Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One)
Page 123
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"I will use you two to get my messages to the West," explained Errollan to Thibalt and Hanlit as they waited in the Honour Guard's room. "I cannot spare the other captains at the moment and do not want to send an ordinary messenger for this. There are too many untrustworthy men around the Citadel. Too many of Dieter's men."
Thibalt nodded, though he wasn't yet exactly sure what message he was going to carry or where it was going. Hanlit held the same unsure look on his face.
The door of the well kept and orderly room opened and General Harrinus stepped in. He moved past the many maps and messages covering Errollan's three clattered desks and moved up to the three of them. The flames burning brightly in the fireplace sent warmth into the room on this chilling night.
Only hours before, Errollan had done what no Honour Guard had done for hundreds of years, declaring marshal law in Feldom. Since then the Citadel had been alive with arguments and confusion.
"You have created a nightmare, Errollan," began Harrinus, speaking in low tones in case there were unwanted ears listening in on the conversation. "Civil unrest is spreading like brushfire."
"We can only hope that the people do not turn violent. I cannot afford to waste my time fighting with the very people that I am trying to protect," replied Errollan.
"I have sent your messages to Ludvic and Mandigal, I assume that they will head back as soon as possible," said Harrinus, taking a seat on a stiff wooden stool.
"They have other matters to deal with," replied Errollan, saying nothing further. Thibalt, remaining silent, took note of Errollan's reluctance to speak about Mandigal and Ludvic's whereabouts. "Do you have the letters for Captain's Steelfist and Hanlit?" asked the Honour Guard.
Harrinus pulled two wax sealed letters from his vest and handed them to the two captains. Thibalt looked down at the seal. It was the King's own, displaying a falcon flying with its wings spread in front of a Crescent moon. He placed the letter in his pocket and brought himself back to the conversation. "So where are we taking these letters?"
"You are going to Andron, Captain Steelfist," answered Errollan. "You will take this message to Guard Captain Falneren and Duke Poleus. Captain Hanlit, I am sending you to Ardistown and Summerstone. Carry your own letter to the Dukes Castaneda and Salenburg."
Mannin and Thibalt nodded and turned to leave. Errollan's voice stopped them. "Do not open the letters, do not lose the letters and if need be, take action to destroy them. They cannot be allowed to find their way into enemy hands."
Thibalt's heart pounded heavily as he looked into Errollan's weary eyes. The weight of a nation was bearing down on this old soldier's neck and, with each passing day, Errollan's face grew darker and full of distress. "I will not fail you, my lord," said Thibalt, stepping out of the office to make preparations for his trip.