IN SEARCH OF TRUTH - CULLEN PART 5

CHAPTER THREE
IN SEARCH OF TRUTH

By the afternoon of departure, the whole city knew that the Kingsguard were leaving the city with Godsmen and many of the city folk came out to witness them leaving. Cullen had found out from the Rom and he quickly found a place on the King’s Road to stand and watch as they rode off.
Cullen had found a place to stand near a tavern called the Dancing Bear. It was three stories tall, made of stone at the bottom and wood on the upper floors and had a sign with a dancing bear painted on it. It seemed to be the favored tavern of the Kingsguard soldiers, since many of them were there on their off time.
Cullen was always watching the soldiers, whenever he saw them, since he wanted to know their habits. He didn’t know what information would be important so he paid attention to everything just in case. The soldiers liked to go to the tavern and get drunk, often wrestling in the dusty road late at night.
Cullen stood off to the side now, along with the large amount of people that had come out to see the soldiers off. Cullen was near the road so he wouldn’t have to look over anyone else. He could see the dust cloud rising over where the soldiers were coming from.
First in line was a huge war horse, dark in color, a stallion, and the man who rode him was the biggest man Cullen had ever seen. He was probably as tall as the horse, with great wide shoulders and the most muscular arms and legs Cullen could imagine. The man was built like Dorin, but instead of being a strongman, he was a warrior.
His profession was obvious from his lack of hair on his shaved head, to the large scar that ran down his face from his forehead to his chin, or it could be determined from the weapon he carried, a large battle axe, double bladed on the end of a long staff.
The man, named Grimm Cullen heard from surrounding whispers, was the Captain of Captains in the Kingsguard. He was the High King’s right hand man. He looked at no one as he rode slowly past. He eyes were on the wall or beyond.
Behind him were twenty Kingsguard soldiers, all in their scale plate armor and leather, carrying bows, knives and swords, all made of iron. The looked proud to see so many villagers out to see them off. Some of them looked like hard men, but other winked at the ladies as they passed.
The next person in line caught Cullen totally by surprise. Riding on a nag, was the Dreamweaver! Cullen blinked a few times, then realized he could never have a conversation, but he wanted the old man to know he had seen him.
He opened the pouch on his belt and pulled free the little craved wooden wolf he had been carrying this whole time. He clutched it tight in his hand, feeling the wood edges dig into his palm and he waited while the old man got closer and closer.
When he was right across from him, Cullen looked up at the past soldiers, and down the line and what must have been Godsmen coming next and he darted out into the lane, thrusting the wolf into the Dreamweaver’s hand.
The old man looked up surprised and made eye contact with Cullen. He mouthed his name, looked at the wolf and then he was past the boy. He turned in his seat and saw Cullen staring at him from the road. He gave a little half wave and then looked around him quickly to make sure none of the soldiers had seen.
Satisfied, he looked down at his hands and moved the little wooden wolf around. The boy had come to Holdfast, likely looking for Tik, but maybe for him too! And he had found him! Cullen was a surprising young man, and the Dreamweaver hoped he’d be alright in the city. He was sharp, but strong willed and heavy tempered; there were a lot of ways for him to get into trouble.
Cullen watched the old man pass and go back to looking at the wolf. He smiled to himself that he had touched him without getting in trouble. Coming behind the Dreamweaver were Godsmen, also named in whispers all around him.
The Godsmen, more heavily armored, carried maces as their weapons of choice and small round iron shields. Coming behind them, were two more horses with armored men atop them. One was in plain looking armor while the other was in golden, decorated armor and his helmet looked like a golden face! It was very impressive to Cullen, he had never seen such fine armor before.
He watched the men ride and march towards the city gates and soon the crowd dispersed. Cullen thought about the old man again and hoped he had brought him some comfort, but he couldn’t go after him and Tik, and right now he had to focus on Tik. Maybe after he was rescued, then he could turn his attention to the Dreamweaver, wherever he had just gone.

