Page 39 of The Darkest Knight

Argo’s shrug wasn’t reassuring. “Is there another way?”

Without warning, Argo and his first turned into huge birds of prey. The ropes in their claws, the birds soared toward the sky.

“I didn’t know they could do that,” Padriag said, awe in his voice as he craned his neck to follow the birds. “Maybe they should go into the rooms. Makes more sense.”

With a rumble of growls, Liam and the sentinels charged forward,

Warriors in human form charged on their horses, some behind the wolves, others splitting into two groups going to opposite sides of the castle.

“This is going to be fun,” Padriag said as he and Niall went to find where the ropes would be.

By the sounds of clashing swords and screams, the sentinels and warriors had entered the courtyard.

Two thick ropes unfurled down the stone wall. Grabbing the ends, Niall and Padriag jumped from their steeds and began the climb to the narrow windows. The large birds of prey’s flapping wings assured their backs were covered.

Finally Niall reached a thin window. The wooden shutter was closed so he kicked it in and squeezed through the opening. It was barely wide enough for him to fit through.

Inside Tamara jerked up to sit on the bed, holding a wine goblet up over her head, probably the only thing she could find to use as a weapon.

“It is me,” he whispered, pulling the cloak collar down so she could see his face.

“I knew you would come,” Tamara cried out, flinging herself into his arms, wrapping hers around his neck. Her entire body shook. “I have never been so scared in my life.” Her body against his made him feel ten times stronger. That she was terrified only served to fan the flames of fury that overtook him.

“I think Meliot is planning something horrible tonight. We have to save the others.” She tugged him toward the front door.

“We cannot go that way.” He pulled her toward the window. “He probably has guards posted outside the door.”

She gave him a pleading look and leaned into this ear to whisper. “We can’t leave the woman in the other room. Her name is Erin. She is trapped in the room next to mine. She is also from the other realm.”

He urged her closer to the window and motioned to Padriag to go into the next room. Then picked her up. “Padriag will get her.”

“What of the other women?” Tamara asked as they made their way to the window.

Just as Niall was about to answer, the door burst open, two beastly guards came into the room.

Moving Tamara behind his back, Niall pulled his sword. “Go through the window, grab the rope and tie it around your waist. Hold tight.”

He swung his sword at the approaching guards who moved forward warily.

A thick mist spread across the floor engulfing the room. It was impossible to see anything, so Niall continued to swing his sword wildly.

“I find it amusing that you thought you could just waltz in and take my guests.” The mists parted and Meliot entered the room. Immediately the shutters on the window slammed shut.

The wizard eyed Niall then his gaze slid to Tamara, who had ignored his instructions to get out and clung to the back of his shirt. “I have been waiting a long time to meet you.”

Still behind him, but peeking out, Tamara gasped but remained silent.

The wizard shrugged. “All will be clear soon enough.” Cupping his hands together, he formed a fireball, the blue flames moving like live snakes. “Your protector will have to die. You will thank me when you understand the destiny that awaits you.”

Just as he flung it, Tamara held her hands straight in front of her, palms facing the wizard. The fireball seemed to bounce at coming in contact with her hands and ricocheted back hitting the wizard. He took a step back, his expression accessing her.

“Let us go,” Tamara’s voice shook.

The wizard narrowed his eyes. “You are not trained, you cannot control your powers.” He turned to the guards. “Kill them.”

Shuffling and cursing, Padriag and a woman were dragged into the room. Padriag was unarmed, but he didn’t seem injured. The woman, a slender brunette, clung to his side.

Padriag yelled out a protection spell, creating an invisible shield. It would not stand long against Meliot, but it would give them time.