The Sword of Avelia (Fall of Istal Book 2) by Taylor Petersen

Author:Taylor Petersen [Petersen, Taylor]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Taylor Petersen
Published: 2024-01-26T00:00:00+00:00

--Chapter 11--

Audience

The creaking of the carriage wheels danced with the clip-clop of hooves as Blake stirred from a restless slumber. The predawn sky painted the horizon with muted hues of indigo and charcoal. Beyond the open carriage window, the silhouette of Sherokong’s towering walls began to materialize, looming in the distance like ancient sentinels.

Blake rubbed the sleep from his eyes and found Lia sitting across from him, her eyes fixed on the approaching city. The other Phantoms, asleep, were oblivious to the nearing destination. “Morning,” Blake grumbled tiredly. Lia turned her attention to him, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

“Good morning. Took you long enough to wake,” Lia teased.

Blake chuckled and ran a hand through his unruly hair. “Well, after everything that happened last night… I needed the rest…. Anything interesting happen while I was out?”

Lia’s expression grew contemplative, “Not much. Everyone’s been asleep the last few hours, but Abein and Cass look like they’ve been wrestling a stubborn nightmare and Elyssa….”

“I’m awake.” The silver-haired princess opened her eyes, maintaining a serious expression. “Difficult to sleep with Abein’s snoring.” She shot a glare at Abein and turned to look out the window.

Lia gestured toward the distant walls. “We’re almost there. Look at those fortifications. Sherokong doesn’t mess around when it comes to city defenses.”

Blake followed her gaze. The city’s formidable walls, made of weathered stone and covered with ominous sculptures, rose majestically against the dawn sky. He leaned closer to the window, squinting against the growing light, “Impressive….”

“Indeed,” Elyssa cut in, her eyes narrowing as they landed on Blake. “Sherokong was built shortly before the destruction of the former capital, Valor. Its overall design is far superior to the former city; it’s a marvel, really.”

Blake took a quick look at Elyssa and then watched the magnificent wall with wide eyes. “We’re heading to the palace then?”

Elyssa nodded, “That’s right, you get the honor of an audience with my father, King Dinsmore.” Her eyes grew darker, “You and Lia should know how to conduct yourself. However, these commoners might pose a certain problem.”

Blake raised an eyebrow, “Is your father that strict about formalities?”

Elyssa shook her head, dropping her gaze from Blake’s. “It’s not my father I’m concerned about.”

Blake attempted to speak, but a loud grinding noise erupted from outside.

The grinding of the gates sent vibrations through the carriage, and the Phantoms, now fully awake, shifted to the windows to catch their first glimpse of Sherokong. The clamor of the waking city reached them—a blend of distant chatter, market calls, and the occasional echo of a blacksmith’s hammer.

Blake’s eyes darted from one building to another, absorbing the mix of architecture. Lia leaned in closer with anticipation. “This place is unlike anything I’ve seen before….”

The streets thrived—merchants preparing their stalls, residents embarking on their day. The Phantoms, nestled in their carriage, attracted little attention, a mere dot in the expanse.

Elyssa provided further insight as the carriage navigated the city’s labyrinthine paths. “People from all walks of life converge here—merchants, scholars, artisans; you’ll find them all.

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