Under the Oak Tree Book 2 "Conquering hearts" ( Fan fiction)

Chapter 19

Both Uslin and Hebaron arrived at the same time. Both men wore sullen expressions as they jogged over to the wall. Hebaron was the first to break the silence. "We have discovered three more areas, where attempts were made to breach. From the looks of it the barrier has held together apart from this spot." Hebaron paused, allowing the information to sink in. "I have stationed three men at each site, awaiting further orders."

At this point I had mastered keeping my face expressionless, while I mulled over the information. There was no point reacting, until every angle had been accessed. Uslin spoke up, "I am afraid the unwelcome news does not stop there. Two men were seen entering Lady Calypses quarters. Neither have made any attempt to leave the room yet. I have stationed four men on either side of the halls and instructed all upper staff to avoid the area for the time being."

Hebaron's expression reflected disgust. A father stooping so low as to send assassins to murder his daughter was rather unsettling. Although unsettling, I cannot say I am surprised. The moment I walked into that room in Cryoso castle, where Maximillian was whipped, I knew that his appearance of a loving father was merely an act. In the end there was no love loss. I tightened my hands into a fist, fighting the urge to turn and punch the wall. Both men stiffened trying to gage my reaction.

I took two deep breaths, while clearing my head. "Hebaron, I expect five knights to be posted here at the breach, and three companies on horseback continuously patrolling the grounds. Once you have given the order, report back to me." I paused to take another deep breath. "Uslin, follow me, we have unexpected guests to greet." The coldness of my voice portrayed my intentions, and both men hurriedly ran back to their horses.

Without another word I made my way to Talon, who had been grazing around the area. Grabbing the saddle, I placed one boot into the stirrups and pulled myself onto his back. Grabbing the reigns, I turned to regard the two men and then urged Talon into a gallop.

The gusts of wind were growing stronger, and the clouds were darkening by the minute, mirroring my mood. I had just made it to the stables, when the first drops of rain began to fall from the sky. Handing the reigns to the stable boy, I angrily made my way to the training grounds, with Uslin and Hebaron not far behind. Elliot was barking orders at the new recruits, coaching them as they sparred, and abruptly stopped when he saw the three of us.

The recruits, having watched us make our way up from the stables, moved into formation. Elliot, heading the formation respectively nodded his head, "My Lord." Acknowledging his greeting I tipped my head in response.

"Prepare the holding cells. We have uninvited guests." Elliot tipped his head in response and immediately barked orders at three of the new recruits. "The rest of you report back to your quarters and rest. You will be joining the night patrols."

After dismissing the rest of the recruits, Elliot joined the three of us. He raised his eyebrows at the news, intrigued at the mention of increasing the patrols. Shooting him a dismissive glance I nudged my head towards Uslin, knowing full well he would fill him in later. The men and I had just rounded the corner of the main entrance, when we ran into Maximillians lady in waiting. She jumped slightly at the sight of the four of us, quickly regaining her composure she bowed her head, "My Lord."

Slightly nodding my head to acknowledge her, I made to move past her when she quickly spoke up. "My lord, I was the one who spotted the two men enter my lady's quarters." She paused for a moment waiting to see if this would catch our attention.

"I noticed two men dressed reservedly hanging about the garden, going to great lengths to conceal most of their faces. Lady Calypse instructed me to continue tending to the garden as it was one of her favorite places to study outside of the library. The men seemed to know this information and although they busied themselves with trivial tasks, they seemed eagerly intrigued in my actions, and looked as if they were searching for someone."