Realm of Thorns by R. J. Larson

Author:R. J. Larson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: N.T. Biblical fantasy, Religious suppression, martyrs, Biblical suppression
Publisher: Gram-Co-Ink
Published: 2020-11-02T00:00:00+00:00

FROWNING, DANEK GLANCED over his shoulder at the small river valley. Had he heard a horse’s distant whicker? The liquid rush of a stream flooded with snow-melt obscured too many noises. Not his favored way to hunt escaped menaces. But he and his men were in unfamiliar territory and the horses had needed water.

Riding beside Danek, Sion eased his patient golden horse’s reins, then peered at the hillsides above as if he also sensed an enemy’s nearness. “My lord, as the Eternal Liege lives, I’d vow we’re being watched and followed.”

“I agree. Let’s ride up out of this gorge and claim the high ground.”

They urged their horses to climb toward the afternoon sun, and the encampment. This morning’s hunt had garnered no meat for his men, and no evidences that might lead them to the Lady Eliya’s would-be assassin. What a cruel death the wretch intended for her! To be burned alive, helplessly trapped in her regal little traveling wagon with its near-useless high windows.

Mercifully, he’d seen the ladies trooping off together last night into Lady Valeria’s tent. As it was, he’d been troubled ever since the blaze was vanquished, unable to sleep—unlike Aniketos and Belkrates and their heirs, who’d returned to their tents afterward.

Why would someone want Eliya dead? If only he’d a prophet to consult. To his Creator, he near-whispered, “Eternal, reveal the truth. Show me Your will!”

As they wound their way upslope through a copse of pale birch trees to the crest above the river, Danek ordered Sion, “Tonight, when we return, I want you and your most trusted closed-mouthed friends to listen for gossip while you’re among the other guards.”

Sion nodded. “We might have to share food with Ceyphraland’s men. Too bad we don’t have something substantial to cook. A buck, a boar, or at least a hare.”

“Sion, you claim to be my cousin. You’ll find something.”

“Let it be as you’ve foretold! We’ll prove prophets still exist.”

Danek exhaled and grinned. “I was just wishing we’d a prophet to consult.”

“See there? We think so much alike that you know it’s true. We’re cousins.”

Danek’s amusement faded as soon as they reached the crest and he glanced down into the valley. A small procession of guardsmen entered the area he and his men had just abandoned near the river, their gold coats and green badges announcing their allegiance to Trisguard.

They spied Danek, no doubt mistaking him for some minor and rustic lord out on a hunt with his men. As Trisguard’s men eyed him, their commander lifted one hand and halted their procession. To reassure the undoubtedly tense detachment of men, Danek offered them a brief nod and a salute.

The commander returned his nod, then guided his men up the slope. Sion grumbled to Danek, “Why are they riding up to meet us? They’ll delay us, and who wants to meddle with yet another realm? I’d prefer my late noon meal, and thanks!”

“Let’s wait and learn their mission.” Turning, he commanded his men quietly, “Don’t tell them who I am, unless they’re seeking the tetrarchs who accosted us.

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