The Heart of Betrayal

I wasn’t sure if I was the only one who had heard her, or even seen her, but I stood there dazed, trying to grasp the enormity of what she had said. In an instant, I knew those were the verses ripped from the last page of the book. I braced against the wall, steadying myself with this revelation

And though the wait may be long, The promise is great, For the one named Jezelia, Whose life will be sacrificed For the hope of saving yours.

—Song of Venda

“What’s this?” the Komizar asked as they entered. “Has someone died?”

I am not a chip in a card game to be mindlessly tossed into the center of the pot, nor one to be kept in the tight fist of a greedy opponent. I am a player seated at the table alongside everyone else, and from this day forward, I will play my own hand as I see fit. Do you understand me?

But, Rafe, if things don’t go as planned, if you have to leave without me, promise me you will.”

I could tell he was about to protest but then he paused, chewing his lip. “I will,” he said, “if you promise to do the same.”

“You’re a terrible liar.”

He frowned. “And I used to be so good at it. You’re my downfall. But you still have to promise me.”

“I have another towel for you.” She moved aside. “And I brought this.”

Rafe stepped into view.

Blood pooled cold at my feet. Was this a trap?

I picked up the piece of root the girl had brought and sniffed it. Thannis. Was there nothing this lowly weed couldn’t do?

It was the second time in less than an hour I had perpetrated a sham.

Maybe.

Because in a brief cold second, I saw every one of them hanging from a rope.

These catacombs have many forgotten and dangerous passages. One could easily get lost forever.”

“Yes, we have a problem. I don’t want her leaving, and I assume that’s what you’re here for.”

Sven sighed. “Well, you’re partially right.” He nodded toward me. “I’m here to spring this knucklehead, and that’s all. You can keep the girl.”

“What?” I said.

“Sorry, boy. King’s orders. We’ve got an escort waiting just on the other side of the river.”

I lunged at Sven, grabbing him by his vest. “You lying, filthy—”