The Sword Master
(Swords with Souls)
Cover by Darren Joy
Dark Fantasy Fiction
(Adult content)
The king is waving him aside when a soldier enters. The soldier’s scarlet cape billows as he hurries up to kneel and place a thick mauve pillow before the throne.
He sees the thick eyebrows of the king raise in concern. “Raise and speak,” the king commands the soldier.
“Your Highness,” the soldier says with a stern yet nervous voice. “Baron Luis was murdered last night. It’s unclear when it happened. He was found in his bed with his throat slit and….” Sir Oliver can see the concern in the soldier’s face. “A message was left on this pillow.”
“Let’s see,” the king commands. As the king speaks Sir Olaf draws what would be a two-handed sword to anyone else half way out of its sheath.
A confused expression crosses the king’s face as the soldier holds out the pillow for him to read what’s written on it. “I know that hand writing!”
After ten years he has learned to understand the king’s moods and his sly personality. He waits to see how this plays out.
“The baron’s wife is very upset, Your Highness,” the soldier says with a solemn voice.
“I will discuss this with the Treasurer later,” the king tells the soldier dismissively.
“Yes, Your Highness,” the soldier replies, exhaling as he marches from the hall.
Next Queen Jadwiga enters with her entourage of waiting women and female guards. Her purple dress flows back with determination. He believes the queen would be quite attractive but for the constant thin-lipped scowl on her face. Her brunette hair is tied up in a beehive. Beside her is the prince. Twelve years old already. He is wearing a dark brown tunic with a purple cape. His footwear is dark and appropriate for battle training. His left-hand rests on the raven shaped pommel of his short sword. The raven is missing a wing, reflecting the crest of the king’s family.
“My Lord,” the queen shouts out, “Our prince has something to show you.”
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