Free Skull Gate by Robin W Bailey Page A

do!"
    â€œYou'll tell,” she swore, “and eagerly. Get up.” She'd make him talk, all right, and she knew just how to do it. But not here. If Thogrin was awake, it was possible others were, too. Someone might notice the guards away from their posts and come to investigate. She went to one of the bodies and cut a strip from a bloodied tunic.
    â€œTurn around,” she ordered when Thogrin was on his feet. He obeyed and she tied the cloth over his eyes.
    â€œWhat good is this?” he asked. “I know every part of this castle. I've lusted for it long enough."
    â€œI've no doubt of that part,” she answered, taking his arm, “but you didn't know about the tunnels.” And there was another reason for the blindfold. She didn't want him falling under the spell of the Hand when she was this close to the answer she sought. She led him to the opening in the wall and into the tunnel, closing the secret door after her. The five-fingered candle still glowed brightly. She seized it and gave Thogrin Sin'tell a push.
    â€œI can't see!” he protested.
    â€œFeel with your hands,” she said. “I'll tell you when to turn.” The point of her sword prodded his ribs.
    â€œPlease!” He was almost whimpering. “Let me see! I don't like the dark!"
    She nearly laughed at that. Some king, who feared the darkness like a child. “Tell me what you've done with Aki and the blindfold comes off.” That would suit her. Once she had an answer, she'd whip off his blind, let him look on the Hand, and leave him to waken in the tunnels where even in daytime no light penetrated. He deserved nothing better.
    But he reached out with his hands to feel the wall. “I'll tell you nothing,” he said. “Do what you will."
    â€œThen move, and quietly, too, or they'll find tunnel rats gnawing your flesh in the morning.” If anyone could find you in these tunnels at all , she silently added. “To your left."
    They made their way back along the tunnels to the reception hall. When she had opened the door, she took his arm again and led him to the throne. He sat slowly, in obvious pain, and tried to muster his dignity. On either side of the dais iron braziers stood empty of flame. She moved to each and touched the lighted Hand to the oil within them. Bright as they burned, she could still not see the far end of the hall. There was plenty of light around the throne, though. The emeralds glittered with reflected fire. She placed the Hand on the floor safely behind the throne where Thogrin would not see its light, then pulled the cloth from his eyes.
    He looked at her, his gaze unwavering, waiting.
    But she ignored him for a moment, remembering something else, something that might help Oona. The emeralds sparkled, hundreds of them encrusting Korkyra's royal seat. Gemstones were objects of power; every dabbler in the arts knew that. And emeralds, she knew, were especially potent, their color associated with the growth principle and the very life-essence of the earth from which they came. She considered, the germ of an idea growing. Kings and queens, rulers by divine right, were also said to have some healing ability. Then royal emeralds should be talismans indeed.
    Talismans enough, perhaps, to help Oona cure a young boy's root-fever if she showed the old woman how to use them. She dug a couple of the green stones free and dropped them in her pouch.
    â€œThief,” Thogrin accused disgustedly.
    â€œWith these I may save a life even as I take one,” she answered.
    He folded his arms. Seated on his throne with the warm glow of the braziers surrounding him, he seemed to find his courage. “Mine, I assume?” His voice was light, mocking.
    â€œUnless you tell me about Aki, your accomplices, everything I want to know."
    He said nothing, just looked askance, resolute.
    â€œI've no more time to play, Thogrin Sin'tell."
    She sheathed her sword. A look of relief flickered over