Shadow Storm by David Hall

Author:David Hall [Hall, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dead Reckoning Books
Published: 2022-04-22T23:00:00+00:00

KING OF THE DRUANTS

THE weather remained sunny and Alarik and his fellow riders made excellent time on Kings Highway. On their fourth day of travel they spotted Edgar on the side of the road just south of Ashville.

Alarik led them over to Edgar and brought Crimson Fury to a halt. “Why are you not in town?”

Edgar eyed the Fyrian soldiers behind Alarik with suspicion.

Alarik noted the sour look on Edgar’s face and answered the unasked question. “These Fyrians are Princess Fial’s bodyguards. She will be joining us on our journey to Nemeton.”

Edgar’s mouth dropped open in disbelief as he noticed Princess Fial, but he recovered quickly and bowed the best he could from horseback. “Greetings, Your Highness.” He turned to Alarik. “Our camp is north of town, Sire. If you’ll follow me, I know a shortcut.”

Alarik nodded. “Lead on.”

Edgar kneed his horse forward and led them off Kings Highway and down a narrow dirt road. They saw a few intermittent farms and pastures bordering the back road, but they rode through woods for the most part. A candlemark later they emerged at the camp, which was much larger than Alarik had expected.

Hundreds of tents had been erected on a fifty-acre cow pasture. At least two thousand men were present, but were outnumbered by women and children. Younger children ran wild and played games like tag, while older ones flirted with each other or engaged in archery matches. A festival-like atmosphere prevailed as the Druants celebrated the return of their king.

Edgar gestured at the overflowing field. “They decided to meet here because there’s nowhere in town that can handle a crowd this size. We’re expecting twice this number of men to join us over the next couple of days. We aren’t taking tents into Nemeton, but they provide a place for the men to bid their wives or female companions a fond farewell.”

Alarik nodded. He noted that the livestock that grazed here had been relocated, except for an unlucky few that were being turned on spits over fires. Pairs of guards armed with longbows were positioned at close intervals around the perimeter of the field—the somber purpose of the gathering hadn’t been lost on the organizers despite the gay atmosphere.

It was too congested to ride through the crowd and they dismounted at the field’s edge. Edgar spoke to a group of guards; they nodded at him and then led their horses away.

Edgar pointed to two pavilions set up on the far end of the pasture. “King Alarik, those big tents near the stage are for you and Lady Keelty. Princess Fial, we didn’t anticipate your arrival. Until I check with the Druant leaders, may I suggest you stay in Lady Keelty’s tent?”

Princess Fial nodded. “Whatever arrangements have been made for Lady Keelty will be suitable for me as well.”

Alarik offered his arm to Fial. “May I escort you to your tent, Princess?”

She accepted his arm. “Johrbine, have your men carry my belongings from Cloud to my pavilion.”

Johrbine bowed. “Yes, Your Highness.”

Shahr,

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