The Prince's Mark

Chapter Thirty Seven

And silence took up residence in the dungeon once again, slowing time to a crawl. This time, Mirthal amused himself by trying to pick out different sets of footsteps in the castle. One of them had to be Tracou's and, considering how small he was, it should be easy to pick out. For a long time, Mirthal couldn't decide which one might be Tracou's. Humans varied in size, but even the lightest set Mirthal could hear didn't sound quite like Tracou. Back in Shalen, Tracou had always moved just a bit too fast for his legs, making him zip around like lost dragonfly.

Hours later, the dungeon door opened, making Mirthal jolt. He hadn't heard any footsteps approach.

Tracou trotted down the stairs. His movements produced no sound and finally Mirthal understood that he had wasted his time.

Smiling, Tracou stopped in front of Mirthal's cell and produced a key from his sleeve.

"We leave tonight," he said.

Mirthal leaned against the bars, watching Tracou with rapt attention. His thin fingers wrapped around the key, Tracou slid it into the lock and twisted his wrist. The shackle leapt away from the lock's body and Tracou carefully removed it from the door.

Without the least bit of hesitation, Mirthal rushed out of his cell, towards Tracou, and pulled him into an embrace. Not only had Tracou come for him, but he had managed to get him out of that cell. He was amazing. And, rather importantly right now, he was warm. He got even warmer as Mirthal held him. That counted as another point against him being snake-like.

Tracou didn't return the hug. This alarmed Mirthal until he realized that Tracou's arms had been pinned between their bodies. Seemingly to make up for this, Tracou leaned into him.

They couldn't stay like this all day, though Mirthal would have liked to do so. He pulled back just enough to smile down at Tracou.

"You saved me again, little dezmek."

Before, Tracou hadn't liked that name. Mirthal was certain it wouldn't be enough to make Tracou hate him, though. He just wanted to tease him a little.

It worked well. Tracou pouted, making him look quite charming.

"I told you not to call me that."

"I know," Mirthal chirped.

"You have some gall."

"I do."

"Hmph. You're helpless without me!"

"I am."

"Are you two done yet?" Sakshi said, leaning against the bars of her cell. Her presence startled Mirthal, who had forgotten that she existed. Mirthal glanced down at Tracou, who nodded. He let him go.

Tracou approached the lock to Sakshi's cell and undid it, setting it on the ground. He left the now useless key on the ground as well.

"Good," Sakshi said as she left the cell. "How are we getting out?"

"If we can make it out of the castle, we'll be fine. There shouldn't be many guards out by the gate, so I can handle whoever's out there." Tracou turned to Mirthal. "But after that we'll have to hurry. Ina is waiting at the bottom of the hill with some horses. We only have four, so I'll share one with you."

"Who is Ina?" Mirthal had never heard that name before.

"A friend. And Pendaer should be by the front door, waiting for us."

"If we're noticed, archers will take their positions at the towers," Sakshi said. "What will we do then? Try to outrun the arrows?"

"Do you know a better way?"