Unstoppable Shadow by Alex Mead

Author:Alex Mead [Mead, Alex]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Alex Mead Books
Published: 2021-01-29T22:00:00+00:00

Long rows of noisy, people filled, wooden benches were stacked high around three sides of a big square platform. Mara and Favian sat at the very top of the left-hand corner. Several places in front of them and to the side – where people could have sat – were empty. Must be because people don’t like Favian and all the smoke he keeps blowing out. The square had dark stains across it, reminding Mara of the courtyards in the Shadow Castle.

On the side where there were no benches was a raised area, and a long table with a guard stood at each end. There were several high-class-looking people sat at the table, all with the same red coat and same style of grey hair cut. The middle chair was empty.

“All rise,” a guard shouted.

Mara copied Favian as everyone stood and went quiet.

Another high-class man, with the same coat and hairstyle, joined the others at the table. “Be seated,” he said like he talked through his nose.

The noise began again instantly as everyone sat down. What is this place? Mara wanted to ask what was happening, but knew Favian would just call him an idiot.

A woman dressed in shiny brown leather walked into the middle of the square. “Welcome, ladies and gentlemen,” she shouted.

The crowd cheered.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please pay attention to the announcement from the honourable Duke Veltwin.” The woman turned and bowed at the table of high-class people.

The duke stood and read from a piece of paper. “You are in attendance this day in accordance with our city’s anti-dispute law. Our city’s famed law that continues to protect us from chaos and squalor. Following your city’s laws will continue to provide you with the protection you so need in a time of uncertainty. As you bear witness to the following proceedings, know your city continues to support all its citizens in all and every way.”

“What bollocks, the same old speech every time.” Favian took a swig of wine. “You know how much money they make from this? Supporting its citizens, they think we’re all fucking stupid.”

“What’s happening?” Mara asked.

Favian blew out some smoke. “All the city’s problems, arguments, or whatever, have to be settled here. Rather than fight it out themselves in private. This way, those high-class bastards make a shit load of coin, and the locals are kept in entertainment.”

“What about what we did today?”

“Ha, what they don’t know don’t hurt ’em. Besides, I pay the bastards an unfair share to be left alone the majority of the time. The Shadows get what they want out of it, and if they’re happy, I’m happy.”

Mara didn’t get it.

“Ha, there’s smoke coming out of your ears. Best you try not to understand it.”

“What?” Mara put his hands up to his ears.

“It’s a saying, you stupid little bastard.” Favian shook his head, then looked forward.

Mara felt stupid. How was I supposed to know?

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the woman on the square shouted, “please welcome our first dispute.”

The crowd went wild, shouting and singing, as two skinny men that looked like farmers made their way onto the square.

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