The Warden and the Shadow Queen: The Warden Saga Book 3 by Paul Summerhayes

Author:Paul Summerhayes [Summerhayes, Paul]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Iron Dog Publishing
Published: 2017-02-15T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

“What do you mean, impossible?” asked Finn.

It was still early morning and the sun’s golden rays had not yet risen over the city’s walls. The curfew had finished but would be enforced again at sundown. For now, Rulle’s citizens were free to walk the streets without the fear of being detained by the city guard.

People hurried by, heads down, going about their business as Finn sat opposite Jobes in a quiet corner of a tiny cafe. It was in the centre of the city away from the docks and hopefully, prying eyes. They hadn’t been there long but had started their discussion even though Karok had not arrive yet. From their seats they looked out over a small market square, one of many around the city. Finn was not distracted by the sights and sounds of the colourful merchants as they hawked their wares. He was too absorbed with his mission to rescue Anna.

“No one wants to be involved in anything that will bring Tollis’s spies down on them. People have vanished and everyone is nervous.” The sailor looked sober this morning, unlike last night. They drank a local black drink, it was hot and bitter. “It would be the executioner’s axe for anyone breaking into the palace. Even King Ferdinand would give you the chop for that.”

“Doesn’t anyone want to stop this mad man?”

“Everyone is scared. You can’t blame them.” Jobes watched a woman enter the cafe and sit down at a table occupied by another woman. “I’m scared for my family by just sitting here with you. These are dangerous times.”

Finn had faced a lot of danger lately and he could easily understand other’s reluctance to get involved with people they don’t know. They have nothing to gain and everything to lose. What now?

“Where’s the dwarf?” asked Jobes. “His gold might be able to buy your way in.”

“Karok? He should be here by now...”

“You’ll never sneak in unless you have inside help.”

“If only my father was here. Sneaking is his expertise.” He has been gone for so long. I hope he is all right.

The door opened and the unmistakable form of Karok entered the shop. He made a straight line for their table and sat down. He was grinning, which Finn had only seen Karok do when he was in battle. This couldn’t be a good sign.

“Did you find any help?” asked Finn.

“Aye,” said Karok as he attracted the young waitress’s attention. She walked over, taking a slip of paper and a small quill from her apron.

“Yes, sir,” she said.

“Ale, if you please.”

“We don’t serve ale, sir.”

“What sort of tavern doesn’t sell ale? Beer then.”

“Sir, we’re a cafe. Would you like coffee? Cake?”

“Only if it comes with ale—”

“He’s good, miss,” interrupted Finn. “Coffee will be fine.” The puzzled waitress left them to continue with their discussion.

“What have you found out?” asked Finn.

“There is no way we can sneak in through the front gate,” said Karok.

Finn slumped in his chair and ran his hand through his black hair. It wasn’t what he wanted to hear.

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