A Dance of Mirrors by David Dalglish

Author:David Dalglish
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Fiction / Men'S Adventure, Fiction / Action & Adventure, Fiction / Fantasy - Epic
ISBN: 9780316242479
Publisher: Orbit
Published: 2013-12-03T06:00:00+00:00

Laryssa hated the ugly layout of the city. There was nothing beautiful to it, nothing natural. They built their straight roads and their square box homes and stamped out every bit of life that might grow in the cracks. It was only if she climbed to the rooftops could she even see the stars, all because of their torches and lamps. More than ever she yearned for the forest, especially as her company descended the hill Lord Ingram’s mansion was built upon. Below, the city seemed angry and vile. Every pair of eyes that looked upon them burned with hatred.

They were only five, all armed, including Laryssa. She feared no ruffian or drunkard striking her. Humans were only frightening if in great numbers, and even then the people so far had only flung stones from hiding. Such cowardice. Laryssa preferred the company of wild dogs to the people of Angelport. At least they would bare their teeth and fight a creature that frightened them.

“Perhaps we should stay here in the mansion until things calm down,” Graeven suggested, but Laryssa would have none of it.

“That man is a swine dressed in silk,” she said. “I will not stay under his roof, nor will I fear his streets. We must see what fate has befallen our friends. We’d deserve nothing but Celestia’s condemnation if they are in danger while we five hide in a human castle.”

At first things seemed somewhat calm, the people of the city no more hostile than normal. If not for a hint of distant smoke blotting the sky, she might have thought the two Blackwater brothers lying. It was only when they reached the first gate that they saw the results of a riot. Loud screams and chanting came from down the street, and the gathered guards peered from underneath their helmets with frightened eyes. A group of lowborn humans were there with them, whether watching or waiting, she didn’t know.

“You picked a bad time,” one of the guards said to Laryssa as they pushed through the commoners. “I’d turn back, milady.”

“What is going on?” Graeven asked.

“What’s it look like? Something sparked a riot up north, and it’s spreading like wildfire. Seen at least two squads head down that way, and they ain’t come back. We’ve confined it at the gates, so far as I know. You go in there with them, though, you’re likely to get hit.”

“Let them try,” Sildur said. He drew his sword, which only deepened the guard’s frown.

“Naked steel ain’t a good idea. You don’t want this crowd smelling blood, sir. Trust me on that. Go back to Milord Ingram’s mansion where you’ll be safe.”

“We cannot stand idly by while a mob rips apart our brethren,” Laryssa said. “Let us through.”

“And may Celestia watch over us all,” Graeven said to himself as the soldiers parted, and they entered the strangely empty streets. It seemed those not intent on burning or breaking were in hiding. With Sildur leading the way, they traveled toward their home. A boy ran past them, blood dripping from his nose.

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