Weapon of Vengeance by Chris A. Jackson

Author:Chris A. Jackson [Jackson, Chris A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Fiction
Publisher: Jaxbooks
Published: 2014-07-25T00:00:00+00:00

Captain Norwood stepped down from his carriage onto the courtyard of the duke’s palace, brushing at the gooey white slobber on the leg of his trousers. The source of the noisome stain hopped down after him: four hundred pounds of canine. The two mastiffs observed their new surroundings attentively. Their hand-sized tongues lolled as they panted and drooled onto the manicured gravel drive.

“Excuse me, Captain.” A palace guard stepped forward, one hand raised in a gentle forestalling gesture. The other held a halberd, its foot-long head gleaming in the mid-morning sun. “You can’t bring those…um…pets into the palace.”

“They’re not pets, they’re guard dogs, and they’re staying at my side.” In fact, the two mastiffs were the only reason Norwood had gotten any sleep last night after the attempt on his life. The dogs had drawn stares and questions when he stopped by his office that morning, but he couldn’t have cared less. If that murderous priest popped in, Tango and Brutus would take him apart before he could get near Norwood. “I need to see Master Woefler, and then the duke. You can admit me through the servant’s entrance so the dogs don’t startle anyone.”

“They don’t look safe to me, Captain. I’ve the security of the duke’s family and guests to consider.”

“Oh, come on, man! They’re well trained. They’re not going to eat anyone unless I tell them to.” He patted Tango and Brutus affectionately on their massive heads. “Hells, they won’t even crap on the duke’s silk rugs!”

“Well, I didn’t mean—”

“They’ll be no trouble. You have my word on it, Sergeant, and I’ll take full responsibility if they so much as piss on a potted petunia.” The attempt on his life had put him in no mood to deal with nonsense. “Now call me an escort and stand aside, or call Duke Mir, and I’ll discuss it with him.” He turned and strode for the servant’s entrance, Tango and Brutus padding along at his heels.

“But, sir!”

Norwood ignored the guard’s protestations. A footman intercepted him at the door, having watched the exchange from the main entrance. Thankfully, it was Thomsen, an old hand who knew the Norwood well.

“Don’t mind the sergeant, Captain.” The footman winked and lowered his voice. “He’s a bit of a tight arse, if you know what I mean. Now, sir, does the duke’s mage know you’re coming?”

Norwood stifled a snort of laughter. “Yes, but I’ve never been to his chambers, so I’ll need a guide. I’ll be attending the duke afterward.”

“Of course, Captain.” Thomsen raised a white-gloved hand, and a page appeared before he could even extend a finger. “Merciel, conduct Captain Norwood to Master Woefler’s quarters, then wait and take him to the duke in the gardens afterward. I’ll inform his lordship that you’ll see him at his leisure, Captain.”

“That’ll be fine.”

The page bowed to Norwood, his eyes widening at the sight of the two mastiffs. “This way, sir.”

Norwood let his mind wander as he followed the page. Despite hundreds of previous visits, it never ceased to astound him how vast the duke’s palace truly was.

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