CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“MATTHIEU, MADELEINE...I’M SORRY.”

Madeleine looked across the cell to where Luc sat hunched on his iron bedstead, elbows on knees. He was scraped and scuffed everywhere, blood drying on his chin and palms and forearms. She winced at the thought of the bruise that must be spreading under his shirt and hoped no bones had been broken.

“Sorry for what?”

Luc glanced up through his rough fringe of hair, then away. “I said we’d all go together. But the sight of this building...And then I saw a chance—and I just kind of panicked and ran.

“I’m sorry,” he said again. “I should have stuck with you.”

“Luc, listen.” Madeleine looked at Luc, but her message was even more for Matthieu. She knew now what she wanted to say about the notion of escape.

“There was no chance for us to all get away at once. There probably never will be. And there wasn’t really a chance for you, either.”

“There was. My legs were just weak from bein’ cooped up for so long. Otherwise, I could’ve outrun ‘em.”

Madeleine shook her head impatiently. “Even if you did. Then what? Where would you go?”

Luc shrugged. “Down the coast. I know how to fish. I’d find some guy who could use a hand.”

He had some kind of plan, at least. “It’s a good idea,” Madeleine conceded. “But without a word of Tarzine, you couldn’t even speak to anyone, or get any sense of whether they were inclined to take you in or take you back.”

Luc glared at her. “What do you suggest then? Just give up?”

“No! But bide your time.” Madeleine gestured to their leg chains. “Wherever we end up, it won’t be as guarded as this. They’ll have to let you out to work. Work hard, do what you’re told, let your master relax and start to trust you. Learn the language and how things work here. Then when a chance comes along, you’ll be ready.”

Luc set his face and said nothing, but Matthieu was nodding in agreement. “If I get away, I’ll come look for you. Both of you.”

“No, Matthieu.” This part was hard to say. Madeleine took a deep breath and plunged on. “If you get away, I want you to get home. Maybe father could pay a Tarzine merchant to search for us and buy us back. But if you try, you’re too likely to be recaptured. Don’t do it.”

Could she really follow her own advice, Madeleine wondered—escape and leave Matthieu behind? It was unthinkable. But then, so was nearly everything about her life now.

GOLD IN THE PALM of the harbormaster of Niz Hana for the privilege of making berth. More gold for their safe passage through town and for directions to a carter who could supply them with travel gear. A ridiculous amount of gold for the brightly painted tented wagon Yolenka pronounced “perfect” and the mule (plus feed) to pull it. Dominic understood now why she had insisted they come laden with wealth. He shifted his weight on the hard platform that was the driver’s seat, trying to fit himself into the depression worn into the wood by some previous owner. He flicked the long reins impatiently (and without effect) over the plodding mule, and wondered yet again if this elaborate charade was not just foolishness.

“Shouldn’t we have horses?” Derkh had protested. “We can hardly make a getaway with one mule.”

He had voiced Dominic’s thoughts precisely, but Yolenka shook her head in adamant insistence.

“Some traders, yes, are rich enough for wagons and horses both. Top craftsmen, demanded by kings. Men with names. Not little traveling bands like this. No one will believe.”

She noted Dominic’s troubled frown.

“You have army, then yes, ride down on Turga and fight. Maybe you win where others fail. No army? Then you need way to get inside. Worry about ‘getaway’ after.”

“Dom.”

Gabrielle’s hand rested light on his arm, joggling in the same mule-cart rhythm that rocked his body. Her green eyes held his in that direct warm gaze that seemed to look right into his soul.

“You made the right decision.”

Her offer to ride up front with him had been more than casual, Dominic realized. Gabrielle had played little part in their preparations so far, but Dom was suddenly very glad to have her along. Just her quiet presence renewed his hope and courage. She smiled at him now.

“Sneaking around in disguise goes against your grain, I know. But this is Yolenka’s country, and you are right to put your trust in her knowledge. We’ll find a way to get out again.”