Chapter 5

Aarden lay awake in his bed. He was back in his mother’s manor, in his old bed. Spot lay whimpering, curled around his feet. The dream had been once again bad, but it had ended early as he tried to remember what had woken him.
Aarden had been watching the calendar carefully. Vale had said he would attempt the breakout when the moon died and before the new moon was born. The moon had died two nights ago, but no word of a breakout or an attempted breakout had reached Distrus.
A noise suddenly alerted Aarden. There was a scratching sound outside his window. Spot heard it too and crawled over to the window.
Aarden quickly climbed out of bed and went to the window. He opened it expectantly and pulled Vale up into his room.
Vale looked worn. To have gotten here after attempting the escape, Vale would have had to ride day and night. His shirt was dirty and torn, his hair was matted with blood, a sword was strapped to his leg, and the quiver that was strung to his back was only half full. Aarden hurriedly grabbed a wash basin and handed it to Vale. Vale looked at it and set it aside.
“I’ve ridden all day and night. Booruck is outside the city. He’s injured.”
“What do you need?”
“Come with me Aarden.” Vale had a wild look in his eyes.
“What happened,” Aarden finally asked.
“They were waiting for us. Someone tipped them off. They were guarding all the entrances and passageways you told me about.”
“How many were killed?”
“All of them; nine guards in all.”
Aarden went flush and sat down hard on his bed. Vale moved over to him and put his hand on his shoulder. “I’m an outlaw now my friend,” Vale said calmly. “I have to leave and can never come back. I need your help. Please come with me.”
“Why do you need me?”
Vale looked at Aarden, his proud and confident demeanor fleeing his appearance. He finally looked defeated.
“You’re my only friend, the only person I trust. You’ve always been my friend, even when I was an orphan. Your family has been my family, your life, my life.”
“What about my mother?”
Vale turned back to the window, frustrated. “Your mother doesn’t need you. You cling to her like a little boy. Grow up Aarden, it’s time to go.”
Aarden stared at the back of Vale for a long time. Vale stared back. Aarden finally pulled a loaded bag from under his bed and climbed out the window as Vale stood, stunned.