Arriving back at the campsite, Marwynn saw that everyone was arguing over what to do next.

  Fin asserted “All in favor of rescuing Duster from North Moon say Aye.”

  Muriel called out from behind Marwynn, “How do you suppose we do that? Walk in and ask Lady Revna to hand him over?”

  Morganse spoke softly, “I could get us in but someone will need to get us out.”

  Marwynn shuffled his feet for a few moments before adding “There is another way.”

  Everyone turned to Marwynn, and Morganse asked “What do you propose?”

  “I turn myself in, after all I am the fly” Marwynn said.

  Fin suspiciously asked, “How do we know you will not just turn us in?”

  “Declan saved my best friend’s life, this will clear my debt to him.” Marwynn said.

  Muriel burst out “You cannot! She will add you to her garden.”

  Marwynn did not flinch and told her “Lady Revna will want to have me back. I will agree on the condition that she release Duster. Not one of you will have to be there.”

  “What makes you so certain?” Fin squinted his eyes.

  “I was good at my job, also she wanted me by her side” Marwynn said.

  “Are you suggesting that you had a familiar relationship with Lady Revna?” Muriel said flabbergasted.

  Marwynn simply stated “Yes.” Then he continued “If I can convince her that I have returned, Declan will have an insider that knows her every move.”

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  “No!” Muriel shouted a bit louder than she intended. She lowered her voice and said “It is too dangerous, there must be another way.”

  Marwynn calmly answered, “This is Duster’s best chance. I know how they operate, the prison is impenetrable. Once inside there is no escape.”

  Declan who had been quiet for some time spoke up “What if you are wrong and your plan does not work?”

  Marwynn said quietly, “Either way, gather supporters and build an army. To take her down, you will need everyone you can get.”

  “Where would we gather an army?” Declan questioned.

  “The place it all began,” Marwynn answered. “The ruins of Roseglen have been long avoided due to superstitions that it is haunted. You will not be disturbed there.”

  Desperate Muriel grabbed Marwynn’s arm “I am coming with you.”

  Marwynn allowed her hand to remain this time but turned his head from her, “No, I will go alone.”

  Fin rolled his eyes “here we go,” he sighed, “can we skip to the part where you agree to let Marwynn go and send him off with your goo goo eyes never to see him again.” For added dramatics, Fin fluttered his eyelashes with his lips in a pout.

  Muriel ignored Fin and pleaded with Marwynn “I can help you, pretend that you recruited me and I will join too.”

  Fin exaggerated a snarl “You will only hold him back.”

  “Look you little annoying pup!” Muriel fumed at Fin with fire in her eyes.

  Before Muriel could say anything else, Marwynn put his hand over hers and gently urged “Muriel, you are not coming with me. Declan will need you, I want you to stay with him.”

  “I am afraid that I will never see you again.” Muriel lamented.

  Fin had quieted down but behind Muriel his dramatics were over the top. He batted his eyes and clasped his hands together.

  “I will come back,” Marwynn said.

  “Promise me,” Muriel implored. Behind her, Fin was pretending to retch all over the ground. If Muriel turned, he would be dead. Morganse was pleading with her eyes for him to stop but he continued on.

  “I promise to try” Marwynn said.

  Without warning, Muriel flung her arms around Marwynn’s neck and hugged him. Marwynn was entirely caught off guard and did not know how to react.

  “Now give him a wittle kiss” Fin’s annoying voice rang out adding in some kissing noises.

  Muriel released Marwynn and glided towards Fin with a deathlike stare that made him pause. She gave him a hard shove knocking him to the ground. She turned from Marwynn and walked off not trusting herself to face him again. Her tears brimmed to the surface and she did not want to cry in front of him.