Bellatrix: Swords of Chaos, Book One

  ****

  Range and the Prince were both asleep when Nicky opened the door. Range gave a quick nod when he heard the door squeak and lay back down.The Prince was on the bed and Range still on the floor, huddled around the gray wrapped sword.Nicky sat against the far wall, kicked up his knees, crossed his arms over, and put his head on his arms.

  A few moments later the door flew open.”We must flee!Danger has arrived!” Sterlin said.

  Range jumped to his feet, Nicky grabbed his sword, and the prince rolled over toward the wall.

  Rolin said,”The mage and his adjutant are here.We must leave immediately.”His tone was even, and business.

  The mage.

  Lazerek.

  Range’s knees grew weak and he put his hand against the wall. He would kill that mage. He would do it now. Then he would kill the mage’s lackey priest of Lo.They will reap the crop they had planted. But how to kill a mage sitting at an inn with his men surrounding him?

  “We are to battle the mage?” Rolin asked as if he were ready.

  Range knew it was time to attack.”No,” he said. It was foolhardy to attack the mage now.”We must flee. It is the only prudent thing to do.We must get Garon’s counsel.I will not start a battle I will lose. If the mage must be fought then I will battle him alone. I shall pick my time and place for the battle and this is not it. You are accompanying me to my friend’s home. Once there you can decide on what your path should be.”

  Sterlin breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Let us be gone then.”Range said hauling the prince behind him.When would this be done?

  Cortibis joined them in the outer room.As Range and his colleagues moved past the open tavern, he stole a glance toward Lazerek.

  The mage followed him with his eyes, but made no overt moves. Range’s stomach attempted to jump into his throat like a scared cat.Did the mage see something in his eyes? Did he know Range was the man he was looking for?

  They made their way outside and proceeded to get their mounts.Sterlin, who had to practically kick in the door, roused the stable hand.

  The night was cold. Exigency shoved them like a bully.