The Petty Queen by B.E. Scott

Author:B.E. Scott
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scott Beets
Published: 2022-07-22T18:06:25+00:00

Chapter 30

Lucien and Edwin had ridden the entire day, stopping only to rest the horses. They both yawned and rubbed their backsides. The wound on Lucien’s stomach had healed, but his power did not replenish anything else while it did. The closer they came to Charbel, the weaker he felt. Kate’s presence took from him and he felt exhausted already.

The massive city glowed in the night as they approached the gate. They came to a stop; guards milled about on the bridge.

Edwin moved his horse closer to Lucien and asked softly, “What do you think?”

Lucien studied the guards ahead. “I feel almost nothing, but I am certain she is here. I can feel that much.”

Edwin nodded. “The guards, do you want to move past, or should we play it straight and announce ourselves?”

Lucien had already decided. The guards would know soon enough, and hiding would only make them look guilty. He looked at Edwin with a frown. “We have to announce ourselves and just deal with what comes. They will be suspicious already, and I just want to make sure Kate and Viola are safe. We can leave after that.”

Edwin sighed, looking ahead. The plan did not sit well with him but they needed to know what was going on before making conclusions. He took his horse to a trot as Lucien followed toward the guards. It was past midnight and strangers would make anyone uneasy.

They stood on the drawbridge as several guards now appeared above on the ramparts. There were at least thirty that Lucien could see, and several more he could sense. A man with a bill hook approached and raised his hand. “Halt and identify yourselves.”

Edwin looked at the man and spoke plainly and commandingly: “Lords Edwin and Lucien of Elnora.”

The guard nodded. “We expected you. There is a tavern just inside the gate. The king has arranged for you to stay there for the night. We do not want any trouble, and you may keep your weapons if you follow our rules.”

Lucien could feel his pulse rise. They knew they were coming? It is a trap. Edwin gritted his teeth, knowing this was going to be trouble as soon as he saw the look on Lucien’s face. “Very well, lead the way.”

Edwin and Lucien rode to the tavern and dismounted, and the guard took their horses to the stables. Lucien followed and noticed there were two horses with odd brandings in the stalls already. They had to have been Kate and Viola’s horses. His stomach tightened. Where did they take them that they do not need their horses? he thought. It could just be a coincidence. Try to stay calm.

Edwin watched Lucien follow the guard with mounting fury. He could count nearly a hundred guards in the streets and along the walls. They all had easy access to attack the tavern from every direction. They had willingly walked into a trap and Lucien had said nothing.

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