The Poisoner's Enemy (a Kingfountain prequel) (The Kingfountain Series) by Jeff Wheeler

Author:Jeff Wheeler [Wheeler, Jeff]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Amberlin
Published: 2018-01-08T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Captivity

From the window of the inn, Ankarette watched as Eredur mounted a horse down below, surrounded by knights wearing the badge of the Bear and Ragged Staff. There were grins of victory mixed with looks of confusion and concern. She could not hear the words, but she saw Warrewik talking to Sir Thomas, jabbing his finger at the younger man, then making a dismissive gesture. Her insides were knotted with worry, but at least the king had survived. So far. His unconditional surrender had forced Warrewik to be magnanimous. His sense of honor had demanded it.

Eredur sat stoically, puffs of mist coming from his mouth. The weather had soured considerably and promised sleet as well as rain. How odd. She waited in silence and patience, wondering what her next move should be to rescue the king.

Warrewik had his own horse brought to him and he mounted.

The commotion in the streets was all from the duke’s men. None of the villagers had roused from their homes. No one dared to walk the streets when they were choked with soldiers. Then she noticed Sir Thomas slide from his saddle and march to the inn. She pursed her lips, wondering what he was about.

Her answer came moments later when he entered the room. She had hidden herself again, this time in the shadows in the corner parallel to the door.

He stood in the doorway, his eyes adjusting to the darkness of the room. “Ankarette?” he whispered.

“I’m here,” she said, and he whirled, not having seen her. She stepped from the shadows and moved quietly toward him.

He sighed with relief. “Eredur whispered that you were still up here. We don’t have much time to talk.”

“I did the best I could to save him.”

“I see that. My stomach has been in knots thinking I’d arrive too late, that he’d be dead. I’m relieved.”

“Where are you taking the king? Dundrennan?”

“Of course. The duchess was sent there to fortify the castle. It’s my duty to inform Stiev Horwath about his new prisoner. This is a mess, Ankarette. Truly, this is bad.”

She bit her lip. “What happened when you went to Dunsdworth’s land?”

He glanced back down the hall, still standing partway in the room. Half of his face was in shadow. “Obviously he wasn’t there to advise. I’ve since learned of his marriage. This is all Warrewik’s doing. He’s made his move.”

“And clearly so has King Lewis.”

“No doubt the two of them have an alliance. What can be done? Kiskaddon wasn’t willing to risk open warfare with Warrewik, not without knowing what had happened to the king. His army is retreating to Westmarch as we speak.” He sounded agitated and angry.

“Did you know that the Duke of East Stowe is dead?”

“No!” Sir Thomas moaned. “By the Fountain, does Eredur know?”

“Yes, Warrewik gloated about it.”

“Where’s the queen? Did you make sure she was safe before you left Kingfountain?”

“I did. She’s in sanctuary at Our Lady. The deconeus will take care of her.” While the deconeus was somewhat selfish, she had come to understand him better.

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