The Traitor by A. Lombardo (i can read with my eyes shut TXT) 📕

believe he is still in the palace?” Kai looked around to ensure his account was accurate. “And because there is no trail of blood showing where he went, we are to consider he never left the bed? Or at least when he did, he was no longer bleeding? I am not sure where to go with this.”

“I am not saying your father went up in a ball of fire,” Riome said, “but something else happened in that room. He may have left his bed, but he was not bleeding out as you would expect from being stabbed with a blade only moments before.”

A low rumble of thunder emanated from the ground. Kai could feel their vibrations before seeing them—the rhythmic march of many horse hooves. Eyes closed, he gleaned the approach of multiple groups.

Admiral Roark Raebun and Kempery-man Philip Dresnor led the Fort Pohaku army along Port Anahita’s southern road. They were close but not yet within eyesight. The first group had mounted warriors followed by men marching five-wide along the narrow dirt road, and there seemed to be no end to the trail of men pouring into the area.

High on the hillside across from Kai, Drew and Robert Henley led a small contingent of men.  They were riding at a brisk pace through the trees. He imagined they would arrive first, and he could only hope Drew might stand with him.

Within the Diu city walls, he also noticed movement; a horde paraded through the palace gatehouse and into the streets. Milnos and Diu soldiers merged like coordinated ants, with Regent Maxwell riding beside Queen Nola near the front. Their sight made him clench his jaw.

On Baden Lake, Kai watched Lord Chenowith and his son Albert stand at the ready with thirty men set to disembark the moment their ship reached the Diu pier. His friend had done as he promised. Now the question on Kai’s mind was on which side his friends would stand. Would Albert continue to have faith and stand with him? Would Drew or Dresnor believe his innocence?

They were surrounded, and Kai knew there was no turning back now. Even if he wanted to change his mind, everyone came to see if he was a man of his word. Ready to face his fate, he climbed the hill to the road leading to the Stone River Bridge. The sound of water rushed down the partially frozen spillway below Baden Lake dam.

Sabastian pointed behind them. “We are about to have company. Men and women. Lots of them. Not warriors, but they carry weapons.”

Kai pivoted with his mind and searched the valley behind them. “It is Lord Eugene Sknash, and he is leading around one hundred people. He must have nearly a third of the population from Town Hope with him.”

Lord Eugene Sknash soon arrived with the large group. It was odd to see a man in a suit ride, out of place atop his noble chestnut horse. His old friend eased out of the saddle, and Kai noticed his awkward waddle. Eugene was not much for riding, but the man’s composure let him know a friend approached.

Sweat poured down Eugene’s forehead, and he looked exhausted, as did everyone else in his group. Kai offered a hand to Eugene. “Lord Sknash, what brings you to Diu? Is there trouble in Town Hope?”

Eugene accepted his hand but slipped by him to Rayna. “My dear lady, you are not in prison?” he questioned, reaching for her hand. “We came to Diu to protest your capture. Days ago, word came from the town of Chenowith that Queen Nola was taking Rayna to Diu. Knowing everyone searched for Kai, I surmised the Queen meant to use the dear girl as bait. King Iver was a good man, and Nola is our Queen, but I do not trust her. Not to mention, she rescinded my invitation to the Winter Festival because we were too small to merit attendance. King Iver would never exclude Town Hope. Mind you she will take our taxes, but not accept us in the palace.”

Rayna hugged Eugene. “Thank you for coming,” she blushed at the attention. “Kai means to turn himself over to the Diu authorities today.” She motioned to the bridge, letting her eyes swell with tears as though a looming presence waited to spirit Kai away.

Horses’ hooves thundered across the bridge. Kai separated himself from his group and approached the lead rider. “Drew, have you come to escort me to Diu?” He watched his friend slip from the saddle before his stead even came to a halt.

Drew’s doubt clung to him like a wet shirt. “I did not think you would come.” He turned back to the other riders just reaching the bridge.

Kai stood tall and proud in front of Drew, his head held high. “Of course, I am here. I gave my word. I searched for my father’s body, but I am afraid I could not find the person who took him. I have no proof against Nola. It is a Queen’s word against mine. There was a time my word meant something, but as you said, I spent the last nine months lying to everyone. You have lost faith in me, my friend, as have so many others.”

Robert Henley joined his son. “We have little time, Drew. You must make up your mind before it is made for you.”

All eyes turned to the city, where hundreds of soldiers spewed out of the Diu gatehouse. Another army approached from the south; Admiral Roark and his sizeable army had arrived. There was no mistaking his well-groomed ginger beard in stark contrast against the winter snow and his midnight blue regimental surcoat.

Robert was right—they were all out of time.

“I can walk this on my own.” Kai patted the air to make the others stay behind.

Drew pulled on Kai’s shoulder to draw him away from the bridge. “I