A Serenade for Selene by Atlas Hill

Author:Atlas Hill [Hill, Atlas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780648285205
Publisher: Rhapsody Books
Published: 2018-03-22T06:00:00+00:00

THIRTEEN

The amazing Lord Count

Alpheus peered about, looking for a quick way to get down. Having watched everything pan out from the start, he didn’t want to miss what was next. In the end, he resorted to taking the stairs, racing down as fast as he could.

When he finally reached the ground, he was panting, but he was glad to realise that everyone was still at a standstill. Breunor had tensed up, cringing slightly even. Forredan winced. It was apparent that they didn’t like Reeling. But it also looked like they feared Reeling, who seemed to be radiating an air that melted others—an air that oozed confidence and fearlessness—a quality Alpheus had never really paid much heed to in the past.

Walford Bors had retrieved his maul. He looked shocked, probably still wondering how it had happened. He wouldn’t want it to be the focus, though. Indeed, the giant man said no word as he returned behind Breunor.

“Lord Count,” Breunor finally greeted, wearing a forced smile. “That was quite an entrance. You’re not here only to surprise us, are you?”

Reeling grinned at him. “That would depend on what you’re doing.”

“Lord Breunor was here to see Sir Sagramore,” Forredan answered for the military man. “And I’m here to take Julian Roland... or was it Longinus? I don’t know. Either way, the boy is mine.”

Julian was still shivering from his near-death experience. Alpheus trotted toward him, helping him to his feet, and helping appease his terror.

“Who in God’s name are you?” Forredan questioned, wincing at Alpheus, but pausing soon after his own question. The stout statesman seemed to have noted the chrome-plated pocket watch dangling at his girdle, which was the token that proved he was a State Scholar.

“You again,” Breunor said, apparently recognising Alpheus from their single encounter in this very building. “You damned scholar... how dare you poke your head in our affairs!”

Alpheus pouted, still panting. “I have not the slightest interest in your affairs. But if you were to torment him, you’d have me to ask.”

Julian glanced up at Alpheus in spite of his exhaustion.

Reeling clapped his hands in applause, regarding Alpheus with pride.

“Lord Count,” Breunor said with a huff. “I have duties to perform, and I would appreciate it if you didn’t interfere.”

“And I am here to perform my duties as Count,” Reeling claimed. “I am surveying potential candidates for the Golden Knight Exchange. And with the Empire’s blessing, I’m delighted to say that I have found one today.” Reeling regarded Julian now, who gawked back. “I want to see Julian Longinus at the Exchange.”

The crowd exchanged stupefied looks. Even Julian himself was taken aback.

“Not so fast!” Breunor cried, raising a hand. “The boy’s guilty of treason.”

“I do not believe he is,” Reeling said, shaking his head. “Ask your advisor. I believe his name was Nelson.”

Breunor grunted and then turned to his retinue, eyeing the only man who wasn’t of the fighter class. The aged Nelson was probably an advisor to Breunor for on-court matters. But this aged man didn’t look his best now.

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