Skyrider of Renegade Point by Erik Christensen

Author:Erik Christensen [Christensen, Erik]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-01-03T09:02:46+00:00

Chapter 20

The meeting hall was packed. William and Rachel sat in the front row beside Jack, while Cairns took his place at the table on the dais with the other town officials. Sir Hendrick had returned with his loyal guards, having joined the Faywater contingent at Kolmo, and sat beside Major Bentsen. A large crowd had stuffed themselves into the rows of benches behind them, William recognizing some of his fellow barons among the forward rows.

Jack nudged his elbow as they waited. “I don’t suppose there’s any point in chastising you for going off alone again? Even Clyde was miffed about being left behind.”

William brushed aside the complaint with a wave of his hand. “Not now, Jack.”

Maya and Charlie joined them as a disheveled Earl Bradford banged his gavel for attention. “I have many people to thank for my release, and the release of other officials, but that will have to wait. As you will probably guess from my appearance, I have been incarcerated for nearly a month now, as many others have been. However, now is not the time for assigning blame.” He cast a sidelong glance at Sir Hendrick, who turned a shade of red but kept his composure. “Major Bentsen will give a report now.”

“Thank you, your Lordship,” said Bentsen as he stood. “I am Major Bentsen of the Faywater Port Guard. At Duke Vincent’s orders, based on letters from many among you, I led a contingent of three hundred guards to Marshland Crossing. By the time we arrived, no rebels were to be found, and three royal ships were reported stolen. Officers from my rearguard unit confirmed sightings of these ships heading downstream two hours later. No deaths have been reported, although one body has been found, dead of apparent poisoning. Anyone with information is requested to step forward.” He nodded at William’s raised hand and continued, while William ignored the bewildered stares of his friends. “All missing town officials are accounted for. All were locked in office basements, aside from Lester Cairns, who was held in the Library map room. Injuries were minimal and treated with expertise and efficiency—thank you to Doctor Maya Melchior, whose presence was fortunate. At this time, I can report that the town is safe, and free of the rebels who perpetrated this crime.”

“Thank you, Major,” said the earl as Bentsen sat. “The purpose of this crime was simple theft. In addition to a few valued personal possessions, this spring’s tax collection was stolen, and is presumably floating away on a stolen ship as I speak. The amount is in excess of ten thousand gold crowns, and while this may seem like a personal tragedy, I want to point out a few things that may occur as a result of this theft. First, replacing our now depleted guard will be next to impossible. Second, dock repairs will have to wait at least a year. Third, the extension of paved roads east of Marshland Crossing will be delayed or canceled. Lastly, I may be forced to raise additional levies to cover necessary costs.

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