Secrets and Guardians: Devious Intentions by H. Chambers (hot novels to read txt) 📕

over, but the more they discussed their options the more they realised there were no options. As Aberrling had expected the conversation became more about their own safety, rather than the safety of the inhabitants of the city. Aberrling had said he did not know what would happen, he hoped King Hylaw would defeat Kerdred on the battle field and then return to liberate Landra. His plan was to do whatever it took to remain alive so he would be able to help the King on his return. After some more arguing from the council, it was agreed. They also agreed the situation Aberrling had presented them with was highly unlikely to happen anyway, so it was all really just hypothetical.

The sound of people shouting in the distance brought Aberrling out of his thoughts. It had begun, they would be looking for him; the council would be looking for him. Staring at the wall, deep in thought, Aberrling decided to hide in Eldin's room for a little while longer.

When he finally did emerge from Eldin's room and started walking through the corridors, men began to surround him, demanding to know what they should do. Ignoring them he went into the main hall where the rest of the council were waiting, surrounded by a large number of frantic people. Raising his hands to quieten them, he looked around at the frightened faces.

'When King Hylaw left for Brinkton I offered the council my resignation. Unable to dissuade our beloved King from leaving Landra unprotected, I failed as his advisor,' he began. 'Now we are faced with an impossible choice, to die, for surely we will if we resist Tremlin and his army or to submit to a known enemy of the King,' Aberrling lowered his head again and sighed. 'Each person must make their own choice.'

An old man stepped forward.

'What is the council’s decision?' he asked.

Aberrling looked kindly at the old man, 'We would be no good to the King dead,' said Aberrling.

The old man nodded, he agreed, he had spent most of his life bowing his head to pompous asses who he would have quite happily throttled.

'I must go now and prepare, the next few weeks will be difficult, let us hope we can all get through this,' said Aberrling, really meaning, let's hope I can get through this.

Aberrling walked through the crowd of people, many nodded as he passed, others touched his shoulder; he had their support.

By the time Hawke and Tremlin rode up to the castle gates it was beginning to get dark, the council was there to meet them. No one in all of Landra had tried to oppose them, not even a rotting potato thrown in their direction, nor had there been any cheering. It was Aberrling who stepped forward.

'Greetings my Lord Hawke, Lord Tremlin, we have had little time to prepare a suitable welcome, I hope our efforts will meet with your approval,' Aberrling said stepping back and gesturing them to enter the castle.

Hawke and Tremlin dismounted their horses and along with thirty of their best soldiers walked up the steps, through the massive doors and into the great hall. Tables had been all set out and servants were busy bringing out a whole host of delicious smelling food. Others stood holding large jugs of ale. Tremlin had planned to sit on the throne and make some big speech about what he expected of 'his' subjects, a bit of loyalty pledging, the odd beheading of those still loyal to King Hylaw, but he supposed that could wait until tomorrow. He noticed Hawke, always keen to add more wives to his collection, was already heading over to a rather pretty girl. Accepting a tankard of ale Tremlin made his way to the table.

The following morning Aberrling sat back, going over in his mind everything he had observed from the previous evening. The night had proved useful for many reasons, but for Aberrling it had given him the chance to weigh up his enemy. Hawke was obviously used to being in charge. Sitting himself at the head of the table the servants hovered around him, serving him first and ensuring his tankard was never empty. Tremlin, on the other hand came across as a man who lacked natural authority, which in Aberrling’s opinion was bad news. There was an awkward arrogance about him, the more he drank the louder he became. Hawke was only expected to stay a few days. Advisors would start to arrive, Tremlin would then start testing loyalties.

Aberrling wondered how Selina’s night had gone. She was being well paid and judging by her performance during the evening, was worth every penny. Tremlin should be waking up this morning feeling like a king. Aberrling smiled to himself, he loved women, but for different reasons than most men. He would speak with her later. It was time now to ingratiate himself with his unwanted guests.

Having made a little detour to the dungeons Aberrling entered the council room to find Hawke and Tremlin arguing about something.

'Oh, I’m terribly sorry to interrupt, I’ll come back later, just thought you might like to know I have Brandon with me,' said Aberrling looking suitably humble.

Brandon popped his head around the door and gave them both a huge grin.

'Bet you never expected to see me again.'

'Brandon? How?' Asked Tremlin, delighted to see his old friend.

'Been in the dungeons, nearly a year,’ said Brandon looking at Aberrling for confirmation.

'Nearly,' confirmed Aberrling nodding.

'You don’t look like you’ve been in a dungeon for that long,' said Hawke.

'Aberrling here made sure I was all right, decent food and stuff, good to be out though,' said Brandon.

Tremlin looked at Brandon then his brother, 'Hawke thinks he needs to stay, that I am not ready to rule Landra'.

'That’s not what I said,' snapped Hawke. It wasn’t what he had said, but it had been what he meant. 'I said I would stay until things had been sorted out.'

'Don’t worry Hawke, Aberrling will be able to advise Tremlin on what needs to be done and I’ll watch his back, he’ll do just fine,' said Brandon.

Hawke did want to get back to Korin, but was not about to leave his brother until he was sure it was safe.

'I’ll stay until the end of the week,' said Hawke, 'Aberrling come with me'.

As they walked Aberrling looked at Hawke’s back and thought about what Brandon had said to Tremlin. If only they all knew what I really have planned for them, thought Aberrling.