The Unwilling Apprentice (Book 2) by Heidi Willard Read Free Book Online Page B

small one at his side leaned her weight against him. He smiled, the first time they'd seen him do that, and waved her off. Then he returned his attention to the pair of youngsters, particularly Fred. "The girl is here to command the soldiers, but what brings you to this city and to the castle? What business have you with the king? Are you a new castor meant to protect the city?"
    Fred nodded at Pat. "No, just to protect her."
    "And he shouldn't be having to do it over a feud that should have died out with the humans who betrayed you," Pat boldly added.
    The creature scowled. Fred wished she wouldn't antagonize their captors so well. "We will never forgive the royal family, the descendants of King Stephen Galaron the Fourth. He and his guards betrayed our trust."
    Fred jerked back at the name. It was the same from the fountain. Pat folded her arms across her chest. "Well, they're going to be my guards soon so things are going to change. If you want to show yourselves I'll make sure you're not killed, but if you want to stay down here and slowly die out then that's that's your choice."
    The creature furrowed his brow. "How do you know of my dwindling people?"
    Pat sighed and held up her fingers. "First, you mentioned your people were dwindling before you were trapped down here. Second, I know what you are. You're gargoyles, creatures that rest during the day encased in stone and arise at evening. Third, I've read that gargoyle eggs need the light of the moon and sun to hatch." She held up her hands at the cavern around them. "I don't see any holes to the surface, and I don't think you would have risked puncturing any for fear of being found out."
    Fred blinked at all that information, and the gargoyle sighed and nodded his head. "Yes, it is true, we are a dying race here in these caverns and tunnels. Our last children were born just before our hiding, and no more will come unless we risk leaving revealing ourselves to the outside world."
    Pat folded her arms across her chest and frowned. "That's not very wise to let yourselves be destroyed like that. There's no honor in such a death."
    The gargoyle leader snorted. "I never thought I would believe a knight of Galaron to have enough honor to besmirch my own, but you have some truth in your words."
    "Of course it's the truth. Why would I lie?" she countered.
    The gargoyle rubbed his chin in one hand. "Why would you lie indeed," he quietly mused.
    Fred stepped between them and held up his hands. "Um, if you two are done talking can we please leave?" He turned to the gargoyle leader. "Pretty please?"
    The leader folded his arms across his chest and gave a nod. Fred's shoulders slumped over and he sighed; they were saved. "But on one condition," the gargoyle spoke up. Fred's heart stopped; they were doomed. "I wish to have your word that you will tell no one of our secret. You must swear on that which you hold most dear."
    Fred frowned, but Pat stepped forward and knelt before the gargoyle. "I swear on my duty as leader of the Galaron army that I will tell no one of your existence," she promised. When Fred didn't join her, she glanced up and glared at him. "Are you waiting for an invitation?"
    "Oh, um." Fred stumbled onto the ground and scrunched his face up with thought. He looked at the staff in his hand and held that up before the gargoyle. "I'll, um, I'll swear on this. It's the only thing in the world that's really mine."
    The gargoyle nodded, and so accepted their promises. "I, Sampson, will lead you to the exit, and from there you will be able to go out into the city and see your fireworks."

CHAPTER 6
     
    While the pair had their adventure in the secret tunnel, Ned sought out Captain Hawkins. He found the captain at leisure in the castle courtyard. Ned hailed the man and looked around in admiration at the guards perched atop the walls in their finest regalia. "Very fine-looking soldiers," he complimented the captain.
    Hawkins followed Ned's gaze and pursed his lips together.