Chapter 12 - The Thief's Tale by Meena Mason

After their wearying ventures, and, in Kessa's case, a close call with the noose, Kessa and Aquestria are not only in need of some respite, but also some trustworthy allies, some good advice, and somewhere to lay low. Nestled within Red Talon's base with Artex, Rake, and Pantheus, they seem to have found that. Unfortunately, it will not last. Not with the dungeon keeper on their tails. And, although, Aquestria has settled confidently, Kessa knows she faces yet another difficulty; her companions will start sniffing around for answers before long. Why does this trouble her? Why can't she tell them about the king's reasons for wanting her dead? Something elusive lurks beneath Kessa's casual facade; something unnerving compels her secrecy - a circumstance that only Kessa and her past can reveal.   Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason   Chapter 12 Exerpt: “What’s going on?” Kessa asked guardedly – already guessing what was going on. They were going to ask her the question she could not answer. They were going to ask her why Casyius really wanted her dead. A vivid flashback careened through her mind, reeling her back to that fateful day when the events that would inevitably lead her here started.