Obran and Mara’s eyes met as she flew in front of him. She had a sullen and worried look on her small face.
“What happened, Mara?” Obran whispered.
They were out of the listening range of any window in the whole alley and it was too dark on the roof for anyone to spot them. She sat next to Obran.
“We settled into our room when Tomas saw two men come up the alley,” she said.
Tears poured down her small cheeks and Obran gently stroked her tiny hands with his pinky finger.
“I know it’s hard but try to tell me everything tha happened, Mara,” Obran said.
“Zico grabbed me and pushed me out the window, told me to fly away as fast as I could and find you. There was no way for them to get away since we were on the third floor and they rushed in so fast. I found the abbey and your brother said you were on your way already,” Obran said.
“Did you tell my brother and Katrina to stay put,” Obran said.
“Yes, but I can’t be sure they did since I flew straight back. I can’t leave Zico alone and I knew you’d be nearby,” Mara said.
“Okay, good job,” Obran said.
“I’ve been flying around to see if anyone else is coming. One of the two men left and he came back with the young prince...Gaius,” Mara said.
“The young prince is here—inside? Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. I remember him from the party. I remember all their faces.”
“So he is with Tori right now?” Obran said.
“Yes, I flew down to get a closer look but kept a safe distance. I saw Zico and Tomas sitting in the tavern with one man standing over them and another keeping an eye on the door. They cleared the whole place. At the window I heard the prince and Tori talking but I couldn’t make out much. The window is locked; Tori must have put the handkerchief there.”
Obran quickly sorted ideas in his mind. Three men would be hard enough to take on but a well trained prince and his guards. One versus three was not good odds. Mara could help—take one out by surprise like she did with the elf but he’d promised Zico not to put her in danger again or let his wife do anything more than scout. Not after nearly losing a wing and almost being stomped on. Tori could help but he didn’t want to put her in danger either unless absolutely necessary.
“If he hasn’t taken her out perhaps she has convinced him to help her or at least not to take her back to Roma,” Mara said. “Tori told me how much he loves her.”
“Or maybe they’re waiting to capture me and my brother as well, or you too Mara,” Obran said.
“I don’t think the prince would do that,” Mara said.
“Well we don't know that,” Obran said. “Someone wants her captured and we don’t know who to trust.”
Obran hoped Mara did not hear the jealousy in his voice. But maybe Mara was right. If anyone else besides the King would protect her it would be Gaius.
“Then maybe we just make a deal then. I just want Zico back safe and sound,” Mara said.
“I want them all back Mara,” Obran said.
Mara was sobbing now but she also looked angry; Obran knew what she was capable of and didn’t want her to do anything rash.
“Okay I think I have to go down there. If you said there alone in the room I can probably find a way in or at least listen. I can find out what’s going on and maybe draw them to me and give Zico and Tomas a chance to escape since it’s really me and Tori they’re after.”
“And what do you want me to do?” Mara said.
Obran remembered his promise to Zico.
“Just stay clear. If and only if you see the soldiers leave then go to Zico and Tomas, set them free and all of you get away. Hide til you can meet up with Katrina and my brother in the abbey.”
Mara folded her little arms and stared away, looking upset. She began to glide in front of him.
“I could do more but I’ll listen to you since I promised Zico I would but if I see Zico is in danger I’ll take all their eyes out.”
“Let’s not get to that just yet,” Obran said as he placed his smallest dagger in front of her.
"Okay, I'm going in," Obran said. 189Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TdSBBcJ2x
