City of Gold by Daniel Blackaby Read Free Book Online
Authors: Daniel Blackaby
face, with only the vanguard of morning stubble detracting from his otherwise methodically-groomed appearance. Two C-shaped, hooked scimitars hung from his saddle. Across from the Enforcer was Xerx, exhibiting his usual melancholy demeanor.
At the end was Tiana who stood beside her snow-white stallion. A white headband managed her flowing, lush hair. A leathery-brown corset outlined her narrow figure and the small, elegantly decorated hilt of a knife was visible from the scabbard on her hip.
The three royal siblings, Levenworth and Silkian approached the group. Kantan’s face registered confusion at the sight of the man standing tentatively behind Cody. “My servant, Poe Dapperhio, has been an invaluable service to me. I have requested he accompany me to help bear the burden.”
General Levenworth huffed. “The Under-Earth wasteland is no place for a bumbling servant. I forbid it.” To validate the accusation further, the stumpy servant collided against a horse, blinded by the tower of baggage tottering in front of him. His oversized robe was two sizes too large, making a humorous mockery of his attempted stealth.
Cody stepped toward the massive tactician, his forehead failing to reach the General’s chin. “Poe’s under oath to me. That places him under my authority—not yours. He is coming.” Cody surprised himself with the courage in his voice.
Levenworth shrugged indifferently. “So be it. The time you spend burying him will doom your girlfriend. Just don’t allow him to speak or show his face; maybe an amateur scout will mistake him as a warrior.”
Dace reared his horse. “With all due respect, we have but seven days to save Jade’s life. We must depart before the light exposes our mission.”
Levenworth whistled. As he did, a majestic black and white horse cantered into the circle. Without slowing, the horse rolled to the ground, scooped Cody onto his back, and shot back to his feet. Cody grasped the horse’s thick neck to keep from sliding off.
A tug on Cody’s pants brought his attention to Eva’s guiltless eyes. He immediately felt her soothing aura. She handed him a dish-sized pewter bowl and a small vial of sand.
“ The Speaking Sands ?”
Eva nodded. “I’m here for you.” She gave no other explanation.
Tat’s voice sounded over the gathering, “It’s two-days’ ride to Redtown. Time is our deadliest foe. We journey steady from darkfall to darkfall. Ride!” Rearing his horse, Tat slammed his heels and burst away at a gallop. Dust clouded the air as the others set off after him. Cody looked at the majestic city of Atlantis, the Sanctuary towering over the walls. Without a second glance back, his horse rose to its hind legs and bellowed an echoing neigh. The thunderous drumming of hooves sent Cody’s world blurring. He clutched the horse’s neck and settled into a smooth rhythm.
Somewhere, sitting alone in a dark cell, was Jade and she was counting on him. The clock was now spinning at rapid pace: in seven days she would either be rescued…or dead.
PART TWO
RESCUE
12
Darkness Closes In
THUMP…THUMP…THUMP .
The earth rumbled with each boom . The sky dimmed and all visible color drained away like wet paint dripping to the edge of a canvas. Under the gloomy canopy, frantic footsteps and alarmed voices stained the air with the smear of fear.
Hustling from the barracks, Nocsic emerged into a fortress consumed by chaos. Soldiers rushed madly in all directions, many still in the process of dressing. The elevated shouts of commanding officers were suffocated by the mass commotion.
Thump…Thump…Thump.
The ground continued to quiver, sending Nocsic stumbling into a passing soldier. “Private Nocsic, what’s happening?” Regaining his balance, Nocsic pushed the soldier aside without responding; there was no time for unnecessary discussion. Weaving through the mob, he scaled a flight of stairs to the top of the wall.
Thump…Thump…Thump.
“Captain Talgu, Sir. My
At the end was Tiana who stood beside her snow-white stallion. A white headband managed her flowing, lush hair. A leathery-brown corset outlined her narrow figure and the small, elegantly decorated hilt of a knife was visible from the scabbard on her hip.
The three royal siblings, Levenworth and Silkian approached the group. Kantan’s face registered confusion at the sight of the man standing tentatively behind Cody. “My servant, Poe Dapperhio, has been an invaluable service to me. I have requested he accompany me to help bear the burden.”
General Levenworth huffed. “The Under-Earth wasteland is no place for a bumbling servant. I forbid it.” To validate the accusation further, the stumpy servant collided against a horse, blinded by the tower of baggage tottering in front of him. His oversized robe was two sizes too large, making a humorous mockery of his attempted stealth.
Cody stepped toward the massive tactician, his forehead failing to reach the General’s chin. “Poe’s under oath to me. That places him under my authority—not yours. He is coming.” Cody surprised himself with the courage in his voice.
Levenworth shrugged indifferently. “So be it. The time you spend burying him will doom your girlfriend. Just don’t allow him to speak or show his face; maybe an amateur scout will mistake him as a warrior.”
Dace reared his horse. “With all due respect, we have but seven days to save Jade’s life. We must depart before the light exposes our mission.”
Levenworth whistled. As he did, a majestic black and white horse cantered into the circle. Without slowing, the horse rolled to the ground, scooped Cody onto his back, and shot back to his feet. Cody grasped the horse’s thick neck to keep from sliding off.
A tug on Cody’s pants brought his attention to Eva’s guiltless eyes. He immediately felt her soothing aura. She handed him a dish-sized pewter bowl and a small vial of sand.
“ The Speaking Sands ?”
Eva nodded. “I’m here for you.” She gave no other explanation.
Tat’s voice sounded over the gathering, “It’s two-days’ ride to Redtown. Time is our deadliest foe. We journey steady from darkfall to darkfall. Ride!” Rearing his horse, Tat slammed his heels and burst away at a gallop. Dust clouded the air as the others set off after him. Cody looked at the majestic city of Atlantis, the Sanctuary towering over the walls. Without a second glance back, his horse rose to its hind legs and bellowed an echoing neigh. The thunderous drumming of hooves sent Cody’s world blurring. He clutched the horse’s neck and settled into a smooth rhythm.
Somewhere, sitting alone in a dark cell, was Jade and she was counting on him. The clock was now spinning at rapid pace: in seven days she would either be rescued…or dead.
PART TWO
RESCUE
12
Darkness Closes In
THUMP…THUMP…THUMP .
The earth rumbled with each boom . The sky dimmed and all visible color drained away like wet paint dripping to the edge of a canvas. Under the gloomy canopy, frantic footsteps and alarmed voices stained the air with the smear of fear.
Hustling from the barracks, Nocsic emerged into a fortress consumed by chaos. Soldiers rushed madly in all directions, many still in the process of dressing. The elevated shouts of commanding officers were suffocated by the mass commotion.
Thump…Thump…Thump.
The ground continued to quiver, sending Nocsic stumbling into a passing soldier. “Private Nocsic, what’s happening?” Regaining his balance, Nocsic pushed the soldier aside without responding; there was no time for unnecessary discussion. Weaving through the mob, he scaled a flight of stairs to the top of the wall.
Thump…Thump…Thump.
“Captain Talgu, Sir. My