Cullen reached the back of the tent not long after he had seen the precession move out of the city. He found that all the circus performers were practicing for their upcoming show. Cullen checked the horses and the dogs and then found Teodor talking to Dorin near the strongman’s wagon.
“Cullen!” Teodor called. “We were just talking about you. I think we have a way into the Orphanage!”
Cullen’s eyes and mouth opened wide. “You do?” he asked, already excited.
“Invite them to the show!” Teodor said with flourish and a wave of his hand. Dorin was smiling widely and nodding his giant head.
“Do you think they would come?” Cullen asked, suddenly unsure of the plan.
“Who would say no to a free show?” Teodor asked and Cullen understood quickly. He would offer the show for free, just to get them to come. Perhaps it would work.
“Ok,” Cullen said, nodding his enthusiasm.
“First, get a vest, so that you look more like one of us,” Teodor suggested, finding a vest quickly and handing it to Cullen. “Tell them the children are invited, tonight only, for a free show. We’ll reserve seating for them and they can come this evening.”
Cullen kept nodding and thinking about what he would say if he saw his friend.
“And whatever you do, don’t say anything to your friend! Talk to him at the show, not while you’re in there with him!” Teodor’s voice carried a lot of warning.
Cullen realized that would give them away that they were there to find Tik and not really offer up a free show. His decided then to follow through without giving anything away.
“When should I go?” he asked next.
“No time like right now I always say!” Teodor laughed, with Dorin still nodding and smiling behind him.
Cullen swallowed hard and though about it. He would be nervous no matter when, so Teodor was right. Should just do it and get it over with. Cullen adjusted his vest and walked across the green to cross the road and reach the Orphanage where it waited right down the road from where he stood.
The Orphanage was a large, three story building that was surrounded by a crenulated wall just like the castle. It was like a mini fortress and Cullen had been wondering how he was going to get in and back out since he first saw the building.
It was made of gray stone, even the inside building where he assumed the children lived. The walled in yard was for their practice and training. There was only one entrance to the yard and the Orphanage and that was a pair of large wooden doors that stood in the center of the outside wall, facing the east.
Cullen approached, filled with worry that he would somehow screw up and get captured himself. He tried to focus and think the way the Rom do. He told himself that he was as clever as they were, and this was just a trick, that he would be in and out quickly.
He lifted his hand and pounded on the door. He heard a sound above him and looked up to see a young boy leaning over the wall to look at him. He opened his mouth to call up but the boy vanished back over.
A moment later, one side of the wooden doors opened and an older boy with bright red hair stepped out. He wore a black and red uniform that looked like it was supposed to be armor but it wasn’t. The crest on the chest was a large fish, but Cullen didn’t know what kind.
“Who are you and what do you want?” the boy asked, his face showing his disdain for Cullen.
Cullen stood up straight and spoke with a clear voice. “My name is Cullen and I have an offer for whomever is in charge.”
The boy looked out past Cullen to see if anyone else stood there. Then he looked at Cullen again, this time a little confused.
“You want to talk to Madame Sturgeon? What kind of offer?”
Cullen crossed his arms and struck an annoyed pose. “What’s your name?” he asked.
“Arthur,” the boy said back. He seemed only slightly older than Cullen.
“Arthur, I come from the circus over on the green. I have an offer for Madame Sturgeon. Will you take me to her?” Cullen tried to stay polite but added a little firmness to his tone.
The boy blinked for a moment, then stepped aside, opening thee door wide enough for Cullen to step inside. Cullen got his first look inside the compound and he could see that it wasn’t clean really, but that a lot of military training happened on the grounds. He could see a lot of equipment spread across the yard.
“This way Cullen,” Arthur said as he led the way towards the building inside the walls. It was a large stone tower, that was built quite tall and probably had a good view of the whole city from the top.
Arthur led Cullen to another wide wooden door where another boy was standing. This boy carried a spear and stood taller and wider than both Cullen or Arthur. His head was shaved like a soldier and he wore an incredulous look on his face as he watched Cullen approach.
“What is this? Did you find a volunteer Arthur?” the big boy asked as he stepped in front of Cullen to block his way. Cullen made eye contact quickly and scowled.
“He’s here to see the Madame Dragos,” Arthur explained.
“Well he looks like he needs some training. Do you need some training boy?” he asked, his tone clearly challenging. Cullen watched his eyes, but looked him over quickly, thinking of a few ways he could take the spear from him.
Arthur stepped between them quickly. “He’s a guest! Dragos, let him past! He came to see the Madame and she’d better not find out you held us up.”
Dragos sneered at Cullen but moved his spear and them himself out of the way. “Still think he needs a lesson,” he grumbled as Arthur motioned for Cullen to walk.
“You shouldn’t have looked at him that way,” Artur advised once they were past him.
“I’m not afraid of him,” Cullen answered quickly.
“You should be.” Arthur said it quietly, but it was clear he believed it. Cullen wasn’t afraid to fight, he had been in many back in his village, and he always held his own. Dragos was big, but Cullen wasn’t afraid of him.
Arthur led Cullen down a short hall, then through another room and back out into another short hall until finally they came to another wooden door, this one smaller than the others.
Arthur knocked loudly and pushed the door open, leaning in to push his head through the opening.
“Madame?” he called. “You have a visitor.”
Cullen didn’t hear a response, but Arthur came back out and opened the door wide to allow Cullen access. He came around the door and entered the small room and found an enormous woman sitting behind a desk filled with papers in piles all around her.
She was perched in a large chair, which she practically overflowed out of. Her face was round and lined, covered in some kind of powder. She wore bright red lipstick and there were two pink circles painted on her cheeks. Her nails were long and also bright red. She wore an abundance of jewelry, both around her neck and her fingers and her breath made a wheezing sound, in and out.
“Who are you?” she wheezed sharply, her beady eyes looking him over. She revealed a pair of glasses and placed them on her small nose to peer at him better.
“My name is Cullen Madame Sturgeon,” he announced clearly, smiling a bit. “I’ve come from the circus!”
Madame Sturgeon adjusted her glasses and squinted at him some more. “A circus!?” she barked. “And you want to live here now?”
Cullen almost laughed out loud. “No! No, Madame, I’ve come from the circus with an offer for you and your children.”
“An offer? You look like a strong young man Cullen, you would make a fine soldier, don’t you think Arthur?” the woman wheezed out her question with a new whistle that might have been a laugh.
“I don’t know Madame,” Arthur responded. “Do they have much discipline in the circus?” Arthur winked at Cullen quickly.
“Ha!” the Madame whistled. “Of course you are right my boy! No, he would need to be broken, like so many other boys. Like you were broken!”
Arthur’s face grew dark at that and Cullen realized there was something more between these two. Arthur’s smile vanished then and he stood very still.
“What’s your offer boy?” she asked, breathing heavily with excitement.
“The Ringmaster bade me come here and offer a free showing to your children, of all ages!” Cullen revealed, keeping his voice light and carefree. “He invites you to come tonight, to his show and see his wonders for yourself.”
“A show? For my children?” the Madame asked aloud. “I don’t know.”
“The circus is only here for a few days Madame! Please let your children come see it. It would bring them joy I’m sure.”
“That’s just the thing boy, this isn’t a place of joy! This is a place of discipline and work! A place where we turn boys into soldiers and women in workers. This is where we mold them for a better purpose.”
Cullen didn’t know how to combat that. All he could think of was Tik, lost in here someplace, being forced to be a soldier, when he deserved to be free. It was everything Cullen could do to just not burst out and ask where Tik was.
“Perhaps a reward would go a long way Madame,” Arthur finally spoke while Cullen was conflicted. “So many new children have come and miss their homes. This could help them forget.”
Cullen turned to Arthur but he couldn’t see his face. But he seemed to be trying to help. Maybe Arthur wasn’t so bad. He must want to get out sometimes too.
“Alright then Arthur. Never say I never did anything for the children! They can go to the show, but you and Dragos better watch them every step!” the Madame shouted the last, making it very clear who would be held responsible.
“Of course Madame. We will watch them.”
“Thank you Madame Sturgeon,” Cullen added. “It was a pleasure to see your compound.”
“A pleasure because you get to leave! You can’t fool me boy!” she cackled as they left the room.
Arthur silently led Cullen back out of the building. Dragos wasn’t there on the way back and soon Cullen was at the front gate again.
“Thanks for helping me out there Arthur,” Cullen said before he left.
“Well, we all want to get out, so it does all of us good to come see your show. I don’t know why you offered, but we’ll take it!”
Cullen smiled and turned away, walking back out into the road and towards the green. Teodor would be happy to hear it worked. Now they could have the show and Cullen could find a way to sneak over and talk to Tik.
Cullen was very excited.

