Prince of Alasia (Annals of Alasia Book 1) by Douglass Lima Annie

Author:Douglass Lima, Annie
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Annie Douglass Lima
Published: 2013-12-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

It seemed as though the whole world slowed down, Jaymin thought, while the line of soldiers marched closer and closer. He kept his eyes straight ahead, trying to look unconcerned, trying to act like everyone else passing by. Beside him, he could feel Erik blending into the crowd in that mysterious way he had of seeming so ordinary that most people never really noticed him. Jaymin would never understand how he did it. Everyone had always noticed Jaymin.

The soldiers were even with them now. He resisted the temptation to glance their way, focusing only on the street before him, though he was keenly aware of every red jacket and pair of black breeches crawling past to their right. He even caught a glimpse of yellow on the sleeves of the sergeant in front. How could one line of color take so long to pass? Even his own feet seemed to move at a fraction of their usual pace. It was as though time itself was on the Malornians’ side and had slowed down to give the enemy a greater chance to catch them.

But eventually the last of the soldiers were out of sight, and time seemed to return to its regular pace. Jaymin breathed a sigh of nervous relief, realizing as he did so that he had been holding his breath. That had been a little too close.

Around them, the buildings began to thin out. Much of the traffic was starting to disappear down other streets. They were nearing the edge of town.

“Not much longer now,” muttered Erik, keeping a wary eye on their surroundings. “A few more minutes and we should be there.”

The afternoon wind whipped past them as they made their way along the increasingly empty street. Jaymin shivered and wrapped his cloak more tightly around himself. He had warmed up while they were running, but it was uncomfortably cold now. At least it didn’t look as though it was going to rain or snow this evening. If General Dirken were planning an attack for tonight, he would have clear weather for it.

Ahead, Jaymin began to catch glimpses of open plains and farmsteads between some of the houses. They were nearing the outskirts of Drall, but where was Sir Edmend? Jaymin tried not to think about the possibility that the soldiers might have found him first. He peered ahead as they walked, searching the street before them. A mere handful of pedestrians were in sight now, most too far away to make out their features. A couple of boys on donkeys were plodding along across from them, and a young man led a train of pack mules in the opposite direction. Up ahead, a cart loaded with bulging sacks stood by the side of the road, and a well-dressed couple trotted past in a buggy. But that was all. No Sir Edmend in sight.

“He’ll be here,” Erik assured Jaymin, noting his friend’s worried expression, or perhaps simply reading his thoughts. “He’s probably hiding somewhere, watching for us to come by.

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