Sacrifice by Christopher Mitchell

Author:Christopher Mitchell [Mitchell, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781912879113
Amazon: B07R4BZMY2
Publisher: Brigdomin Books Ltd
Published: 2019-06-19T23:00:00+00:00

The town hall of Royston was a grand building on the top level of the town. It was partly dug out of the hillside, and was fronted by a solemn row of pillars. Above the main entrance were the insignia of the noble Holds that dominated the iron industry. Among them, only Hold Smith was on the side of the rebels. The others had awaited the result of the Red Hills battle before declaring, and had abandoned the town at the news of the Emperor’s victory.

Daphne ascended the steps to the great doors, a single armed cavalryman from her company as escort. She wished Chane was by her side, but her injuries from the battle had her confined to bed.

The guards at the entrance saluted, and Daphne entered. She went through the lobby, her escort a pace behind, and proceeded into the great hall. A dozen large chairs were arranged in a semi-circle in the middle of the floor, with rows of tiered benches to either side. Several guards had been posted at each of the doorways, and Daphne noted their numbers and positions. The doors were closed behind her, and a courtier showed Daphne to her seat among the rebel leaders. Her chair had the insignia of Hold Clearwater, a minor aristocratic house that had fled as soon as the rebels had arrived after the battle. As she sat she caught a glance from Mirren, who was seated opposite her.

Lord Holdsmith nodded to Daphne and smiled. ‘Now that Holder Fast is present,’ he said, ‘we may commence our deliberations.’

‘Commence?’ Daphne said. ‘And here I thought you scamps had been plotting for hours already.’

‘See?’ Lord Holdwain said. ‘This is the very attitude I was talking about.’

‘Would you care to withdraw that statement, Lady Holdfast?’ Lord Holdsmith said.

‘Why? Was it factually incorrect?’

‘It was impertinent,’ said Mirren.

‘Fair enough,’ said Daphne. ‘I withdraw the part where I called you all scamps. Would conspirators be more apt? Traitors? Tell me, which word adequately describes one party that is about to betray another?’

‘We must act for the greater good,’ said Lord Holdwain, his eyes tight. ‘Flinging insults and accusations around helps no one.’

‘Of course, Holder Wain,’ Daphne said, ‘and I apologise if anyone feels insulted.’

She smiled at him, her mask of calm confidence hiding her rage. She took a measure of the man’s mind, reading his emotions, and saw contempt for her, and fear.

‘We shall continue,’ said Lord Holdsmith. He took a parchment from the small table next to his chair. ‘This is the draft of a possible reply to the Emperor’s letter that arrived some days ago, acceding to his demands. In order for it to become valid, it must be voted on by we who are gathered here this evening.’

‘May I read it?’ Daphne said.

‘Certainly.’

Lord Holdsmith passed the letter to a courtier, who bowed and carried it across the hall to Daphne. She took it, and scanned down the single sheet. It announced the unconditional surrender of the Holders’ rebellion, and denounced the late Lord Holdwick as a traitor to the imperial throne.

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