Return of the Crown Read Free Page B

Finally,
the city gate loomed into view, it's great wooden gates barred.
Blade halted Midnight at the heavy gates, looking to the
keeper.
    “Hey, Captain Joff! Why’s the gate
closed?”
    “Blade, what are you doing out here? Things
are wrong, very wrong.” He inhaled deeply, as if he could sniff out
what was amiss. “A great evil manifested in Veris today. Nothing is
to pass these gates, for the town’s safety.”
    “But, I promised the King and Queen I’d take
the horses to pasture. It’s just a short ride out of town.”
    “Ah lad, haven’t you heard? Evil magic swept
out to sea in the direction of the royal ship. The ship exploded,
and only splinters are washing ashore. A couple sailors were found
alive clinging to debris; they said the royal family just vanished.
Zelera took charge of the Royal Court; a dark crown rests upon her
brow.” He paused, chewing on his lip. “Zelera’s hunting for Connor.
She’s named him a Sorcerer of the Dark Arts, saying he killed our
royal family to usurp the throne. She says he underestimated her
power, and is now running for his life. She found tools of the Dark
Arts in his chambers. I didn’t believe it, so she took me to his
chambers, and I saw the forbidden books and tools strewn about.”
Captain Joff shook his head.
    Connor held his breath. What would the boy
believe?
    “Do you truly believe that about Connor? He’s
been an adviser for so many years, more than anyone can remember.
He always treats everyone with respect, from the lowest servants to
King Bryant himself. I don’t believe it,” Blade cried, racing to
Connor’s defense.
    Connor relaxed on his horse, a sigh of relief
escaping his lips.
    “Just so, I have my doubts but no proof to
claim otherwise. Zelera ordered the gates shut fast. I have my
orders and severe punishment if I disobey them. Zelera made it
clear she will brook no arguments from anyone. You need to turn
back Blade. I’m sorry.”
    ‘ Tell him you have no family here, but you
have an uncle in Eagle Heights, and you wish to travel there.
You’ll take the horses to pasture and proceed to Eagle Heights on
foot; it’s only a day’s walk .’
    Blade swallowed. He never lied, especially to
Captain Joff, who was like an uncle. “I have no family here,
especially if what you say is true. King Bryant was like a father
to me, the Queen my mum, and Ravyn…,” he choked back a sob. He
could not think of his friend swallowed by the sea. He brushed
tears from his cheek. “But I have an uncle in Eagle Heights, and
after I take the horses to pasture, I could walk there. It’s just a
day’s walk. Then I’ll be with family. If I stay here, I don’t know
what will happen to me. Please,” he pleaded, “No one will know you
let me out. Zelera isn’t worried about one small boy.” Tears welled
in his eyes once more. He couldn’t stop thinking about Ravyn, her
dark hair, her laughing blue eyes, her constant giggling, gone.
    Captain Joff looked around nervously.
Compassion overtook him, and he opened the gate, letting the lad
and the two horses through. As the gate latched firmly shut, he
heard in the back of his mind, ‘ Protect yourself from Zelera,
and know there is hope for the future. She is behind the Darkness,
and she was not able to kill the King and Queen but only to hold
them in a timeless void. Ravyn escaped and will one day return to
challenge the usurper. Bide your time, and in nine years hence
we’ll set it all right again .’ Joff flew up the steps to peer
over the top of the gate, looking down at Moonlight. For an
instant, he could swear he saw Connor atop the magnificent white
steed, and then the saddle was empty again. In his heart, Joff knew
he had made the right decision, and he would protect the secret
with his life.
    The city gates faded from view behind them as
they turned off the main. The trees brushed against them as they
headed down a narrow lane running deep into the forest. Connor was
sagging in his saddle, but