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

Chapter 7: Bearer of bad news

The Neon Knight was exhausted from the running but he was so

close now. He could see Lir’s walls in the distance. He had to make it, he had to warn his friends about the danger. So with a final effort, more an act of will than anything else, he got up again and barely

119

breathing he started to run again. But he was soon out of breath and collapsed. He fainted.

When he came to his senses, the Neon Knight decided to walk at a normal pace this time. Better to get to Lir a few minutes later than not to get there at all. One more hour and he arrived in front of the city gates. There were guards by the gates. One told him to halt when he got close enough.

⦁ Who goes there? Asked the guard. ⦁ Please let me pass, I bring news of great importance. I must see the king at once! Answered the Neon Knight obviously very fatigued. ⦁ What news? Asked another guard suddenly curious. ⦁ Bad news, I’m afraid, answered the Knight again patiently as he knew they were only doing their duty.

⦁ Oh, bad news? I was going to ask you what news so I could deliver them to the general as the king is away. But if you say they are bad news then I don’t want to be the bearer. Come, I will escort you and you can tell general Harry himself what this is all about. Then he can decide for himself how bad the news is… glad I am not in your shoes. Come now!

⦁ OK, thank you kindly, answered Neon and followed the guard.

The interior of the city was also heavily guarded. That was good.

The people of Lir were doing their jobs unaware of the coming war he was about to warn the general about. He felt sorry for them, for their sense of safety which would be soon shattered to pieces. It was not his fault though, he was only the bearer of the news, not the culprit. He wished things were different and that there was no threat lurking but the facts remained. He couldn’t change the facts, he could only warn them and fight by their side.

⦁ Here, said the guard, this way! And he pointed towards the castle doors.

⦁ Oh, sorry, my mind was elsewhere, said the Neon Knight. ⦁ No problem, just follow me. And he led him through some long corridors until they got in front of two large wooden doors which lead to the council room. The guard knocked on the door and after he heard Harry answer him from behind the door, he opened it and entered, followed by the Knight.

120

⦁ Sorry to disturb you, the guard addressed Harry with humility and respect, but this man here says he brings news. Do you want me to wait here until you finish talking so I can escort him back or may I return to my post lord Harry?

⦁ No need, he doesn’t seem dangerous and I think I can handle him if need be. And Harry laughed friendly as he remembered exactly who the Neon Knight was.

After the guard left the council room, Harry asked the Knight to have a seat. Olekson, Harry’s brother, was also there. ⦁ What brings you here? Asked Harry while making a discreet sign to Olekson to stay calm as everything was under control. He saw his brother with his hand on his sword as Olekson didn’t know who the Knight was. But at Harry’s sign, Olekson relaxed his hand and let go of the end of the sword and was now paying attention to what was being said.

⦁ Bad news, I’m afraid. A horde of undead is probably attacking Loyalis as we speak and Donn is next.

⦁ Bad news indeed! Agreed Harry, concern in his voice. Are you sure my friend?

⦁ Positive! We have to prepare at once, maybe there is still time to save Loyalis.

⦁ We will divide the troops. A part stays here under your command, my brother, said Harry addressing Olek, and the rest will be under my command. We leave for Loyalis at the break of dawn. Send word to the troops and I will get Alyss and Adi.

⦁ What about me? Asked Neon. I want to fight with you! ⦁ Of course! Laughed Harry and patted his shoulder. I had no doubts that you wouldn’t fight with us! You didn’t go all this way just to warn us, I was sure you would join us and you are most welcome my friend!

⦁ OK, answered the Neon Knight relieved. ⦁ You should get some rest tonight, you look exhausted. Come, I will show you to a room, uttered Olek who was sure of his good intentions by now.

⦁ Yes, I have been on the road for the last day and a half and have had no rest since then.

121

⦁ I will also have some food sent to your room, added Olek in a pleasant voice.

⦁ Thank you so much, now that you mention it, yes I think I am hungry as well!!

⦁ This will be your room for the night, said Olek showing him a cozy room lit by a few candles and with a comfy bed on the left side of it. See you in the morning!

⦁ Yes, definitely, answered Neon.

Olek left him and went to order the maids from the kitchen to get him something to eat and he also told them to be quick or he might fall asleep before he could eat. He also told them he held them responsible if their guest fell asleep on an empty stomach.