Joshua stopped me mid-stride, grabbing my wrists as he
flipped over my palms. They'd been caked in blood a moment ago but now all that
remained were scars. My hands had healed without me even thinking about. He
watched in curiosity as he dropped my palms and Henry and Adelaide glanced
between each other.
“What's been going on?” I couldn't blame Henry for not
understanding. I was still trying to understand it!
“I'll explain it to you later. We need to get back to Spade.”
I glanced at Joshua. “Can we make a portal to travel to Spade?”
He eyed the blade sitting just feet from where we were. “Are
you sure we won't run into Isaura?” I didn't know how the portals worked, as we
made them on our own with the Mindonsiphan. If Isaura was in a space of
nothingness and we traveled to Spade, would we reach her on our way to Spade?
“No.” I answered as honestly as I could.
“I have a better idea.” Joshua gestured for us to follow as
we walked among the rubble and destruction towards the farthest edge of Shadow.
“The hanger,” he announced as it remained untouched. Isaura hadn't known what
was inside or it would have been destroyed.
Joshua manned a drone with Adelaide sitting behind him. I
climbed in with Elsa for a tight fit as he piloted all five planes, Henry, Cate
and Aidan having their own.
Landing the drones just outside of Spade, we walked around
the stone walled perimeter. Henry led us to the front as the gate was lowered
and we were escorted inside.
“What is this place?” Adelaide whispered in awe.
I couldn't blame her reaction. I felt the same way the first
time I had laid eyes on the castle.
“My home,” Henry answered. “I'll take you to my chambers
where you can rest,” he offered as we walked up a ramp leading to the second
floor. There were no keys or locks on the door. Henry turned the handle,
opening the door for us to step into the room. My eyes moved over the large
space and stone flooring. The entire castle was made of the material that held
up the walls outside. It was impressive. I'd never seen anything quite like it
before. “I'll be right back.” He slipped out of the room, leaving us alone.
I sat down on the antique couch, Adelaide and Cate at my
side as Joshua walked around, taking in the surroundings, getting a feel for
where we were. Elsa leaned against the wall, staring up at the ornate ceiling.
Aidan gazed out the window; I had no idea what he was hoping to see. Adelaide
sighed, resting her head on my lap as she stretched out to lie down. “Are we
safe here?”
“For now,” I said.
Joshua stared at me. “Who was Isaura?”
“Isaura was one of the representatives of Torv. She was
there while they were working to form the new government and once you were
taken, she was on the committee refusing to assign anyone to help find you,” I
explained.
“No wonder,” he muttered beneath his breath. “What about
Henry?”
My attention turned towards the door, waiting for him to
return. “I told you, he helped me find you. Rane, Gavin and I had gotten lost
on our way. We ended up here instead. He led us to Haven.”
“And you trust him?” Aidan asked.
“You thought it was a good idea to trade favors with a man who
kills people for a living?” Joshua retorted.
Henry swung the door open and cocked an eye as he entered
the room, hearing the exchange. “If this is about your friend, I am sorry for
what happened.”
“Sorry!” Joshua stomped over towards Henry. “Sorry doesn't
bring her back.” He was face to face with him, staring Henry down.
“Joshua, please come sit.” Though there wasn't much room
left, it was a better option than the two boys fighting. I didn't know what
would result if Joshua threw a punch at Henry.
I ran a hand through Adelaide's hair. “What happened with
Rane and Gavin?”
“They're in Spade,” Henry admitted. “It's what I was finding
out when I stepped out for a few minutes.” He eyed Joshua. “They came here on
foot. They're staying in their own chambers.”
I found it hard to understand why they hadn't returned to
their home, to Torv. “I'd like to see them.” I admitted giving Henry a warm
smile. There was no reason to alarm him.
“Of course. I've already let them know you were here.
They'll be meeting us for dinner shortly.”
“I'm hungry,” Adelaide announced with a heavy sigh.
Elsa cleared her throat. “If you don't mind showing me to my
room, I'd like to lie down for awhile?”
“Of course,” Henry offered, “come with me.”
