Blood Winter: Immortalibus Bella 3 by SL Figuhr

Author:SL Figuhr
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-04-19T16:00:00+00:00

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A strange buzzing noise in his ears and the feeling of swimming upward through molasses made Tanner aware he wasn’t dead . . . yet. His face and head ached with pain, made all the more intense because the side that had taken the blow lay pressed on the floor. He could barely feel the blood which trickled down. The royal treasurer groaned as he attempted to roll onto his back. Even a little movement caused the room to spin. He closed his eyes and fought back a wave of nausea. When he was able to open them, Tanner cautiously sat up, again waiting for the dizziness to pass.

The room was empty. Where was Anson? Where was the duchess? Did she have his assistant and was questioning him? Maybe this meant he would live, if his subordinate could keep his mouth shut, or lie if he couldn’t.

Tanner realized he had heard more than the buzzing inside his head as it faded. The sounds of voices: some of them shrilly female, pounding, and booted feet. He managed to stand, rage pushing the pain aside. The man cast about for his dagger, but it was gone. He would have to try and make it to his back up dagger underneath his pillow, or his sword, also in his bedroom. The royal treasurer opened his study door to behold two palace guards, one to either side of it, in the hall. Their halberds crossed in front of the doorway. They turned to face him, eyes glinting with purpose.

“Sir,” barked one of the men as they both brought their halberds around to block forward movement. “Stay inside the room. By authority of the Royal Advisor Illyria, in accordance with His Majesty’s proclamations, you are under arrest for crimes against the crown.”

“The hell you say!” he barked. “I demand to be taken to His Majesty! This is outrageous! I am innocent! There is no proof!”

The weapons stayed firm, the guards’ expressions tightening more, expecting trouble.

“Stay inside, sir.” The first guard repeated his warning.

Tanner debated fighting, but a new set to the men’s jaws he had not seen before when he’d had dealings with the royal guard had him discarding the thought. Perhaps they would be open to a bribe?

“Now gentlemen, let’s calm down and think about this a moment, eh? I know how much you men earn. It’s a paltry amount considering all the hard work and royal demands which have to be met. What if I could see to the both of you getting a higher pay? In return, you escort me to the palace, and make sure the king will hear me out.”

Tanner could see the men wavering. “Here, I'll even give you an additional bonus out of my own pocket right now.”

He slowly reached for the money pouch on his belt and drew out four silvers for both men. The treasurer held the coins in his outstretched palm. One of the guardsman licked his lips and shot a quick glance to his fellow guard.

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