Celestl: A Romantasy Novel (Rules of Atlas Magic Book 1) by HR Moore

Author:HR Moore [Moore, HR]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2024-03-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter seventeen

Maria

Maria left her horse at the usual tavern, steeling herself as she stepped across the border into Arow. She couldn’t see any lookouts, but then, their ability to conceal themselves was the reason they were chosen for the job.

She travelled quickly over the scrub land that acted as a buffer between the territories of Alter Blade and Arow Claw, then swiftly navigated the twisting, turning streets to Nicoli’s workshop.

She was only a street away when Nicoli’s cousin stepped into her path, two others behind her, menacing expressions on their faces.

‘Gabriele,’ said Maria, holding up her hands in surrender, her heart racing, ‘I’m not here for any trouble. I told my uncle I was not welcome, but he sent me anyway. I’m here only as a messenger. If you allow me to speak and promise to convey the words to Nicoli, I will turn around and leave.’

Gabriele flicked her long ponytail over her shoulder and smirked viciously. ‘No, Maria, that’s not how this is going to work.’

Hands grabbed Maria’s arms, and she gasped, fear stabbing through her as they forced her forwards. ‘Where are you taking me?’ she asked, her voice shaky.

‘I told you last time we would kill you if you came again,’ said Gabriele, who was leading the way, so Maria couldn’t see her face.

‘You’d kill a messenger? I came only to tell you my uncle requests an urgent meeting with Nicoli!’

‘About what?’

‘He refused to tell me.’

‘So you ran along like a good little mouse.’

‘I am under his control,’ said Maria. ‘You know this. You and Nicoli have seen him punish me many times.’

‘Poor little daughter of Alter wants our sympathy,’ said Gabriele.

The others laughed.

They pushed her into Nicoli’s workshop, and Maria breathed a small sigh of relief. Gabriele could be rash and impulsive, but Nicoli was more level-headed. She was sure he would hear her out, then let her go.

But Nicoli wasn’t in his workshop.

‘Where is he?’ asked Maria, looking frantically about.

‘Away,’ said Gabriele.

‘Please, Gabriele, just let me go. I’ve delivered my message and—’

‘You are not in charge here,’ said Gabriele. ‘Tie her up, gag her, and put her in the back room.’

‘If I’m not home in time for the ball tonight, my uncle will send his army. He’ll see this as an act of war!’

‘He committed an act of war by sending you here.’ Gabriele nodded to the others, and suddenly there was a gag between Maria’s lips.

She bit down hard and screamed with frustration, praying to the Goddess that Nicoli would return soon.

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