Henry provided us all with sleeping arrangements and
luxurious clothing. I was surprised by such lavishness. I hadn't seen anything
like it since Haven and even then, this was far superior. The room was large,
twice the size of the bedroom Joshua and I had shared back home in Shadow. The
curtains were drawn and of dark purple crushed velvet. My fingers moved over
the material as I stared out the window. There wasn't much to see. White gray
stone walls surrounded the city. Looking down from the tower I could see guards
walking the courtyard, but nothing out of the ordinary.
This place was strange, unlike any other city I'd visited.
There was something about it that made me feel like I'd stepped back a few
centuries. It reminded me of the mythical times of King Arthur.
I had time to shower before dinner, a welcome feeling after
all I'd been through. The bathroom was attached to the bedroom and had indoor
plumbing. Maybe it was better than Camelot. Joshua lay on the bed, taking a nap
while I showered.
In the bathroom mirror, I saw the slightest scar on my back
from where the knife had pierced my skin. It had healed. The Mindonsiphan was
still a mystery to me, and without Chancellor Collins, I may never know how it
worked. I hoped Elsa, Cate, or Aidan could shed some insight.
I showered and dried off, wrapping a towel around myself as
I stepped into the bedroom. Shivering, I dug through the wardrobe, finding
dress after dress to choose from. It did feel like a blast from the past. I
chose a dark purple gown with the illusion of a corset, but without the
traditional tightness. Drying my hair, I secured it up in a messy bun with a
few strands falling loose. Did everyone in Spade live like this or it was a
luxury provided to few?
I quietly left the bedroom, doing my best not to wake
Joshua. “Thank you,” I breathed, having come out of my room finding Henry in
the hallway. “For all that you've done.”
He smiled. “For you, Olivia, anything.”
“I don't know if I would have found Joshua without your
help. Thank you for helping me save Joshua's life.” I turned on my heels,
hearing the door creak as Joshua came out of our room.
“It was my pleasure,” Henry told me.
“We should talk later.” We had a lot to discuss that would
probably overwhelm him. It was time he knew the truth and understood what he
was capable of.
Joshua stepped behind me, his arms around my waist, reminding
Henry I wasn't available. “I still don't trust him,” he breathed into my ear.
“You trust me, don't you?” I clutched his hand as I glanced
over my shoulder at him. He loosened his grasp and let go of me, long enough to
take my hand. Together we headed down the hall for dinner, trailing behind
Henry.
Joshua sighed. “Of course.”
“Then trust me when I tell you, he's an ally. He didn't have
to risk his life to take us to Haven, but he did.” I could see the cogs working
in his head, trying to find Henry's motivation in helping us.
“He killed Margo. I can't forgive him for that. I won't.”
“I know," I said. “I don't think the others will,
either. He explained it to me.” I squeezed Joshua's hand before we stepped into
the large dining room. “I'm not happy it happened, but I'm trying to
understand.”
Joshua and I were the last to arrive at the dining table
where our companions had gathered. It was the first time in over a decade I was
glad to see Gavin. Almost everyone was dressed to the nines in suits and
Renaissance dresses. All but Elsa, having ignored the attire in her wardrobe
and opting after a fresh shower to wear her dirty clothes. Rane looked
beautiful in a dark midnight blue gown. It reminded me of why I had been
jealous of her the first time we met: she was gorgeous. She sat quietly at the
table, offering me a friendly smile. Elsa's eyes were transfixed on the
ceiling, studying the architecture in awe. She was fascinated by Spade, curious
about this new world she found herself tossed into. “Is it time to eat?” Cate
asked as Henry stepped into the room.
“I'm sure dinner will be soon.” Aidan eyed her to shut up,
while picking at the dirt under his nails. He seemed bored, or at least he
presented the façade of boredom. I didn't know if he was disinterested in Spade
or trying not to show he cared. However, Cate fit right in, the forest green
gown hugging her curves as she eagerly waited for the food to be served.
“I'm not being rude,” Cate dismissed Aidan. “I'm
hungry
.”
Adelaide ran towards me, wearing a red dress of her own.
Just before reaching me, she twirled in a circle, her skirt swirling around her.
“Don't I look pretty?” She beamed with matching rosy cheeks.
“Yes, you do.” I said, bending down I planted a kiss to her
cheek. I helped her to the table and scooted in the long wood-backed chair. It
was heavy. The table seated twelve though there were only 9 dining tonight. “Wow,
this is elegant,” I said to Henry. He smiled warmly pulling back my chair and I
ignored the look Joshua radiated as he claimed the chair beside me before Henry
had the chance. I tried not to laugh as Gavin sat across from me and Rane to
his left. Henry finally took a seat between Rane and Elsa.
