Page 27 of Sword of Desire
“A village about an hour from here.”
The soldiers formed a loose circle around the two of them as they headed north.
“I grew up in Penlar.” One of the largest provinces. On the outskirts of the city, there were plenty of farmers. She knew how people lived and behaved. Taking her to a small farming village would do nothing to change her impression of her uncle.
“You were sheltered and have no idea what’s out there.”
Not wanting to argue, she remained quiet and instead, tried to enjoy being outside on this lovely morning. The crisp air felt refreshing on her face.
They traveled until they came to several fields planted with corn, potatoes, carrots, and a few other vegetables. Just past the fields, she could make out a dozen or so wooden huts. As they neared the village, Harley heard children laughing. The mere sound filled her with warmth. It had been too long since she’d heard such joy.
“Why isn’t this village burned like the others?” she inquired.
“We’re north of the royal castle.”
Owen had sent out scouts to investigate the status of the kingdom. While a few towns had been spared, no one had ever said anything about the northern portion being safe from Russek’s slaughter. Her understanding was that most places had been destroyed.
“The Russeks came from the north,” Lyle explained. “They didn’t start ravaging anything until after they infiltrated the castle. Then they headed south, taking every man, and burning everything in their path.”
“What happened to the men they took?” When Ackley and she had met with Kerdan, he’d assumed those taken had been released and that they’d probably fled to the nearby kingdoms seeking refuge.
Lyle shrugged. “No idea. They’re most likely dead.”
Harley had a feeling he knew more but was keeping the truth from her. Immediately on edge, she asked, “Do you know why Russek suddenly withdrew from Melenia?” Kerdan had told her he’d called his men back after his father was assassinated, but she doubted Lyle knew this information.
“We can continue this discussion later at a more appropriate time.”
They neared the huts that had been constructed in a circular fashion. They rode their horses into the middle of the circle, fanning out. Over two dozen people were scattered about, some sorting through a cart of vegetables, a group of children playing, and a few elderly residents sitting on chairs. Most had stopped what they were doing and simply stared at the intruders.
“Greetings,” Lyle said to the villagers from atop his horse. “I want to introduce you to my wife, Lady Harley. She will soon be crowned your queen.”
Her heart started pounding, and she felt a headache coming on. The villagers all stared at her with cold, uncaring eyes. She had the urge to back up, distancing herself from Lyle and his soldiers.
“Why are you here?” an elderly woman with brown weathered skin asked.
Harley pursed her lips, thankful these people didn’t address Lyle as the king. If anything, they appeared wary and uncertain of him. She patted her horse’s neck, wanting the animal to remain calm.
“I wanted to come by to see how everyone is doing. That is all. We’ll be on our way in a few minutes.” Lyle maintained an even voice and a warm smile as he spoke.
“Do you plan on taking our food?” the elderly woman demanded, her hands clamped onto the arms of the chair.
“No,” he assured her. “I am not like the last king. I do not intend to take what is rightfully yours.”
The woman squinted, trying to find a lie in his words, as if she could see it if she looked hard enough.
A group of children ran by, laughing and squealing, oblivious to the tension between the villagers and soldiers.
“Besides stealing your food, what else did the late king do that you did not agree with?” Lyle inquired.
The villagers looked at one another. No one answered, though it appeared they had plenty to complain about.
On a whim, Harley asked the old woman, “Why isn’t your village burned?” She didn’t believe what Lyle had told her about it being unharmed simply because it was north of the castle.
“Burned?” she asked.
“I’ve traveled through the kingdom,” Harley explained. “Hardly any villages were spared.”
She blinked. “Because of the large man and his wolves. They kept the others away when he was sick in bed.”
