Rhapsody: Child of Blood by Elizabeth Haydon

Author:Elizabeth Haydon [Haydon, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy, General, Science Fiction, Epic, Fantasy Fiction, Rhapsody (Fictitious Character: Haydon), Fantacy Fiction; American, Achmed (Fictitious Character: Haydon), Achmed (Fictitious Character : Haydon), Fantastic Fiction, Fantasy Fiction; American, Rhapsody (Fictitious Character : Haydon), Grunthor (Fictitious Character: Haydon), Grunthor (Fictitious Character : Haydon)
ISBN: 9780812570816
Google: WgqzJ1bI298C
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Published: 1999-01-02T05:00:00+00:00

Llauron says you are aware of the border incursions and attacks we have been suffering,” Stephen said as he handed Achmed a snifter of brandy.

As before, the Dhracian was standing at the largest window in the room, this one on the eastern end of the keep, also overlooking the rolling hills of Navarne and the courtyard below. In the cobbled area two children chased each other, laughing. A broad smile crossed the duke’s face when he saw them.

“Gwydion and Melisande,” he said to Rhapsody as he nodded downward. She came to the window as well.

“He told us a little, nothing substantial,” replied Achmed casually. He pointed over the farmlands to a thick, high stone wall, partially finished, that stretched to the north for as far as he could see. He did not mention his and Grunthor’s firsthand observations. “Is that the reason for the ramparts being built?”

Stephen gave Grunthor, who had stretched out on a large leather-covered couch with his feet on the table in front of him, a glass of the rich-colored liquid as well, then joined the other two at the window.

“Yes, in a word,” he said matter-of-factly. “Navarne has the disadvantage of being settled primarily in small villages and communities of two or three large farms together, and it is several days’ ride from my holdings to the capital city. As a result, its inhabitants are more vulnerable than most to these kinds of attacks. When the nearest military post is at least two days away, a small village or farming community can be devastated, and no one even hears of it for weeks. We’ve had our share of brutal raids and incursions.

“At first I tried posting scouts and soldiers in or near as many settlements as I could, but it was to no avail. So I decided to enclose as much of the local acreage within a walled fortress as possible, in the hope that it will better protect the people and their land. I’ve invited as many as are willing to come and live within the new fortress, and some have agreed.

“Some would rather take their chances and keep the lands that are their legacy, and I can respect that. Eventually the land within the wall will become a heavily populated village, which will destroy the tranquillity of my holdings and the keep, but it’s a small price to pay if it keeps more of them safe. Truthfully, I have no idea if even that will help, but while I am still breathing I have to try every option open to me.”

“That’s the sign of a good leader,” said Rhapsody, watching the workmen in the distance as they mortared stones into the wall. Gauging from their height as they stood near it, she estimated the wall to be more than twelve feet high. Whatever Lord Stephen sought to keep out must have made a serious impression.

Lord Stephen’s face grew grave for the first time since they had met him. “I have a personal reason in addition to that duty.

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