***

The show started with Teodor entering the ring speaking about the Rom and their history of traveling entertainment. He told some stories to engage the audience, which was a full tent, Cullen was happy to see. The seating for the Orphanage took up a third of the tent and Cullen could see Tik sitting in the back row, next to a young girl who was probably their age.
The first act was Fane, who let his two majestic looking horses run into the tent by themselves. They ran in and then ran in a circle, going around and around in the ring. Fane, dressed in riding boots, wide breeches and a black vest over his bare chest, came in behind the horses and stood in the center of the ring.
As the horses ran by, he leaped onto the back of one, without a saddle and rode it around the ring. Then he lifted himself up to stand on the horses back, while he leaned into its turn, keeping himself steady on the back.
As the horse continued running, Fane placed his hands on its back and then lifted himself into a handstand, going around the ring with the horse still running while he balanced on its back. He lowered himself and then leaped into the air, somersaulting to land on the second horse behind him.
Cullen was amazed by his skill, but he needed to get around to talk to Tik, so he carefully walked around the back of the bleachers to make his way to where his friend sat. He saw Dragos guarding the back of the tent, but he walked away and gave Cullen the opening he needed.
Cullen approached slowly until he was right behind his friend. He recognized his light brown hair, even though he was dressed in the Orphanage colors. Cullen reached out and tugged the back of Tik’s pants.
“Who?” Tik asked as he turned. Then his face lit up with surprise as he realized who was standing behind him. “Cullen!”
“Keep it down!” Cullen advised quietly. “No one can know we’re talking! Do they ever let you outside?”
“No, not until the acceptance ceremony. That’s in three days!” Tik whispered back, smiling widely in his excitement to see his friend.
“Ceremony? What’s that?” Cullen asked, looking at the girl next to Tik for the first time. He was totally focused on listening to Tik, but when she turned to look at him, he was suddenly distracted.
She was Cullen’s age, thin but muscular and the most beautiful girl Cullen had ever seen. Her eyes were gray and green with tiny gold flecks in them. Her lips were thin but full and her face had small moles like tiny constellations. He found himself staring at her while Tik was talking.
“It’s when they accept us into the Kingsguard. It’s held at the Dancing Bear Tavern. Hey, are you listening to me?” Tik finally asked when he saw that Cullen was staring at the girl.
“Who are you?” Cullen asked her.
“My name is Sonia,” she said quietly.
“Cullen! If you can get me free, Sonia comes too!” Tik demanded.
Cullen nodded his head. “Of course, her too. At the Dancing Bear. I will get you free Tik, and you Sonia.”
Tik was looking back at Sonia, who was staring at Cullen as hard as he was staring at her. Tik laughed, “How will you get us free?”
“I don’t know Tik, but I’ll find a way. I promise.” Cullen was already thinking about how to do it when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Tik and Sonia looked away quickly and Cullen knew he was caught.
“What are you doing over here Cullen?” Arthur asked as Cullen turned around to face him.
“Just making sure everyone is having fun!” Cullen said, hoping he was convincing.
“I’m sure they are, but you can’t stay here. I have to watch them, you understand?” Arthur seemed reasonable and wasn’t questioning Cullen about what he and Tik were talking about, so Cullen smiled and nodded and moved away.
Arthur watched him until he went around the bleachers and vanished behind the tent. Cullen thought they had gotten away with it and now he just had to figure out how to get Tik and Sonia free from the tavern.
Cullen watched the rest of the show from the sidelines. He saw Adela climb her rope and do tricks he never thought possible, while she hung from the rope and struck different poses. He watched the Dragomir Family do flips and handstands and rolls about, jumping all over the ring and climbing on each other.
He watched Dorin bend metal, stretch metal and lift four ladies on a bench with one arm! The he watched Vali juggle balls, and rings that changed color and clubs, knives and torches. Then Fane returned with all his dogs and they all did tricks just like the humans had done.
Last he tried to get the biggest dog, a hound, to do the tricks the other dogs had done. He tried to get him to walk on his hind legs, then walk on his front legs. He tried to get him to jump through a burning hoop and walk on a rope, but the dog refused every trick.
Finally Fane walked off the stage, with all his other dogs. As soon as he was gone, the hound did every trick he had been asked to do, but without Fane there! The audience laughed and clapped with delight. It was the funniest thing Cullen had ever seen. Then the hound walked out after Fane and the show was over.
There was a lot of work to do after the show as well, getting things ready for the next show the following night, and setting up food stands and little gift stands, extra money making ventures. Cullen helped everywhere.
He brushed and fed the horses, he tied up the dogs for the night, he helped Dorin carry his weights and bent metal and he helped Adela tie up her rope for the next show.
After hours of work, finally all the Rom sat in a circle and ate together as a family group. They complimented each other on their acts and talked about their favorite parts.
Cullen told each of them what he enjoyed about the show. He had never imagined such things were possible and his excitement was clear to the Rom. They were all very pleased that he enjoyed it.
“But tell us Cullen,” Teodor finally said, “Did our distraction work? Tonight’s show was about you meeting with your friend. Did it work?”
Cullen nodded and kept smiling. “Yes, I saw him, and another person, a girl that he wants me to rescue too. They will be out of the Orphanage in three days, for an acceptance ceremony. I have to figure out how to free them then.”
“In three days we shall be leaving. Perhaps we can find a way to help.” Teodor looked around at the others, who all nodded their heads. Cullen was thankful to find so much help. He would have to tell Alex the story when he got home again, about how being one of the Rom helped him so much.
Cullen described the tavern where the ceremony would be held and the circus folk started to come up with a plan. Cullen told them about the abandoned shop front he had found and talked about being able to hide there. Soon they had come up with an idea for a plan.
As each of the performers gathered their things and got ready to sleep in their separate wagons, Cullen spread his blanket out near the fire that had cooked the food. Everyone had moved away and Cullen was alone, so he was surprised when he heard his name called from the darkness around him.
“Who’s there?” he called softly into the night.
“It’s Arthur,” came the reply, as the red headed boy came walking out of the shadows near Teodor’s wagon.
“What do you want?” Cullen asked quickly, suddenly nervous.
“I know what you’re going to do Cullen,” Arthur replied, full of confidence.
“What do you know?” Cullen asked, stalling for time while he thought. Could Arthur have heard the whole plan? How long had he been hiding in the dark.
“I know you’re going to try and get Tik and Sonia away from the Orphanage.” Artur said it so easily and Cullen balked.
“If you know, and you’re here instead of telling the Madame, you must want something,” Cullen guessed, thinking quickly and realizing the truth of his statement.
“You’re right,” Arthur said back. “I want to go with you. I want to get away from the Orphanage too. Can you take me? And one other?”
“You want to escape too?” Cullen asked. “And you want another person to go?” he said after, hearing the request a moment late.
“Yes. Dragos is watching the gate for me now, and if I go, he goes. If we can go, then we won’t say anything to the Madame about you. That’s our deal.”
Cullen watched Artur standing there, half in the firelight, half in shadow. He eyes were pleading even though his stance was confident. In a way, he was begging to go, but he thought he had to manipulate Cullen to be included.
“I’ll bring you too then,” he finally said, and watched Artur breathe a sigh of relief. “Be ready at the ceremony. That’s when it will happen. Be ready to run.”
“We’ll be ready,” Artur said as he slipped back into the dark and disappeared. Cullen wondered if they could pull it off still with four people leaving. The guards were sure to notice, but if they could get a head start, they just might make it away in time.

