The Heir Comes Forth (Chronicles of Alethia Book 1) by Gullett R. S

Author:Gullett, R. S.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-08-02T00:00:00+00:00

20

Riniel

Once escaping the citadel, Riniel and Sir Jordan had stolen some horses and rode hard and fast until reaching a small town a full day’s ride from Ethriel. Riniel’s mind was full of remorse and regret, lamenting the recent turn of events. Only they had escaped. Sarah had been captured, and Ardyn was dead. He’d given his life to save hers, and all she could think about were all the hateful things she’d said to him.

They rode through the small town until they reached an inn. Riniel looked up at the sign displaying what appeared to be a dancing lion. She smiled for the first time all day at the funny figure of the lion. Riniel had never stayed in an inn before, but she found the Dancing Lion quaint and charming. It was night, and as Sir Jordan helped her dismount, she suddenly realized how comforting the warm light emanating from the windows was to her as she stood shivering in the cold night air. While Sir Jordan led the horses away to be stabled, Riniel walked up to the inn doors. She hesitated for a moment then pushed the door open. The smoky air and light from the fire overwhelmed her at first. She coughed and blinked for several seconds, trying to adjust. A hand on her shoulder made her start and turn sharply. She squinted up at the owner of the hand. He was a tall man with kind blue eyes, red hair, and mutton chops. The man smiled at her, and Riniel smiled back despite the coughing.

“Sam Brandyman, at your service, my lady,” he said pleasantly and smiled more broadly. “Welcome to the Dancing Lion. What can I do for you?”

“I...uh...that is...” Riniel stammered. She’d never felt so flustered. This was all so new to her.

“A room, perhaps, and stabling for two horses?” Brandyman offered, continuing to smile.

Riniel stared up at him, stunned.

“Little happens in these parts that gets by ol’ Brandyman, my lady,” he said with a wink. “And here’s your companion.”

Riniel turned to see Sir Jordan entering the inn.

“Just the one room then?”

“Brandyman!” Sir Jordan exclaimed, running over and embracing the man.

Riniel was taken aback. She’d never seen Sir Jordan react like this. He was often so cool and stoic. To see him smiling was a pleasant change.

“It’s been too long, my old friend!” Brandyman replied, clapping Sir Jordan on the shoulder.

“Too long indeed,” Sir Jordan said smiling.

“So who is this?” Brandyman asked, gesturing toward Riniel.

“This is my wife, Rebecca,” Sir Jordan replied, putting his arm around Riniel.

She tried not to look shocked by the sudden news of her nuptial to her bodyguard.

“Bit young for you, Jordan,” Brandyman said with a twinkle in his eye. “Ah, no need to explain. Follow me, and I’ll take you to your room.”

“Ambulavero in umbras, sed lucem facies mea afferat,” Sir Jordan said quietly.

“Brandyman had started to turn but stopped and looked hard at Sir Jordan. Riniel looked back and forth between the two men, confused to why Sir Jordan was speaking the old tongue of Alethia to an innkeeper.

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