Chapter 7

Hester stirred. Dargo was shaking her. Her eyes fluttered open. It was still dark outside. Sleep mixed with darkness and the remnants of sleep confused her. Somewhere in her mind, she seemed to recall Dargo leaving. Yet here he was waking her.

“What is it Dar….?”

A hand clamped over her mouth and more hands hoisted her up onto her feet. In an instant, she was wide awake. A man dressed in black from head to toe stood before her holding her shoulders in a firm grip.

“We have taken over the palace and the kingdom. Resist in any way and we shall kill you. Do you understand?”

Hester nodded fearfully.

“Get dressed.” It was a simple but stern order that indicated it should not be disobeyed. The person added, “I suggest you dress warmly.”

Hester tried to see the man who spoke to her. His face was covered too and she could discern no distinguishing features. She realized that he was not alone. The moonlight that poured through the balcony doors and windows outlined four companions. Hester reali