***

The Dreamweaver rode behind the marching Kingsguard over the fields and down a different track than the paved King’s Road. They veered north west and towards the mountains, cutting through small villages as they went.
Grimm kept his men moving, passing through the villages quickly, but when they reached a town called Hillside, the soldiers were approached by a frantic man. He was dressed in woolen clothes, dirty from working the fields and he was obviously distraught about something.
Connon and Anton rode their horses past the Godsmen and up towards the head of the line where Grimm was listening to the man.
“I demand the King’s justice! I caught me wife with another man! I have a witness even! Please pass judgment.”
Grimm looked at Connon. “Without the King, it’s not the King’s justice. This is a matter for the village, not the Kingsguard. What say you?”
Connon looked at the pleading man and smiled. “A man of God is here, and we can pass judgment for this man. God’s rules have been broken. We must set them right.”
Grimm smirked and coughed out a laugh. “Then you stay. We’re going on ahead.”
Connon waved him off and then leaned down to address the farmer. “You have your wife ready, and the other man as well?” he asked in a smooth honeyed voice.
“I do Your Honor! They are in the center of town.” The man started walking down the road to lead the way. Connon and Anton rode behind him, while Grimm and the Kingsguard marched on out of town.
The Dreamweaver decided to stay and watch God’s justice, despite having some hesitation about it. He nudged his nag ahead to follow the Godsmen.
In the center of town, the village’s populace was waiting. Near the center of a small crossroads, there was a man who was tied up and looked as though he had been beaten. Next to him was a tied up woman, who also looked roughed up. Standing in a crow was the rest of the villagers.
“Tell me what happened,” Connon commanded as he climbed off his horse and handed the reigns to one of his soldiers.
“I hurt myself out in the field today. Me and me brother came back to me house to wrap up me hand. That’s when I found them together, in me own house! My wife and the blacksmith, lying together!”
Connon adjusted his mace that hung from his belt and he took off his helmet to tie it to his horse, exposing his blond curls and his smooth face. He smiled warmly at the crowd.
“Which man is your brother?” he asked, scanning the group of villagers.
Another man stepped forward and raised his hand. “That’s me Sire, I seen em too. I helped me brother capture ‘im!”
Connon walked over to the bound couple and took the woman’s chin in his gauntleted hand. He raised her face to look in her eyes, but she tried to keep her head turned away in shame.
“Do either of you have anything to say?” Connon asked the pair.
“Mercy for the woman, please,” the bound man said quickly. “Mercy for her.”
“God sacrificed himself for us,” Connon said loudly. “And he gave us rules to follow, rules that we must follow in order to get into Heaven! Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor! Thou shalt not commit adultery! Thou shalt not steal!”
The Dreamweaver watched as the crowd started to murmur along with the charismatic Godsman. He extended his arms to gather them all in as he spoke, including them in his speech.
“This man and this woman, have broken those rules!” Connon raised his voice, but it still sounded smooth and warm. The Dreamweaver realized this was part of what he did as a High Priest.
“This man and this woman must be punished!” The crowd shouted their approval and the wronged man hopped with excitement. The Dreamweaver didn’t like where this was going, but what could he do? He had no power over the Godsmen or the village.
“The woman shall be strapped fifty times!” Connon commanded. “The man shall be whipped one hundred times! Right here in the center of town!”
The wronged man looked towards his brother with glee. The villagers moved to gather the two tied up people and shove them towards the Godsmen, who prepared the strap and the whip that was handed to them by the villagers.
“Further, the man, if he wishes to remain a member of this community, he will devote his life to building a church right here in the village of Hillside!”
The man looked up in surprise but then hung his head down low. He couldn’t very well argue against the Godsmen’s idea, since he was being punished and would probably choose to stay in the village.
The Dreamweaver nudged his horse away from the town as the whipping started. He could hear the cries of the punished pair as he rode towards the edge of town. He decided he would wait until the Godsmen were down and then continue with them towards the mountains.
It was hard to ignore the screams however. The Dreamweaver shed a tear for them both, wishing he could help somehow.

