Free A Kingdom Falls (The Mancer Trilogy Book 1) by Alan Scott

attempt on the King?” asked Brother Warsmith.  Those around the table stared at Brother Warsmith.
    “What?”
    “Em, you said ‘King’, Brother Warsmith,” said Sergeant Guardian Dransfield.
    “No, I did not.”
    “Yes, you did,” confirmed Brother Widden.
    “Well, I meant Queen.  Continue, Rupert.”
    “Yes,” said Aaron, slowly, as he gave a concerned look to Brother Warsmith.  Ignoring that he had gotten his name wrong, Aaron continued, “As I was saying, words that are generally associated with the Brethren were written on the wall.”
    “Anyone could have written those words,” said Guardian Sergeant Black.
    “But not everyone could have arranged that macabre and debased orgy,” countered Aaron.  “I believe it is the work of the Brethren.”
    “Then that is indeed troubling news,” Brother Bowller said.  “With the increase in werewolf and shapeshifter attacks, our resources are spread thin.”
     
    “Why doesn’t that dog-loving Queen open the treasury and hire more soldiers to protect her people?” demanded an angry Brother Widden.
    “We believe that she is still paying the demons that helped her at the so-called Battle of Light,” replied Brother Bowller.
    “That is a disgrace; she should put her own people first,” growled Brother Widden.
    “We know that there are no depths to which she is willing to plummet to please her deprived masters!” spat Brother Bowller.
     
    “ORDER!”  Brother Warsmith brought his hand down hard on the wooden table.  The room went quiet.  “Thank you.  We must not get sidetracked from the main issue, which is – Queen Rebecca Rothgal was the target of an assassination attempt by the Brethren of the Night, who conveniently left two very large clues in the shapes of a deprived orgy and the statement ‘ He Cometh Again’ .  “
     
    Brother Warsmith stood.  “Brothers, we must ask ourselves three questions: one – why the assassination attempt now?  Two – why does the Brethren so readily claim it?  And finally, three – How does this all fit in with the increase in attacks by the thrice-damned werewolves?  This is what we need to discuss with clear minds and our God’s guidance.”
    “Agreed,” stated Guardian Sergeant Mley.  “We are thankful to have you to guide us, Brother Warsmith.”  A murmur of agreement went round the tent.
    “I am but a humble servant of our Lord, but I do His work with the heart of an ox, the strength of a bear, and the unwavering devotion of a true believer.  Evil and wickedness cannot stand before me or the One True Church.  Let us pray for guidance before we begin.”
     
    “Brother Warsmith?” interrupted Aaron Power.
    “Yes.”
    “I am weary from my long ride and, as you know, our Lord has gifted me skills in the field of battle, not in the field of planning.  I humbly beg of you to allow me to retire and regain my strength, so that I may better serve our Lord with the skills he has granted me.”
     
    Brother Warsmith looked at the young man before him for a moment before replying, “Sleep well, and may our Lord look over you.”
    Aaron bowed his head.  “And may He guide you to the correct conclusions.”  With that, Power turned on his heel and marched out.
     
    Ignoring Guardians Spear and Ending as they snapped to attention, Power strode out of the tent and into the cool night air.  Moving through the camp, Aaron made his way towards where his horse was tethered at the edge of camp.
     
    A young Guardian sprang up as Aaron approached.  “Good evening, sir.”
    “Evening.”
    “I have fed, watered, and groomed your horse, sir.”
    “He does look well taken care of.”
    “Thank you, sir.”
     
    Aaron moved to stroke the head of his horse.  “You have been pampered, Midnight, haven’t you?”  Midnight snorted.
    “Sir?”
    “Yes.”
    “Why do you call him Midnight, when he is chestnut brown?”
    “The name came to me in a dream.”
    “Oh.”
    “Thank you for your help,