Free Seeker (The Source Chronicles Book 1) by MJ Blehart Page A

and protect its people.  Thus this day, the third of Exaran, of the Five-Thousand and Fourth year after The Falling, do we carry out the edict of the land.  The law clearly states hence: In section thirty-one, paragraph two, ‘The art of sorcery is hereby forbidden within the borders of the Kingdom of Sharron.  Thus any found practicing the forbidden art are to be captured, questioned, and killed, lest we allow chaos to overwhelm our beloved nation, as did nearly transpire before’.  Sealed by the ring, King Varlock-Sharron Anduin, sovereign-protector of Sharron.”
    A roar went up from the crowd.  Approval of the law, no doubt.  Lyrra-Sharron was feeling anxious, but ready.
    “Thus do we carry out the sentence, on this man, who names himself Sorcerer by his actions,” continued Lord Tulock.  More shouting, and as if on cue, assorted garbage and rotten fruit were tossed at the Sorcerer. 
    “Move him into position!” ordered the Seneschal.
    Just as Lyrra-Sharron had known, it was Lord Tulock who would unwittingly give the signal.
    The juggler placed within the parade let his balls fly.  Within seconds of one-another, three thunderous detonations, along with puffs of flame and smoke, erupted within the crowds.
    “Protect the King!” cried a guard, as those upon the platform moved in and surrounded the King and his Seneschal, drawing their weapons.  The King was also shouting, his own sword drawn.
    Several more small explosions, and the crowd attempted to disperse, running in terror, trampling one-another.  The crowded square left very little room for movement.
    Lyrra-Sharron, with Andim and Kallan at her back, pressed forward to the gallows.
    Moments later, arrows flew from no-where apparent, taking out most of the guards around the Sorcerer, as well as the executioner.  One arrow struck the Sorcerer in the thigh, causing him to fall upon the gallows floor.  It had been deemed necessary, to prevent the King’s Guardsman from killing him in some other way.
    She reached the gallows, and was pushed onto the raised base by Andim.  She knelt beside the Sorcerer, who looked stunned.  He threw a punch at her, but she grabbed his arm.  “Lie still, fool, I am here to rescue you!”
    Seconds later, Guardsmen swung off their horses onto the gallows, four of them total.  Lyrra-Sharron rose up, drawing a long knife from a place of concealment.
    She sliced at the first Guardsman, and he fell, clutching at his bloodied throat.  She spun around, driving the dagger deep into the chest of another. 
    As a third swung a blade at her, she dropped beside the Sorcerer, drawing two more knives.  But she wouldn’t need them.
    Kallan had gotten atop the platform, and rose quickly, swinging his heavy blade.  The Guardsman fell, missing his head.
    Before the last Guardsman could reach them, a blade swept out from beside the raised gallows, removing one of his legs.  Andim was with her.
    Horses thundered up close, but as she readied her weapons, she recognized Dak and the merchant Kurr leading them.  They had obviously succeeded in getting through the crowd to the gallows.
    “Now!” cried Dak.
    Lyrra-Sharron arose, and as she did so, she turned to look at the other dais, where The King now stood shoulder to shoulder with his men, looking out into the crowd.  She caught his eye.  The look that crossed his face made the whole thing worthwhile.
    She leapt to her horse, and Kallan helped to toss the Sorcerer upon it behind her. She glanced at Dak, who nodded heavily, while Kallan leapt upon horseback as well.
    “GO!” Dak shouted.  They needed no further encouragement.  Arrows whistled past them, and Lyrra-Sharron heard Kallan cry out as one grazed his left arm.  But he still spurred his horse, and took off. 
    Lyrra-Sharron and company galloped away, arrows flying after them, ignoring the crowd running in terror all around.  Guardsmen still mounted tried to give pursuit, crushing the crowd as they attempted to