Page 99 of Prince of Shadow and Ash

“I am the Sheriff of Relton, and I serve the king!” another man’s voice interrupted. “These men are my deputies. The others are here in case of trouble.”

“Trouble? What business has a sheriff here?” Dresden’s voice. “Why—Carrick.”

A tremor ran down Adelaide’s spine. Surely Nolan wasn’t here? Now?

“SirCarrick. I’m here as a witness, as are my knights.”

Her stomach churned, her appetite gone.

“I am here to arrest Regulus Hargreaves for treason,” the sheriff said. Her head spun.

“Treason?” Dresden’s voice echoed as he shouted. “You’re out of your mind!”

“Where is your master, Carasian?” Nolan asked. She could hear the sneer in his voice.

“Mylordis not. Present.”

“Check the hall,” the sheriff ordered. A moment later three men she didn’t recognize strode into the hall, followed by a red-faced Dresden.

“This is an outrage!” Dresden shouted. “Lord Hargreaves isn’t even home! And you have no proof! How can you possibly—”

“He was heard conspiring to kill the king,” the sheriff said as he walked into the hall. He was of average height, with a drawn countenance and a balding head.

“That’s ridiculous,” Adelaide blurted.

The sheriff looked down his nose at her. “You are hosting guests without your lord present?” He eyed the empty chair at the head of the table. “Or perhaps you mean the treasonous coward has already fled.” He raised his voice. “Hargreaves, show yourself!”

Three more men walked in. Nolan and two other knights. He stopped in his tracks and stared. “Adelaide? What are you doing here?”

She stood, glaring. “Iwas invited! What areyoudoing here?”

Nolan shrugged. “I’m here to positively identify the man whom my knights and I heard discussing plans to murder the king.”

All of Regulus’ knights stood, shouting over each other, protesting Regulus’ innocence and accusing Nolan and his knights of lying. Magnus stood, too. He stalked around the table and growled at the intruders. Gaius stood and turned toward the men.

“Gentlemen,” he said, his voice calm and level, “perhaps there has been a misunderstanding. I hardly think Regulus Hargreaves capable of plotting treason. What reason could he possibly have?” Regulus’ knights shouted their assent.

“The courts will determine the truth!” the sheriff bellowed.

“There’s no proof!” Adelaide shot back. “Just his word against theirs!” She pointed at Nolan. “Nolan Carrick has a personal feud with Lord Hargreaves. He is lying!”

Regulus’ knights talked over each other again, confirming what she said and calling Nolan all kinds of unsavory names. Nolan and his knights put their hands on their swords, as did the deputies. Perceval was the only one of Regulus’ knights wearing a sword, and he put his hand on his sword as well, pushing his wife toward the door at the far end of the hall with the other. Leonora grabbed Sarah’s hand, and they left the hall. Estevan pulled a strange dagger from the back of his belt. It was long, curved and sharp along one edge, with no handle. Opposite from the sharpened edge was a grip with four holes. Estevan put his fingers through and held the grip in his fist. Jerrick and Caleb grabbed carving knives off the table. Dresden eyed a sword hanging on the wall on the other side of the intruders.

Gaius held out his hands. His face was pale as he moved to shield Minerva. “Now, gentlemen. Let’s not be hasty.” Magnus barked between low, rumbling growls.

“Magnus!”

Adelaide spun toward Regulus’ voice. Magnus ran to Regulus in the stairway but continued to snarl. Regulus now wore a sword. He stroked Magnus’ head. “Upstairs.” The dog whined, but obeyed, and Regulus shut the door behind him. “I demand to know what is going on!”

“That’s him.” Nolan pointed at Regulus.

“Regulus Hargreaves,” the sheriff said, “you are under arrest for conspiracy to commit treason against the crown.”

Regulus looked confused, then angry. “Carrick.” He said it like a curse word. “You dare come into my home and spread lies?”

“My men and I overheard you talking to some other men,” Nolan said, motioning to the knights on either side of him, “plotting to murder the king.”

Perceval drew his sword. Nolan, his knights, and the bailiffs did the same. Regulus followed suit.

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