CHAPTER 8

Chapter-8-Lucan

“How are we going to go with the attack?” my second-in-command, Toffar, asked as we mounted our horses at first light. Behind us, the men were already assembled, we were all set to ride toward Windborn village.

I swung onto my horse, gripping the reins with confidence. “What do you mean, how? We ride as we always do. Steel and fire.”

He gave me a look, but said no more. Behind us, the men were already mounted, rows of iron and leather gleaming faintly. The sound of horses snorting and stamping filled the silence, hungry for the road.

We rode hard. Hooves thundered against the earth, the wind stung our faces, but I've always enjoyed the smell of nature. No one spoke. Every man knew what waited at the end of this road.

But when we reached Windborn, it wasn’t war that met us, it was silence. The village lay open, and strange. No cries, no clash of steel, no villagers scattering before our blades. Only the echo of our horses steps.

I slowed my mount, scanning the huts. A faint curl of smoke drifted in the cold air. I dismounted, crouching near a fire pit. My fingers brushed the warm ashes.

“They left not long ago,” Toffar said, coming up beside me. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, though there was no enemy to draw it against.

“Last night,” I agreed. I let the ashes fall between my fingers and stood. “Search everywhere. Don’t miss a corner. Any clue of where they went, bring it to me.”

The men broke apart, as the carried out the orders. Doors were slammed opened, weapons scraped against wood, but nothing came. No food, no bodies, no trails worth following. Whoever had led them away knew what they were doing.

Toffar returned to my side. “The king won’t like this. He expects blood, not excuses.”

I exhaled through my teeth. “I know. But they were warned or lucky. Either way, they slipped us.”

He looked at me grimly. “You’d better pray the king believes that.”

I turned away before answering, lifting my voice to the men who were already drifting back with empty hands. “Mount up. We ride for the palace. Stay sharp, I don’t want surprises on the road back.”

The journey home was quieter. Even the horses seemed to sense the weight of failure.

When we entered the palace gates, I didn’t go to rest. I went straight to my father, whom I assumed would be waiting.

“You came back too early,” he said calmly

I folded my hands behind my back, as I cleared my throat. “The village was empty. The message reached me only yesterday, and I rode out at first light, but they were already gone. Whether by warning or by chance they escaped.”

He studied me in silence before speaking. “Whether by luck or by work, I expected you to find them or at least uncover who aided their escape. If you fail, Lucan, I will be very disappointed.”

The words struck me like a blade but I kept my face still. “You won’t be disappointed, Father.”

He nodded, and with the flick of his hand I knew we are done here.

I bowed and left.

Back in my quarters, I poured wine into a cup and downed it fast. It burned, but did nothing. I could never dull my mind with drink a curse that left me alone with my thoughts. I was frustrated that I set the cup down harder than I meant to, and the rim cracked. I needed air.

I strode out of my chambers, and went to the clinic. I pushed open the door to the clinic.

And my eyes caught the new maid immediately. She pretended not to notice me. She busied herself with cloth and water, but every glance was quick, I felt fear from her.

Why fear me so much? Was it because I had questioned her before? Or was there more? But the sight of her stirred something in me, like a memory of where I had seen her before.

At the basin, Leon rinsed his hands as he caught sight of me and came over. The girl washed quickly, her fingers fumbling with the cloth, then slipped out through the side door.

“My prince,” Leon said, drying his hands. “I heard the wolves escaped.”

I gave a short nod. “Word travels quickly to you.”

He smiled. “Information should always be the first to arrive. You taught me that.”

I smiled. “Hmmmm.”

“The king didn’t take it well, did he?” Leon asked.

“No.” I leaned forward. “He ordered me to find them or the traitor who warned them. Someone leaked the attack."

Leon studied me, then nodded once. “And you’ll find them, my prince.”

I heard what he says but my mind was already on the girl. Her face would not leave me.

“That maid who just left,” I asked changing the conversation. “What’s her name?”

Leon paused. “Which maid, my prince?”

“She already left. The one assisting you, the one from the public registry.”

“Oh. That’s Lisha.”

“Yes. Lisha.” I repeated the name slowly.

Leon looked puzzled. “What about her, my prince?”

I leaned back against the table. “Something is odd with this girl.” I said quietly. “She seemed a little anxious.”

Leon’s laughed a little more. “A lot of women are anxious around you, my prince. But believe me, she’s just a healer from some small village. Talented but harmless.”

“No one is truly harmless, Leon, no one.”

He raised his head. “Compared to you, my prince, she is very harmless.”

I pushed myself off the table. “Should I expect the usual company tonight or tomorrow? Or will you send more than one this time so I can choose?”

Leon smiled knowingly. “If you insist. But remember, you must remain careful. Discretion is everything.”

I turned toward the door. “Yes. I am discreet. Send more than one if you wish.”

We both laughed lightly as I reached the doorway. But then I paused. An idea struck me suddenly, and I changed my mind. I turned back to him.

“Send that Lisha instead.”

Leon blinked, startled. “Ah, my prince, she is assigned to the clinic. She is not for the brothel. It would be unsafe”

“I don’t care,” I interrupted him. “She will come to me. She will like to.”

“I doubt she wi....”

“Leon.” I cut him off. “Do as I say. I’m tired of the same faces. Send her to me tomorrow night. If she refuses, she will regret it.”

Leon’s mouth opened, as if to protest, but I was already turning away. I didn’t wait for his answer.

Why not? I thought as I walked down the hall. This girl is different. Let’s see what secrets she hides.