Obsidian Ridge - Jess Lebow [46]
The messenger bowed, looking more than a little relieved. "Thank you, sir." He exited the barracks.
"At this rate it'll take us all year to get everyone to safety," said the king.
"Unless we completely abandon the city in a full-scale evacuation, then I'm afraid you're right."
The king shook his head. "If we did that, there would be no way to cover our tracks. Xeries could simply follow us. Then we'd be at his mercy and away from our homes. No, if it's going to work, it has to be done quietly." He stopped, thinking for a moment. "And what of the court mages? Have they discovered anything?"
Kaden shook his head. "They've been working-through the night, but I'm afraid there aren't enough of them to counteract the powerful wards of the Obsidian Ridge. So far, they've found nothing, my lord. At least nothing more than Senator Divian was able to discern."
"That thing must have a weakness." King Korox slapped his hand against the wooden post of a soldier's bunk. "If only we can find it."
"The arcanists are poring through the royal libraries as we speak, looking for spells that may help up learn more. Perhaps they will turn up something."
"Perhaps," agreed the king. "What other news?"
"Not much. We've managed to contact a few older elves who corroborate Plathus's story. They remember hearing about the Obsidian Ridge appearing over Calimshan. No one we've spoken to so far actually witnessed the floating citadel with their own eyes, and all are wary of speaking about it."
"Have you dispatched riders to Calimshan? We need to find someone who can tell us more about this menace."
Kaden nodded. "Yes, my lord. They left early this morning."
"Good. Good," replied the king. There were so many thoughts running through his head. Not the least of which was Mariko. What could she be going through right now? The thought of her being tortured or mistreated was too much to bear, and he had to turn his mind to something else, just to keep himself from going completely mad.
"My lord," said Captain Kaden, interrupting the king's thoughts. "I know you have many important things to do, but I think it would be prudent for you to spend a little time practicing with your sword."
This caught the king off guard. "There is too much to do, Kaden. I will practice when this is over."
Kaden bowed his head. "Forgive me, my lord, but you have not been on the battlefield in some time, and a little practice never hurts."
The king shook him off. "I will be fine, Kaden. I have practiced enough in my lifetime for the both of us."
"While I'm sure that is true, I really must insist," said Kaden. "We do not know what dangers lie ahead of us, and the Magistrates may not always be available to look after your safety." He paused. " may not always be available to look after your safety."
"That’s why I have Quinn."
"Not even Quinn could fight off an entire army of those beasts. Besides, I think you could use something to take your mind off of these matters-if only for a short while."
Korox raised his hand to silence Kaden, but the idea of practicing his martial arts did seem like a good way to help shake the haunting images from his head.
"Very well," he said. "Meet me in the fencing yard."
"Me, my lord?" asked Kaden. "But-"
"Yes, you, Kaden. This was your idea. Now you get to see exactly how little practice I need."
Chapter Fourteen
Both hands on the hilt of his sword, Korox Morkann whirled on his attacker. His adversary dropped to the ground, rolling backward and out of the way, just barely avoiding the blade.
The king stepped in, following up with a second, quick strike. His weapon struck Captain Kaden in the ribs, and the leader of the Magistrates-no longer encased in his heavy plate mail-fell to the ground.
"Well done, my lord," said Kaden, lying on his back, looking up at the king. "You are faster than I gave you credit for."
Korox nodded. "I told you I didn't need any practice."
"I'm not convinced of that yet," said Kaden. He got back to his feet and dusted himself off.
The king lowered the linen-wrapped