***

On the second day Cullen worked with the Rom to prepare the circus for their most important show. The High King was coming out of the castle for a special viewing, along with a few chosen nobles that lived in local villages.
The bleachers were removed and a dais was erected for the King’s throne. Soldiers came around the tent all day, checking for security and setting up the chairs for the King and his entourage.
Teodor was very excited about this show, and he was running all around getting everyone ready. Cullen prepared the horses and then the dogs. He helped the Dragomirs all stretch and do some minor leaps and tumbles, and then he watched Adela put on her make up twice to get it right.
Rom were normally not allowed into a city like Holdfast, and they were honored to have the High King himself come to watch the show. A couple hours before hand, Cullen got his first view of Vlad, the King’s second important man in his Kingdom.
Vlad wore all black, leather and silk and always carried his jeweled sword with him. He walked among the wagons, stopping and talking to each performer along the way. Cullen felt wary of him, the way he smiled gave Cullen a chill and he didn’t trust that the man was as friendly as he pretended to be.
As Vlad walked around, his small black eyes took in everything. He inspected the wagons, the performers and even their props and equipment. He made it quite clear that he was there for the King, and that everything had to be just right for him to allow the show to go on.
Cullen tried to stay away from him, but while he was rubbing the horses down, Vlad caught him away from everyone else.
“Those are beautiful horses,” he said, standing behind Cullen.
Cullen didn’t jump but he was startled and it took a moment to respond.
“Yes, Fane takes good care of them,” he finally said in return, hoping that Vlad would go away soon.
“I see that you wear the scarf of another tribe, is that so? You don’t look like a Rom to me.” Vlad’s voice was smooth and controlled, with just a hint of menace.
“No, I am friends with a tribe that spends time near where I live. I just joined the circus recently.” Cullen’s mind was racing. Was he giving up too much information? Why did Vlad even care where this one boy was from?
“I see. And where is that home? Why are you away from home?” Vlad asked, perfectly reasonable.
“I came to Holdfast on an errand, but stayed to see the circus. I’ll be going home soon.” Cullen prayed to himself that Vlad wouldn’t ask what the errand was.
“Ah, that’s good. I wouldn’t want your parents to worry. You make sure you get home safe.” Vlad walked away after that, and Cullen breathed a sigh of relief. Vlad was very observant to have noticed his scarf, and to even know what it meant! He hoped that Vlad wouldn’t be involved in the soldier’s ceremony the following day.
The King arrived with much fanfare and most of the city coming out to see. The King rode a grand white horse and was dressed in fine silken shirt with thick ruffles along the chest and sleeves. His pants were thin linen and hugged his legs tightly. He wore a thin cape that had fur lining the length of it, even the hood.
Cullen had never really though about living in a Kingdom, never really thought about having a King. It hadn’t affected his daily life until now. He watched the King ride closer, dismount and hand the reins off to a soldier.
A group of Kingsguard surrounded him as he entered the tent and Cullen darted from the outside in so he could see the King, followed by a group of nobles take his throne and be seated.
Beside the King was a beautiful young woman, who blushed and giggled at something the King said to her. He seated her first, right next to him and then flopped down in his prepared throne while the nobles scurried to their seats and the soldiers made their way to the edges of the tent to stand guard.
Teodor came out in his red shirt and top hat, his moustache oiled and curled and his black boots shiny. He welcomed the High King to his lowly tent and hoped he would enjoy the show.
They started with Adela this time and she came out, captivating the male audience with her skimpy outfit and well muscled body. She climbed her rope, that she called her web and she started her act, climbing easily and striking different poses while hanging off the thick white rope.
The nobles clapped and the King was smiling and Cullen though he was happy with Adela. Next came Fane and his horses and he rode them wildly and flipped from one to the others. When Cullen looked back to the King to see his reaction, he saw that Vlad was standing just behind the throne and staring right at him. Cullen shuddered and refocused on the act.
The King cheered the horses and then clapped for Dorin as he came out to do his strongman act. The King was quite impressed with his strength, making him bend things a few times, and pick up some of his nobles on the bench usually reserved for young women.
The rest of the show went perfectly and Cullen could see that the King was very pleased. He was happy that the Rom were so accepted by the nobility and he hoped it would make their lives easier. The King called for an encore and some of the performers came out and did more tricks, but eventually it was done and the King thanked Teodor, right in front of everyone.
Teodor was clearly overjoyed at the King’s praise and he promised a raise for everyone at the show. He even gave Cullen a gold coin for all his service. Cullen had never held real money before and he wondered how much he could buy with it.
He helped everyone put away their costumes and props and start to break the tent down a bit to pack up. Teodor announced that all of them could rest for the evening and pack up tomorrow. They needed to be ready to leave during the midday ceremony for Cullen, but they knew they could finish in time.
Everyone sat around the campfire, eating and complimenting each other on their performances. Teodor thanked them with tears in his eyes for doing such a good job. Cullen loved how much they felt like a family to him, all of them working together to make a good life.
Cullen couldn’t wait to tell Alex and Tik about these people that had helped him so much. And he knew they would help him tomorrow, even though it might put them in danger. The Rom weren’t afraid of a little risk.
