Free The Pool And The Pedestal (Book 2) by Daniel McHugh Page B

Lucyn has fooled us all. She is not the vacuous court butterfly she sometimes chooses to display.”
    “I could have told you that, Lord Teeg!”  Macin laughed. “I’ve never met a more resourceful pair of scheming women in my life. All they attempted, they accomplished. That is, all except the friendship of their husbands.”
    “Perhaps you should honor her wish and make a last attempt to come to terms with Corad.” suggested Ader. “He agrees to let you command the Spear.”
    Macin pursed his lips and slowly nodded his head.
    “Perhaps. For now I agree with Manfir. The Spear is best served on the western edge of the kingdom. They are a well trained, albeit small force. They will be a test for any enemy they encounter from the West, be it Ulrog, Keltar or both.
    These decisions must be mulled over. Rash action is the downfall of great nations. We must think on all the information given us and solidify our plans. I suggest we break up this council and convene in the morning with clearer heads. A little sleep will do us all some good. I wish the General Staff to remain behind.”
    “May I stay as well, father?” inquired Manfir.
    “No, my son. You’ve traveled on a long journey and are fresh from battle. I want you to return to the Hold and rest. I require your mind fresh for the task we have ahead of us.”
    Manfir bowed to the king and turned to go. The General Staff moved toward the throne. Ader and his group gathered by the door.
    “We will all return to the Hold. Macin is correct. A good nights sleep will help all of us.” said the Seraph.
    “I will find my way back shortly.” replied Eidyn turning. “First I must speak with...”
    Lilywynn and her brother were nowhere to be found.
    “They have other duties to perform, Elven prince.” stated Ader brusquely. “Let’s remain focused on the task.”
    The Seraph turned and walked from the hall. The others followed. When they passed through the palace gate, Kael noted that Guardsmen replaced Udas’s troops.

CHAPTER 3: THE ROARING HORSE
     
    Darkness enveloped the city. Lanterns, filled with pitch, cast shadows across centuries old cobblestones. Occasionally, a coach clattered past the group and they jumped from its path. Kael assumed many of these belonged to nobles not staying at the palace that evening. They turned a corner and Manfir nearly stumbled into a man standing in the middle of the street. The man wore a uniform unfamiliar to Kael.
    “Who goes there!?” gasped the man.
    “Pardon me constable.” replied Manfir. “I didn’t see you there.”
    The constable surveyed Manfir’s uniform.
    “A very large group of men to be moving about the city streets this evening , don’t you think sir?” asked the watchman. “You are granted clearance to be on the city streets at anytime, but these others look foreign and unfamiliar.”
    “I will vouch for them officer. They return from an audience with the king and are on their way to their quarters in the Hold.” replied Manfir.
    A tavern doorway, several hundred yards away, burst open and a group of men stumbled into the street laughing. The watchman rolled his eyes at Manfir.
    “As you can see, general. I’ve my hands full this evening. It’s refreshing to come in contact with fine men like yourselves going about the king’s business.” said the watchman. “These are troubled times, and some find it easier to drown their sorrows over too many pints, rather than face the situation before us. It makes my job that much more difficult.”
    Manfir watched the group of men stagger in front of the tavern as they shouted back and forth to one another. The watchman shook his head.
    “I usually don’t encounter a great deal of trouble at ‘The Roaring Horse’, but I was forced to tell the owner to get his patrons to finish up and move on three times. I fear I may run into trouble with some of these lads later in the evening.” said the watchman.
    The men in front of the tavern moved on, heading