A Dagger of the Mind (The Imperial Metals) Read Free Page A

they worked tirelessly to create paintings, sculptures, banners, and murals, each celebrating the life and legacy of King Michael IV. The Lost King. Landos’ closest friend. Sarah’s husband. The subject of the painting that Landos was looking at that morning by the light of the rising sun.
    It was Krugg who entered the ante-room at that moment and whispered in the Baron’s ear. Landos had never heard Krugg’s voice, as the shy servant tended only to share news directly with Dubon. But Landos was still intimidated by the hulking man. He stood well over six feet and was built like a barrel. He always kept his hair short, and he always averted his bright green eyes from making contact with anyone but his master.
    “Krugg tells me zat zey are assembling in zee throne room for zee unveiling.”
    “Then we shouldn’t keep Her Majesty waiting.”
    Krugg wrapped the painting and hefted it over his shoulder, lugging it ahead of Landos and Dubon as they all headed for the throne room. When they arrived, it was quite crowded. Anyone who could find an excuse to be in the gallery had turned up, eager to witness the latest art exhibits for the Hall of Saint Michael.
    Krugg placed the painting on a tripod, ready for its unveiling. But now that they were here, Landos could only stare at the enormous crate in the corner of the room. The thing could have caged an elephant.
    After a short wait, the doors swung open, and the herald called, “Lords and Ladies, Her Majesty, Queen Sarah Rone.”
    Sarah flowed into the room, now in full, elegant regalia. Shimmering fabrics, highlighted with lace and bows, seemed a natural extension of her sheer, blonde hair. She had been transformed from a beautiful woman to a beautiful Queen. A subtle distinction, but one which Landos felt everyday.
    Because when he looked into her eyes, she wouldn’t recognize his gaze. As though she hadn’t seen him. He knew she loved him. And he loved her so much it scared him. But after a night of being their true selves, intimate, loving, and affectionate, the y had to behave like strangers.
    The Queen ascended the pedestal, lowering herself into the second-most lavish seat on the dais. The more ornamented one, the King’s seat, had been empty for more than six years, and would be until Prince William was crowned. Three steps below the royal chairs was a plainer seat, meant for Landos, the High Magistrate. But he chose not to sit, and rather addressed the Queen as part of the crowd.
    “Your Majesty, you know the Baron Dubon Von Wrims, from Franconne.”
    “Of course,” she smiled, “Baron, I hear you have something to show us for the Peace Festival. Could you give us a peek?”
    “I would be honored, Your Majesty,” the Baron bowed. With a wave of his hand, Krugg pulled the ropes on the crate. His muscles tensed as, with one tug, he collapsed the side of the crate. It had been designed in such a way that with just that one move, the entire covering folded over, revealing a perfect marble representation of Michael Rone.
    The room fell to silence, beholding the majestic representation. On a pedestal of stone, a ten-foot-tall Michael stood, one foot planted on a rock, the Saintskeep raised above his head, a gesture of victory.
    “Your Majesty, Magistrate, Lords, Ladies, and gathered guests, may I present zee Statue of Saint Michael, meant to be zee centerpiece for your dedication. I have spoken with many people who knew King Michael, and many who were present during zee Battle of Hartstone. From zese many conversations, my sculptor was able to create a very exciting statue, I hope you will agree.”
    “The eyes…” Sarah gasped.
    “You have noticed,” the Baron said with a gleeful smirk. “Most of zee statue is comprised of normal marble, but for zee eyes, we added just a hint of emerald dust. Zey reflect zee light, and come alive.”
    “What about the sword?” Landos asked.
    “An excellent audience I have,” the Baron rejoined. “Zee other little