Gambit of the Glass Crowns by Ethan Risso

Author:Ethan Risso
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rookpen Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Kendric trudged down the hall toward the senatorial annex of Castle Rotham, the heavy heels of his boots pounding against the stone floor. With every step, he delayed the unknown. Never had he received a summons from Vaughn Garanth, so he had no idea what to expect when he reached the old man’s quarters.

He stopped just outside the door, his boot skidding across the stones. His hands instinctively made their way to his hips, to the hilts of the daggers kept on either side of his belt.

Shit! I have to be more careful.

His grip on the daggers loosened as he took a deep breath, lifting his hand to rap on the door three times in rapid succession.

From within the room, he heard the muffled sounds of Senator Garanth. The old man’s footsteps sounded heavy and downtrodden, thumping toward the door in time with the click-clack of his walking staff. Only when the shadows of his feet stretched out beneath the door did the shuffling stop, replaced by the harsh sound of metal scraping against metal. The door lurched open, and Senator Garanth stood before him.

“Ah, come in, Senator Pahne.”

“I was surprised by your invitation.” Kendric walked into the room and closed the door with the quietest of gestures.

“Do not be alarmed, I merely wish to speak with you. Please, sit with me.” Vaughn waved to the chair across from his own, before the fireplace.

Kendric sat, trying to seem calm, but he learned from his father never to trust another Annwydian Senator. Not that his father ever mentioned the Garanth House by name, although his father did show considerable disdain for the Boraste family.

Despite the Senator’s supposed equality, Senator Garanth’s authority over the Magisters made him arguably more powerful than the others, as even the Senators were not above the laws of the kingdom. That alone would have been enough to frighten him.

“Forgive me, but I do not understand the need for such subterfuge, my Lord Garanth.” Kendric sat, draping his dark, blood red cloak over the arms of the chair like wings.

“One could never make the argument you are not fond of bold gestures.”

Senator Garanth’s tone surprised Kendric. It became clear the older man was impressed with him, but Kendric did not know why.

“You are also either very brave or very wicked to brandish a weapon in my presence.”

Kendric glanced down at the daggers sheathed on the scabbards crafted especially for concealment on either wrist which were uncovered now that his cloak was drawn back. “Forgive me, my lord. I meant no offense, nor do I mean you harm. You are a wise man and have served on the Senate far longer than I. Certainly you as well have noticed the foul stench of treachery in the air which renders such weaponry necessary for one’s own protection.”

“Yes, I have, lad,” Vaughn said, leaning back in his chair and wrapping his long fingers around the top of the walking staff.

“I am hardly a lad.” Kendric strained the corner of his mouth at the man’s assertion, and the tone of condescension which accompanied the statement.

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