Fortune's Eve by Emma Jane Holloway

Author:Emma Jane Holloway [Holloway, Emma Jane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781777045807
Publisher: Rowan & Ash Artistry
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Meanwhile, Gideon slumped against one of the hawthorn trees that dotted the street outside Allington House, his body tired but his nerves still jumping. The Conclave guards had Ellery in chains as they marched him away with little regard for his wounds. Ellery slumped and stumbled, apparently too injured to summon magic, but the nearest guard hauled him up by the hair. The casual brutality sickened Gideon. He closed his eyes and sucked in air, hoping for a cleansing breath. All he got was the coppery stench of blood.

“Are you well?” It was his father.

“More or less,” Gideon replied, not quite sure of his answer. He opened his eyes to see Fletcher beside him, a worried frown creasing his face. Gideon straightened, growing aware of the guests crowding the doorway and windows of the house. Evidently, he’d played a part in the night’s entertainment.

Fletcher squeezed his shoulder in a rare paternal gesture. “If you hadn’t caught him, who knows what might have happened.”

The Conclave would have found him, one way or another. Ellery was right about that much.

A black carriage drew up in the street, and a scarlet-and-gold uniformed soldier jumped down to open the door and lower the steps. A blue-robed figure descended. As the figure’s face turned toward the light, Gideon recognized Councilor Ware.

“Well, well,” Fletcher said softly. “Now absolutely everyone has come to my party.”

The dragonets on the Prasad’s rooftop squawked a protest. The creatures disliked the magic users of the Conclave every bit as much as the Unseen. Ware cast an angry glare toward the roofline, but Gwennie’s pets thankfully fell silent.

No sooner had Ware’s feet touched the street than a uniformed figure pushed through the crowd at the door and marched toward the new arrival.

“Who’s that?” Gideon asked, instinctively disliking the arrogant set of the man’s shoulders.

“Captain Hagen.”

“What’s he doing in the house?” Gideon asked, uneasiness rising.

“Searching for escaped prisoners in the soup tureen. Perhaps they’ll leave now you’ve caught their prize.”

Frowning, Gideon watched the guard and councilor converse. If they were happy to have Ellery back, it didn’t show. Ware looked as sour as ever.

“I understand why Ellery ran,” Gideon said.

His father cast him a sharp look. “A sense of obligation is natural after you rescue a man. Don’t let it cloud your judgement.”

Ware dismissed the captain, moving off to supervise the guards loading Ellery into another vehicle. Hagen walked toward Gideon and Fletcher, the errant light from the houses flashing on the buttons and braid of his coat.

“You are Gideon Fletcher, are you not?” Hagen asked as he approached.

“I am.”

“You’ve earned the gratitude of the Conclave this night.”

Gideon nodded an acknowledgment, but he felt no pleasure at the words. “I simply did my duty. My home and family were at risk. There was no other choice.”

Hagen stopped before them, his movements smartly precise. “Perhaps, but you’ve given us a good start.”

Fletcher folded his arms. “Now that he’s apprehended, what remains to be done?”

“Other prisoners escaped. A handful were seen moving toward this neighborhood, so we will continue our search.

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