“I'm glad you made it here safely.” Gavin smiled and I felt
Joshua's quizzical look at me. I'd been angry at Gavin, hated him last Joshua
knew.
“Thank you.” I faced Joshua and explained, “Gavin helped
rescue you from Haven. He and Rane accompanied me through the Gravelands.”
Joshua tried to take in all the information. “Why didn't you
return home?” he questioned.
Rane smiled. “I was hoping to see Henry again.”
I tried not to laugh. It had been no secret on the trip that
Henry was searching for a wife. Was this why Rane had decided to come to Spade
again? I didn't ask.
Gavin spoke up, “The walk here was shorter than home. I was
hoping I'd get a ride back to Torv in the near future,” he confessed. “Though,
right now, I am enjoying my time here.”
Henry smiled warmly. “You are all welcome to stay for as
long as you'd like. I can provide you with transportation back to Torv when
you're ready to leave. Just say the word.”
“Thank you,” Gavin answered. “And thank you for your
wonderful hospitality.”
Throughout dinner, Joshua stared at Henry every so often and
I could still see a hint of jealousy burning inside of him. I tried to ignore
it as much as I could as I ate. I was starving and was thrilled for such an
elaborate meal. It started with fresh salad and now we were on our second
course of vegetable soup. I had no idea what we'd be eating next, so I ate is
if there were no tomorrow. Finishing every drop in my bowl.
I glanced up every so often at the others from Shadow. They
were all occupied with their meals. I wondered how they felt about their home
having been destroyed. They were the few lucky ones, the survivors.
Joshua finally spoke up, “Tell me how you've managed to keep
off the radar from the government for so long.” Joshua had an edge to his
voice, accusing Henry of something sinister.
“We've managed a good front in defending ourselves. Our men
have weapons we've built and stand on guard at every hour,” Henry answered.
Joshua's eyes narrowed. “That doesn't explain the drones.
Haven and Thena were destroyed by them. How is it that Spade is untouched?” They
must have cut a deal with the government as Torv had done.
“We've taken down two drones in the past six months.” Henry
grinned. “Our men are that good.” He let the words hang in the air for a
moment. “Would you like to see?”
I smiled politely, glancing from Henry to Joshua, seeing the
flustered look cross his face.
“After dinner,” Joshua agreed and I wondered how the boys
would do alone together.”
“I'll come with you both. I'd like to see it, as well.” I
smiled boldly hoping I wasn't interfering and at the same time I was curious
about Spade. I wanted to explore the compound but I thought it might be better
to be shown a tour first, get a lay of the land. Maybe I wouldn't be forced to
sneak out as I had in Shadow many months ago.
“That would be nice.” Henry answered and I felt the heat
radiating off Joshua. “In fact, you all are welcome,” he invited the others. I
glanced at him, wondering why he was upset that I'd be coming along. Of all
things I thought he'd appreciate my company. I ignored the boys. The third
course of our meal arrived as fresh plates were placed in front of us and a
giant roasted turkey was set in the center of the table.
Finishing dinner, Adelaide grew restless. I could tell she
was tired. It'd been a long day and she was rocking her chair backwards away
from the table. I had scolded her twice, afraid she'd crack open her skull.
Rane stood up. “I can take Adelaide to bed,” she offered.
“I don't want to go to bed,” Adelaide fussed. “I want to go
with Olivia and Joshua to see the drones. Please,” she whined with big blue
eyes.
“Maybe tomorrow.” I gestured for her to come over to me. She
groaned as she climbed down from the chair and stalked over, giving me a hug
and kiss. She then gave Joshua a hug goodnight.
“I'm not tired,” she pleaded her case one last time.
“Of course you're not.” I hugged her once more. “Thank you,”
I mouthed to Rane as she walked by.
Adelaide disappeared through the door with Rane in tow. I
was surprised to see four strangers enter the dining hall. They came toward the
table and cleared our dishes without a sound. “I could have done that.” I felt
odd having someone clean up after me. “I'm fully capable you know.” I glanced
at Henry not comfortable with having someone clean up after me. I wasn't a
child.