Destiny Stones (Fisher of Time Book 5) by Douglas P. Smith

Author:Douglas P. Smith [Smith, Douglas P.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kingfisher Press
Published: 2024-04-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Dan and I walked down to the where the other knights were gathered. Most of them had survived the battle.

“At least I’ll be able to talk to the people here. You won’t have to translate everything like the last world.”

“How is that possible? They don’t speak the language you and I are using.”

“A little trick I learned recently. I can pick up languages from other humans without knowing it.”

“That is a good trick. However, let’s use this strategically. Act as if you don’t know the language.”

“Ah, I see. I can spy on them easier if they think I don’t understand them.”

“Yes, you are more likely to hear their conspiracies.”

He introduced me to the others, but my reception was chilly. I don’t think anyone trusted anyone else, and I was an outsider. The battle site cleanup was well underway, so the knights walked as a group to the castle complex. The ones with horses gave them to pages who walked behind our group. Instead of the banter I expected post-battle, few words were said by anyone. Other than a few insults sent my way, it was quiet. Obviously, there were undercurrents of distrust. I imagine the prince’s probable marriage to the daughter of their chief rival was unsettling. Wealth and titles were bound to change with the new arrangement. The dangerous games were about to begin.

The castle complex was a sprawling hilltop fortress a few kilometers away. A lackluster castle with a wooden door was on one side. Attached to it was a robust, tall tower used as the keep. Substantial living quarters were separate and a hundred meters away. The stables and some markets were scattered near the living quarters. Everything was enclosed in a significant stone wall with low towers. Just outside the wall was housing for the poor and more market stalls and shops. Of course, everything and everyone outside the walls were expendable.

As we entered the compound, I saw one building away from all the others. It was the newest built and had no defensive elements.

“Dan, what is that building?”

“That is the hospital. It will be busy soon.”

Most of the knights went through a gate into the castle. Dan steered me to the living quarters.

“The knights stay in the castle. They are related to the king or are nobles that have long-term familial relationships. The king and his family have the keep. As an outsider, I have rooms in the living quarters.”

“So those most likely to conduct treachery stay near the king. Others like us are not welcome in the inner circle at all.”

“Exactly. And I wouldn’t want it any other way. You may have noticed how surly and unfriendly that lot can be. We will have more privacy and enjoyment staying out here.”

“Works for me. Hope the king survives the night.”

“He might. Depends on how loyal his guards are.”

“Definitely not a way to live life.”

“No, it is not.”

We entered the extensive quarters. Dan had a three-room suite. He dropped his kit and weapons in the foyer.

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