A Drowned Kingdom by Stuart P.L

Author:Stuart, P.L.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Action & Adventure, Fiction, Fantasy, Epic
ISBN: 9781525589331
Publisher: FriesenPress
Published: 2021-02-02T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-One

“They’re gone,” said Wely, again looking down at those of us gathered. “This is why we’d be wise, Lords, not to contemplate delay, not to give Ina time to corral us. Earth Goddess curse us if we leave ourselves more open to attack than we already are. Those scouts saw us seeing them, and have gone back now to report to Ina.”

“Lord King, we’ve women, children, and old people here,” I said, echoing Eld’s words. “They’ve been at sea for a month. It’ll take a day for legs to adjust to being on land again. It’ll take longer for hearts to adjust and mend, hearts torn by seeing their kingdom destroyed, and coming to a new, unfamiliar home.”

“My prince speaks truly,” said Glathan. “Our people’s hardiness will be tested. Almost half of them are not warriors. Many are pampered from the lifestyle they enjoyed in Atalantyx. They’re used to rich foods, in abundance. They must survive now, for some weeks ahead, on scant provisions, designed for soldiers. They need nourishment, they need to steady their feet, and they need time to unload and organize belongings. Then they need to rest, before they make ready for the long journey to the Golden Valley.”

“If that journey is to begin, we need to know what we face en route,” said Hert. He turned to Old Yedwol. “Lord Prince Yedwol was the diligent one, not the rest of us lords. I recommend we heed his counsel regarding the scouts of King Ina.” He engaged Wely and me. “With your leave, Princes Othrun, Eld, Yedwol, and King Wely, I suggest we send nine men, being three men from each of our people, to spy and scout ahead. I will take care in arranging this.” Uncle practically preened and acknowledged the praise with a smug smile. “Our people can work together there. My men and King Wely’s know the land. It can gain Lord Othrun’s men some familiarity as well if he sends some of his warriors along.”

“If it pleases you, Lord King, and all the princes agree, make it so,” said Wely, and I nodded my corresponding consent, as did Eld. Then Uncle nodded too, curtly, with his typical belligerence, knowing and not liking his place was behind us four in the order of importance. Hert turned to Centi, who sent one of his reports off to arrange the scouting mission on the Carthlughean side, while Wely and I each tasked one of our captains to gather three other men from our respective camps.

“We have to pass through Ina’s realm to reach home,” said Wely, once that was done. “Originally he granted me passage. Unless he rescinds it, that granting stands.”

“He granted Father the same passage,” said Hert. “We’ll see his rescinding when he makes war upon us, Lord King. He’ll decry our alliance.”

“That can be expected, yes,” agreed Wely.

“But, Lords, we have a heavy force here to repel Ina,” said Eld. “We are many.”

“And vulnerable,” muttered Wely. “By the Sky Goddess, I’ll feel better when we move.

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