The Dead Gods: Flint & Steel, Fire & Shadow 2 by Rob Bayliss

Author:Rob Bayliss [Bayliss, Rob]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Longship Publishing
Published: 2015-11-29T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Tuan and his companions walked calmly towards the imposing gateway to the tower in trepidation. The Khan had already entered, to much fanfare, and the covered wagons containing his household followed closely behind to unload their human cargo in the covered inner ward. While the Khan walked deeper into the tower in discussion with his castellan, servants busied themselves around the wagons. First to emerge was the elegant Queen Shareen and her handmaidens. Sentries and servants alike bowed in reverence to the mother of the Khanate. Unsure of how to proceed into the fortress, Tuan, Bronic, Tamzine and Klesh tarried in the inner ward. Klesh attempted to hide behind the huge frame of Bronic, the mute Turanesci giant, and wore his hood over his head to disguise his Flint folk features.

“Is there no inn or cookhouse here where we can get warm?” Tamzine asked in irritation. This drew a nod from Bronic, who stamped his feet on the flagstones to warm them against the mountain cold.

“The Khan said that Princess Karla would show us around,” Tuan said, looking around the ward doubtfully.

Bronic slapped Tuan on the shoulder, drawing his attention. Bronic smiled down at Tuan and pointed to where he wanted his friend to look.

From out of the covered wagon Princess Karla emerged. Around her shoulders she wore a billowing cloak, a dark red like the colour of the wines of the Khanate, with rich, grey fur trims. Her boots were of the finest red leather and reached up to her knees. Her trousers and shirt were of smooth buckskin that clung to every one of her delightful curves. On her head, she wore a fur hat, under which her red locks tumbled over her shoulders. Her hands were protected from the cold by well-crafted red leather gloves, one of which rested on the pommel of a sabre that hung from her belt. She espied Tuan and his companions and strode towards them, her boots clicking on the polished flagstones. Despite himself, Tuan sucked in his breath. Tamzine tutted, wondering if Karla knew how to wield the sword she wore, while Bronic made no move to disguise his admiration for the appearance of the Khan’s daughter.

“My Lady,” Tuan said, bowing. His companions belatedly followed suit, bowing low. They were suddenly aware of the hard stares of the guards that lined the inner ward walls, who sought out any sign of disrespect from these strangers towards their Khan’s daughter.

Karla held out her hand to Tuan, which he gently took in greeting. “Tuan,” she said, her eyes searching the faces of the Gewichas and his companions. “Allow me to show you and your companions around the Fortress of Tiers,” she said, withdrawing her hand to rest on the pommel of her sabre.

Klesh was very keen, and threw back his hood, revealing his heavily ridged brows. “Yes, Khan’s daughter, we would like that very much. Klesh wants to see this tall cave.”

Karla did not wait for further comment. “Very good. Shall we begin the tour at the top and work our way down?”

Tamzine scowled.

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