In Shadows of Kings by K. M. Ashman

Author:K. M. Ashman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo
Published: 2022-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

The following morning a crowd gathered around the stocks, talking quietly amongst themselves. A large man barged his way through and stared at the broken shackles.

‘What has happened here?’ shouted the constable. ‘Where is the prisoner?’

‘It looks like he has escaped,’ said a voice.

The constable turned around and stared at the fletcher, who stood amongst the crowd.

‘And what do you know of this?’

‘Nothing,’ lied Fletcher, ‘but the evidence is before your very eyes. The man has gone and good riddance I say.’

The constable stared at him.

‘The man is wed to your daughter,’ he said quietly. ‘Why do you now slight him so?’

‘He was no choice of mine,’ said Fletcher, ‘and was only welcomed into my home as it pleased my only daughter. I always thought he was a rogue and as everyone around here knows, most of my business is sent through the armouries of Cadwallader. The continued presence of this boy threatened my living and my daughter’s happiness is a minor wound to see the boy gone. In truth, I hope he is captured quickly and pays the price of his treason so we can all get back to normal.’

The constable grunted, happy with the explanation.

‘Well,’ he said, ‘Sir Gerald will hear of this soon enough and will arrange his capture. Your daughter is well rid, Fletcher, but make sure she knows that if he comes back, she needs to tell us as soon as possible. Harbourers of outlaws share the same fate as those they aid.’

‘But is he an outlaw?’

‘Not yet perhaps but it is a formality. He has absconded from a legal punishment and as such is outside of the law. His days are limited, Fletcher, and you and your family would do well to remember it.’ Without another word the constable marched away toward the manor and the crowd dispersed.

‘I can hardly believe it,’ said a woman as Fletcher passed. ‘He was always such a nice young man.’

‘It just goes to show,’ said Fletcher, ‘you just never can tell.’

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