Quill of Thieves

Chapter 14

Matthias's grip grew painfully tight as he escorted Sebastian from Queen Davina's chamber and back through the maze-like structure of the mountain fortress. Sebastian twisted his wrist to promote adequate blood flow, but it did little to abate the numb tingles shooting up his fingers.

The captain sure had a hand of steel.

While it was somewhat of a relief to be free from the queen's presence, the surly captain provided no better company. From the moment Sebastian had awoken in Astrid's bed, his very existence had only grown more frustratingly unexplainable: the mystery of the Scribal language; Astrid's hovering water orb; that brown, earthy thread; the Saviour's Prophecy.

His blood.

It was all too much.

Even so, Sebastian recognized there was a foolish part within him, the same bit of him that had caused Norham to cuff him about the ears due to his ceaseless curiosity, that thrived off the challenge. And it grew more and more intrigued despite Sebastian's wiser instincts. For example, what kind of education did the queen plan on providing for him? She had made mention of forces—elements, perhaps?—of all the absurd things! Could such a knowledge be called an education when it was not real?

And yet...

His brain spasmed.

For some bizarre reason, Rainier's royal court held an interest in him.

A court that claimed that his knowledge of Rainier's history was not accurate.

Or so Astrid had claimed.

Which, if that was truly the case, then what was the truth?

Sebastian glanced at the stoic captain beside him. "I'm not leaving this fortress, am I?"

"It would be foolish of you to attempt such a thing."

"Because I'd get caught?"

"Because you would die."

Oh. Sebastian grimaced as Matthias tugged him around yet another corner carved into the mountain. "Is Astrid a prisoner here as well?"

Matthias yanked him to a halt so severely that Sebastian's neck cricked. A hot rush of pain stole up his spine.

"You are a guest of the queen. Astrid is one of her top lieutenants. Remember your place, boy."

Sebastian thought it best to remain silent after that.

The fortress castle turned out to be much grander than Sebastian could have ever guessed; he had fully recited the entire timeline of Rainier, stretching from the kingdom's creation centuries ago to the Great Scribal Purge before Matthias stopped before a single door. They now stood at the end of a small ante-chamber with an oak door on each of its three walls. The doors were held shut by a heavy-looking iron latch. A guard stood on either side of each one.

What were they guarding?

Oh, wait. Sebastian blinked at them. "This is all a little irrational, don't you think? I'm nothing valuable."

Matthias just led him forwards.

One of the guards, a tall and lanky fellow, stepped aside, throwing the captain an enthusiastic salute. "Captain Matthias, sir!" he greeted from beneath his helmet. "We came to report as soon as we got word."

A wry expression crossed the captain's face. "Hold steady, Melvin." He gestured to Sebastian. "This is a guest of the crown. See to it he has all he needs. I'm placing him under your charge."

The guard named Melvin nodded and puffed out his chest. "Of course, Captain Soiree. You can count on me!"

Sebastian wasn't sure what he had expected in regards to where he would be held in the fortress. If asked, he would have guessed a mattress made of stone and a hole in the floor as a latrine. He glanced around the room Matthias had just dragged him into, a little bemused.