Black Crystal by R A Oakes

Author:R A Oakes [Oakes, R A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780988816916
Publisher: Blue Ridge Publishing, LLC.
Published: 2018-06-15T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

While Chen, Gwendylln and Corson were upstairs in Ritalso’s room, Pensgraft and over 50 warriors were gathering in Crystal Castle’s courtyard discussing the ramifications of Glenitant’s death. Dartuke and the noblemen, Balder and his men, and Chen’s warrior women were present, which was virtually everyone living in Crystal Castle. Everyone human.

All agreed that Lord Daegal’s warriors, who’d escorted Pensgraft and were camped outside the castle walls, should be stopped from returning to The Rock. It was imperative that they be kept from reporting Glenitant’s death and about the dark sword being taken prisoner.

“Crystal Castle’s extremely vulnerable, and if word reaches Lord Daegal, we’ll be in serious trouble,” Pensgraft said gravely.

After quickly consulting with the other nobles, Dartuke said, “Yes, if Lord Daegal realizes our predicament, he’ll most certainly attack.”

“We need time to build up our forces,” Thordig, another of the nobles, said. “But if Lord Daegal discovers that we intend on using Crystal Castle as a base for a rebellion, he’ll move against us even faster.”

Malavika, third in command of Chen’s warrior women, said, “So let me get this straight. You’re talking about the 25 warriors Lord Daegal sent along to guard Pensgraft? Is that correct?”

“Yes, to prevent me from escaping,” Pensgraft said.

“And we can’t allow any of them to get away. We must decide on a plan of attack,” Dartuke said, a sense of urgency filling his voice.

“Isn’t the course of action obvious?” Malavika asked winking at the warrior women under her command. Mounted on their black stallions, the women were shaking their heads and smiling.

“Listen guys, how about letting the girls handle this one?” Malavika said chuckling. “We’ll approach them under the covers. I mean under the cover of darkness.”

The warrior women shifted in their saddles.

“But first, I need to find Chen and tell her about this,” Malavika added, but she didn’t have to look far.

Chen, Gwendylln, and Corson walked out of the tower entrance into the courtyard. The black leather panther didn’t recognize the nobles, but they knew her, and their mood turned hostile. Reacting instantly, Chen’s warrior women dismounted and formed a protective circle around her.

“What’s the matter? Haven’t my women been nice to you?” Chen sneered seeing the angry expressions on the nobles’ faces.

Feeling annoyed, Dartuke took a step in Chen’s direction. Gwendylln quickly unsheathed her sword holding it to his throat. Immediately, all the nobles reached for their swords, Chen’s warrior women following suit, and dozens of weapons leapt from their scabbards.

“Oh, this is a great beginning,” Balder said. “Why don’t we save Lord Daegal the trouble by killing each other? That way, he can walk into Crystal Castle unopposed.”

Chen gave Balder a withering look. It made her feel a little better.

“Don’t you remember us, Chen?” Dartuke asked.

“No, why?”

“Not long ago, you murdered my friend and his two sons,” Dartuke said. “Have you forgotten so soon?”

The black leather panther probably had forgotten about it.

Due to her highly independent nature, Chen rarely connected with other people’s wants and needs. Most people, upon interacting with her, found this to be a great source of irritation.

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