The Stoneholding

Mindal."

Frysan stepped up from the stairs into a large circular area paved with cobbles, from which footpaths led in various directions fingering their way into the splendidly groomed grounds of the palace. To his right, lurking somewhere amid the grove of trees that crowned the edge of the escarpment above the river, waiting and watching, crept Eldor and his men.

At the centre of this open area above the King's Stairs stood a large summerhouse hung with a battery of shining lanterns both inside and out. Trailed by two mail-clad pikemen, Baldrick and Frysan strode towards the structure, leaving Cammas with the sentries. At least Baldrick strode, while Frysan found himself having to feign a light step. The tendon injured four years ago was tightening up again. It pulled like a drawn bowstring against his heel, burdening every step he took with a sharp twist of pain, as it was wont to do whenever he found himself tired or pressed, or when the weather was damp and cold, as it was tonight. The summerhouse lay close at hand. Baldrick ushered Frysan through the entrance, a doorless opening in the circular half-walls, which stood at waist height, allowing the royal family and their guests to look out over the river and enjoy its summer breezes. Light fell from a large lantern suspended from the open beams.

"Here now, let me have a look at that precious letter of yours." Baldrick reached a thick hand out to snatch the letter, as he dropped himself heavily into a high-backed chair behind a stout oak table in the middle of the summerhouse. The Captain broke open the seal. Knitting his brows, he began reading the document they had so carefully forged. Frysan gathered the skirt of his ...