The Vacant Throne by Tim McFarlane

Author:Tim McFarlane [McFarlane, Tim]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Fiction
Publisher: Mirador Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

To ensure an easy trip through Riverside, Markus borrowed Natalie’s head wrap. It felt unnecessary as the citizens bustled about their business without a second glance, but we couldn’t risk any more trouble. At the docks, the guards watched us suspiciously but never made a move. We boarded the ferry and were on our way back to Thurlborn Peak before anyone changed their mind.

The ferry was a little busier than our last trip to the capital. It seemed as if trade was starting to pick up again as Thurlborn showed signs of coming back from the dead. Markus chose a quiet spot and requested the ledger and some time to prepare. He studied without saying a word the entire trip.

I had to hand it to the future king. At 17 and with the tasks ahead of him, he was taking everything well. No matter what doubts had crept into his head he knew he had a duty and responsibility to uphold. He reminded me of myself when I first left the Tower. Just becoming an adult, but still mature beyond his years. Of course, if Cathy had heard me calling myself mature, she wouldn’t have been able to stop laughing.

When the ferry docked, Markus was already on his feet and heading for the door. We filed in behind him and stepped off the boat. I heard Markus breathe in suddenly as he took in the devastation to the city for the first time.

“It’ll get better,” I said to him.

“It’s one thing to hear it, it’s another to see it,” he said sadly. “Not the ‘welcome home’ I was looking for.”

We stepped out into the market and were recognised by a couple of soldiers. They pressed through the crowd heading straight towards Cathy.

“Lady Middleton, you are under arrest by order of Lord Michaels of Riverside,” the clean shaven soldier said.

“Yeah, about that,” Markus said, removing the head wrap.

“Squire Paul?” the moustached soldier asked in disbelief. “You’re alive?”

“Last I checked,” Markus replied.

“The rumours were true,” the clean shaven soldier breathed.

“If we’re done with this little exchange, I need to get to the castle,” Markus said. “Lord Michaels and I need to have a word.”

“Of course, right this way,” Clean Shaven said.

The guardsmen led us through the crowd towards the Stairway of Kings. The refugees and soldiers moved out of the way and whispered amongst themselves about Markus and what it meant for the city.

“We’re finally getting the treatment we deserve,” Cathy said quietly to me.

“This coming from a Lady of the Court,” I replied.

“Not a very popular one if you remember,” she smiled.

“At least we’ve never had to worry about screwing up your reputation.”

“I could run through the streets in my underwear screaming about how the pumpkins were after me and I think my reputation would be safe,” Cathy replied.

“Sure would be a sight to see though,” Natalie said behind us.

It was a thought I couldn’t get out of my head. The walk up the stairs had been quick and the White Castle called to us for judgement.

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