King's Folly (Book 2) by Sabrina Flynn

Author:Sabrina Flynn
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Sabrina Flynn
Published: 2014-11-24T00:00:00+00:00

Thirty

A BROODING OCEAN stretched beyond the horizon, and an uneasy foothold clung to its coast, battered by harsh winds and endless waves. The town of Drivel huddled behind its walls. For all the observing that Isek Beirnuckle had done over the centuries, he would never understand humans. They walled themselves up, living like rats in their nests fighting over morsels of food, when a vast wilderness would give them room to breathe and stretch. Safety did not come with numbers, as they so often hoped. Numbers brought betrayal, murder, and grief.

A lashing wind whipped at his cloak, and he reached out a hand, steadying his nervous mount with a promise of shelter. His destination was within sight, nestled between the Viscount’s reserve and a cliffside that plunged into the ocean’s surf. Tharios’ residence was one manor among many. The lords did not like to be near the stench of the city. They liked to look down from their lofty perches, but Isek had always preferred to be hidden.

Without urging, his horse stopped in front of a heavy gate. White washed walls guarded the property, topped by artful renditions of twining iron vines. The outside wall was warded. Only a truly foolish thief, or a very skilled one, risked robbing the manors on the hill. Wise Ones were always in high demand for their wards.

The gatekeeper emerged from his house, peering through the iron and sleet from beneath a wind-blown hood.

“Isek Beirnuckle for the Archlord,” he shouted over the winds. “I have urgent news.”

“The Archlord is not to be disturbed.”

“This cannot wait. Tell him as much.”

The gatekeeper narrowed his eyes and dipped his bushy chin, leaving Isek to wait and shiver in the restless wind. Tharios did not surround himself with fools.

A Whisper would have been sufficient, but over the years, Isek had learned to deliver important information in person. It reminded the recipient of the informer’s loyalty, and if Isek were to continue in the realm of the living, Tharios needed many such reminders.

A smaller gate opened within the larger, inviting horse and rider inside. The moment Isek passed the threshold, the wind died, and the sleet lessened its constant battering to a nipping annoyance. Beirnuckle handed the reins to a stableboy, and turned to greet a Wise One. Victer, a former merchant guard of the Golden Road, was a large, broad-shouldered man. His militant training had stayed with him, and his spine was as erect as ever.

“You’re too smart a man to disturb the Archlord unless it’s important. I’d not make this exception for another,” Victer said in his deep, rumbling tones.

“Your confidence is not misplaced.” Isek nodded to the pale-haired Wise One, swallowing his surprise over Victer’s presence. Tharios certainly inspired loyalty in the unlikeliest of people. But then, how much had Tharios told Victer, or the others for that matter? The Archlord’s smooth tongue was very persuasive.

Victer led the way around the manor to the back of the estate. A neat row of trees, interspersed with garden squares and fountains, remained untouched by the weather.

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