The Soothsayer by Glen Gabel

Author:Glen Gabel [Gabel, Glen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: The Soothsayer, Glen Gabel, Fantasy
Publisher: Glen Gabel
Published: 2023-07-01T04:00:00+00:00

chapter 28

The Court of Fools

COLIN FLINCHED AS HE WAS shoved again on the high-standing dais to face the screaming mob nearly twelve feet below. Gunney cringed beside him as the crowd’s calls echoed into the night. Mariselle’s smile faltered when she saw the princess was not among them. She turned to the captain. “Where’s the girl?”

“She’s escaped, my queen.” He frowned at Gunney. “I’m sorry to say one of my own had something to do with it.”

Gunney shook his head. “No, m’lady, never! Gunney’s loyal, he is!” The captain slammed his fist onto the back of Gunney’s head, silencing him. The little man whimpered and bowed low.

Mariselle leaned closer to the soldier. “Find her. Use every last man if you have to, but she mustn’t escape, and do it quietly.”

The captain nodded and signaled for all but two of his men to leave with him into the castle’s interior.

“M’lady,” one of her advisors whispered, “now may be an opportune time to finally claim what you’re owed by making an example . . .” He nodded at Colin.

“Yes, I know. Two birds with one stone.” Mariselle’s face changed to a wide smile as she turned toward the crowd. “Citizens of Gilead, it is up to you to judge the miscreants who befouled our market and brought chaos into the streets.” She made a sweeping gesture with her arm. The crowd cheered. “These two represent all that is wrong with our fair kingdom! They take what they want, with no regard for the people or property they destroy.” The crowd booed as Mariselle continued her accusations. “Even now, evidence is coming to light that these two are responsible for the princess’s disappearance, a kidnapping the king and I have grieved over for a year.”

Colin shook his head, unbelieving, as the mob pumped their fists and screamed louder.

“Reports are coming in that these two even orchestrated raids on incoming shipments of grain and supplies for the city!” Mariselle continued.

Colin glanced around. His mouth dropped as he saw the mob’s frenzy intensify, devouring every word she spoke.

You’ve got to be kidding. “That’s complete crap!” Colin said. “You’re throwing me under the bus. You’re not even giving me a chance to explain!”

“Silence!” A guard slapped Colin, and he bit his tongue.

The queen’s advisor leaned in and whispered in her ear. She nodded. “I’ve just learned that before they were apprehended in the great temple, they disrupted a unity ceremony and assaulted several priests. But I am fair—let it never be said I wouldn’t offer grace. So, in accordance with our just laws, let them answer for their crimes. Let them admit to their deeds—and they may receive some mercy.”

Gunney, wide-eyed, shook his head again. “No, please, Gunney ain’t got no complaint with nobody!” The crowd jeered at him, sending a few stones flying over his head.

A guard nudged Colin forward to address the crowd. He looked across the angry gaunt faces of the mob. How many of them were screaming at the world and at

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