Total pages in book: 152
Estimated words: 145704 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145704 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 729(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
“Whose farm is this?” I take in the wooden barn and the small stone cottage nearby. On the other side is a small pond.
“Someone willing to accept a bag of coin and stay out of our way.” Jarek steers our horse toward the rest.
Zander and Abarrane have galloped off to meet two cloaked warriors. They push back their hoods in greeting. It’s Drakon and another I haven’t met but I recognize.
Both wear somber expressions.
I wait for Jarek to dismount before I ease off, my body aching. “What’s that about?” It’s far too hot to be wearing cloaks, which tells me they must have been using them to hide their identities.
“The commander sent two scouts ahead to Bellcross to learn what they could about the current situation in the city.”
“And they’re back already?” The entry gate to Bellcross is still an hour’s ride away, according to Elisaf.
“They never stopped riding ahead, our first night at camp.” Jarek hands the reins to Brawley, who has eagerly assumed his previous role of stable boy.
Jarek’s right. I haven’t seen the burly and loud Drakon in some time. “What do you think is going on in the city?” By the dour look taking over Zander’s face, nothing good.
“If I knew, we wouldn’t need to send scouts, would we?” Jarek strolls toward them.
I’m tired of standing on the sidelines, especially if Zander thinks I’m going to help him regain his throne.
I rush to pace myself at the warrior’s side, my chin held high.
Jarek cuts a sideways glance. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Same as you. Finding out what’s happening in Bellcross.”
“Yes, but I’m second-in-command of the Legion. And you are …”
A key caster who Zander needs. “Just an heir to a throne?” I finish with a saccharine smile before speeding up to pass him.
“… several of the seedier taverns. The whispers are endless, but we could not confirm them as truth, Your Highness.” Drakon’s voice is far more serious than the last time we crossed paths.
“And the mood in the city?” Zander’s back is to me, but I can practically see his body stiffen as I approach.
“Most do not care who calls himself king,” the other legionary, a wiry man with rich, russet-brown skin, says. “Their focus is on which of their mortals shouldn’t be trusted.”
I can’t help myself. “Maybe their focus should be on how they treat those mortals to earn their resentment.”
Zander sighs heavily. “Thank you both. That will be all for now.”
Drakon and the other warrior bow and then charge off toward their comrades.
“So glad you could join us.” Abarrane smiles at me through gritted teeth. “We were just talking about how much havoc your little gift is causing Islor.”
I ignore her, focusing on Zander as he turns to face me. My heart skips a beat the second his eyes touch me. “What’s happening in Bellcross?”
He opens his mouth, but stalls.
“Are they hurting the humans?” I press.
“Not yet, but it will surely come. The reason behind the death of Lord Rengard’s tributary is now broadly known, as is the culprit behind the act. Beyond that, rumors run wild. Several immortals have supposedly fallen prey to tributary schemes, but the two names Drakon checked in on were of keepers very much alive. Still, it is only a matter of time before the fear takes hold of common decency.”
Elisaf joins our little group. “And what of Lord Rengard? What is his position?”
“He has not made it known. He hides within the walls of his manor, not allowing anyone in or out. I suppose I cannot blame him. The only reason he didn’t face the same fate as my parents is because Tyree made the mistake of assuming all mortals would wish their keepers dead.” Zander’s lips twist with distaste. “He did not travel to Cirilea for the fair, but we must assume he has received word from Atticus by now. If he hasn’t made any bold declaration yet, perhaps I have not completely lost his support. I will not know until I speak to him.”
“Wait, you’re going into the city?” I glare at him.
Zander peers up at the sun. “I should have enough time to get inside the gates before dark.”
“I will ready the horses.” Abarrane marches off, Jarek on her heels.
Zander makes to move away.
I grab hold of his forearm. “You can’t just walk in through the gate.” I’m sure at least some of the guards will recognize him.
“Of course I can. I’m the rightful king of Islor, which includes Bellcross.” Tension cords his muscles beneath my fingertips.
“Except Atticus has declared himself the king and you an enemy to the throne. What will happen if Rengard isn’t your supporter anymore?”
Zander’s eyes snap to Elisaf. “Is there nothing you don’t tell her?”
“Thankfully, someone around here does.”
After another lingering glare at his friend, Zander says, “There are other ways to get into Bellcross.”