“But your city seems impregnable. It is surrounded by mountains on every side.”
Mundoo smiled as the crane rested its head on his knee. “So one would think, but I do not underestimate your father. We have our weaknesses, just like any city. But that is for me to consider. For now, you will stay here as our guest. You will attend our feasts and ceremonies, and I would encourage you to talk with our tribe, to learn. You may not leave the valley, and you may not enter any homes. You are to keep up your training with the Spade, and I will command my strongest warrior to help give you instruction and build your skills. You are not to go near Morte, lest we call for your blood instead of his. And if he suddenly disappears or is set free, you die, along with the Spade. I will make you watch as we take him piece by piece.”
“Where is Sir Gorrann?”
“He will be waiting for you back at your tent. We spoke earlier this morning, and he handled the climb even worse than you did.” Dinah’s mouth curved into the smallest of smiles as Mundoo strolled up behind her. At least Sir Gorrann was alive. “We will speak again, Princess, but for now you must go. You have met your guards, Ki-ershan and Yur-Jee. They will follow you wherever you go. I would encourage you not to stray from their sight. Yur-Jee lost his eldest son to your father’s Heartsword, so I would be careful not to anger him. Passion can lead a man to violent ways.”
Dinah nodded and turned to go. The sunlight winked in front of her face, just for a second, and then there was an arm around her neck, a body pressed against her back. Mundoo had moved so fast. Dinah didn’t understand what was happening. The pain came swiftly as something sharp and hard was shoved into her, through her. Her shoulder exploded, and everything went white. She grasped his outstretched hand, where she saw a thin wooden knife made of the same white wood that held the tent aloft. It was as slender as a knitting needle, and now covered with red. Mundoo took a breath and shoved it into her back again, just over her shoulder blade. He was killing her. She didn’t feel it going in, but the pain when it was pulled out was worse than anything she had ever felt. Dinah let out a muffled scream as the blood rushed forth over her shoulder. The pain was deep, like a thousand scalding irons were being pushed inside of her. She stumbled backward before falling to her knees with a choking gasp. Mundoo knelt behind her and wrapped his thick arm around her neck again, his lips brushing her ear as he pulled her close. Dinah gurgled and choked. His hand was covered in blood.
“Don’t be afraid, Princess. It’s not a fatal wound I’ve given you, and it will heal quickly. You will not die, you have my word. That was for swinging your sword at my head. I am the noble Chief of the Yurkei and a man of honor, but I wouldn’t want you to think that we were friends, or that you can escape from my watchful eye. Though you are exiled, you are still the seed of my enemy, and I won’t forget it, not until I have justice for my people.” His hot breath lingered over her face. Dinah’s shoulder felt as if the muscles were detaching, strand by tiny strand. She let out a cry and he smiled. “I’m sorry to cause you such pain, but I must leave you with a reminder not to betray me. The Yurkei have been hunted, executed, and tortured under the red heart of Wonderland. Your blood is but a small drop in the bucket that must be filled before justice is served. We are a peaceful people, but like sleeping serpents, we will strike when someone steps too close, and the Kings and Queens of Wonderland Palace have stomped on us for decades. I am an honorable man, but not a safe one.” He released her violently, and she fell face forward onto the wooden floor of the tent, writhing in pain. The Chief called for Ki-ershan and Yur-Jee, and they appeared through one of the open flaps of the tent door.