Danger

"That should do it," the Emperor announced.

Alaron stood with his hair tucked under a borrowed woolen cap, a cape too short for him, and mud caked on his face. The boy lifted his bound hands to his cheek. "I feel like a fool," the prince moaned.

"Then stop acting like one," Gandr retorted before realizing he had spoken aloud. "Sorry, Your Highness…even though it is true," he muttered his half-apology.

The Emperor held a cloth in his hand. "Don't bite me." He narrowed his eyes at the prince.

"Can we talk about this? How about if I promise…" the rest of his words were muffled as he received the gag.

"Nothing you could promise would be helpful just now. People may want to free you or kill you based on who you are and I do not need that added worry." Devrim tied the cloth firmly behind Alaron's head. He turned to Fedelmid and Ashleigh. "Please lead the way."

"I recommend you say as little as possible until we are inside Oblivion's walls," the duchess advised the group. "My guards will be