Page 17 of Dragon Sword

Will studied the king with a curious look in his eyes. “Have you any proof that the shadows attack anything other than animals?”

Arvo stiffened and pursed his lips. “There have been. . .incidents.”

“What incidents?” Will persisted.

“I do not wish to dwell on them,” Arvo countered.

“You swore that you would allow us to hear the truth,” Will reminded him as he cocked his head to one side. “What are you hiding from us, Your Highness?”

Arvo tightened his grip on the arms of his chair and narrowed his eyes at Will. “That is not the concern of outsiders. I have already told you far more than what I have told my own people only because you once saved my city. You may demand more than that but I will give you no more.”

“I have helped you before and I offer you my help now. Will you rebuff that?” Will asked him.

Arvo lifted his chin and frowned. “This is a matter that concerns our people. You have my apologies for the incident in the dungeons and have my leave to visit the city, but should you abuse my kindness I will not hesitate to remove you from my lands by whatever means necessary. Do you understand?”

Will bowed his head. “Completely, Your Highness. You mentioned the dungeons just now. I would ask a favor of you in releasing the other two prisoners.”

Arvo looked to his general. “Other prisoners?”

“The mortals who wandered in the woods a few weeks ago, Your Highness,” Tervo reminded him.

The king nodded. “I see. They knowingly trespassed in my domain. To release them after such a short time would show my people how little I protect my borders.”

“Then when will you release them?” I spoke up, earning the ire of the elves present.

Arvo himself set his sharp, unforgiving eyes on me. “I can smell the remnants of mortality all over you, Lady Thorn. For that alone I will forgive your outburst and rude question. Do not allow your impulsive mortal behavior to control you again.”

My body shook with rage and I opened my mouth to protest but Will lay a hand on my shoulder. I looked up into his stern face. He stared ahead but I could make out a barely perceptible shake of his head. My shoulders drooped and I turned my face away.

“If you will allow us, we will take our leave of you, Your Highness,” Will requested.

Arvo nodded. “You may have it but I feel compelled to remind you that what was spoken in this chamber will not be divulged to anyone.”

Will bowed his head. “You have our word, Your Highness. If you will excuse us.”

Will grabbed my hand and took one of Alisa’s, and he led us both down the long carpet. I looked over my shoulder and watched the king slump slightly in his chair, a look of deep concern on his face. Tervo followed us with his eyes and his stern face couldn’t hide all his concern.

We left the stodgy ballroom but even the entrance hall didn’t give me any reprieve from the tension. The staff seemed to have guessed that something serious had occurred and went about their work with one eye on us. We walked out of the palace and I breathed the first deep breath in what felt like forever. The day was still young and birds tweeted in the trees above us as we made our way to the gates. Guards stood on either side and opened them upon our arrival, allowing us out into the busy street in front of the palace. Carts rolled past and pedestrians paused to admire the palace of their king. Others stopped to gawk at us and more than one whispered to their company.

“I feel like they’re going to capture us again and put us in a cage to be displayed to the public. . .” I murmured to my companions.

Alisa looked Will and me over. “You were not harmed?”

He smiled down at her. “Not even a scratch but I’ll give you the details at home.”

I wrapped my free arm around myself and wrinkled my nose. “Do you think they’ll let us be here for long?”

Will sighed and squeezed my hand. “That will depend.”

I cocked my head to one side and looked up at him. “On what?”

His eyes twinkled. “On how much trouble we cause.”

Alisa jerked on his hand and stopped him. Her troubled eyes searched his face as she shook her head. “But you cannot do something so drastic as to have yourself banned from the city.”

“There’s something amiss, Alisa, and we must discover the cause for the sake of your people,” he countered.

She wrinkled her nose. “My people? They have shunned me my entire life. I hold no more love in my heart for them than for the earth beneath my feet.” She had raised her voice and caught the attention of those near us. Our elven companion cast a look of disgust at them which made them turn away. “They would refuse to lend a finger were the whole world in danger and all but they would be spared. Such is the kindness of the elves.”

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