Cullen went to sleep that night feeling warm inside, feeling good about the allies he chosen. Tomorrow would prove just how good they really were to him and he was grateful for their support.

***

In the morning of the ceremony, it was cool and the spring sun was a dull yellow. While shadows were still lengthy, the Rom worked at tearing down the tent and loading all its pieces onto the two wagons designated for the tent.
Fane got all the wagon horses tied up to their wagons and ready to go. The two show horses would be tied to the last wagon, where all his dogs would sit too. Teodor led the group, keeping everyone going during the day of hard labor.
Cullen was amazed that all the poles and the folded up canvas fit in two wagons. He was sweating in the cool spring air when they were finally done. He spotted the procession of older children leaving the Orphanage and he got Teodor to ready everyone else.
Cullen ran ahead, turning down the King’s Road and heading towards the Dancing Bear. He could see the few soldiers and their Captain, since he was wearing a red cape to show his higher authority.
Cullen saw Tik and Sonia walking together. Arthur and Dragos were in the front of the line and the back. They walked in a line with the other children until the reached the tavern.
It took a few minutes of talking for the children to line up and prepare for the speech that the Captain would give. Cullen stood across the street, making eye contact with Tik and Arthur and he nodded to hopefully tell them it was going to happen.
As the Captain started making his speech, Cullen watched Dragos move to Arthur’s side of the line, nearest to Tik and Sonia who stood at the end of the line of children. Cullen didn’t focus on what the Captain said, since he was watching for the circus wagons to come down the road.
He spotted them soon after and saw Teodor riding in front of the lead wagon. The colorful train came rumbling past and Cullen watched his friend while the wagons rolled by. As the last wagon came through, passing the open area of the tavern, suddenly all of Fane’s dogs came rolling out of the back of the wagon and ran amongst the soldiers and children.
Cullen immediately ran across the street, jumping past the wagons and through the dogs, where soldiers were all yelling and stepping around them. Cullen grabbed Tik’s hand and then Sonia’s hand and said, “C’mon!”
Tik and Sonia broke free of the group of milling teens and Cullen saw that Arthur and Dragos were right behind them. Cullen started running down the King’s Road as the Rom all came out of their wagons to make everything more confusing. Dorin kept bumping into different soldier as he would try to pass them while trying to catch the dogs.
Cullen looked back and saw two soldiers point at his group and start chasing them. He cursed to himself softly and urged the others to run faster. All of them were in good shape and could run quickly, but the soldiers were gaining ground.
Cullen knew they would reach the empty storefront before the soldiers, but if they saw them go in, nothing would stop them from chasing them all the way through and to the wall. He needed a distraction but he couldn’t think of what to do.
Tik and Sonia were running as fast as they could and Arthur and Dragos were right behind them. Cullen ran in-between the two boys and hurriedly told them that they were going to run into an abandoned building. Then he ran ahead to tell Tik and Sonia. He warned them it was coming up.
Cullen decided that he would have to fall back and let the two soldiers take him in order to see the others free. He yelled out that the building was up ahead and he knew that they would run in and through.
Cullen started to slow down a bit and the soldiers were coming closer. Cullen turned to look back, settling in the idea that he would make sure his friend got free, when he was surprised to see three white wolves run into the street from a side street. They ran right at the soldiers.
The soldiers skidded to a stop and while their attention was on the wolves, Cullen raced ahead and led the way into the store. He burst through the open door, ran through the first room and stopped in front of the hole through the wall.
Cullen motioned for the others to run through the hole and he told them to wait by the wall. Tik ran through first, followed by Sonia, then the two bigger boys. Cullen ran back to the street and peeked outside.
The three white wolves were chasing the soldiers back down the road. Cullen was bewildered at their arrival but he was happy they had escaped without being seen. He raced back into the back room and darted out through the hole.
Within seconds he was at the wall with the others. Making sure they were all safe, he led them to a ladder and climbed up the wall to stand in one of the towers.
“If we make it to the gate without being seen, we should be able to leave the city. I have some supplies waiting for us at the gate and we can sleep in the woods before deciding what to do.”
The three boys nodded, still breathless from running. Sonia gave a little smile and Cullen felt his heart skip a beat. She was incredibly beautiful to him and he just wanted to know more about her. He couldn’t wait to get out of the city and to more safety.
He led the way, walking along the stone wall, watching backwards for signs of pursuit but there was none. Looking over the buildings he could see that the circus wagons were on their way again and he would probably arrive at the gate at the same time.
He found his stash of backpacks, filled with food and water and he hopped down off the wall to meet Teodor at the gate.
“Thank you for everything Teodor,” he said at the smiling ringmaster.
“It’s our pleasure Cullen. If you ever need a home away from home, come find us! We will always have room for you.”
Cullen shook his hand and then waved to each performer as they passed, turning east out of the gate and heading towards the other lands of the Kingdom.
Cullen turned back to where the others were hiding by the wall and he motioned for them to come out. He led the way out of the city, walking towards home, down the King’s Road that led back to where he lived.
He wanted to get as far away from the city as he could within the first day, hoping that the soldiers would spend time searching the city before thinking they had left. He was grateful that the soldiers hadn’t kept the Rom for questioning and let them continue on their way.

