Free Shard Knight (Echoes Across Time Book 1) by Matthew Ballard Page A

Pride,” Ronan said
    “My father somehow knew how the archbishop felt about Ayralens. He knew he was dangerous, but he never thought his life was in jeopardy. I’ve got a horrible feeling he did something to my father.”
    “I’m sorry Rika. You’ve reason to worry. I watched him kill my mother in cold blood. He tried to kill me too.”
    “I’m so sorry Ronan.”
    “If he knew I was still alive, he’d come after me.”
    “Do you have any idea where he might have taken my father?”
    “Pride has many friends. He could be hiding him anywhere.”
    “I don’t know what to do. If I leave, I couldn’t live with myself.”
    “I won’t stop until I see him dead for what he did to my mother,” Ronan said. “Maybe we could help each other.”
    “Like a partnership?” Rika took a sip from her mug. “How would that work?”
    “If you help me get to Pride. I’ll help you find your father.”
    “But, we’re just kids. I’m fifteen years old,” Rika said.
    “I didn’t say it would be easy or quick, but it’d be easier to work together than alone. And, a lot less lonely,” Ronan said.
    “I have one condition,” she said “We’re friends and partners only. Nothing more. That’s a complication we can’t afford.”
    “Agreed.” He held out his hand. “Shake on it?”
    Rika shook Ronan’s hand and sealed the pact.

House Randal
     
    A steady flow of guests made their way through the high gates of House Randal. The four-story mansion laid on the outskirts of the Lord’s District where the power center had transferred since Queen Arianne’s assassination five years ago. Those new lords, who’d received their appointments during King Pride’s reign, flocked to the evening’s shard ceremony hosted by the right hand of the king, Lord Niles Randal himself.
    Ronan despised the banner flying above the gated entrance. Its insignia, an eye within a circle, flew on white banners above homes embracing a firm belief in pure Meranthian society. Every home inside Freehold’s walls had adopted the banner during Pride’s reign. Citizens not flying Pride’s banner invited a visit from the Ministry of Culture.
    “You’re sure the shard’s here?” Rika said.
    “Yes, it’s what we’ve worked for. We’ll get it. Stop worrying,” Ronan said.
    “I hope you’re right. Because wearing this uniform makes me sick.” She pushed a few errant strands of hair under the ministry officer’s cap.
    “We’ll ditch them as soon as we get inside,” Ronan said.
    Outside the high lord’s gates, nobles mingled awaiting their turn at the guard’s station. The orchestral harmony of Freehold’s Symphony Orchestra drifted outside providing a festive backdrop to the evening’s perfect weather.
    On their approach, Rika drew lingering stares from the gathered noblemen. They feigned interest in conversation as they tracked her movements approaching Lord Randal’s gate.
    Ronan suppressed a smile. He’d grown used to the attention she received, and he doubted she noticed the subtle glances that drifted her way. He had a hard time blaming the noblemen. She’d blossomed into a stunning young woman during their five year partnership.
    “Why are those nobles staring at us? Do you think their suspicious?” Rika said.
    “They’re not staring at me. I think they’ve got other motives besides suspicion.”
    Rika blushed. “Get your mind out of the gutter Ronan Latimer. Let’s just get inside.”
    Ronan walked past the nobles standing in line and headed straight for the guard checking invitations. “We’re here to inspect the lord’s manor by right of the Ministry of Culture. Stand aside,” Ronan said.
    The guard’s eyes bulged, and he moved several feet away from the gawking nobles. With his voice lowered he said, “But sir, there’s a shard ceremony taking place tonight. This post never received notification of an inspection. We have orders-”
    “That’s why it’s called a surprise inspection you idiot,” Ronan