Kingdom of Lies Read Free Page A

rose in unison, “goodnight our king, guards, servants and special guest from a far.” The women left in single file.
    Sahar who was playing with what was left on her plate put down her fork. She now stared straight at the king. Watching him very closely.
    “Women don’t stare directly into my eyes like that,” King Dakk growled.
    Sahar turned her attention to the jester who seemed used to this display and just kept entertaining. “Is there a reason why I am still here my king? You don’t seem to like me very much.”
    “Like is irrelevant,” King Dakk blasted, “you need to learn your place while within my walls.”
    “I apologize, again King Dakk.”
    “False words hold no meaning har…”
    “Enough, I have a name and it is not harlot,” Sahar cut him off, “you have been a horrendous host and I hope that we never cross paths ever again. You are clearly uninterested in a female passing on news of an upcoming threat. So let me leave and send your scouts out to find out.”
    King Dakk lounged out his chair and grabbed her by the hair. “You dare instruct me you red haired witch!” he tugged and she winced, “someone should have taught you how to behave a long time ago. But since it’s just us, I will take on your tutelage. Let’s see who isn’t a harlot.”
    A surge of power sent him flying. Guards ran to his aid and even more poured in. Sahar had formed a shield around herself and it knocked back anyone who tried to get close to it. Weapons thrown just bounced back at their owners.
    “She has magic,” King Dakk awed, “a shield to repel any kind of attack. Oh Sahar…”
    “I just want to leave,” Sahar snapped, “I don’t need your false platitudes.”
    King Dakk could barely hold his temper. He was five seconds away from killing this redhead himself. She pranced around like she was royalty and dealt out orders as if she were in charge. “Why not stay the night? It’s late and no matter our differences I would rather not have you on the roads alone.”
    “I have people waiting for me in a nearby village,” Sahar said, “they would be concerned if their leader didn’t return when she said she would.”
    King Dakk sat up straight. “A leader, are you? Might I ask of what?”
    “A group of peaceful travelers,” Sahar told him, “sadly not everyone accepts us and a serious attack harmed many of us…” she looked away.
    King Dakk looked at her more closely. When she wasn’t running her mouth she was almost pleasing. “I am sorry for your loss. Was this attack perpetrated by the demon woman.”
    “No,” Sahar said, “but…she used to travel with us and after the attack defied my order and sought revenge. When I found out about the horror she had done, I sent her away. She took most of my remaining followers who felt her way was better.”
    “So she was with you?” King Dakk noted.
    “Until she decided to seek rampant vengeance,” Sahar said, “I would never condone such a thing.”
    “So you know her?” King Dakk asked and Sahar nodded, “then I need you to stay here then.”
    “Excuse me?” Sahar said, “what about my people? They need me.”
    King Dakk rose to his feet. “You tell me that you traveled with the same band of people coming to kill us. You are lucky to not be imprisoned. Now you will behave and heel!”
    Sahar tried to rise but a guard stopped her. “You cannot keep me here.”
    “Wait,” the jester interrupted, “my king please, let me try.”
    King Dakk could barely keep himself from throttling the woman. “Be quick.”
    The jester hurried over to Sahar. “I am so sorry but King Dakk is not used to females of your caliber. Please he just wants you to help us be ready for this rising threat. I am sure he will let you leave afterwards. Just give him some leeway and try to respect his traditions and leadership.”
    Sahar looked at with open skepticism.
    “Please, if not for him, for the people,” the jester begged, “we are at your mercy.”
    King