Chapter 15
The Bridge
The trip to Lasticall was very uneventful for Thaddeus and his colorful group of heroes, allowing them to make very good time. It had only taken them a few hours to reach the borders of the Engenium Kingdom. At one point they did come upon a small band of outlaws who were hidden on the side of the road, undoubtedly waiting to ambush the first unsuspecting traveler that came their way. The road to Lasticall was a bandit's dream. Each side of the road was surrounded by very old, very large trees. Thick underbrush filled the gaps between the trees, making it almost impossible to see anything on either side of the road. Guards did not patrol this road; it was too dangerous. When the bandits saw the large rider dressed in his white and gold armor, they quickly backed away and made themselves invisible amongst the trees. Thaddeus, perceptive as he was, had seen the bandits, but he decided that he did not have time to investigate the situation. They rode on, but Thaddeus kept out a watchful eye for any more dangers that may be lurking mere feet off the side of the road.
“We will be arriving at the bridge which leads into Lasticall momentarily,” said Thaddeus.
“The quicker we get this done the better. I want to meet back up with the rest of the group,” stated River.
Thaddeus pulled back the reigns of his horse and quickly turned to her and asked, “Why? Why are you in such a hurry to meet back up with the others? Does it have anything to do with Lot?”
“No,” River replied. “I just feel safer when the whole group is together.”
“River, have you not seen Thaddeus in action? I believe we are rather safe,” chimed Caleb.
“That is not the real reason she wishes to regroup with the others. She wishes to see Lot again. Tell me, what are your intentions with my dear brother?” the King asked condescendingly.
“My intentions are none of your business, my King, but if you must know. . . I fancy your brother. I think he is a great man. Much greater of a man than you realize,” she said as her face flushed red. "Not to mention that he is very handsome."
“I still do not see why everyone thinks so highly of him. He is a thief,” Thaddeus replied.
“He has only stolen to help the ones around him, Thaddeus. It is not like he was taking from the poor,” Caleb added.
Thaddeus slowed his horse and looked deep into Caleb's eyes. Caleb could see the rage, like a hot kettle of water, coming to a boil inside of Thaddeus.
“So, it makes it perfectly justifiable for someone to rob from people who are wealthy? It makes it perfectly acceptable for a thief to come into my castle, and take an item from my home, an item that held great sentimental value to me? Is that what you are saying?” Thaddeus asked commandingly.
“No, that is not what I am saying. All I am saying is maybe he is not as bad as you believe him to be. If everyone is willing to forgive his transgressions, why are you having so much trouble doing the same?” asked Caleb.
“I think you two should try and get along. All either of you have left is each other. You have both wasted part of your lives not knowing or caring for one another. It would be a shame to spend the remainder of your days the same,” added River.
Thaddeus prodded his horse along once more. Maybe they are right. Maybe when I meet with Lot again, if we met again, I will sit down and speak with him. What would it hurt to get to know my brother a little better? I am sure Lot has questions to ask of me, as I do of him. Can I hold my temper during the conversation though? That would be the biggest barrier. And where has my temper come from lately? I am generally not this hot headed. If only Emilia were here. She could always seem to calm me down in times of stress. I miss her so much. I still cannot believe that she is gone. Hasbarie will pay for what he has done. I can promise him that much. A single tear rolled down Thaddeus's cheek as they approached a bottomless ravine crossing the road.
Normally, a bridge was let down across the ravine which almost totally surrounded the city of Lasticall. Thaddeus could not imagine why the bridge was drawn. During his numerous trips to Lasticall he had never known of the bridge to be raised as it was today. This could only point to one thing: trouble has knocked on the gates of Lasticall.
“Hello? It is I, King Thaddeus from Galdarath. Lower your bridge. I seek the council of the Sestian, Azonis Ferrini,” Thaddeus shouted toward the large wall that surrounded the city of Lasticall.
He received no answer.
Locmire's Quest: Book One A Tales from Calencia Novel Page 32