Tales of the Vangen: The Black Ministry's Betrayal (Book 1)

Chapter 54: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Culter took pleasure at the look Lord Hallan gave the moment Libro rounded the corner hallway. It was the look of a rat caught in his own trap, searching frantically for a way out. He stood there, mouth ever so slightly agape before regaining his posture.

"What are you doing here?" Hallan said, procuring his usual sneer.

Libro gave a quick salute, as did Civis and Nox behind him. "Greetings, my Lord." He nodded. "Lady Kent."

"Libro," Lady Kent said through pursed lips.

"Enough with the pleasantries boy," Lord Hallan hissed. "I asked what you're doing here?"

"I'm here to rendezvous with the other Vangen," Libro said.

That was news to Culter. Had the Chronicler and the others fired the ballista after all? If so, what of the giant? Nothing good, given the sounds outside. Not even the massive iron gate could muffle the carnage happening outside.

"Sir," Libro peered over Lord Hallan's shoulder. "Where are your men?"

Culter smiled at the jab. It seemed little Libro was putting the screws to the snooty old noble. Testing him. Seeing what he'll say next. By the dead goddess herself, he was starting to sound just like the Captain.

Lady Kent shot a hard look over at the Lord.

"They're outside, assisting your men," Hallan began to say. "The Vangen line has failed, it seems, and the rebels are pushing in."

"Then, we must do whatever possible to help," Libro said. Civis and Nox exchanged glances.

"And what would you have me do?" Hallan spat. "I was told to stay with the garrison. As your Captain saw fit."

"I want you to open the gates."

That caught the Lord by surprise. Even Culter was taken aback Libro's forwardness.

"The enemy is at our doorstep." Lord Hallan reminded.

"Then we must rally our troops inside," Libro pointed at the wheel lock. "Open the gate."

"I will not take orders from you, boy." Lord Hallan took a step towards Libro.

"What about the Empress?" Libro said. "Will you take orders from her then?" A chilled silence settled over the hall.

Lord Hallan fought to keep his composure."What did you say?"

"These are her orders, after all."

"Preposterous."

"Are you questioning her?" Libro had a look in his eye that Culter had never seen before. In the past, the bookworm had been a tad doe-eyed. A dullard saved by the convenience of being Chronicler, but there was a sharpness in his tone now. Perhaps that little disappearing act of his had done him some good after all. Culter wasn't complaining.

Lord Hallan appeared to be visibly sweating now. He looked over at his Lieutenant standing by Lady Kent. The man had only a blank stare to give.

"I'll ask you one more time, Lord Hallan," Libro said. "Open the gate."

"I'll do no such thing!" Lord Hallan reached for his sword, just as Libro looked Culter in the eyes and nodded. It was the only signal he needed. In a flash, he reached over and ripped Lord Hallan's sword from its sheath.

The Lieutenant had a knife in his hand suddenly, trained on Lady Kent, her own iron hissing against leather as she pulled it free. Culter however, was faster than both of them. He drove the blade into the Lieutenant's back. Threw him to the ground. Made it so he wouldn't get back up again. Smiling, he yanked the sword up and glanced over at the whimpering Lord.