Free The Cerberus Rebellion (A Griffins & Gunpowder Novel) by Joshua Johnson Page A

as it slowed and rolled into the station at the heart of Arndell.
    Hadrian grimaced as he stood in the passenger car’s aisle. His feet screamed in pain as he took his first few steps. The healers said that his feet were misshapen, without enough curve to support him. Mostly it didn’t bother him; they only hurt when he woke, when he had sat for a long period, or after a solid day on his feet.
    He cocked his head to the side. While the car was more luxurious than a normal passenger car, he was a large man and they were not designed for a person of his stature. Raedan stood further up the car, his head to the side as well.
    Cedric McKinley stood as well. The heir to the Earldom of Odwolfe took after his father—perhaps too much, some said. He was shorter than Hadrian by a full foot and could only be called stout by the most charitable person; most called him fat. His red cloak was held closed by a golden wolf brooch.
    Auberon Strait’s black cloak was pinned at the shoulders with a pair of matching onyx griffins. He carried a satchel filled with books and scrolls, though he hadn’t opened it since they left the North Griffin station.
    The rest of the men in the train car stood: ten of Hadrian’s guards, ten of Raedan’s and twenty of Cedric McKinley’s. Kent, in command of the other thirty Clyve guards, would have already departed the train and made certain that the station was safe for his elder brothers.
    The station was empty. No wonder; no one cared to travel during the frigid winter months in Western Ansgar. The guards and their noble charges accounted for most of the traffic through the station. The train and station workers accounted for the rest.
    The party found a steward and a small force of guards in Lord Croutcher’s gray uniforms and greatcoats outside the station. Two large coaches and nearly a hundred horses were held by the twenty armed guards.
    “ My lords.” The steward bowed. “I am Wendell Kye, the Lord Croutcher’s chief steward. He sent me to meet you, and invite you to his castle for a late lunch.”
    “ Well, it’s about time someone treated us with some respect,” Cedric huffed and walked past the steward. The crew on the train had been respectful, but had failed to sufficiently bend to Cedric’s will.
    “ Thank you,” Hadrian said courteously to the steward. “We are here to serve His Grace.”
    “ This way.” The steward waved them into the first coach and then saw to the baggage. The Clyve and McKinley guards found themselves horses and in short order the whole party was on its way to Croutcher Castle.
    The city of Arndell was massive compared to Orintown or Odwolfe. The smooth mortared streets twisted and turned as they rose away from the train station and the nearby harbor.
    “ The snow has driven away many of the merchants,” Wendell pointed out. “They’ll be back in the spring.”
    “ Has the messenger train from the King arrived yet?” Raedan asked. He turned from the coach’s window and the steward looked at his hands.
    “ Yes, milord,” the steward confirmed. “But His Grace made it clear that no one was to discuss the matter.”
    “ Of course.” Raedan nodded and rubbed the onyx at his throat.
    “ I’m sure that he wants to give us his opinions of the matter directly,” Hadrian noted.
    He met his brother’s eyes with his own and shook his head ever so slightly. He didn’t know the full extent of his brother’s abilities, only that it had something to do with the black stone in his amulet. They didn’t need to reveal anything to Cedric or Auberon. Raedan lowered his hand and looked out of the coach’s window.
    “ Yes, milord.,” the steward said, oblivious to the wordless exchange between brothers.
    “ Do you know what His Grace will be serving us?” Cedric asked. Hadrian had to cover his mouth with his hand to hide the small smile that came of its own accord.
    “ I believe there were some deer brought in for the meal.” The steward struggled to