Something Lost - Book 1

Chapter 11: Centre Yew

They arrived at Centre Yew in the late afternoon. Alanis would have never known if she wasn't told so. The secluded kingdom was sprawled throughout the tops of the tall redwoods they rode under, well out of sight, and reach, of a passerby.

As they entered the city, Alanis and James dismounted and walked the rest of the way alongside their horses. Her eyes followed the long trail of houses that sprawled above them, watching the wooden walkways that connected them sway in the breeze.

Ellah reared back and let out a grunt, her sudden movement startled Alanis causing her to cling to Trista's saddle for support.

"Shit," Alanis cursed under her breath, annoyed that she had reacted.

There is a good chance James will have a laugh at that, she thought as she pulled away from her horse, noticing his stare from out of her peripherals. He's too damn quiet, just say something already.

They walked for several steps before she could no longer ignore his stare.

"Yes," she questioned moodily, "what is it?"

"This place gives me the creeps, too," James admitted with a laugh and to her surprise nothing more was said.

She looked above them at the empty walkways again. "So, where is everyone? Shouldn't we have seen somebody by now?"

"The people here are nocturnal, they live by the old god's rules." James pulled his canteen from one of his many saddlebags and opened it. "They're a very private people, so you won't be seeing much activity, at least, not until dusk."

"So, we'll have to wait till night to meet with their king?"

"No," he replied then took a large swig of water from his canteen. "Someone is always on guard at Yew's Temple. Once I address them, they will arrange a meeting for me with the king."

Alanis glanced back at the houses above them then lowered her eyes, fearing the people here would be even more distrusting of her situation given their culture. Though, she quickly came to the conclusion that it was no matter, as it was yet another reason for her to be thankful to have James on her side.

They continued their walk until the trees began to disperse. James claimed Yew's Temple was in the clearing they were coming up on, beneath the very earth they stood. While he spoke, she lifted her boot, wondering why anyone would want to build shelter underground.

Just as he claimed, in the clearing ahead, the accompanying knights waited with one of Yew's Temple guards. They tied their horses off on one of the border trees of the town and joined them.

"Sir Allard, I presume," Yew's guard greeted in a snarky tone, he turned his head briefly as the two other knights left to take break. "Took you long enough."

Alanis kept her distance and stood behind James. She didn't like the looks of the guard. There was something about him that made her feel uncomfortable besides the obvious.

The guard looked to her, stifling her thoughts.

"I apologize if I've offended you, sir," James replied, sounding more sincere than usual. "I trust my entourage has explained the reasoning behind our visit?"

"Aye, a letter, was it?" The guard stepped back and eyed the pristine armor James wore.

"Yes, a letter from King Alexander's Council."