up, for one.’ He paused. ‘And joined a rebel group, it seems.’

Tolly shrugged. ‘As did you. You just have fancier uniforms and more money than us.’ One corner of his mouth lifted. ‘But you haven’t changed a bit. Still as serious as ever. Still carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.’

Margery chose that moment to appear, swooping down between them, prompting everyone to raise their weapons again.

‘The eagle belongs to the lady,’ Blackmane said, nodding towards Isabel.

Tolly frowned as Margery returned. Isabel extended her arm so the eagle could land, but she continued to swoop instead. A worried expression settled on Isabel’s face.

‘What’s wrong?’ Blackmane asked.

She looked around past the men surrounding them. ‘I think Lord Hodge might be coming.’

Tolly’s brows dropped. ‘Hodge?’

She nodded.

‘How do you know it’s him?’ Blackmane asked.

‘Because she will not come to me when he is around. I think she is here to warn me.’

Tolly signalled to his men, and they retreated silently into the trees, seemingly disappearing into thin air. ‘One of you want to tell me what the hell is going on?’

‘He is looking for me,’ Isabel said.

Tolly stared at her for a moment. ‘Oh shit. You’re Lady Isabel.’

The sound of horses approaching at a canter had Margery disappearing also.

‘We have to go—now,’ Blackmane said, taking Isabel’s hand and pulling her towards the horse.

Tolly exhaled loudly. ‘You want to tell me why a Chadorian defender is on the run with a marcher lord’s betrothed, or should I not ask?’

‘Better you don’t ask,’ Blackmane replied.

Cursing, Tolly said, ‘Get your horse and follow me.’

‘Where?’

Tolly angled his head. ‘Somewhere he won’t find you.’

Blackmane had little choice but to trust him at that point. They would struggle to outrun that many horses, and hiding was no guarantee. Keeping Isabel safeandHodge alive would be ambitious. He grabbed hold of his horse’s reins. ‘Let’s go.’

The three of them ran through the trees. Blackmane looked around for the rest of the Emlyn group but found no sign of them. Then a woman appeared in front of them, gesturing to Tolly with her hands. He seemed to understand what she was saying and gestured something back. It made sense that they had found ways to communicate without words over the years. She then stepped forwards and took Blackmane’s horse. Again, he was forced to trust that at some point he would get it back.

Tolly checked his surroundings, then whipped out a knife before crouching and tapping it on a nearby log. A moment later,it began to roll, and the section of earth beneath it lifted at the same time.

The pair leaned forwards, peering into the dark hole. Isabel then took a giant step back. Tolly jumped down first, then looked up, his expression making it clear that they only had one chance to follow him. Blackmane guided Isabel back to the edge of the hole and gestured for her to jump. She hesitated for only a moment, then dropped down. Tolly caught her, and then Blackmane followed.