The Guardian Of Magic by Andrew Sharp

Author:Andrew Sharp [Sharp, Andrew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-05-20T22:00:00+00:00

TWELVE

ON THEIR APPROACH TO the castle later that afternoon, Beth had been awestruck by its immense size, and the number buildings and houses surrounding it that formed a township. They were all in good repair and the place looked prosperous. The people they passed along the way looked friendly and healthy – well cared for, she thought.

The suite of rooms assigned to her in Master Brigges’ castle was luxurious. She had been provided with a hot bath on arrival, and a change of clothing – the finest boots, britches and an intricately embroidered blouse.

It was now evening and other than a couple of servants she had seen no one. She sat on the bed and reflected on the last couple of days, the platter of meats and cheeses and the pitcher of wine laid out on a side table as yet untouched. She was too nervous to eat until she knew more about why she was there. She had twisted the handle on the door to her chambers but found it locked, giving her even more reason to be anxious. Sometime later, the door opened and a young servant girl walked in.

“Master Brigges will see you now,” she said.

Beth rose immediately and followed her through the long twisting carpeted corridors lined with glazed windows, some were clear and others depicted elaborate scenes in stained glass. Between the windows, many artworks hung from the walls. They stopped after a few minutes and the servant knocked on a door.

“Come in,” came a voice from within.

It was Nyser. He was alone.

“I thought I was meeting Master Brigges,” Beth said.

“You are – shortly.” His head dropped for a moment. “I’m here to say goodbye to you and thank you for getting me out of the jungle.”

“You’re leaving?” Beth was surprised.

“My contract was to secure you, and I’ve done that. Master Brigges thought it would be best if I said farewell rather than simply disappearing.”

“Yes, I understand, but where are you going?”

“I’ve been asked to go back to Arities for a little while.”

“For Master Brigges?”

“Yes.” He didn’t elaborate further.

Then a side door opened and a tall bald man entered, his stature was chunky, verging on fat, some loose flesh discernible beneath his clothes. He reminded Beth of how she had looked what seemed like a lifetime ago. In the days since being arrested she had shed all her fat and become more toned; her face had thinned down, losing its plump cheeks and jowls. When she had looked in the mirror in her chambers earlier to tie back her red locks of hair, she barely recognised herself. She wondered if her parents or any of the sewer gang would recognise the woman she was now.

“If you would take your leave now, Nyser …” the man said.

The seeder crossed over to Beth and kissed her on the cheek. “You take care, Beth. And if we meet again, I hope we can be friends.”

When Nyser left, the man stood by the door, without introducing himself or attempting to make conversation.

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