Blood of the Delphi (The Harmatia Cycle Book 2) by M.E. Vaughan

Author:M.E. Vaughan [Vaughan, M.E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mag Mell Publishing
Published: 2017-02-27T18:30:00+00:00

Zachary woke with an intense feeling of unease. He lay very still in his bed, eyes closed, listening to the silent room and trying to discern the cause of his distress. It was peaceful, the creeping sunlight making his eyelids light up red. Outside, he could hear birdsong, and there were children playing somewhere in the garden. By all accounts, he should have felt relaxed, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.

From downstairs, he heard the front door close, and he tensed, his eyes flying open. There were no voices, so someone must have left rather than entered. The servants used another exit, so either Daniel had stepped out to go to the Great Library, or someone had come calling. No doubt it was something perfectly innocent, but Zachary rolled from the bed nonetheless, his nerves jittery.

He pulled on his trousers, shoes and a chemise, and crept soundlessly to the door, stepping out onto the landing. Peering over the balcony he spotted Heather at the doorway. Her back was to him, apron clenched in her hands. She sighed, and turned, jumping as she spotted him.

“Good morning.” She curtsied. Zachary scanned the rest of the entrance hall, but it was empty. “I did not expect you up for another few hours.”

“What’s going on?” Zachary ignored her niceties, concentrating on her hands, which were still bundled into her apron. She noticed his gaze, and released the crumbled fabric, smoothing it back over her lap. “Who was at the door?”

“It was a messenger, he bought you a letter. I put it on the dining room table for you.”

“A letter? From whom?”

“By the hand, I would say it’s come from Lord Thornton.”

Zachary felt himself relax a little. “Thornton?” It had been some time since he’d had word from his friend in La’Kalciar, but Zachary’s conversation with Marcel had prompted him to think more often of Isaac. “I’ll take that letter now then.” Zachary started down the stairs.

“Lord Rothschild also came by but I told him you were unavailable.” Heather followed Zachary as he moved into the dining room, taking up his letter.

“Rothschild again? I am starting to regret allowing him into the Night Patrol. He’s too ambitious. He’s vying for Hathely’s position at my side.”

“That is ambitious,” Heather agreed.

“Sycophantic, position-grabbing tendencies aside, he’s a good solider.” Zachary inspected the handwriting and the seal on the letter and, confirming it was Isaac’s, he slipped his finger under the wax, and pulled it open. He read eagerly. “Thornton’s well. He’s travelling down to Sigel’eg. He means to come to Harmatia to see the assessments. He must be in the mind to take an apprentice.”

“It would do you well to see him.”

“He also says he’s been waiting on a letter from his master, Lord Farthing. Last I heard, the old man wasn’t very well. I may pay him a visit and see how his recovery is going.”

“I am sure he’d appreciate that,” Heather said distractedly, her eyes once more on the front door.

Zachary examined her.

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