Guardsman: Greymantle Chronicles: Book One by J David Baxter

Author:J David Baxter [Baxter, J David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SilverPaw Publishing
Published: 2021-02-05T22:00:00+00:00

Nate followed as the garrison commander led the way back to where the soldiers were barracked. It was a moderate-sized fortified estate just outside the city's main walls. Even to Nate's untrained eyes, it looked well-fortified and defended. Soldiers stood atop towers facing south, watching and alert for trouble.

His view of the city itself was somewhat limited. All he could really tell was that there were many several story buildings packed within the walls and that it seemed to be a pretty good-sized town. He knew there were ferries here that took people across the river, and trade ships that went up and down the Maru that made Crossing a major trading spot. According to Joram, it was the biggest town on the river other than the three main cities.

When they approached, the captain didn't enter the fortified estate. Instead, they called the commander on duty at the gate to attend him.

"I am taking this man to the capitol. He has important intelligence that is required immediately, but when I return, I want 200 men ready to ride. A large group of bandits killed an entire caravan, leaving no survivors, just three days ago in the Valley." His voice was grim as he added, "They may have been led by Bleeder soldiers looking to cause trouble. I'm going to get a first-hand view from the royal Seer, and we'll ride at first light tomorrow unless I'm delayed. If so, I will send word, and Lieutenant Thomar can take my place."

This guy doesn't play around, Nate thought. He kept silent and tried to look serious and competent in front of the onlooking guards who were listening and looking skeptically at him. He still felt like shit, wracked with guilt over what had happened, but he was surprised to realize such a trivial thing as what these men thought of him still mattered even now.

He felt like he bore his teacher's honor, his friend had trusted him and been his mentor, and Nate didn't want those who knew Joram to see him and think he was unworthy. He would handle himself the way he thought Joram would until he could put this burden down. He hadn't known the man was a secret agent for the crown until the night of the caravan's slaughter, but now that he did, he would deliver this report as if he were Joram, and bring honor to his friend. Then tomorrow could bring what it would, and he would accept whatever happened to him.

Maybe the king would imprison him and throw him in the dungeon for getting Joram killed. I would deserve it….

The ride through the town was a blur as Nate was lost in his thoughts and guilt, and focused on what he should tell the Seer and whoever else they had to report to. When they arrived at the Teleporter's compound, they were escorted in and led to a large circle of clean stone, artistically carved with mystic looking symbols. The part of him not dwelling on his inner turmoil wondered if the symbols were functional or just decoration.

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