Sons of Ironstorm - Book 3: New Alliance

Chapter 8: The Citadel

"Out of the midst of adversity, from the heart of the fire,

Did we raise our swords in defiance against the enemy.

Against the stones and darts and hateful attacks

Did we raise walls of stone and towers strong

A Citadel of Hope against the tide of adversity and pain."

- from Tusk's 'Ramblings of a Madman'

"We've urgent business with the king," Lawrence quickly replied. "We are emissaries from the Talemonese government in hiding."

"Really," the sergeant deadpanned, a graying eyebrow slowly rising towards his hairline. "And you would be who, exactly?"

Lawrence smiled thinly.

"The Talemonese government in hiding; I am Crown Prince Lawrence Ironstorm, seeking refuge with Talemon's greatest ally."

Unlike the knight at the border crossing, the sergeant quickly realized that Lawrence spoke the truth. He bobbed a short bow and touched his forehead in respect when he came erect.

"Forgive us, sire, but as you see we are in the midst of making preparations to war against the shadow that oozes out of the Gyren's foul heart. If you could wait but a moment, I will make the necessary arrangements to allow you and your company to pass into the city."

"Do what you need to, sergeant," Lawrence replied with a weary smile. Perhaps this wouldn't be as difficult as he first had anticipated.

The sergeant bobbed another quick bow then turned to run towards a knot of commissioned officers that were talking near the sally port. The company watched with interest as, after saluting, the sergeant quickly recounted his encounter with the royal refugees. As soon as Lawrence's name was mentioned, every head twisted hard in his direction. A moment later a tall, powerfully built officer followed the sergeant back to the wagon with firm, purposeful strides.

"Think they'll let us in?" Aine asked softly, reaching out to lightly rest her hand on Lawrence's forearm. He could feel it tremble with her anxiety, though she wasn't letting it touch her voice or face.

"I hope so," he just as quietly replied then fell silent as the officer, a general by the rank on his collar and sleeve, and the sergeant returned.

Both men bowed formally and straightened.

"Welcome to Galental, your Highnesses. I am Brigadier General Altus Nadein, in command of His Majesties defenses here, at the capital," the general smoothly greeted them with a smile on his tanned face, the plural eliciting a ripple of curiosity through the company. He was a handsome man, clean-shaven, with a low, sonorous voice. At seeing their astonishment, he explained.

"Please, do not be alarmed. I did recognize the blood of the House of Tod in you, Princess Aine as well as your mother's famed beauty, said to grace you as well. I am most pleased to see that it is true." A courtly bow followed the compliment then the general was all business.

"We had reports that you both attended the wedding of Prince Jorge and Lady Kiira of Caliphra and were lost during the coup. Our good king will be pleased to discover the son of his old friend and the daughter of his only Hammer ally are alive and well at our gates."

"Hopefully he'll forgive the rather rude manner in which we've come to his gates, general, in the midst of your preparations for war," Lawrence replied, his smile rather wry. Beside him, after smiling briefly and nodding at the compliment, Aine gazed intently at the officer from beneath hooded eyes to gauge his reaction to Lawrence's words by reading his expressions and body language. Of the hand she had rested lightly on Lawrence's arm, it had once again returned to her side to avoid any suggestion that anything untoward was happening between her and the big Ironstorm prince.