Shadow's Symphony (Chronicles of the Bard King Book 2) by JS Herod & JA Miles

Author:JS Herod & JA Miles [Herod, JS & Miles, JA]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: MAFO Books
Published: 2024-10-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter seventeen

Unlikely Ambassadors

Velorin & Haldira - Rian & Lysa

As Rian and Lysa rode into Velorin, they were greeted by the sight of an old fort rising above a bustling town. The walls of Velorin, though modest, were sturdy, with banners of deep green and gold fluttering lazily in the late afternoon breeze. Beyond the gates, narrow streets were lined with stalls where tradesmen and farmers offered finely crafted goods. Despite its small size, Velorin thrived on the work of its people, peaceful and industrious.

"Simple folk, but skilled," Rian muttered, eyeing a finely carved piece of wood at a nearby stall. "They don’t seem too worried about the storm brewing in the south."

Lysa’s gaze was sharper, though she said nothing. The Storm Lord’s influence was spreading, and Velorin felt like an oddity—a quiet kingdom, oblivious or uncaring of what loomed beyond its borders. She glanced at Rian but remained silent.

As they passed a courtyard, the sound of arrows cutting through the air drew their attention. Archers practiced with bows of yew and ash, each arrow striking its target with precision. Rian whistled under his breath. "At least they take that seriously," he remarked.

Lysa nodded, her eyes narrowing as she watched the archers. "Let’s hope they don’t have to use them."

Their path led them through an orchard heavy with ripening apples. Ahead, the sound of laughter grew louder, and at the center of it all was Lord Ullr. A rotund man with ruddy cheeks and a wide grin, he swept toward them with open arms, his long hair loose and wild, more bard than ruler.

"Ah! My new friends!" Ullr boomed, embracing them both like old comrades. "Welcome to Velorin!"

"It is an honor to be in your presence, Lord Ullr," Lysa said, dipping her head slightly.

"None of that ‘Lord’ nonsense!" Ullr laughed, his voice rich and warm. "Here, I am simply Ullr, as I am to all my people. Come, walk with me."

They strolled through the orchard, Ullr plucking an apple from a tree and biting into it with relish. "I’ve heard much about your Storm Lord," he said, his voice full of curiosity. "They say he’s a force of nature. A tempest wrapped in steel." He chuckled. "I look forward to meeting him. But enough of that—how have your travels been?"

Rian exchanged a glance with Lysa. "We’ve seen enough," he said, smiling wryly. "But Velorin... it’s different here. Peaceful."

"Ah, yes! Peace," Ullr said, waving a hand at the orchard, the town, the people. "That’s what we value most. What is life without joy? Without laughter? My people are content, and I walk among them as an equal. No need for crowns and thrones."

Lysa's brow furrowed, but she remained silent. Rian, however, nodded in agreement. "It's a rare thing," he said, though there was a hint of doubt in his tone.

They reached a small clearing in the orchard, where a low stone wall circled a garden of herbs and wildflowers. Ullr stopped, turning to face them, eyes gleaming. "Tonight, we feast! A grand celebration for new friends.

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