“Keep your mouths shut,” Soma commanded. For once, Allyssa agreed with him. He pulled their horses to a halt and waited for the soldiers to reach them. A curious move on his part.
When the men arrived, they stopped, still in formation. One took a step forward and asked, “Can we be of assistance?” Interesting that he didn’t address the assassin by his title of prince. With Soma’s cape still tossed behind his shoulders, the royal family’s crest was easily visible. There should be no question as to his identity.
“I sincerely doubt it,” Soma answered, his voice coated with ire. “I do, however, want a tent for the night along with some decent food.”
The soldier’s eyes scanned Allyssa and Odar. “And your guests?”
“Are none of your business,” the assassin snapped, leaning forward in his saddle.
The man gave a curt nod. “Follow my squad. I will see to a tent and food for you and your companions.”
Soma nudged his mount onward, pulling Odar and Allyssa’s horses close behind his. They followed the squad of soldiers whose armor clinked as they marched back to camp. The black tents stood in stark contrast to the vibrant green grass the horses trod over. They entered at the south end of the camp, and the squad broke formation, taking up guard along the entrance.
The squad leader waved Soma forward, taking them into the military base. They passed rows upon rows of black tents situated in neat, orderly lines. Dozens of soldiers moved about, some sharpening weapons, others sparring, many huddled around fires warming their hands. Most glanced their way as they rode by. However, as soon as they recognized Soma, they averted their gaze, their shoulders tensing at the mere sight of him. Given the brutality the Russek soldiers had exhibited, she found it inconceivable that these men feared the assassin. Her thoughts drifted back to how easily Soma had dispatched her and Odar’s men that night in town. How did he become so lethal at such a young age? Her skin crawled with the terrible realization that she didn’t stand a chance against him.
The squad leader stopped before a tent four times larger than the others. It had to be the captain’s tent. “Wait here,” the man said. “I will make the necessary arrangements for you.” He slipped inside. How strange that Soma didn’t insist on doing so himself.
The assassin dismounted. “You there,” he said to a young soldier passing by. “Hold the reins of my horses.” The soldier’s eyes widened in recognition, but he readily obliged. Soma pulled out a dagger and sliced through Odar’s bindings. “Can you feel your arms or legs?”
“A little bit,” he replied.
“Enough to stand?”
Odar shrugged. Soma reached up and yanked him off the horse, setting him on his feet. His legs shook, but Odar held his weight, remaining upright.
The assassin came around to Allyssa and sliced through her bindings. “What about you? Can you feel your limbs?”
“Not at all,” she admitted.
Soma wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her off the horse. Instead of setting her on the ground as he’d done with Odar, he swept her into his arms. Allyssa wanted to yell at him to put her down, but she couldn’t even feel his arm against the back of her legs. Shouldn’t she be able to stand like Odar? The paralyzing substance had been administered to them at the same time. What if Soma had given her too much and use of her legs never returned?
He faced the soldier holding the reins. “Take the horses to be fed and watered. Bring them to me first thing tomorrow morning.” The soldier nodded and left.
Allyssa’s legs started to tingle as if her limbs were asleep. She tried to move her fingers, but she couldn’t. Being vulnerable in the arms of her enemy terrified her.
A tall Russek soldier with long, brown hair exited the tent with a thick fur cape wrapped around his shoulders. He observed the three of them a moment before saying to Soma, “I have a tent ready for you and your…companions.”
Did he suspect she and Odar were prisoners? Soma hadn’t indicated they were. In fact, he hadn’t even revealed their identities. Perhaps he wanted to prevent word of their whereabouts from spreading.
“Can you help my friend?” the assassin asked, pointing at Odar. “He’s having difficulty walking.”
The Russek soldier raised his eyebrows but didn’t question him. Allyssa didn’t think he bought the friendship act. Nevertheless, he wrapped an arm around Odar’s shoulder, helping him walk. “This way.” He led them between the rows. About halfway down, the soldier stopped before a tent, releasing Odar, who swayed precariously on his feet. “Will this one meet your needs?”
“Yes,” Soma replied.
“Anything else?” he asked. Again, Allyssa took note of the lack of title.
“I want five of your best guards stationed around the perimeter of the tent and one inside.”
“So many? You are in the middle of a well equipped and very secure camp.” He tilted his head to the side, watching the assassin.
“Do not question my orders,” Soma barked.
The soldier glanced at Odar and Allyssa. “Very well.” He bowed and strode away.
Soma stepped inside the tent, plopping Allyssa onto one of the four cots before exiting. He returned a moment later, helping Odar through the tent flap with his good arm. The second they were inside, Soma let go. Odar crumpled to his hands and knees, his face white from the physical exertion. He crawled to the nearest cot, pulling himself on top of it.
Soma stood next to her cot. Reaching down, he pinched her knee. She felt a vague pressure, but no pain. He slowly slid his hand up her thigh until she gasped with surprise. The assassin smiled. “So feeling is returning,” he purred.
“Get your filthy hands off me.” She had nothing to defend herself with except words, so she continued, “I’m surprised the Russek soldiers treat their prince so casually.” She tsked. “A commoner tent? You must not be very important.”
His shoulders stiffened, and his eyes blazed with fury. “I am trying to blend in.”
She laughed, knowing he lied. Not once had he asked for anonymity. He was tolerated and feared, but not respected or valued. And he knew it.
“Where are the guards?” He ducked outside.
Allyssa glanced over at Odar. “Are you okay?”
He nodded. “What about you?”
“Feeling is starting to return.”
“You don’t weigh as much as me, so I’m sure the substance affected you more.”
Soma returned with a Russek soldier in tow. “You will be posted in here,” he told the man. “Make sure these two,” he pointed at Allyssa and Odar, “remain where they are.”
When the assassin left, the soldier positioned his body in front of the exit, blocking it completely. His head touched the ceiling, his wide shoulders pulled at his tunic, and his hand rested on the hilt of his sword. What chance of escaping did they have with this giant watching over them? Blimey.
***