The Bone Mask Trilogy: (An Epic Fantasy Boxed Set) by Ashley Capes

Author:Ashley Capes [Capes, Ashley]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Close-Up Books
Published: 2017-01-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 34

Darkness cloaked his city.

Even had he looked, the streets could hardly have existed to Seto as his carriage rumbled along. He wanted only sleep. On something that didn’t rock.

He sighed when the palace gates ground open and put a hand over Chelona when an argument started. It did not last – royal decree about the closing of gates only extended to those who weren’t royal. He was soon striding to his rooms, having ordered Ain sent back to his room under guard, with promises of tomorrow.

He hesitated by the large cage and its heavy drop cloth. The Bird of the Sun would be sleeping, but it still needed to be fed. No-one was allowed to touch or even go near the cage – and only a handful of people even knew where the bird rested – Seto fed the bird himself. Foraging for scraps of meat from a dish – fresh from the kitchens and mostly rabbit and fowl, he dropped pieces into a small tray at the bottom of the cage, lifting the cloth just enough.

Then he let it fall, the pull of the bird washing over him without even a stirring. Too tired.

Two steps from the door to his bedchamber and a knock came.

“Your Majesty, are you there?”

Solicci. Hiding his voice like a true Mascare – though the timbre was familiar enough.

He could say nothing. Just slip into the bed...but if he did, the man would only come back at dawn. Seto checked on Chelona, whom Solicci would not be meeting, hidden in his robe, and raised his voice.

“Come in, Solicci.”

His advisor wore mask and robes, but placed the mask aside when the door was closed. “Your Majesty, it is good to see you safely returned to us.”

Seto chuckled. “I rather enjoy not being dead myself.”

“The nobles will be pleased also.”

“Ah.” Seto moved to a sideboard and poured a drink. He motioned to Solicci, who declined. “Why don’t we sit and you can tell me about it. In brief.”

“Well, sire. They worry over issues both small and large. Nemola wishes to place a levy on the people to compensate for the destruction of the fleet, to help rebuild.”

“Does he?”

“And there are various disputes and concerns, most related to trade but above all, I believe they – we – are feeling...neglected by our new King.”

“That warms my heart, Solicci. But surely that can all wait until tomorrow?”

He inclined his head. “Then would Your Majesty care to take a report?”

“The harvest?”

“Captain Holindo and Luik report that, with the aid of the Alchemista, it will be but days before the last of the flesh is gone.”

“Wonderful news.” He leant forward, a touch of energy returning. “And Flir and the Storm Singers?”

“The song appears to be working. The majority of the population who hear it report improvement if not cure. As yet, we haven’t unsealed the Gates, but both Lord Abrensi and Lady Lavinia are confident. They still sing daily and crowds remain large.”

“Word from Captain Emilio?”

“Nothing new. We estimate that he and his party are still within the Bloodwood.

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