Free The Fallen Guardian (The Guardian Chronicles 2) by Steven R. Burke Page B

that
had been rumored to be about the lands. She could see it in their eyes that
they believed her to be that witch and that she had come here to bewitch their
good king into taking up her wicked cause.
    Only
a few minutes passed before one of the king’s servants came running at top
speed toward the castle’s gate. He skidded to a halt and bowed deeply while
trying to catch his breath. The servant stood up and offered his hand to the
elegant lady. She took his hand and dismounted the gorgeous white stallion with
a smooth, swift motion. She nodded to the bewildered guards with a slight smile
as she followed her new escort into the king’s court. She took heart at the
protection the king had employed to protect his household, but she wondered why
he had not imposed such strict protection throughout his kingdom. As she walked
toward the main entrance to the court, she noticed that the people had tense
looks on their faces. It was as though they were collectively holding their
breath, waiting to see what she would do. She smiled warmly to try and ease the
tension in the air about her.
    The
double doors burst open before they had even touched the doorstep. The king
himself stood before her in a deep bow. As he stood up, it was clear that he
was anxious to speak with her. He took Khalida’s hand in his and led her into
the throne room. He did not take his kingly seat but sat at a table to the side
of the throne. He seemed to recognize his place in her presence, and this, more
than anything else, really put her at ease. She knew that her meeting with King
Leroy would be very productive. She eased gracefully into her seat across the
table from the king and waited patiently for her gracious host to begin their
private meeting. All of the king’s guard left the room, and all of the doors
were sealed. They were all alone in the king’s throne room to discuss the
matters of war. There was intensity in the air as she waited on the king to
break the silence.
    “Mistress
Khalida, I have been expecting you,” started the king suddenly.
    “How
is it that you have been expecting me, King Ishrafle?” queried the Elemental
kindly.
    “I
have received news from Arnaud of your coming. He tells me that you are
representing the guardian and that it is Kana who is causing all of the strife
in the lands,” explained King Leroy.
    “I
did not think that you spoke to the eagles. I thought that you and your people
let them make their homes on the cliffs as long as they did not make their
presence known to your subjects. Has that changed in the past few years?” she
asked sincerely.
    “It
has changed within the past few weeks actually. Arnaud felt that we would need
each other considering the increasing number of confrontations that were
breaking out all over the land of Tuwa. I agree with him whole-heartedly. What
I would like to know from you is exactly what is going on?”  He did not want to
mince words . He felt that time was a
commodity that was too precious to waste on pleasantries.
    “You
certainly do not waste any time in getting to the point. I appreciate that,
Leroy. The Elemental you know as Kana has indeed broken from the guardian
council and has made it her ambition to rule Tuwa and the peoples who inhabit
the lands. She has gathered together the banished races plus a splinter group
of elves to assist her in gaining control.”
    “You
mean to tell me that she has recruited the orcs, goblins, and rock trolls?  She
has also managed to convince the peaceful elves, or at least a part of them, to
join her in her quest for dominion over the free peoples of Tuwa. Why has she
done this?  I thought that the guardians only cared about the elements and not
the peoples of Tuwa.”  He was totally put out by the thought that one of the
powerful guardians had decided to try and take over the free peoples.
    “I
share your concerns about our fallen friend. I believe that she has become
hungry for more power and will stop at nothing to