Prince of Swords Read Online Free PDF Page B

did not suffer that fear for very long, as Lyr shook his head at that proposition.
    â€œNo. In the morning, Rayne will lead us to the dagger and we will escort her to a place of safety, as she requests.” With that, he turned to head for the stairs. “Don’t leave her alone. Set up a watch so that she is under constant guard.”
    â€œYou plan to wait until morning ?” Rayne snapped, yanking once against her chains. “You’re going to leave me here all night?”
    At the foot of the stairs, Lyr stopped and turned to face her. “You claim to have been here for many months.”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œThen one more night should be of no consequence. Your chains allow you to reach a comfortable-looking bed, and I spot a chamber pot beneath that bed. In a short while I will send down food for you and your guard. Everything you need is here, and knowing you are where you should be will allow me to get a good night’s sleep.”
    Rayne pursed her lips. “You can trust me. You can—”
    â€œCan I?” he interrupted. “No, I don’t believe I can trust you, Rayne daughter of Fynnian, betrothed of Ciro.”
    She could argue that she had chosen to be neither, but Lyr appeared to be a man who did not change his mind often. “I will see you in the morning, then,” she said calmly, moving toward her bed. She could endure one more night in this basement. She could wait a few hours before making her escape.
    All that was left was to find a way to hide from Prince Ciro. Forever.
    Â 
    O NCE MORNING ARRIVED AND R AYNE WAS FREE OF HER chains, she became more obstinate, insisting that things be done her way. Lyr could’ve insisted with the tip of his sword that she immediately uncover the crystal dagger, but he did not. He studied her, trying to discern the true aspects of her personality. After all, he would be traveling with her for some time, in order to deliver her to a safe place. And where would that place be? He was not very familiar with Columbyana, aside from the few places he had been to visit family. Perhaps he could take her to the Southern Province and Aunt Sophie’s family, but that was very much out of his way if he was to rejoin General Merin and the emperor’s sentinels in the fight against Ciro.
    Til stood guard at Rayne’s door as she bathed and changed her clothes. His men had searched the house well, and there were broken pieces of furniture and holes in the walls to mark their passage. It was a shame, since this had obviously once been a very nice house. In the current situation, that could not be considered of any importance. Ciro had to be stopped, and the weapon which was hidden in this house was necessary.
    Lyr paced in the hallway, patient at first, then less and less so as time passed. They needed to retrieve the dagger and begin their travels. Taking the woman would slow them down, and they did not have a moment to waste. He was to collect the dagger, rejoin Merin, and then march on Ciro.
    According to the Prophesy of the Firstborn, it would be Lyr who took the demon’s life with the crystal dagger. It was his destiny to destroy Rayne’s betrothed. Perhaps it would be best that she not realize his purpose in seeking out the dagger.
    Finally, she emerged from her room looking fresher and somehow daintier than she had when she’d entered. The dark blue gown she wore was, thank goodness, well suited to travel. The skirt was full to accommodate sitting a saddle and it was not too long; he could see her ankles above low-cut and apparently sturdy boots. Her hair had been pulled back and up in a simple style which would not require constant care. Perhaps Rayne was not entirely senseless, her association with Ciro aside.
    Even though she had dressed sensibly, Rayne didn’t look at all sturdy. She would not be able to travel at the pace to which he and his men were accustomed, and they could not afford to be slowed