Free Oak And Mist (The Ambeth Chronicles Book 1) by Helen Jones Page A

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    ‘I bear witness, Lord Thorion, High King.’
    He was followed by the other two, each repeating the same phrase which had the ring of ritual to it. The woman had a silvery, laughing voice and Alma liked her immediately. The blonde lord had a deep, powerful voice and was undeniably handsome, but something about him set Alma on edge. Thorion had moved to stand on the other side of Alma, and now took her hand, raising it with his own to shoulder height.
    ‘So witness has been borne, by Lord Artos, Lady Adara and Lord Denoris. Let the assembled court see that the Lady Alma is now under my protection, and is to be afforded all the freedoms of our realm.’
    The three witnesses all bowed deeply at these words, while the remaining assembly burst into applause. Alma glanced at Thorion, aware that something significant had taken place but not sure exactly what it was. Still, it seemed she was under Thorion’s protection now, which couldn’t be a bad thing, right? Once the noise died down, Thorion spoke again. He had let go of Alma’s hand, to her regret.
    ‘I will now ask your indulgence,’ he smiled, looking around at the assembled Court. ‘It is time for all but the Elders to leave us, for I wish to take council with them. I thank you all for coming here, on such an auspicious occasion. May Light shine on you all.’ This last was greeted with applause from most, although there were murmurs of derision as well. Nonetheless, Thorion’s voice was authoritative and it was clear that he held the power here. The gathered crowd began to disperse, all colour and beauty, talking amongst themselves and casting glances, not all of them friendly, in Alma’s direction as they left. Caleb also went to leave but was stopped by Thorion.
    ‘No, Caleb, stay with us. It is your right, after all you have done to bring Alma to us this day.’
    Caleb’s face lit up, his blue eyes wide and shining. ‘You want me to stay, my Lord?’ It was clear he was thrilled. Alma grinned, pleased for him, and nudged him with her elbow as he came to stand next to her again. ‘Thank you, Lord Thorion,’ he said, bowing his head.
     
    ***
    Deryck passed through the arched gallery, taking care to stay out of view as he made his way from the Hall. He was shocked to realise that the red-haired girl was not Caleb’s girlfriend but instead the one he had been meant to intercept –the Child of the Prophecy. Now that Thorion had placed her under his protection it made things more difficult, but not much more. His father would be staying on for the Council – as one of the oldest and most powerful Lords of the Dark, it made sense for Thorion to keep him as part of his inner circle, even though the two rarely saw eye to eye. What was it the humans said? ‘Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.’ Whatever else he might be, the High King was nothing if not wise. So Deryck left the Hall, knowing his father would update him later. In the meantime, he had his own plans to pursue.
     
    ***
    Alma, standing with Thorion and Caleb, was nervous again, a whole host of butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She wasn’t sure why she was going to attend a Council of Elders but felt it couldn’t be good. She looked at Caleb, concern written on her face and he moved closer to her.
    ‘Don’t worry,’ he murmured, but she could see he wasn’t entirely at ease either, despite his obvious excitement at being included in the proceedings. The Elders had moved to stand in a circle around Alma, Thorion and Caleb. There were about twenty in all, just as Caleb had said and they dazzled the eye with their beauty. Looking up at the stained glass windows, Alma tried to ignore all the eyes on her, hoping she wouldn’t have to endure their gaze for long. Thorion moved around the circle, nodding to each Elder as though satisfying himself of something. Once he had completed his circuit he returned to Alma, taking her hands in his and smiling at her, his blue eyes