The Circle of Valstan by Mark David Lindquist

Author:Mark David Lindquist [Lindquist, Mark David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mark Lindquist
Published: 2021-08-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Unwelcome Company

The vanguard double-times it to encircle the grove. Behind them, infantrymen with tall spears rush to command the lead. Their captain, wearing a fish-scale steel hauberk, trots into the circle astride a white charger. To his flanks stand the famous haelan-magi—the healer wizards—whose faces hide in deep hoods. Their legendary exploits praise their long and mysterious history. Further back step the fleet-footed archers clad in leather armor. The cavalry, mounted upon midnight stallions with crimson and gold saddle blankets, form the rearguard. Ways to escape vanish. I’ve never seen or read about a more refined war machine. Farzir and Alcred, swords drawn, enter the tightening net.

Their captain thunders onto the stage, his glower paralyzing every movement, even the knitting needles. “Wheatland Town, I’m Tirás, commander of the regulars. His Majesty King Alfonse, may he live forever, sent me to summon your leaders. When I call your name, join me here. The elder registry notes these people: George and Margaret Roberts, joint chief elders.”

One by one, he calls everyone. The warlord takes a silent count. “Where is William Jackson?”

Winston steps forward, chest inflated more than usual. “Beg your pardon, sir, I’m the town constable. He left here last week. Nobody knows his whereabouts, but we’re cooperating with the king’s men to ascertain—”

“So I’ve learned. We got your detailed message sent from Officer Farzir distancing yourself from this conspiracy to violate the Order of Banishment. The king will hear your special case.”

Winston blushes and drops his gaze to the floor. “T-thank you, sir, I followed protocol to the letter. Sebastian Childers is in jail, awaiting trial. I can fetch him.”

The captain turns to his lieutenant, a youthful man with a patchy beard. “Aráza, go with him. Jackson is the one we have in custody.”

My eyes mist. Dad rots in the Heathfell dungeons while we wonder what happened to him. Deep within me, I can’t deny the truth of it. David’s blank stare tells me he feels the same way.

In a few moments, they return with the rogue elder shackled hands to feet.

Tirás considers the prisoner and says to Winston, “Childers?”

“Yes.”

“Doesn’t look as dangerous as you wrote, so unbind him.”

Sheepish from the slight, he fishes out keys from his pocket and frees him.

The captain pulls a scroll from his satchel and sliding a finger along its opening, breaks the seal. “‘His Majesty King Alfonse, may he live forever, knows one week past, the Wheatland Town elders sent unbidden a man to Heathfell, East Borough. An action which defies their banishment. The Wheatlanders sympathize with our sworn enemies, the T’Anakim. For these contrivances, I hereby place them under arrest. The royal court demands they answer charges connecting with this conspiracy. Those levied against them are violating and conspiring to violate the Order of Banishment, aiding the enemy, and sedition. Guards will extricate the remaining elders to the capital city. Signed, Charles Tarleton, Esquire, Chief Counselor.’”

Several strong-armed soldiers flank the accused. A collective Wheatland gasp chokes the grove, but an empty ache sets in my stomach.

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