Ella Dethroned by Brandon Barr

Author:Brandon Barr
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Enchanted Starship
Published: 2016-08-23T22:09:52+00:00

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RATHAN

Rathan raised one hand in the air while the other rested at his hip, a finger length from his sword. The driver of the first wagon slowed, the man’s bushy grey brows dipped warily over his eyes. The second cart pulled up alongside the first, a young man and woman seated on the bench. The young man’s hand dropped down behind a block of wood where Rathan could see the brown handle of a sword or knife

“Have you heard the news?” called Rathan. “Brantieth has expelled Monaiella from the throne.”

“So we’ve heard,” said the older man, his grey brows lifting slightly. “Riders arrived in Tilmar midafternoon yesterday. By now the news has spread the entire northeastern region.”

Rathan folded his arms across his chest. “Have you any allegiance to the deposed Luminess?”

“Let us pass,” said the young woman. “We haven’t seen her. You can check our carts if you don’t believe us.”

Rathan turned a harsh gaze upon the woman. “So you won’t foreswear any allegiance to Monaiella. Do you approve of Brantieth as your new Luminar?”

“Luminaries hardly need approval from the likes of us,” said the older man. “We are simply delivering wine and fruit to the Hold—a trip we take every two weeks. Now if you would be so kind, and let us by.”

Rathan gave a small bow, then looked back into the woods. The three merchants had said enough despite the young man’s silence. He waved at the half a face peering from behind a tree.

Monaiella walked out onto the road and stopped beside him.

The older man jumped from his cart then knelt. “Monaiella, it is an honor.”

Rathan looked at the young man and woman, the girl’s mouth hung open. The young man stood suddenly, a knife in his hand. He drew it back to throw but the young woman’s fist was faster, and the blow to his face sent him sideways off the cart.

“Don’t you dare!” the girl shouted.

Rathan closed in on the young man who looked about seventeen. He stood shakily, then held the knife out at Rathan, blood dripping from his nose. His eye on Rathan, he reached into the cart and retrieved a sword.

“Careful! He’s a soldier,” shouted the girl.

Rathan paused at this news, only weeks before, he might have fought beside this man. “What’s your name soldier?”

“Wyell, and I command you, traitor, drop your sword.”

Rathan smiled, and spun his sword in his hand, then seized the grip and slashed the air twice. “I am the Luminess’s Life Protector; I will not back away from a fight.”

A dark, puzzled look seeped into the young man’s eyes. Clearly, he knew nothing of the title of which Rathan spoke.

“She’s no longer Luminess,” snapped the youth. “Your duty is over. Brantieth holds the throne.”

“I’ve bound myself to her. That is, I’ll die for her whether she holds the throne or not.”

Wyell glanced toward the old man. “Help me kill this rebel. It is Brantieth’s order.”

“I carry supplies not weapons,” said the old merchant. “You want me to take his sword with my bare hands?”

“As a soldier of the realm, I order you to help me.

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