***

The Dreamweaver entered the small town of Boulder in the evening. The sun had gone down and the Godsmen had urged a quick pace that his nag could barely keep. He was tired and hungry by the time he found Grimm and the Kingsguard already eating.
One of the soldiers made him a bowl of stew or mush or whatever soldiers ate on the road. Either way he was hungry so he was happy to eat. Grimm sat alone, with just his long battle axe leaning next to him.
Connon, looking just as bright during the night as he did during the day came to sit near Grimm and talk. He had his own men making something that smelled much better and he was drinking tea while he dropped a log to sit on next to the scarred warrior.
“What have you found here? Something interesting?” Connon asked in his smooth honey voice.
“Perhaps. This people have a shaman and he says that there are Goblins in the mountains. He knows where to find them.” Grimm’s manner was cold and he spoke quickly, as if he wanted to get it over with.
“A shaman?” Connon asked.
“That’s what he said. Talks with the forest and the mountains. Knows how to reach the Goblins. We’ll talk to him tomorrow.”
The Dreamweaver wanted to know who the shaman was. Perhaps he could find the Faeries for them, and peacefully. The Dreamweaver decided to walk away from the soldiers and go into the woods to pray.
He walked to the edge of the little village, then further out into the dark forest. He found a large tree with a stone in front of it and he kneeled down to pray.
“Lord Cernunnous, Lord of the Hunt, hear me!” he spoke quietly but clearly. “I fear for a boy, a young man, named Cullen. He may be in trouble in Holdfast. Please watch over him.”
The Dreamweaver heard a rustling in the tree. He looked up and saw two bright eyes looking at him from the shadows of the branches.
“The boy is well. He is being watched. No worries, you!” The voice that came from the two eyes was high pitched, and the words came out fast.
“Who are you? What are you?” the Dreamweaver asked, staring up into the branches.
“Cernunnous sent me! To watch out for you too,” the voice said. The old man was astounded. Cernunnous, Lord of the Forest and the Hunt was watching over him? Does that mean all the legends are real?
“Where are you from? Can I find you, more of you? We are looking for Faeries!” The Dreamweaver spoke, hoping to learn more but then the eyes vanished and he heard steps coming from behind him.
He turned to see an older man, wearing leather pants and an open shirt. On his head was a mask with antlers and his face had strange symbols painted on it.
“Looking for Faeries are you?” the man said as he approached.
“That is why the High King has sent us out,” the Dreamweaver answered honestly.
“I may be able to help you. At least find Goblins,” the man said with a kind voice. “My name is Hrothgar, and I am the village Shaman.”
The Dreamweaver got up slowly from his knees and extended his hand. “I am the Dreamweaver. I am glad to meet you.”
“So the King believes in Faeries does he?” the man asked.
“He says he caught one and it led him to a treasure but then tricked him. Somewhere along the mountains.” The Dreamweaver looked pats the markings on the man’s face and saw a kind man, one who was eager to help and discuss something of an unusual nature.
“I see. Well we have experiences with Goblins here in this village. We trade with them sometimes, and they leave our village alone from their raids.”
“Raids? They attack villages?” the Dreamweaver asked, alarmed.
“They have, certainly. We have a good relationship with them though, and they don’t bother us. It’s taken me years to get them to treat us this way, but it’s better for all of us.”
“Can you get them to meet with us?” the Dreamweaver asked.
“I don’t know,” Hrothgar answered. “So many armed men wouldn’t make them likely to come out. I don’t know if I feel safe with the King’s soldiers around. Just you, I’m certain I could bring, but with so many violent men, I just don’t know.”
“Perhaps I can just go with you and we can leave the others behind?” the Dreamweaver suggested.
“That might work. Can you convince them?”
“Let us go see,” the Dreamweaver said, hopeful.
The two men approached Grimm, Connon and Anton. Grimm was imposing, with his shaved head, the livid scar and his battle axe. Connon was bright in the firelight, his decorated armor gleaming and his heavy mace nearby. Anton was the only one that smiled. His armor was not decorated like Connon’s but simple, efficient.
“This is Hrothgar, the village Shaman. He says they have trade with the faeries that live in the mountain.”
Grimm looked up with a stern stare. “What kind of Faeries?”
“Duergar sir,” Hrothgar answered. “They are a kind of Dwarf, diminutive but strong, clever and wary of humans. They work for the Goblins, the Redcaps. We rarely see them, just the Dwarves.”
“How do you contact them?” Grimm asked, still frowning. Connon was watching the Shaman intensely. The Dreamweaver started to feel nervous about the attention.
“There is a cave a little ways up the mountain, outside of the village. There is a bell hung inside the cave. You ring it and they come, usually the following night. They don’t come during the sunlit hours.”
Hrothgar seemed eager to help, and didn’t mind the attention he was receiving. The Dreamweaver focused on Connon and wondered why he seemed so fixated on the older man.
“How long have you been trading with them Shaman?” Connon’s tone was barely respectful. He obviously didn’t like the man.
“For many years now. It is easier to give them meat and furs than to fight them off when they try to take those things. We are not well armed in this village, none of us are soldiers.”
“I see. And these Duergar, you called them, they trust you?” Connon sneered at his own question.
“I suppose they do. Well enough to trade with me. To cause a fight with them would be very bad, I caution you. The Goblins are as big as humans and they are well armed.”
“But as you said, none of you are soldiers. And we are Kingsguard and Godsmen! Some of the best trained fighting men in all the Kingdom!”
“Of course,” Hrothgar said, “But please try a peaceful way first. I’m sure they will answer your questions, whatever they may be.”
Before Connon could carry on, Grimm waved his hand to finish the conversation. “Go ring the bell Shaman. We will see them tomorrow night, and we’ll see what kind of reaction we get.”
Hrothgar nodded and bowed a little. He glanced at the Dreamweaver as if to invite him to step away, which he did after also nodding to the militant leaders. He wondered as he walked away, what kind of man Anton was. He always kept quiet, but even in Hillside, during the whippings, he had looked away as though disturbed by the action.
He followed Hrothgar to a small structure, with thatch on the roof and built of stone from the surrounding mountain.
“I will go ring the bell tonight. Would you like to join me?” Hrothgar asked.
“Yes, I would. I would like to see the cave and learn more about these Faeries, please,” the Dreamweaver responded cheerfully.
“They are small, with dark gray skin and black eyes. Always bearded with long hair, usually braided. They wear fur and leather mostly, but they do like the linen we trade sometimes. And the main reason we should not fight with them is their weapons.”
“Yes, you said they are well armed?” the Dreamweaver asked.
“Yes. We use iron for our tools and for our weapons and armor. They have developed something greater. Let me show you what we have also traded for.”
Hrothgar pulled a knife out of his belt sheath and presented it to the Dreamweaver. The blade was shiny and sharp and had waves of gray color in it. It seemed better than iron, but he couldn’t tell what it was.
“They call it steel. All of their tools, weapons and armor are made like this. The waves come from folding the steel over and over, making it stronger than iron.”
“It is amazing,” the Dreamweaver said. “And deadly I would imagine.”
“You see why I press for peace. The mountains are filled with their people. I’m sure they equal our numbers at least. If we attack them, they will fight back and they have better tools and I believe they understand war.”
The Dreamweaver nodded that he understood. Picturing weapons and armor made out of this steel, he wondered if man’s tool could hold up to such craftsmanship.
“Shall we go to the cave?” Hrothgar asked, accepting his knife back.
“Please,” the Dreamweaver responded.
Hrothgar led him out of the hut and through the small village, headed towards the mountain itself. They left the outskirts of the village, leaving the buildings behind them and walked along a narrow path that was well lit by moonlight.
The trees were short here, and far between, giving them plenty of light from the moon. The Dreamweaver could follow the path as it wound up the side of the mountain. They walked for almost an hour well Hrothgar pointed ahead to the black hole before them.
“There it is, the tunnel entrance,” Hrothgar said, pointing the way.
The Dreamweaver felt comfortable in the sparse forest and on the trail, but the cave entrance was ominous and a little frightening. It was dark inside and he couldn’t see how far in it went.
Hrothgar led him to the entrance and a little ways inside, about where the moonlight ended. Attached to the wall was a large silver bell and a little mallet that hung beside it. Hrothgar removed the mallet and struck the bell.
It made a loud clear ringing sound that seemed to echo of the cave walls and the Dreamweaver could picture the sound moving down the tunnel into the dark depths.
“How do they hear it? Is someone stationed nearby?” the Dreamweaver asked.
“I don’t know. I just know that if I ring it, it’s answered the following evening, usually by one or a pair of Duergar.”
“I look forward to meeting them tomorrow night. This is very exciting for me!” The Dreamweaver could hardly wait to see real Faeries. They had been lucky to find the Shaman who had established trade with them.
“We can go back now and return tomorrow. You’ll meet them then.” Hrothgar led the way back through the night and into the village so they could all get some sleep.

