Page 98 of A Crown Without Mercy

Cadell turned to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. “We will locate them, but I think it would be best to have you escorted back to your manor. I don’t know what or who we will be facing.”

“I cannot go back and sit all night worrying. I need to go to the castle and inform Alaric and Sylvana.”

“Lass, they will have it heavily guarded it tonight. You will not make it past the front gate,” Leodion replied.

“Cadell, we have company,”Markus said telepathically.

They rushed outside and noticed a large group of warriors in the tree line. “What the hell?” Cadell stated.

They mounted their stallions and drew their swords. “Calista, go inside, lock the door and do not come out,” Cadell demanded.

Calista stood momentarily as she stared at the warriors.

“Go, now!” Cadell stated firmly.

She ran inside, shut the door, and peered out the window.

“Defensive line!” Markus ordered.

They squinted their eyes, sharpened their eyesight, and noticed their elaborate helmets.

Cadell, Markus, and Leodion glanced at each other. “They are the Acherons Baroque Warriors,” Cadell stated.

“What the hell are they doing here?” Leodion asked.

They placed their swords back into their sheaths and waited as the Baroque warriors headed in their direction.

Each of them placed a fist over their hearts and nodded respectfully when they met them in the middle of the field.

“I am looking for Cadell Marque,” one of them stated.

“I am Cadell Marque,” he replied.

“The Acherons sent us.”

“On what business?” Cadell asked.

He looked behind him, waved his hand, and as the warriors parted Laurent appeared on Rhone.

“Laurent?” Cadell said.

“Father!”

They dismounted, and Cadell caught him in his arms when he leapt toward him. “Why do you have my son?”

“The Acherons asked us to bring him back. We know nothing more.”

Calista rode up from behind. “Where is Mira?”

“Under the protection of the Acherons.”

“Why? Has something happened to Sylvana?”

“No. Two of my warriors will escort you to your manor and will remain as guard for the time being,” he replied.

“Tell me! What the hell is going on?”

Cadell’s head snapped in her direction. “Mind your tongue, Calista,” he stated firmly.

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