A Question of Counsel (The Republic) by Archer Kay Leah

Author:Archer Kay Leah [Leah, Archer Kay]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Less Than Three Press, LLC
Published: 2015-05-26T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

"So that was a lovely reunion."

Aeley opened one eye to peer at Lira, still lying on the seat across from her. She pulled herself forward from the corner of the carriage. "Wasn't it, though? Almost went as expected."

"Almost?" Lira sat up and reached for Aeley's knee, her light touch making Aeley flinch. "Expecting a confession, weren't you?"

"No. The fact he knows about the marriage contract is interesting, though. I'm also surprised he'd even suggest something so helpful."

"Maybe punishment's been good for him."

"Or not. I don't see the quarry making him any wiser, just stronger." The carriage stopped and Aeley pushed open the door. "Hopefully Mayr's found something." She jumped from the carriage and stared up the stairs to the door of the estate, relieved to be home. The trip home from the quarry had felt longer than the ride there.

Lira stepped down from the carriage. "If he hasn't?"

"We'll have to rethink everything." Aeley took Lira's hand and pulled her up the stairs. The doors opened as they ascended the last few steps. Haydin's familiar face eased Aeley's irritation.

"How did it go?" he asked, ushering them inside before closing the door. "Was he any help?"

"He says he has nothing to do with it." Aeley peered up the main staircase and around the corners. "Is Mayr here? Do we know if he's discovered anything?"

Haydin shook his head, his gaze falling to the floor.

"Well." Aeley sighed. She could wait to hear his report. Enough of people. I just want to do nothing right now. Well, almost nothing, she corrected. With Lira, there was more than one way to spend the time before dinner. Staring down the corridor, Aeley wondered if they could continue where they had left off before the assault on the road.

The assault. She tensed, her back muscles pulling as she straightened and flexed her free hand. The village had been attacked, too; the same village Lira visited regularly. Without answers, the situation remained dangerous. While Allon claimed he knew nothing, nothing in her believed him.

He was much too pleased with her. Looked at her like he'd jump on her. He's not telling the truth, I know he isn't, but I can't figure out which part he's lying about. And now that he's seen her...

With a tug, she pulled Lira into the corridor.

Lira followed without protest. "Where are we going?"

"No one's here to bother us. Perfect time to teach you a few things about defending yourself."

"Defending myself? Why?"

Aeley stopped in the middle of the corridor. "Because Allon can't be trusted. And whoever's responsible for the attacks are too unpredictable." She turned to the darkened hallway behind Lira, imagining the route they would take down the stairs and through the halls to the armoury. "You need to know how to do something in case they come after you. Using a quill won't do any good."

"I'd say I can take care of myself, but is there any point in arguing?"

"No. Especially since I’ve seen how you are with your brothers."

"That’s a low strike," Lira grumbled.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.