***

Cullen, followed by Tik and Sonia and Arthur and Dragos, kept a quick pace until they were finally out of sight of all the farms that surrounded Holdfast city. At dusk they had finally left the paved road and had entered the edges of the forest.
Cullen made them walk until dark before deciding on a place to stop and eat and rest. He chose a small cluster of oak trees that were hidden from the road by a group of small hills.
Tik helped him start a fire since spring nights were still fairly cool and when it was roaring away he divided up their meager rations. Everyone got some dark bread with nuts baked in, some sharp white cheese and some dried meat, probably pork.
Cullen made sure everyone got some water with their food and he looked around at this group of relative strangers. Tik was smiling, clearly happy to be back in the forest. Sonia looked quite nervous, especially of Arthur and Dragos, while Arthur looked tired and a little fearful and Dragos still looked angry.
“So I think I can guess why these two wanted to leave, but explain to me your intentions Arthur?” Cullen indicated Tik and Sonia when he spoke.
Dragos immediately frowned and spoke, “We don’t owe you any explanation!”
“Oh no?” Cullen asked. “The risk was greater having two more people along! You don’t think I deserve to know why you’re here?”
Arthur put his hand on Dragos’s leg and cut him off before he could say something else.
“Dragos came with me because he’s my friend,” Arthur explained. “I came because I don’t want to be a soldier.”
“That’s hard to tell since you were the two Captains of the Orphanage!” Tik burst in.
“Better than being a victim!” Dragos retorted.
“I am no victim!” Tik shouted back.
“Hey!” Cullen yelled louder. “Settle down! None of us knows each other very well, so let’s all just calm down and learn. Doesn’t that make sense?”
“Yes,” Arthur said, fixing his eyes on Dragos. Dragos quickly nodded his head but stared into the flames of the fire rather than look at anyone.
“We both became Captains because it was better to be somewhat in charge, as opposed to being just another Orphan. We got better meals, better sleeping quarters and better treatment. We did it to survive.” Arthur explained quietly, looking directly at Cullen.
“I think I can understand that. But now that you’re free, you realize you have no control over these two anymore, right?” Cullen asked, pointed towards Tik and Sonia again.
“Of course. We just want a different life. I want to be free to make my own decisions,” Arthur said.
“And I don’t know you either Sonia. Could you tell me about yourself?” Cullen asked.
She lifted her head and looked towards Cullen, but kept her eyes averted a little. The firelight lit her slightly curly hair that framed her face so well and he could see the gold flecks in her eyes. It struck him again how beautiful he thought she was.
“I am the child of fishermen. I was born in Holdfast, along the shore. My daddy was a fishermen, my mother stayed home with me. One night there was a terrible storm and it took them both. I became a ward of Holdfast and sent to the Orphanage.”
Cullen face clearly showed his concern about her past.
“For boys, they train you to be a soldier. I learned how to fight because boys like Tik showed me how. I’m good with a bow,” Sonia said, as if she had to defend her desire to train. “But for girl they just teach you how to be a servant to the nobles or if your lucky, in the King’s household.”
Her voice changed and got very low. “I just want to be free too. I don’t want to be a servant.”
Cullen felt almost overwhelmed by the need to reach out and protect her. He could see she wanted freedom and independence, but something inside him cried out to protect her.
“You are free now Sonia,” he said. “I won’t let them take you back.”
“If they even look for us!” Tik laughed.
“I don’t know if they will or not. It’s somewhat embarrassing to lose four members of the ceremony like that,” Arthur said soberly. “They may search. Hopefully they will search the city first, not realizing that we got away.”
“That is my hope as well,” Cullen said. “Tik, it is good to see you once again! Your father made me a part of the tribe! And because of that, I had help from the Rom who owned the circus. That’s how I got you free.”
Even as he said it, he remembered the three white wolves that were really responsible for letting them get away and he wondered what they were doing in the middle of the city. Could they have followed him?
“I knew you would come looking for me!” Tik said, still laughing. “Didn’t I say Sonia?”
“He did talk about you,” Sonia admitted. “I feel like I know you already.”
Cullen beamed at her, happy that she might be interested in him in some way.
“So next, what do you all plan? I want to get Tik back to his family, but Sonia, Arthur, Dragos – do you know what you want to do? I have to find another friend, otherwise I would say you can stay with me for a while.”
“Another friend?” Tik asked, perplexed.
“Yes. The Dreamweaver was taken from his home as well. I saw him in the city with a lot of soldiers. Some in Kingsguard armor and some with full suits of armor.”
“Those are Godsmen, Holy Priests and soldiers for the Church,” Arthur explained.
“They left the city together and I made sure the Dreamweaver saw me. I’m going after him next.”
“Well I want to go with you!” Tik said quickly. “You helped me escape, now let me help you. You should come too Sonia,” Tik suggested, turning to look at her.
“I have no where to go. If you’ll have me, I’ll come.” Cullen smiled even more at that idea. There was nothing he would rather have happen.
“And what about you two? You have weapons and training. We could use you with us,” Cullen asked the two remaining boys.
Arthur looked at Dragos before answering. Dragos shrugged at him, clearly wanting to follow Arthur’s lead.
“We will come,” he said after the look between them.
“But first we have to find Tik’s family. To tell them that you’re safe,” Cullen reminded them.
“Yes! I can’t wait to see my father! And tell him about our escape! It was brilliant!”
The children laughed together as they became more comfortable and decided they had a plan. Soon enough they were all laid out around the smoldering fire, letting themselves fall asleep under the moonlight.

***

Vlad walked slowly into the King’s chamber. The light from the torches didn’t illuminate his black clothing very well. He looked like an inky shadow gliding across the floor. He stopped where the King could see him and he bowed with flourish.
“What do you know?” the High King asked, his tone clearly showing him to be annoyed.
“I know that four children from the Orphanage escaped. They were seen with another child. No one knows where they went. The soldiers lost them in the buildings somewhere.”
“Four? We’ve had runners before, but how did they get away?” the King asked, his voice sharp with displeasure.
“Unless you want me to get creative about asking, I don’t know. The guards aren’t telling me something, something they seem quite embarrassed about, but I don’t know what it is.”
“I see. And you said the Rom from the circus were involved?”
Vlad moved a bit, pacing and waving his arm as he spoke. “Yes, it’s pretty clear that they made the initial distraction for the children to make their escape. They only had one loose child that wasn’t a part of their acts. A young boy who told me he was from a local village.”
“A local villager? Who exactly are the children that escaped? The King asked, still holding tightly to his temper. But he was curious now as well.
“Three boys, one girl. The boys were the two current Captains of the Orphanage. Arthur and Dragos are their names. They were model trainees until this escape. Madame Sturgeon was quite surprised.”
“And the others?” The King started pacing as he thought and considered the information. He glanced out his windows at the city, lit up now that it was night outside.
“A boy taken from a local group of Rom, and a young girl, a ward of the city after her parents died. It seemed the Rom boy and her were very close.”
“So, a local village boy, who is friendly with local Rom, joined a Rom circus show, who then helped him get his Rom friend out of the Orphanage,” the King explained aloud. “And with him, went the two Captains and a girl he was friends with. Is that right?”
“Yes Sire, that is exactly right.”
The King stopped pacing and turned to face the man in black. Vlad put one hand on his jeweled sword and stood very straight.
“I want you to hunt down this circus and confirm that the boy you saw is no longer with them,” the King said with a cold angry voice. “Then find out where that boy came from and follow him. Bring these children back here for justice! I want to see the children that would be so bold as to run through my city doing whatever the hell they want!”
Vlad smiled a grin would turn most men’s thoughts cold. He licked his lips in such a way that the King shuddered to witness it.
“As you command my Lord,” he said in a smooth oily voice. “It shall be done.”