you.”
“I must go.” She lifted the cup to his lips once more. “I will try to return tomorrow. Soon you will be brought before the king.” Lee heard the door creak open. “I would speak to you again before you become his.”
The door slammed shut. A tear fell down his cheek. He didn't want to believe it was Penelope, but he knew it was. Rage and frustration swelled in his chest. He jerked the chains that bound his wrists with all his might, but even with his immense strength they were far too thick.
He knew he must escape, somehow. He would find a way to free Penelope. He would take her away from this wretched place. His thoughts turned to Jacob. He had escaped. But would he run? He doubted it. Jacob had too much of his father in him, which meant he would likely end up being killed or captured. There must be a way to escape before it was too late. If what Penelope said was true, the Dark Knight had the power to break him, then soon he may be helpless to do anything. He wished he could have seen her, if only for a moment.
He thought back to the last time they were together; her eyes filled with tears, her voice hot with anger. She cursed him for leaving.
The door opened again. His heart jumped, but the sound of boots told him that it was not Penelope. A fist slammed into his abdomen, nearly causing him to lose his breath.
“You know what you cost me, Starfinder?” It was Captain Lanmore. “Because of your deception, I have lost everything.”
“And you expect me to feel guilt?” Lee scoffed. “You are the servant of my enemy and the enemy of all free people.” This brought a fist crashing to his jaw. The taste of blood filled his mouth, and he spat. “I'm surprised they allowed you to live, after they realized your stupidity and incompetence.”
He whispered in Lee's ear. “I should kill you now. But perhaps I'll kill your son, instead…while you watch. Yes. He's stupid enough to think he can rescue you. When he's caught, I'll skin him alive.”
Lee laughed. “Those are the words I would expect from a coward. You are truly bold when faced with a man in chains. Were I free, you would run like the scared dog that you are.”
“You think me a fool?” He grabbed Lee's face and squeezed. “I am not ignorant to what you are, Lee Nal'Thain, Starfinder, or whatever you call yourself…son of Saraf. You think my king sends us to war ill-informed. I know what you are capable of. So if you think to goad me into releasing you, then you waste your breath.”
“Then I suggest you finish your business and leave,” said Lee.
“I'm finished,” said Lanmore. “And soon, you will be, too.”
The door slammed hard. Lee couldn't help but feel pity for the captain. A commoner in a world of nobles, clawing his way through the ranks, was admirable. He had felt a genuine kinship with the man. But still, he was the enemy. He had not really thought he could anger Lanmore enough to release him. But it had been worth a try. Still, there must be a way.
He slid down the wall, allowing the chains to support him. He needed to rest. He need to stay strong. When the moment arrived, he would be ready. He fell asleep, his face still showing determination.
The sound of a creaking door shocked him out of his slumber. It was the light footfalls of Penelope, but mixed with the clinking of metal, and scraping of leather. He felt thin, delicate fingers pull the blind-fold from his eyes. He squinted at the light from the torches, but as his eyes focused, he saw her.
Her long, straight, raven hair fell down her back and around her shoulders, framing her sweet features. Her ivory skin and deep blue eyes staring lovingly at him, brought him to tears. She smiled a warm, sad smile as she stepped back. Even in the blue nightgown she wore, she looked graceful. Age had not touched her. She was every inch the woman he remembered.
“It is you,” he cried.
In her right hand she held a large, iron key. With it, she reached up and unshackled him. Lee nearly collapsed. Struggling to steady himself, he threw his arms around his wife and embraced her tightly.
“I am here, my love,” she whispered. She pulled back slightly and met his eyes.
Lee was weeping openly. He kissed Penelope long and deep, crushing her to his chest. “I prayed for this. Come. We will find Jacob, and I will get you away from here.”
She pointed to a guard’s uniform and sword, piled next to the door. “Quickly. Change into this.”
Lee beamed, and donned the uniform. “Are you ready?”
Penelope smiled a sad smile, and kissed Lee once more. “I cannot go with you.”
“What do you mean,” he exclaimed. “Of course, you can. They will not stop us. If I have to, I will cut my way through every soldier in Angraal.”
Penelope grasped her stomach and doubled over. Lee rushed to her side and helped her as she slid to the floor.
“What is wrong?” His voice was desperate.
“I am saving you the only way I can,” she said, weakly. “I told you. I belong to the king now. He has enslaved my spirit. I could only resist him for a short time. But it will be long enough…” She winced in pain, then reached inside her robe, and pulled out a small, empty vial.
“Please, no!” he sobbed. He recognized the faint odor of venil root. “Not this way!”
“It was the only way I would not betray you,” she explained, softly. “I could not bear you falling under the same curse that now possesses me. The Reborn King is more powerful than you can imagine. He must be stopped. His plans go far beyond the coming war. He wants to watch the world burn. And once he has conquered all, he will destroy the earth….and heaven along with it. Nothing will remain.” She tried to push Lee away, but he held her fast. “Now go. Jacob has been spotted three miles south of the garrison. Find him before they do. Please, save our son.” Her eyes closed and with one last gasp, and she went limp.
Tears fell freely as he pulled her close. Then, as if an echo in his mind, came the words save our son. He laid her gently on the floor and kissed her lips. “Goodbye, my love.” He took one final look and wiped his eyes. Dark sadness began to boil into blinding rage.
He open the door to his cell. Two guards lay dead, just outside, one wearing nothing but his underclothes. He dragged the bodies inside the cell and closed the door. Lee thought about the layout of the garrison. He hoped the uniform would be enough to allow him to pass through unnoticed. That must have been why Penelope cleaned his face, he thought. She must have known all along. The memory stabbed at him, harshly. No. He must push aside despair for now. He recalled how he had been brought there. They had not blindfolded him until after he was in chains. Their mistake.
He made his way through the stone corridors of the keep until he reached the main hall leading to the front entrance. His muscles tensed as two guards walked by, but to his relief they didn't even bother to look at him. The bureaucrats had left their desks for the evening, so the path to the door was open.
Hoping it was night, he opened the door and stepped into the yard. Torches burned around the perimeter and along the slate path leading to the gatehouse. The frigid night air swept under his clothes. He shivered for a split second, then walked at a steady pace toward the gate. Two guards were at the gatehouse, but they scarcely noticed his passing.
The road south was empty. He looked north to Kratis. It glowed on the background of the night sky, its towers looming ominously. The thought of the Dark Knight being so close redoubled his rage, but he forced it down and headed south. Once out of eyesight of the garrison, he left the road, darting in and out from behind trees and brushes, and stopping every few yards to listen for signs of Jacob. Just as Penelope had said, after three miles, he heard him.
Lee crept silently until he was only a few yards away from a felled tree. Jacob crouched behind it ready to spring.
“Jacob,” whispered Lee. “Come out.”
Jacob stayed perfectly still. Lee called out again. This time he cautiously climbed over the tree and walked to where his father waited. Lee embraced his son.
“How did you escape?” asked Jacob.
The pain of Penelope's death cut deep once again. “We must flee.”
“What about mother?” he pressed.
Before Lee could respond, he heard several men approaching from the road. He spun around, but heard more men coming from the other direction.
“Don't try to run,” called the voice of Captain Lanmore. “There is no escape.”
Lee and Jacob drew their swords.
