Dark Ages Clan Novel 5꞉ Lasombra by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Format: epub
Published: 2013-05-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

The three shared bloodwine, swapped stories, and watched as the patrons who had witnessed Raphael and Gradin’s antics came, went, and were replaced by others. At some point, Francesco rose, stepped to the bar for a few hasty words with the bartender, who continued to watch their table warily. There was some shuffling, and the bartender eventually made yet another trip back behind the bar for instructions. In the end, the three were escorted to a private room in the buildings upper floor, where they could converse more easily and freely.

“It is a long way from Rome, ” Gradin said as they seated themselves. “There must be many stories you could tell of your journey. ”

"There are always stories, " Francesco replied with a quick smile. “Would you rather hear the famous ones, the ones that all travelers tell of places they claim to have seen, or would you hear the bleak reality? It is not such an interesting road, most of the time. The dangers are overrated, the cities laid waste by the Crusade and the Bulgars are only now on the mend. I've heard of caravans overloaded with the undead adding to the mess in Thrace. It is a poor time to travel, if you are of good spirits and inclined to fun. "

“There has been little time for fun, ” Raphael interjected. “Too much is at stake now. Too many have left, fallen, or been destroyed, and those who remain are less focused. Rather, ” he added thoughtfully, “they are too self-focused. What was once a dream has become a scattered cluster of nightmares. As much as one might enjoy entertainment, it will be many nights before anything honestly resembling it surfaces. "

“You are a dour one, ” Francesco intoned with a wry grin. “Still, while it may have been a show, and a particularly good one, I saw your expression as you played with those downstairs. Existence is never without its amusements, and you strike me as a pair rich in both experience and amusement. Tell me I am wrong. "

Gradin actually chuckled, and Raphael turned to him in amazement, then laughed. “Guilty, " he replied, sipping his drink. “But that changes little. What brings one so far from Rome? There is little that goes in or out of that city that has no importance. What can you tell us? ”

“I know little of what is happening in Rome, ” Francesco replied. “I have been on my own for a very long time. I have been sent to check in with one of my own, but I am told I have come to the city too late. ” He drained his glass, then he met Raphael’s gaze. “I was to have met with the Lady Isadora. "

All humor left Raphael's face, and Gradin slowly lowered his goblet to the table, his brow furrowed.

“You know, then? " Raphael asked softly.

“That she is destroyed? ” Francesco asked. “Yes, I know. I have known for some time, though

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.