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Chapter 55
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Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 56
“And to end the corruption is to end us. How will the Black Cloaks survive? What will become of us? If word reaches our network that we are meeting Benedict, the Black Cloaks are as good as finished. Our network will splinter, shatter into a thousand pieces and any threat we perceive to exist or to be coming in the future, will be unstoppable. Our own people will become our worst threat!” Dargo held up his hand to prevent the discussion from escalating. “I agree with both of you. I personally do not intend to disband the Black Cloaks. We will always have value in the underground. If we do not exist, another group will rise to command the underground. It is not only about corruption. But there is a way to do this secretly. A way so that no-one needs to know.” Boroth and Mular looked at Dargo with questions in their eyes. “We saved Princess Alexa when Benedict overthrew the city. She is still at large and with the Black Cloaks. She is in contact with her mother. She could possibly help
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 57
Samnom had finally visited with Gillyn in her humble home. He had met her son who was now three years old. Arnson was a happy boy with long black curly hair that blossomed around his face. He had a full, happy smile every time he laughed and his laughter was like music to Samnom’s ears.Arnson was shy at first when he met Samnom but then warmed to Samnom and they were soon best of friends.On the times that Lored was away which were becoming more frequent; Samnom would take time to play with Arnson. Gillyn had introduced Samnom to Arnson by another name, Hockit. Samnom had asked Gillyn why she had done so and she had simply replied, “It’s best he doesn’t know your name.”One evening after Arnson was sleeping and Samnom was sharing one of Gillyn’s delicious suppers with her, Samnom could no longer contain his curiosity.“Why did you not tell Arnson my real name?”Gillyn paused. “Is it not obvious
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 58
If anyone noticed they did not show it. Harbem was so entranced by Alexa’s gaze that it took a few moments before he realized she had stopped talking. His gaze drifted to her soft, beautiful lips which he longed to kiss and he watched as they slowly became a smile and then a giggle showing Alexa’s beautiful white teeth. Harbem tried to recover his composure quickly. Not so much for Alexa but for fear of anyone who might be watching. “I’m sorry what did you say?” Alexa giggled again. “The mangoes sir. One silver apiece?” “Right.” He fished in his garments for silver coins and handed them to Alexa. He took her hand in one of his and gently squeezed it. Then he placed the coins in the palm of her hand while he savoured the touch of her skin, the feel of her hands against his while he looked into her eyes. He watched as her cheeks flushed. The happiness that danced in her eyes ceased for a moment as it was replaced by a recognition. A knowing and a questioning as she realized Harbem wa
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 59
The behavior was obvious to a man in Harbem’s line of work. Instantly he became alert but feigned concern instead for Alexa. “Is something wrong?” he asked as he moved his hands closer to the belt of his robe where he could easily draw his dagger if necessary. “No sir,” Alexa replied from under her hat. Slowly she looked up again to her left behind him. Satisfied that the danger was passed she lifted her head again to look Harbem in the eyes. “I am sorry sir. I thought for a moment I had dropped something.” “’Tis no matter. I will take these.” he said holding the mangoes out to Alexa while searching her face for a clue as to what just happened. “That’s three silvers then sir.” Harbem reached into his pocket and extracted the money along with a note tightly rolled and barely visible to anyone watching. Alexa felt the note drop into her hand with the coins. Her face gave no sign of the joy she felt at receiving his note. Perhaps it was the tension she felt from the person she had ju
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 60
Alexa studied Harbem’s face. His eyes. He had that same look in them that she had seen the other day. “Do you mean to say that you have been attracted to me for a long time already?”Harbem shook his head. “Do not flatter yourself my dear,” he said smiling. Then he held up his hand placatingly. “Had I known you sooner I would most likely have been attracted to you anyway. But no. What I mean is, for a person such as me to mix with royalty would be tempting fate. And possibly not a good one.”“I see,” Alexa said hesitating. “So if I can get in with you, how will that help?”“You will be able to see your mother and spend time with her. You will be able to talk to her all you like and understand what her situation is now.”“Do you really think so?” Alexa was doubtful.“I am sure,” Harbem replied looking into Alexa’s eyes.“I…
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 61
Gelyn nodded. “Yes. That’s what he told me. If he’s lying it’s not my fault.” Lored advanced on Gelyn quickly and she cringed in fear. She had never seen him so angry. “Please don’t, please don’t, please don’t…,” she cried. “And what gift did the Elfre give him?” “I don’t know. The legend says they never tell.” “So how does that help me?” Lored said drawing his hand back to strike her again. Gelyn held up her hands. “There is one thing.” Lored paused, waiting. “He said….. the Elfre told him never to cut his hair.” “Why?” Lored asked. “He doesn’t know.” “He doesn’t know? You’re lying!” Lored spat. “No! I’m not. I swear it’s the truth!” Lored drew his hand back further. Gelyn cringed in anticipation of his blow. Then Lored dropped his hand. “Here’s what’s going to happen.” Gelyn simply stared at Lored through tears and fear, waiting for him to continue. “I am leaving again. Now.” “Where are you going?” “”To do your dirty work as I have been doing forever!” hissed Lored.
