My 8 E-books written over the years by Alina Udrea - HTML preview

Chapter 6

“Zeno, I want you to put this knave behind bars!” said Daniel as he pushed Lord Stein towards Zeno.

“As for this one…. Put him in another cell. He was just doing what he was paid to do. His fault is not so great. As for Stein, he is beyond redemption. I never want to see him again!” said Daniel, sparks of anger in his eyes.

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“But my King, this one, Devon, tried to kill you….” Said Zeno wondering if he wasn’t just as dangerous. “Don’t ever question my judgment, Zeno! I've made my decision on the matter. We'll see later what is to be done with Devon. Stein is the one to blame, Devon was just a tool, but Stein was the brain. Would you punish your tools, Zeno? Would you punish you hammer for knocking the iron of your blade which you use to kill or to defend yourself!?”

“Uhh… no, I guess not. Now I see your point, my King. You are wise just as you are brave. I am honored to serve you!” exclaimed Zeno with sincerity, all to Devon's surprise as he thought he'd just be hanged for what he had tried to do, no further questions asked.

Later that night while Daniel was discussing state affairs with Zeno and the women were safe in another chamber, a frantic knock was heard on the front door of Zeno's mansion. Then one of Daniel's soldiers barged in with a young kid in his arms trying to break free. Daniel's army was now stationed outside Zeno's mansion as they had been informed of everything that had happened. Nick was particularly ashamed as Daniel had been kidnapped while he was supposed to protect him. Instead, he had slept while the King was kidnapped. Nick made a promise to himself that he'd be more attentive and such a mistake would never take place again. So when the soldier with the kid in his arms barged through the door, Nick who was by Daniel's side, jumped up and drew his sword. But Daniel made a sign for Nick to relax and put his sword back in its scabbard.

“What’s the meaning of this, Steve?” said Daniel addressing

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the soldier in front of him. “Who’s the kid and what does he want!?”

But the kid kicked Steve in the groins and set himself free

from his grip and then ran straight to Daniel. But as he was obviously no threat, nobody drew their swords anymore and just waited for the events to unfold.

The kid bowed before the King and then started talking while large tears were rolling down his cheeks. “The castle is under attack, the castle is under attack!” he was finally able to utter.

Meanwhile Angela and Rose had also come from their room

curious what that commotion was all about. “Who are you, kid? And what are you saying!?” Daniel asked, dark clouds covering his judgment already. “I’m just a beggar, sir. But your wife has always been good to me and gave me food whenever she passed me by in the market. I overheard her say you'd be here with a large part of the army for a few days on business so I knew where to find you. But the people need you back, sir. Something terrible has just happened and I barely escaped. Soldiers attacked the castle a few hours ago and I ran as fast as I could. They didn’t mind a poor beggar like me so here I am….” Said the poor kid, exhausted.

The news fell like a bomb on them. They were all pale and

Daniel as well as Angela knew who must have been leading the attack. Good old Igor….

“Zeno, take me to Devon's cell! We need all the help we can get!” roared Daniel while searching his wife's expression to see if she agreed with him. She was smiling at him, so she too

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was of the same opinion.

Daniel followed Zeno to his dungeons while the women

were getting ready to travel again although just a few minutes ago they had been on the verge of going to sleep. He felt sorry for them, but this was beyond his power. On their way, they passed Stein's cell in a hurry. Stein, seeing them in a hurry realized something was wrong and got up to listen to whatever Daniel and Zeno were saying. When they got to Devon's cell, they stopped. Devon was sitting on the floor, as if meditating. Daniel approached the bars of his cell and clearing his throat, spoke to him in a calm and peaceful manner.

“Devon, I might have use for you if you are willing to accept. I am offering you my forgiveness as well as a job by my side. You are a hired blade, so I want to hire you. For good. Stay by my side, and I promise you that you won’t be sorry.” Said Daniel while examining Devon and hoping he was doing the right thing.

After a long pause of silence, as Devon had kept silent,

Daniel turned to leave when suddenly he heard Devon's voice. “Why would you do that? I kidnapped you… How do you know I won’t do it again if someone offered to hire me!?” Devon asked as Daniel was already with his back to his cell. “I don’t! But I choose to trust you. You could indeed betray me, but that will be your choice. However, I will do my best to pay you well if you choose to serve me, to protect me, not to kill me, so you won't need more money to kill me. You'll lose more money by doing that than if you choose to work for me. If you work for me, you'll have a shelter over your head and enough

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money to buy whatever you need. I hope you see the reason behind my judgment and find that I am right. So, what will it be!?”

“I’ll be your eyes in the shadow, I'll watch over you and expose your enemies… I'll work for you, my King!” and Devon knelt there in his cell. He really felt what he said. It was the first time in his life when his life seemed to have a purpose. And the first time when he cared about the royal family. He could recognize that Daniel was a smart man and an able King, the kind of person who deserved his loyalty and admiration, the kind of person who was really up for the job of ruling the kingdom.

Daniel took a step towards Devon's cell and after a quick

glance at him, he opened his cell. Zeno was hiding nervously behind his back when Stein shouted from his cell a few paces away.

“Hey, what about me!!?”

“You can rot in there from my part, you get what you deserve, Stein. You are a traitor and there's no forgiveness for you!” said Daniel with determination in his voice. “How do you know Devon won’t stab you the first time he gets the chance?!” continued Stein.

As a response, Daniel gave Devon back his daggers. He wanted to show him that he was really willing to trust him, to build a bridge of trust between them. Devon took back his daggers swiftly and hid them in his sleeves. “I’d watch my back if I were you, Daniel….” Lamented Stein as he realized that Daniel was indeed letting him rot in that cell and that nothing he would say would make him change his

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mind.

“Let me worry about that, ok?” was the last thing Daniel said before all three, himself, Devon and Zeno, got out of the dungeons.