Free Paladin's Prize (Age of Heroes, Book 1) by Gaelen Foley

this going on,” she said, “with the king bending laws to suit himself, worshiping idols, sleeping with a temple prostitute, and the whole moral order of the kingdom turned upside down, you can’t bring yourself to believe that someone in the palace might want you dead?”
    He grumbled out a sigh, propped his elbow on his knee, chin on his fist. Then he looked at her skeptically. “Tell me why. Because I don’t deserve this.”
    “Of course you don’t deserve it! But you’re a threat all the same.”
    “No one is more loyal to this kingdom than I am! I have my faults, but I am nothing if not steadfast.”
    “Exactly! You’re from a long line of patriots, and as paladin, you’re the representative of Ilios on this Earth—”
    “No, the Golden Master is.”
    “He’s not the one the people can relate to,” she insisted. “You’re the king’s champion—”
    “ Was , I think,” he interrupted. “I’m actually not sure if I still am or not.”
    She went on as if he hadn’t spoken. “Moreover, people know you’ve often been the voice of reason in the kingdom’s affairs. Remember that time the Krenian Wars nearly broke out again, and you managed to talk both sides out of it?”
    “It was a stupid misunderstanding that would have needlessly cost lives,” he said with a dismissive wave of his hand.
    “A man of war with a heart of peace,” she said, staring at him and rather embarrassing him with her frank remarks. “When you talk, the kingdom listens. All the other knights listen. The army listens.” She laid her hand on his shoulder. “You’re dangerous, my friend, and I’m not talking about your skill with a sword. If I were the king and I didn’t want to hear criticism of my new life, I’d want to kill you, too. Sorry,” she added with a shrug.
    Thaydor clenched his jaw and sat back, resting his elbows on the stone step behind him. “So, what, then?” he mused aloud a moment later. “The king told Reynulf to open the gates and let the bloody Urms in, knowing I would come?”
    “Or the Silver Sage told him to do it.”
    “Because that’s treason,” he said through gritted teeth. “Innocent people died. If this was done deliberately, someone needs to hang.”
    “I’m sorry,” she said, and hesitated. “I’ve never had a vision before. I probably shouldn’t have brought it up so soon. You just survived a terrible ordeal, and we don’t have any proof yet. Aside from Sir Reynulf showing up here, it’s all just conjecture at this point.”
    “You don’t have to soften it for me. I appreciate your honesty and your…looking out for me.” He put his arm around her and pressed a quick, brotherly kiss to her head. “Thank you.”
    He released her and stood. “Think I’ll go have a look around the North Gate. There could be witnesses out there who saw what happened the night the Urms got in. That might be able to either corroborate or disprove your vision.”
    Of course, if it is Reynulf’s doing, he thought, he wouldn’t leave survivors . He wouldn’t be that careless.
    Wrynne put her hand out, and Thaydor pulled her up. “I’m coming with you. Just let me get my boots. I’ll bring the shovel,” she said as she sprang up onto the next step. The higher step put her on eye level with him. “We can bury your squire on the way.”
    “My lady, I cannot allow you to put yourself at risk—”
    “Nonsense, we’re in my territory. I know the people here. They’re country people, Thaydor. They don’t easily trust outsiders, even famous heroes,” she said, giving him a playful poke in the chest. “If there are any witnesses out there, they’re likely terrified, but they’ll talk to me. You need me. Besides, I know the way—Clank!”
    “How now!” he protested with a playful frown as she borrowed his sister’s nickname for him.
    She turned around, skirts spinning gracefully, and ran lightly up the steps.
    “I’m beginning to think you’re a bit of a pest, too,” he