The Strange Side of Midnight by Ben Hammott

Author:Ben Hammott [Hammott, Ben]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-16T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

The King’s Reward

WAITING EXPECTANTLY FOR THE arrival of deadeye and his mysterious gift he had been informed his Magnificent Seven had brought back from the human world, King Mortgrimmest turned to his advisor.

“I wonder what they’ve got me,” he said excitedly. “I do like surprises.”

“You do, my liege,” nodded Hemlock. “I told you my Phantoms wouldn’t let you down.”

The faerie king glared at Hemlock. “Whose Phantoms?”

Hiding his sigh and his displeasure—he had spent years homing his Phantoms skills, whereas the king hadn’t even known of their existence until a short while ago—Hemlock answered, “Your Phantoms, my king.”

King Mortgrimmest grinned at his advisor’s acquiescence, which he knew didn’t come easily where his beloved assassins were involved. They were something he’d have to take care of before Hemlock applied their skills on him. “And don’t forget Deadeye, to whom I charged with leading them. I’m certain he played no small part in their success.”

“It’s not something I’m likely to forget, sire.”

Scowling at his advisor as he pondered the remark for signs of insubordination, Mortgrimmest’s thoughts were interrupted when the doors to his throne room abruptly opened, almost knocking the guards off their feet so vigorously were they thrown back. The rumble of cartwheels on the stone floor heralded the entrance of Deadeye leading the rat hitched to the wagon by the reins.

The king nudged his advisor with an elbow more forcefully than was strictly necessary; he hadn’t forgotten Hemlock’s previous remark yet. “Deadeye certainly knows how to make an entrance, eh?”

“He does indeed,” replied Hemlock, rubbing his arm as his peering eyes narrowed in their search for his Phantoms, who were so stealthy they were probably already in the room. It would soon be time to fulfill the main reason for their existence. He turned his gaze slyly upon the king who had risen to his huge hairy feet in an attempt to peer into the back of the cart.

“Damn, it's covered up,” uttered Mortgrimmest, plonking his ample backside back down onto his throne and watching Deadeye draw closer.

Trying unsuccessfully to hide his pleased expression, Deadeye halted the rat at the bottom of the steps leading up to the throne his king was perched excitedly upon and performed an exaggerated sweeping bow that rolled Hemlock’s eyes.

“My king, I am happy to report that the mission was a total success where I was concerned.”

Sensing trouble, Hemlock narrowed his eyes further.

“Yes, yes, but what have you brought me,” said the impatient king, eager to see his gift.

Deadeye moved to the side of the cart and swept a hand over the covered object. “Perhaps, my king, you would like to unwrap your gift personally?”

Hemlock leaned closer to Mortgrimmest. “I’m not sure that would be advisable, sire. It might be a trap.”

Mortgrimmest glared at his advisor as he stood. “Not all of my subjects are as conniving and backstabbing as you, Hemlock.” Rubbing his hands in anticipation, Mortgrimmest approached the back of the cart and took the corner of the cover Deadeye handed him.

“Give it a good tug, and your present will be revealed, sire,” instructed Deadeye.

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