A Castle of Ashes (The Fifth Kingdom Book 2) by Lisa M. James Read Free Book Online Page A

an ominous look.  “The one true Queen.”
    Uncle Jonathan flipped the sword and struck the man hard on the head.  He looked to Matthew. “Are you alright—“ He started as a scream penetrated the woods.  They ran a few leagues from where they camped until the trees opened up onto the shore.
    A crowd was surrounding the waters where a dozen bodies had washed up.  “What is this?” Matthew whispered to his uncle.
    “The gods of the elements are angry with us!” Someone cried.  “It is because we allowed this forsaken castle in the midst of the sea!”  There were shouts of agreements.
    “No!” Someone else shouted.  “This is the Queen’s work.  She is warning us to stop pursuing her, or more of our own will end up dead!”
    “If the Queen has truly come to power, why won’t she show herself? She is no true Queen!  She is a witch!”
    “This is not the Queen’s work you fools!  Look at them!  Why would she kill her own kind?”
    Matthew could not take his eyes off the bodies on the shore.  They were women’s bodies he realized in horror.  He was too far to make out their faces, but he feared if any of their own were amongst them. 
    “This is a gruesome sight.” His uncle started. “We should go from here before we awake suspicion.  Surely they will question travelers.”  He looked at Matthew.  “You’re injured.”  He extended his hand to Matthew’s right arm where drops of blood were evident. 
    “You are right. We should keep moving.” Matthew walked back toward where they camped.  He gathered their belongings and started to untie the horses.  “The sooner we get to the East, the sooner we can return home and I can put all this in the past.”
    “Matthew,” His uncle sighed as he kicked the man lying unconscious on the floor.  “It is not going to be that easy.” 
    “She has taken enough years of my life.  I need to move on.”
    “Just be certain that you truly are able to leave the Princess in the past.  It’s not fair to wed someone if you long for someone else in your heart. It can lead to much pain and unthinkable consequences.”
    He looked at his uncle curiously and wondered if he was thinking of Gwendolyn and John.  “I don’t long for her in my heart. Please Uncle, let’s keep going.”
     
    Matthew slept little as they continued their journey, thinking of the dream he had.  Thomas had blackened bruises around him as he spoke to his father.  He was in pain.  Nycilla had caused that pain, his father implied. She had no control of her powers and she hurt the one she supposedly loved.
    On the thirty-second day of travel they finally reached the East Kingdom.  Matthew hesitated as the reflections of purple amethyst against white stone came into view.  He had not visited the kingdom since the first year of Lucinda’s disappearance.  He consorted with Commander Ronaldan of the Eastern guard, the late Queen Lucille’s brother, frequently that first year to map out the search for the Princess.  As the years went on the two kingdoms separated their search and Matthew had not returned to the East.  Ever since her disappearance there was tension between the kingdoms.  King Hamlyn would never say it, but Matthew and John knew that he held resentment toward the West.  It was evident when their father had passed two years back, and King Hamlyn had not come to visit as the other kings did.  He had sent a representative from his council with his condolences. 
    The gates were blocked with several guards.  As they walked up to it, Matthew noticed the abundance of white roses littering their path.  It was always an oddity that white roses bloomed in the autumn weather of the East Kingdom. One amongst the guards recognized Matthew and Jonathan as they approached. “Commanders,” he bowed slightly.  “The King has been expecting you.” 
    “Is Commander Ronaldan here?”  His uncle asked the man.
    “No, my lord.  There has been an incident that he