The Fractured Heartstone by Ian Thornburrow-Dobson

Author:Ian Thornburrow-Dobson [Thornburrow-Dobson, Ian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-11-06T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

The sun shone over the kingdom of Ljarthaal, far to the north of Tirgaal and away from the trouble and internal politics that was rocking that nation to its core. The King looked out from his modest palace and out at the sprawling metropolis of Kalvinth. The city was relatively small compared to the other capitals of the Western Kingdoms but despite its humble appearance it had a long rich history and culture. Mountains circled Kalvinth on three sides and King Fazhrae gazed contentedly at the frosted peaks and his thoughts drifted to his youth when he would play in the foothills with his siblings. The city itself was cradled in the valley and the ring of rock had made it impervious to conquest throughout the long centuries.

The palace had been erected on an artificial terrace in the centre of the city and was the highest building despite it only being two stories tall. Other buildings thronged the magnificent structure and they sloped away in all directions. They had been painted hues of cream and white and they were all topped with terracotta, imported from far off nations that were beyond the knowledge and comprehension of the average citizen. Unlike other cities, Kalvinth had no curtain wall to protect it, instead relying upon the natural geography of the terrain to funnel attackers into a killing zone that its small but capable army could easily handle.

King Fazhrae turned his back on the picturesque view and returned to his private study. He secretly loathed the status that came from being the sovereign and as such, directed his energies in making a difference to his subjects. Various reports and letters of correspondence had been laid out, ready for the King to peruse at his leisure. King Fazhrae sighed and took a seat by an elegantly carved oak desk and set about the work of reading his way through affairs of state. The morning passed quickly and soon he had managed to wade through the pile, mentally sorting them into different categories based on importance and urgency. As King Fazhrae finished his work he heard a shuffling coming from the other side of the door that opened out into the adjoining corridor.

“Just place my breakfast on the table please,” Fazhrae bellowed towards the closed door.

The Sovereign shifted in his seat as no answer came and his suspicions were aroused instantly. He called out again and still no answer came. Fazhrae swiftly stood up and yanked a drawer open before picking up a dagger. The King quickly placed his back against the wall beside the door and held the dagger aloft as he inched closer and closer, his fingertips reaching out for the door handle when he suddenly noticed it wobble slightly. King Fazhrae backed away and raised the weapon higher as the handle dropped and the door was slowly pushed open.

A figure poked its head through and the man who came into view had a wicked scar on his right cheek and cruel eyes.

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