The Book of Glass

All the King's Horses (2)

Emory and Ingrid rushed to the front of the village where people were lining up in the center of the village. Keeping their heads down as all the others did, the two blended in with the crowd of ragged farmers and traders. In front of the villagers, a parade of horses stood patiently in their lines, standing between the villagers and the forest at the top of the U. There were soldiers in front of and behind the cavalry, who carried the tall green flags of Eden with pride.

An unfamiliar man in steel armor sat upon a horse before the villagers, his purple cape brandishing the False King Evander's seal on his chest. He was younger than a few, if not most of the soldiers, with trimmed dark hair and a shaved face to bare his dimples. He didn't say anything, but turned to the man on the horse next to him.

The second man, Linus, was known to all the villagers. Their vineyard belonged to Lord Talbert, who Linus was the commander of, meaning every check through and every search for Princess Shay was controlled by him. He wore the same cape with the same seal, but his wrinkles and sagging skin made clear his old age. Despite being older, he still lacked the fine armor that the younger soldier's armor bore. "For those of you just now joining us, this is Farren Cassius. The High Commander of Eden, and your King Evander's trusted military advisor." Linus sneered as he looked over the group of citizens before him. "He has come to watch over the process of our visits, to ensure no one acts out as they have in the past. Soldiers," Commander Linus's voice fell heavy on everyone, his narrow eyes piercing into each villager with hatred, "take call. Ensure that there are no new women. Men, step aside. Any interference will result in capital punishment."

Emory watched as all the men moved aside with bitter looks on their faces, not even daring to whisper to one another. The women lined up shoulder-to-shoulder, and any mother with a young daughter held her in their arms.

"Name," a soldier demanded as he looked over the list of women in the village.

One of the town's few farmers answered. "Valentina Turry. I'm twenty-five years old. This is my daughter, Eliza, and she's seven years old." The soldier nodded and moved on, making his way down the line of women. Most older women, such as Ingrid, were quickly dismissed, as were the children. Any woman with a young face, though, must wait in line.

"Name," the soldier looked to Emory with suspicion.

"Rowena," Emory lied. "Age unknown."

"Though we suspect twenty. She was only a baby when we found her, remember." Ingrid jabbed at the paper with annoyance. "Abandoned as a child. Just as it says on the paper here. I can see it from here with my nearly blind eyes. We go through this every time."

"And everytime we must confirm. Join the other old women. Miss Rowena can stay in line for further inspection." The soldier shoved Ingrid aside before moving further down the line. Ingrid spun away, and Emory moved over to where a few girls stood like statues. Biting her tongue, Emory grabbed the hand of the Blacksmith's apprentice, Talia. She was shaking, and her hands were clammy with fear. Although the Daughter of Rosalind description didn't fit her features, she must stay. The soldiers were known to take advantage of this process.

"Commander Linus," the High Commander began. "It would be much more effective if the town was able to do this on their own upon our arrival. As incentive we can bring more trade. Good behavior will be rewarded from now on."

"How do you expect them to do this on their own?" Commander Linus grimaced, looking out to all the villagers. "They're about as smart as children."

"Then we bring them books," the High Commander said simply. "We need to make certain our people do not turn against us. Treating them well will go a long way in helping us find what we need."