48. Keelan

Chapter forty-eight

Keelan

J ustin, four of the Royal Guard, four Constables assigned by the Sheriff, and I stood at the dock in a wide circle, staring at each other. I wanted a nimble team that could slip in and out without being detected. Now, I had a small army that included a prince and his paranoid bodyguards.

Atikus remained behind. He said he hated the idea of watching his adopted son sail off to meet his fate but had to admit that this was a young man's game—and he was far from young anymore.

The Prince and I donned the Children's robes.

The King thought Justin would be safer in disguise, arguing that he could blend in with the other Children if trouble arose. That sounded ridiculous to me, but I had already lost the battle over Justin joining us; if the boy wanted to play dress-up, so be it.

The others wore black from head to toe.

I eyed each man as I spoke. "All right, listen up. Our goal is to get in, see if there's evidence of the Queen or Princess being held, and get out. We're not there to start a battle. A rescue is not our primary mission, but if the opportunity presents itself, we will take it.

"The Constables will take out the guards at the dockside entrance. Remember, the King wants as few casualties as possible. When we get inside, the hallway will fork almost immediately. The right fork leads to a balcony that overlooks the ceremonial chamber. That is where Atikus and I witnessed the last . . . ritual. I think the left fork leads down behind the stage."

I pointed to the Royal Guard and Justin. "You will take the right fork while I go down and search the left. If there's trouble, get the Prince out and don't look back. His safety is your highest priority."

One of the Royal Guard glared. "Lieutenant, the Prince's safety is our only priority. The rest of this mess is on you."

I returned his glare, trying to keep the irritation off my face, then nodded once.

"The boats will leave the landing point by sixth bell regardless of who is still in the building. Don't be late." I looked around the circle one last time. "Let's move out."

Two boats waited for us at the docks. The Constables boarded one, leaving the Royal Guard, Justin, and me huddled in the other, as we rowed across the calm, moonlit lake.