Within the Hollow Crown by Daniel Antoniazzi Read Free Book Online Page A

sure he’s not an assassin or something?”
    “He said to show you this, and you’d know what it’s about.”
    Landos tossed Michael a Jareld’s Signet Ring. Michael recognized it at once. He sent one of the Stewards to bring the visitors to the Great Hall, where he and Landos would await them. They walked for a few paces before Landos broke the not-so-comfortable-silence.
    “So, what’s the deal with this guy?” Landos asked.
    “He’s a student of the Towers of Seneca,” Michael said. “So I’m obligated to try to help him. This will be my first opportunity in more than ten years to fulfill my Oath of the Towers.”
    “How’re plans with the wedding coming along?” Landos asked. He tried to be all casual and friendly. Like they used to be. Before her. But he knew he stepped in it as soon as he said it. Michael thought long before responding.
    “Landos, I’ve been hearing some things as I go about the castle.”
    “What sorts of things?” Landos asked, while swallowing.
    “I don’t think I need to repeat them between us,” Michael said. “But it would disturb me greatly if they were true.”
    “Michael, I would never--”
    “I certainly hope not. Just, please, don’t embarrass me, or our court. You’re young. You have a way with people. You can easily find another girl. Leave this one alone.”
    “Of course, Your Grace.”
    “I just wanted to make sure we understood one another.”
    “As always, your faithful servant.”
    “You don’t have to bullshit me, Landos. Just tell me we understand one another.”
    “We do.”
    “Good.”
    They had arrived at the Main Hall. Michael took his seat at the Audience Platform, and Landos stood below him. They had only just gotten settled when Jareld and Thor entered.
    “Your Grace,” Jareld bowed. “I am Jareld and this is my associate Thor.”
    “A pleasure to meet you both,” Michael said, tossing the Ring back to Jareld. “You’ve come a long way from Seneca.”
    “Longer than you think. We’ve since been to Anuen, Arwall, and across most of Ralsean.”
    “And at the Spicy Kangaroo,” Thor added, for good measure.
    “How’s Gallar?” Michael asked. “I haven’t seen him in years.”
    “He’s well,” Jareld said. “If he had known we were coming this way, I’m sure he would have sent his regards.”
    “What can I help you with, gentlemen?” Michael asked.
    “We’ve come across a little bit of a problem,” Jareld said. “We have gathered clues pertaining to the whereabouts of the Saintskeep, and--”
    “Pardon me,” Landos said. “Did you say the Saintskeep?”
    “Yes,” Jareld said. “We think we know where it is.”
    “So do we,” Michael said. “It’s buried with King James in the Caves of Drentar.”
    “We have reason to believe it isn’t,” Jareld said. “And I was hoping to do some research.”
    “The library? Is that all you need?” Landos asked.
    “I need an outhouse,” Thor said, simply because it was true at the moment.
    “Well,” Jareld said, “There’s also a small matter of funds. We were only supposed to be on the road for a month. It’s been three, and we’re not done yet.”
    “We can certainly furnish you both with a little traveling money. But, in the meantime, I insist that you stay as guests in our castle. Landos will show you to some rooms, you can clean up, refresh yourselves, and you’ll have full access to the library.”
    “Thank you, Your Grace,” Jareld said.
    “ And good luck finding the Sword of Kings,” Landos remarked as he headed for the door, “I’m sure you’re just the man for the job.”
     

Chapter 11: Love Letters
     
    Vye stood in the middle of her room naked. She had to choose what to wear.
    Many women, across continents and eras, had to make such a choice. But perhaps very few had to make the same kind of choice as Vye. She wasn’t choosing between different frilly outfits. She wasn’t deciding what shoes to match with what blouse. She was deciding who