Lies of the Line

Prologue

On the outskirts of Lamorence lies a small group of houses. All abandoned but one. The small wooded cottages had once been a blooming part of society, but once the river flooded the banks most everyone moved into the heart of the kingdom to escape the water. All but one. On the dreary day that starts this story, Alex, the royal messenger had put his mare's saddle and bridle on before heading out into the rain. He hoped to be at the house before lunch. From the castle, it was about half a day's ride. Alice had called on him early in the morning before the sun had risen. She had been pacing the floor when he reached her, her worry etched on her face. She handed him an envelope and sent him to Maura. The rain slowly came to a stop as he reached the winding dirt path that led to the small cobblestone house that Maura stayed in.

The nurse was sitting in her garden, gathering vegetables for lunch when Alex reached her. She looked up as she heard the horse whiny when Alex stepped down. Maura set down the basket she'd been holding, wiped her hands on her apron, and walked to meet him.

"From the Queen." Alex handed her the envelope before walking back to his mare.

Maura tore open the letter and read the contents quickly. She dropped the letter and any plans she had for the day before racing to her horse and taking off hoping to make it to the castle before sundown.

The King was dying.