Bellatrix: Swords of Chaos, Book One

by Alex Cannon

CHAPTER 12

  Hamilcar had been dragged back to the castle by that buffoon Hutch.The man grated on his every nerve and he was glad to be away from him. There was no rattling Hutch, and that bothered him.Any man who could not be rattled made Hamilcar’s skin itch.

  At the castle, the King had spoken only shortly to him finding out what in the name of Lori he was doing traveling about the countryside. Hamilcar informed the king he was attempting to find the Swords of Saddig.He and his partner had decided it would be easier if they just stuck to the truth. What would happen if they lied to the king and he knew the location of the temple?

  The king was open to the hunt, but said it was a boyish whim.

  Hamilcar was now practically a prisoner in the king’s castle. He needed to find that temple quickly and Hesh Andard keeping him locked away was not helping.

  His room was lavishly furnished, reserved for visiting nobility. It was deathly silent in the room. He could hear every breath he took, the swish of his clothing with every movement, and snap of the fire.He removed his shirt and tossed it on the floor.

  The closet was filled with clothes approximately his size. A huge window dominated the north wall, but unfortunately he was five stories up, too high to entertain any thoughts of escape.

  Hamilcar was not certain why king Andard kept him here in the castle. Andard was only detaining for the night?

  Hamilcar climbed into the middle of the well-stuffed bed and pulled the loqua stone from his hidden pocket.He twisted the key on the lamp, dimming it, always easier to see the image created by the stone in the darkness.

  Shirtless, he held the stone in his hand and settled his elbow on his crossed knee. He peered and waited.Slowly the bluish light began to creep from the stone, forming a robbed figure with his hood up.When it was solid, Hamilcar passed his hand through it like smoke, but the figure held.

  The figure spoke:”How goes the hunt?”

  “Not too bloody well. I am held captive in Hesh Andard’s castle!”

  The figure was silent for a moment.”Why would he detain you?”

  “He thinks I’m on a boyish hunt for treasure.”

  “In the morning if he says he wants to join the hunt, act glad to hear the news—”

  “What? No! I do not want him and his men mucking up my search!”

  “Andard is a greedy fool. By sending some of his men he hopes to claim the sword for the crown.”

  Hamilcar thought for a moment.His partner was correct, he could use the king’s name to get into places he could never get on his own. Then when he found the Sword he could dispatch the king’s men,”People suddenly become more helpful when the King’s seal is used. And when we get to the end of our search, I’ll just slaughter the king’s men.”

  “That sounds a bit extreme, but whatever it takes once you have the Sword. I will speak to you again in two nights.”

  “Don’t be late,” Hamilcar said.

  The blue figure faded and dissipated.Hamilcar put the stone back into his pocket as someone knocked on the door.

  “Yes?” he called.

  “Do you need anything, sire?” came the voice from behind the thick door.

  He could use some wine.”Yes, please come in.”

  She opened the door and walked in with her head down. She was a white haired, round woman.”What can I do for you, milord?”

  “Fetch me some wine,” he said.

  “Aye, milord, I will.”She moved to leave, but then stopped. Her face drained of color and she put her hand to her mouth.

  “What is the matter with you, woman?”

  She said nothing, but stood there, silent.Here eyes were like two full moons, stretched wide.

  “What is it?” he cried.

  She backed up, pointing to him.”You have the mark!” she cried, backing up from him.

  “What are you prattling about?”

  “You have the mark!” she repeated, and backed up against the door.

  He moved toward her,”What are you talking about?”

  She screamed and then pulled the door open behind her and rolled her considerable body out, eyes never leaving his chest.

  The door pulled shut right as he grabbed it and jerked. Outside was the guard; the woman was already down the hall, running.

  “What was that all about?” he asked the guard.

  “She ran off, milord.” the guard said.

  “I can see that,” Hamilcar said.

  Hamilcar went back to his room and wondered if she would remember to bring his drink after her apparent shock. He rubbed his naked stomach with his hand when he suddenly realized he had forgotten to put on his shirt. He knew what the woman was carrying on about, but why carry on about that? How did she know what it was?

  .