The Emperor's Guard by Kevin Hopson

Author:Kevin Hopson
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2021-02-22T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOUR

A touch woke Asgall. When he opened his eyes, the doctor stood next to him with a hand on his shoulder. Asgall had slept in the leather-upholstered chair all night, staying at the Emperor’s side, but it was a constantly interrupted slumber. As comfortable as the chair was, one could only sleep so well in it. Asgall straightened out and sat up.

The doctor released his grip and retracted his hand, a smile stretching across his face. “The Emperor is improving.”

Those words of comfort were enough to jolt Asgall awake. “Is he conscious?”

“He’s been coming and going. The curse has taken a toll on his body, so he’ll need continued rest for now.”

“What time is it?”

“Just past sunup.”

Asgall got to his feet, arched his back, and stretched both arms above his head. Then he bent over and retrieved his belt along the floor, one that held his dagger and sword. He wrapped it around his waist and secured it tight.

“I could use some air,” Asgall said. “I’ve been in this room far too long.”

“Go then, Commander. He’ll be fine, and I’ll be with him.”

Asgall nodded. “I’d like to be here when he fully wakes.”

“It will be some time before that occurs. You should take a walk. Get some food in your stomach. Get your energy back.”

“Precisely what I was thinking.” Asgall approached the doctor, resting a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you for your assistance.”

“Of course, Commander.”

Asgall exited the double doors. Tormod, Eachann, Seoras, and Colum were all standing outside.

“How is he, sir?” Seoras asked.

“Better,” Asgall replied.

“That’s good to hear.”

“I was thinking of taking a walk.”

“You should, sir,” Seoras said. “We can handle things here.”

“I appreciate that.”

“Would you like some company, sir?” Colum inquired.

Asgall mulled it over. “Sure.”

Colum fell in beside him, and the two of them made their way down the hallway. A few minutes later they were on the streets of Southwallow. Asgall’s stomach rumbled, and he immediately sought out food. Many of the city’s vendors were up and about, doing business just after sunrise. But Asgall needed something more. He motioned to a bakery, and Colum followed him inside.

“Good morning, Commander,” a gentleman said from behind the counter.

He was a portly fellow with a balding head and mustache. Asgall firmly believed that round-shaped bakers provided the best goods. One couldn’t taste their creations on a regular basis, and fine tune them, without growing a little bit in the belly.

Asgall smelled the aroma of sweet dough, herbs, and spices. “Good morning, Gwynn.”

“What can I get you, sir?”

“A wigg would really hit the spot.” It was a sweet bun that Asgall could seldom resist.

Gwynn looked to Colum “And for you, sir?”

“I’m fine. Thank you.”

Gwynn nodded and made his way to the end of the counter, Asgall noticing the wood-burning oven in the corner. Gwynn came back with the bun and handed it to Asgall. The Commander reached for one of his pockets, but Gwynn put a hand up.

“No cost to the Guard,” Gwynn said with a smile.

“I appreciate that, but I’m more than happy to pay.

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