In Service Of The King (Book 2) by Steven Styles

Author:Steven Styles
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Belator Books
Published: 2014-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

JOSEPH RODE Belator though his own gate, past the myriad of parked carriages

Even though he expected guests, he felt amazed at the number of carriage cramming his drive. At the entry of his home, he spied Dunner and Reeves--seated to one side of the doors--enjoying a late meal on platters. Seeing no-one nearby Dunner grinned at him and lifted a hand in greeting. Giving Belator’s reins to a servant Joseph ascended the stair, stepping aside to talk with the men.

“I see you managed to wash the soot off ya, lad,” Dunner said, merrily. “You look right proper.” Good food and wine had softened the aging sailor’s gruff manner a bit. Smiling, Joseph glanced around, making certain they were not overheard. He wore new, well-made clothing though they were by no means rich; the young man looked perhaps a successful tradesman in his Sunday best.

“Has Gazeto seen anything?” he asked, quietly. Dunner looked toward the door.

“I spied Hezekiah some minutes ago, hovering by the door as if he wished to see you,” the aged sailor said, lighting his pipe. “He be up on the second balcony. I’ve my men stationed on the second floor, so that none get through.”

Nodding Joseph clapped him on the back and moved inside. Hezekiah stood much where Gazeto had left him. Hearing footfalls, the Marshal turned, and smiled.

“Lord Asher,” the tall man greeted. “I see you’ve elevated your appearance from peasant, to merchant.” Joseph snorted though his eyes belied amusement.

“What news?” he asked, his eyes wandering over the crowd below. Hezekiah related to him Gazeto’s observances. They spoke in hushed tones for some minutes.

“I left Tyrus in my study earlier, writing orders,” Joseph said. A feeling of elation coursed through him; they’d attained some of the pivotal information already it was a good sign that the weeks of work had not been in vain. He was certain Tyrus would be pleased. “I shall go, and inform him of Gazeto’s findings,” he continued.

Hezekiah cleared his throat.

“Once our esteemed captain is informed, there is another matter you may wish to address,” the Marshal said, smiling. He pointed down, towards the far wall of the ballroom; looking where the Marshal directed, Joseph saw a familiar young woman in a green gown, sitting on a chair against the wall. She looked quite alone; her face appeared expressionless. Joseph gave Hezekiah a nod and hurried to the stair.

Smiling to himself, Hezekiah watched Joseph thread his way through the crowd below over to Elizabeth; the young woman gave her fiancé a look of relief and a smile. The sight of it made the battle-weary soldier smile a little, to himself.

“It has been some time since I attended a ball.” A calm voice spoke nearby. Turning, Hezekiah beheld Tyrus standing in the balcony doorway, looking quite different than in his usual Shamar cloak. The tall, gray-eyed man looked almost regal in the attire of his title; as cousin to the king, Tyrus was indeed royalty, though few knew of his position in the Shamar.

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