A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull

Author:Brandon Mull
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Revolutionary, Fables, Magic, Legends, Action & Adventure, Juvenile Fiction, Wizards, Fantasy & Magic, Fiction, Myths, Fantasy, Revolutions, Space and time, Heroes, General, Comics & Graphic Novels, Superheroes, History
ISBN: 9781416997924
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: 2011-03-14T10:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Not far down the broad avenue from the castle gates, the Upturned Goblet rose five stories tall, the massive stone structure receding from the street with each level to accommodate terraced balconies. Ornamental battlements and a trio of proud flagpoles crowned the building. A great paved hallway opened onto the street, enabling carriages to access a sheltered entrance.

With twilight fading, Jason entered and crossed a plush foyer to an ornate door on the far side. His new clothes felt too silky, but they fit him well. He tried to carry himself with confidence, as if certain he belonged here. A short man in a well-tailored outfit stood before a burly guard wearing a sword. “And who might you be, sir?” the short man inquired politely.

“I am Lord Jason of Caberton.”

The man examined Jason suspiciously for a moment, eyes roving up and down. He seemed reluctantly satisfied.

The short man escorted Jason into an elegant common room, where richly dressed patrons dined on fine plates and drank from stemware. He led Jason to where a swarthy man with his hair slicked back stood conversing with an older couple seated before plates of half-eaten fish.

“Master Tedril, may I introduce Lord Jason of Caberton,” the short man announced, interrupting the conversation.

“Lord Jason,” greeted Tedril, making a much more obvious inspection of Jason’s apparel than the short man had, “a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He nodded at the short man, who scurried away. Then Tedril turned to the dining couple. “If you will excuse me.”

“By all means,” the seated man said.

“This way.” Tedril led Jason out of the common room and into a cozy office with a fruitwood desk and three wingback armchairs. Thick maroon carpeting covered the floor.

Tedril motioned for Jason to take a seat.

“I was unaware that anyone held the title of Caberton,” Tedril said casually.

“I gained the title in the wilderness,” Jason said, trying his best to sound sophisticated. The ring was on his finger, but to avoid seeming desperate or defensive, Jason made no motion to call attention to it.

“I see. How novel. A stranger to Trensicourt suddenly ranks among our nobility.”

“My parents are not strangers to Trensicourt,” Jason lied, his voice resolute.

Tedril held his eyes, weighing him. “The regent has recognized your claim?”

“Not yet.”

“Perhaps I could be of service. How long do you intend to stay here?”

“A few days, at least,” Jason said. “I would be happy to pay in advance.”

“For a stranger without credit a two-hundred-drooma deposit would be appropriate.”

Nicholas had schooled Jason in the currency. The gold pellets were worth a hundred drooma, the silver fifty. Two hundred drooma was a small fortune. Jason removed two gold pellets from his new money bag. The innkeeper accepted the payment, offering no sign that he was impressed.

“I’ve been traveling,” Jason said. “It will be a relief to sleep in a bed.”

“Have I met your parents?” Tedril asked.

“You would know their names. But we should not discuss them yet. They intend to join me here in time.”

“I have fond memories of many exiles.

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