Free The Veredor Chronicles: Book 03 - The Gate and Beyond by E J Gilmour Page B

imprisoned in Zarkanor. Meara entered the room before he could refuse the ale.
    ‘We have prepared supplies and horses for the journey, and we are ready to leave in the morning.’ Meara took a seat at the table. She looked to Eben. ‘The people of the city have been asking why you are refusing to take the Sapphire Throne. They want to know why you have not raised the Ecorian flag above Faircastle. The Ecorian flag is flying all over the city, yet it does not fly over the palace.’
    ‘It is right that the Irvarian flag remains above the palace.’
    ‘The nations and tribes of men have united under your leadership, Eben. It is also right that you raise the Ecorian flag.’
    Eben looked out the window as the last rays of sun shone over the land. ‘Only Princess Apherah can raise the Ecorian flag above Faircastle. I will not take the Sapphire Throne until that day.’ He looked back to Meara. ‘You know that I am not a ruler, Meara. At heart I am a villager; all I want is a simple life. I would be happy to return to Clemensdale when this is all over and live in the hut I grew up in.’
    ‘It is right that power is given to those that do not desire power,’ said Meara.
    Before Eben could speak there was a knock at the door and Cassiel entered the chamber.
    ‘Acartor has been captured. The Brigades of the Sunset Hills have brought him here in chains.’
    ‘We should question the traitor,’ said Meara. Eben nodded.
    **
    The lower hall of the palace was lit by soft lantern light. Eben stood waiting with Meara, King Ignis, Red, Stella, Cassiel, Baftel, Duke Egil, Prince Armida, and several dozen Irvarian guardsmen. The Ecorian Gate opened and two soldiers led Acartor across the blue and white marble floor. Acartor was covered in mud, appeared battered and shaggy, and his hair was a mess. His hands were shackled behind his back, and he stared down at the ground as they led him toward Eben.
    ‘This is all wrong!’ hissed Acartor as he scanned the faces before him and stared intently at Eben. ‘Ecorian…so it is true what they say. You live!’ Acartor’s eyes shot from side to side, and he strained against his bonds.
    The soldier to the right was a tall and fully armoured Irvarian cavalryman. His hair was bright red, and his face was as rough as jagged rock. The soldier bowed to Eben.
    ‘Sire, my name is Aron of the Sunset Hills. We captured this traitor as he was trying to cross into Vastoria. We were going to execute him for his crimes against Irvaria, but we thought it would be better to take him to Faircastle to be judged by you.’
    ‘You don’t know what you are doing. The Prince of Shadows promised me…’ howled Acartor as he madly threw his head back.
    ‘Promised you what?’ asked Meara.
    Acartor looked at Meara and scowled. ‘The Prince of Shadows showed me a vision of all the power I would possess. He promised that I would rule over all men. He promised that I would govern all the kingdoms of Veredor. He promised me power over all.’
    ‘At what price?’ asked Meara sternly.
    Acartor looked away and waited several moments before answering. ‘That I kneel down before him,’ he moaned, a guttural sound exiting his mouth.
    ‘And you made yourself into his slave?’ asked Meara firmly.
    Acartor howled and fell to his knees. ‘What good is my answer, Meara! You know what I have done. I have spilled innocent blood, I have betrayed the trust of many, and I tried to lead our race into slavery. What was my reward? Power…no, he lied to me, Meara. It was all a lie! After the battle at Crescent Bay I was sent by the Astarian Callidus to convince the Irvarians to surrender and become slaves of the Prince of Shadows. I failed. When I returned Callidus made me give an account of what I had achieved. He was sorely disappointed in me. He handed me over to the Skatheans and muckrons. He had me brutally tortured. Callidus laughed as he watched me be tormented. My wages were nothing: an illusion, torture, pain,