Dionysus by Beck Todd

Author:Beck Todd
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rebecca Todd

22

Departure

Dakota sprinted through winding corridors and down stairways. His heart raced, seeing guards walking through the halls. Most were too startled at seeing someone running inside the palace to question or try to catch him. He heard one guard radio to his superiors, asking if he should engage. Dakota did not stick around long enough to hear the answer.

Descending the last flight of stairs, Dakota ducked into an empty hallway to catch his breath. A painful stitch had formed in his side, stabbing him with each inhale. He spied a door at the end of the short hall. A green exit sign glowed above it. He doubted it was the same door he entered by. Seth was not exaggerating when he described the palace as a labyrinth. But for all the ground Dakota covered, he hadn't seen even a glimpse of Cantara.

"You have to leave the palace," Uriel said.

"Not without Cantara," Dakota replied. His breathing slowed back down to normal, and the stitch decreased to a dull throb. Another minute of rest. That was all he needed.

"You think I'm not aware of that? For both your sakes, leave," he said, pointing at the door. Shouts and heavy footsteps echoed through the halls, growing louder, closer. Dakota's heartbeat in his throat. How many guards were in the place? A dozen? A hundred? All heading his way.

Dakota pushed open the door. Bright light blurred his vision, bathing everything in white. The door closed behind him. He blinked until his vision cleared. An ornate fountain stood in the center of the open space, sunlight reflected off the babbling water. Four gravel walkways led up towards the fountain. Neatly trimmed grass filled in the space between walkways. Rose bushes in full bloom lined the perimeter. He had seen this place before, when he was on the terrace. The courtyard in front of the palace. He had gone the wrong way!

Panic rising, Dakota spun to face Uriel. "This is the wrong--"

"Dakota?"

He looked in the direction the voice came from. Cantara, the real Cantara, peered from the other side of the fountain. Smiling in disbelief, she ran to Dakota embracing him. Dakota held on to her tight, fearing she would disappear. Are you really here?

"Chlo found me and told me you were here," Cantara said, loosening her grip. Her eyes glistened. "I talk to my father. He was willing to speak with you, but Myrddin..." She bit down on her lower lip. "How did you get away from Myrddin?"

"Your father intervened," Dakota replied. "But not before Myrddin summoned the guards. We need to get to the gardens. Rodya has a craft waiting there."

"I know the way." Cantara grabbed Dakota by the hand and led him along the palace's perimeter. The hydrangeas and violets replaced the rose brushes as they rounded the corner, leaving the courtyard. They went through an aperture connecting an additional building to the palace. The dove and arrows were painted on the door. Cantara paused, listening.

"All the guards are out," she said more to herself than Dakota.

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