The Prince's Curse (Hearts of Allaria Book 2) by Elric Shaw

Author:Elric Shaw [Shaw, Elric]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-08-26T00:00:00+00:00

Khordan wasn’t what Haldric had expected. He’d been briefed before this trip, of course, and his lessons these past couple years had focused heavily on Khordanite politics and customs. As one of Ilthabard’s oldest allies, he needed to know as much about the Light-worshiping empire as he could.

Yet, no amount of books or lessons could’ve prepared him for the heat. Even near the Tholan River along Khordan’s western border, the air was stagnant and stifling, the scraggly grass already reminiscent of the desert sands that blanketed the heart of the Khordanite Empire.

It lent the landscape they passed over a barren, repetitive quality that the towns seemed to mimic. Neatly divided streets and cookie-cutter buildings presented an image of persistent order utterly at odds with the more natural sprawl of the typical Ilthabardian village.

Haldric found the sight a touch intimidating. The care given to construction even here along the Empire’s outskirts spoke to Khordan’s wealth and power, especially in comparison to his own fading kingdom. Ilthabard could barely hold itself together in the present, let alone give heed to the future via careful city design.

At least, the Galax estate wasn’t too dissimilar from the Ilthabardian keeps he was used to. Smaller than the palace in Revesole, it still boasted an impressive array of towers and arches, all carved from pristine white marble that glistened in the afternoon sun.

Exiting the carriage, Haldric tried to project an imperious air. The words of his tutors rang in his head. It wouldn’t do to show weakness—not when they needed this alliance far more than Lord Galax did.

Benjin followed on his heels. Though the apprentice didn’t speak, gratitude filled Haldric for his comforting presence. He was glad he didn’t have to face this meeting alone.

A pair of guards met them outside the estate, dressed in resplendent silver plate that Haldric couldn’t imagine wearing in this heat.

One of them, a woman with a lean face and braided hair, gave him a shallow bow. “Welcome, Prince Haldric. I hope your journey was a pleasant one.”

“It was, thank you.” He spied the sunburst on her breastplate marking her a Knight of the Order of the Radiant Dawn and couldn’t completely suppress his unease.

Though he’d never personally encountered a Knight, rumors of Khordan’s righteous crusaders extended all the way to Revesole. It was said these wielders of dawnflame were the law here in Khordan, where the priests of the Church of Light held almost as much sway as the Forum of noble houses that governed them.

If the woman noticed his unease, she gave no sign, simply nodding and gesturing for them follow.

Straightening his back, Haldric did so, Benjin at his heels. Marshal Fendrel and a pair of royal guards accompanied them while the rest of the soldiers remained behind to tend to their gear. It was the dangers of the road they were here to protect against, not their erstwhile allies. Still, it never hurt to be prudent.

Haldric didn’t ask their escort’s name as she led them inside, and she didn’t give it.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.