Midnight Quest Read Online Free PDF Page A

Judging from the snarled state of her dark braided hair and the smudges against her pale skin, she had been down here for several days already. How could anyone lock away someone so incredibly young and frail?
    Her head tilted slightly and she took a cautious step forward. “I don’t know you.”
    “No, I’m—” his words died as he realized that she was not looking directly at him. Her eyes were instead fixed on a point a foot over his shoulder. She could not see him. He swallowed and forced himself to remain coherent. “I’m Sarvell Sorpan. Elahandra sent me to rescue you.”
    Her worried frown disappeared instantly, relief streaking over her face. “Thank the goddess! I am Jewel Jomadd.”
    “What be the gravel, Sarvell?” Rialt demanded impatiently, pulling the door further open.
    Sarvell turned to him, mind whirling at this unexpected kink to their plans. “Rialt, she’s—” blind.
    Rialt hardly needed him to say anything. He stared inside the cell, at the girl standing there so patiently, the girl who did not turn her head to look at him. “You be blind.”
    “Yes,” she answered as if this remark wasn’t a tad rude. “Did she not tell you?”
    “No,” Rialt growled darkly, “and herself should have. Sarvell, the escape plan we made will no work.”
    Sarvell nodded in unhappy agreement. “No, it won’t. We need to come up with another, quickly.”
    “Only one option, as I can see it.”
    Sarvell knew what he was suggesting. “A diversion? While the other gets her out?”
    “While you get her out,” Rialt corrected. “I can keep them hopping for a long time.”
    Sarvell had seen for himself how nimble and quick the man was. He certainly could keep a castle full of guards scrambling for a while. “Alright. Do you know Sondack? It’s a town about an hour from here.”
    “Eh, I know it.”
    “Meet us near the old mill to the north of town.”
    Rialt nodded in confirmation. “Do you know a way out?”
    “I think so. This castle is built like the one in Hawleywood.” A rapid plan formed in his head, his mind turning it over at every angle, listing what was needed. “Those coils of rope you have, I’ll need one.”
    Rialt doffed his cloak and opened his coat, undoing one of the coils of rope he had wrapped around him.
    While he did that, Sarvell caught one of the priestess’s hands. “Priestess, we’re going up after Rialt draws the guards away. Can you keep up with me if we have to run?”
    “As long as we’re within the castle, yes,” she responded gripping his hand with both of hers. “I have this place memorized.”
    Her skin was like ice. Sarvell shook off the concern. Later. He could worry about that later. “Good.” Turning, he accepted the long coil of rope from Rialt. “Do you know of a way out?” he asked the Ramath in worry.
    “I have a notion or two,” Rialt assured him with a feral grin. “Do no worry about me, you have the tougher job. I will see you later, mayhap early tomorrow.” With a casual salute, he turned and sped down the hallway.
    Sarvell couldn’t see how taking on the entire castle guard and leading them on a merry chase could possibly be easier . “Good luck,” he called after the man.
    “Will he truly be alright alone?” the priestess asked in concern.
    I certainly hope so . “I’m sure he will be. He’s very quick.” Sarvell retrieved his hand from her grip long enough to doff the uniform he wore. He had no desire to wear two layers of clothing if he didn’t need to. He nearly left them there, but on a spur of the moment decision, slung the jacket around her. “Wear this. That white dress of yours will be too noticeable at night. The dark jacket will help you blend in better.” It would also keep her warmer.
    Her brows quirked in dry amusement. “If you say so.”
    Right, colors meant nothing to her…he’d have to be careful of that in the future. He helped roll the cuffs up so that her hands were free. The coat made her look like