The Blackdog King by Livia E. De Souza

Author:Livia E. De Souza
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: high fantasy, fantasy, adventure fantasy, epic fantasy, king, thief
Publisher: Livia E. De Souza
Published: 2024-04-30T00:00:00+00:00

26

Alderic surveyed the empty hall. He thought Nahia might have been home, though it seemed this had been optimistic. Her woman had simply shown him in, and set up lodging for his soldiers in the servants’ quarters which lay largely abandoned, as Nahia kept only one individual in her service.

The manor was cold, the stone walls and floor unwarmed by any fire. While tapestries were pinned to the walls, they lent no welcome to the imposing home. In the corners of some, the cloth had deteriorated and begun to slip from the fixture, leaving these hanging precariously over the floor.

The servant treated the king with sincere respect. While others in the countryside were hostile to his rule, Nahia had always ensured that the allegiance of her servants lay with the king.

He was shown to a bedroom, one of the few bearing typical furnishings. Entire rooms of the manor were bare, nothing but stone floors and walls, while others hosted the strange objects Nahia had acquired during her journeys.

Alderic lay on the bed, and the muscles in his back began to gradually relax, the easing met with an uncomfortable ache. The wool blanket beneath crept up to meet him, and he allowed himself to rest. He was within the walls of one loyal to him, and this was so rarely the case.

Their visit to the farmhouse had not been futile. Though there was no sign of the escaped trio, Seph had not misled them. One of the bandits finally confessed their part in protecting the travelers and received the mercy promised by Alderic. His soldiers dealt with the other outlaws before departing, ridding Vesia of a bandit pestilence that had afflicted the people for many years.

He pressed the heels of his hands hard against his eyelids, pushing until he saw a flickering, white light. He was forced to return to the original plan, having gained nothing through the diversion to Rieville. Moirin was still unaccounted for, and the key was missing. He could only hope to reach Linwood before she did, his chances bolstered by the fact that she was unaware of Linwood as the location of ‘Split Oak’, at least according to Geils’ presumption.

Feeling restless, he rose and left the room to wander the manor. The home was strewn with goods and heirlooms, though none appeared cared for or deliberately placed. It was clear Nahia had not inhabited the manor in some time.

He heard the steady hoofbeats of a horse approaching. Sword drawn, he crossed the great hall, and made his way to the entrance. Alderic stood in the doorway, looking down the steps at the approaching rider.

Nahia swung one leg over the back of the saddle and hopped down to dismount. Approaching the king, her boots tripped carelessly over the dusty stone steps. Without speaking a word, she grasped Alderic’s arm in a warm greeting.

“I thought you might find your way to Rieville,” she said, smiling as she led him back into the house.

“I take it news of my journey has reached you,” he spoke steadily, still fatigued by the lack of rest.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.