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 62
She nodded. “Please go. Don’t make this harder than it is.”“Why? He told you we can’t be together?”“It’s more than that Sam,” Gillyn said using his short name.“What then?”“You don’t know me. You never will. You can never know who I really am.”“I don’t care! I love you Gillyn! That’s all that matters. If you think I can’t keep a secret, I can! Trust me.”“It’s not about trusting you Sam! I do! But we can’t be together. I am not Gillyn!”“Then who? I don’t care! Love doesn’t care!”“Please don’t do this,” Gilyn begged lowering her voice. “Please. I don’t want Arnson to see this. Us.Please just go.”“It’s him isn’t it? Did he threaten you?”Gillyn looked Samnom in the
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 63
She had never liked Breeger. She had always known he was a snake. And yet, here he was arrogantly walking through the streets with a wanted traitor. She knew Peter was not a traitor but he was outlawed nevertheless just as she was. Where were they going? She doubted that Breeger, as devious as he was, would openly ignore the king’s orders. And if she was right, that meant they were going to the palace to see King Benedict! She felt goosebumps rise all over like a wave of ice passing over her as the realization hit her.That could only mean one thing. He would tell Benedict that Alexa had joined the Black Cloaks. She would be forever outlawed.Two days after Alexa left to return to Mama Gracine’s orphanage, the word reached Harbem early in the morning that Breeger had an audience with Benedict to plead for mercy for a traitor. There was no-one he knew that could be considered a traitor other than Alexa or Peter. He was sure Alexa was at her post but decided
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Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 97
The city of Kyrshom was never the same. The lava had destroyed much of the city and it would never be rebuilt. The walls that had been built naturally from past eruptions were destroyed and partially covered by the new lava flow. They could no longer serve as natural protective walls. The lava had flowed through the city all the way down to the cliff where it had poured over the edge and buried the harbour. The ramp that had previously been built was partially destroyed and could no longer serve as an access to the city without considerable repairs which would take a long time. Many residents moved away and the life and culture of Kyrshom seemed to have left with them. People feared another eruption of Mt Almall and did not wish to lose what little they had left. Hope sparked briefly for the revival of Kyrshom as the lava cooled. People discovered Alymcyte in the cooled lava and there was a brief “Alymcyte rush” before the price offered for Alymcyte fell through the floor. It was so
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 96
Eesa seemed to consider then replied in a hushed voice. “Thank you for your kindness sir. I am new and I am particularly interested in meeting men if you understand?”Breeger smiled. “I do indeed understand Eesa. But perhaps you would prefer to meet only one man if he makes it worth your while?”Eesa looked at Breeger in disbelief. “You would like that? You can do that?”Breeger smiled. “I assure you that I can.”“Then let us discuss it further somewhere more private. Perhaps tomorrow after your party?”“Perhaps tonight after my party?” Breeger pressed.“As you wish,” Eesa replied.Breeger explained to Eesa where his villa was and he left, very happy at the prospect of seeing Eesa again.After the party that evening Breeger took Eesa back to her home and she invited him in.Breeger was keen to start his new affair with Eesa and did not sa
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 95
Firing continued strategically but damage was much less now as the attackers had moved out of the path of the catapult. The fires in the small trenches were doused and the attackers advanced further only to be stopped by new fires in new trenches. A co-ordinated retreat was being made by the army. They would ultimately retreat to within sight of the palace where another large trench had been dug and would be fed by oil from two sides to keep the fire burning. One army advanced and the other retreated. Neither side noticed the sky lighten with the approaching day. Then, just before dawn, a new quake struck. It was brief and violent. It was as if the earth heaved and men were thrown to the ground as the quake increased in strength. Then it finally subsided and all was quiet for a brief moment. In hindsight that moment seemed to last forever. Then an explosion tore through the predawn air and the earth shook knocking everyone to the ground. People screamed and shouted looking around des
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 94
Samnom knew that no-one in this compound was his friend and he treated them all as the enemy as he wandered through the compound calling out Gelyn’s name.Two more encounters with guards in the compound left the remaining guards assured that they were little or no match for Samnom. One guard stepped forward to meet Samnom.“We do not know where Breeger or Gelyn are. They went to the King’s ball and never returned. Breeger is wanted and the king’s men have searched the compound already for Breeger. He must be hiding somewhere else.”Samnom thanked the soldier and left. He made his way to the palace where he was stopped at the gates.“I seek no fight. I simply wish to see the lady Gelyn. My name is Samnom.”The guards looked concerned and conferred with each other a short distance away. Then one walked off towards the palace while the other returned and asked Samnom to wait.A while later the guard ret
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 93
The air by the East wall was thick with dust as the sun approached the horizon. A clear sign that the army beyond the walls would actually strike at sunrise. Benedict left his chambers and made his way to the East wall. He was greeted by the watch commander whose face was grim. He bowed and greeted Benedict. “Your majesty.” His body language said what he dared not say. They were hopelessly outnumbered. Benedict greeted him and made his way to the edge of the wall. He was right. The army of the Kelnians had approached the walls as near as they dared before daybreak. With the first sun’s rays, their strike would begin. Benedict looked along the top of the wall. Boiling pots of oil stood ready to be poured on the army below. Archers were ready too and Benedict was assured the catapults were ready too although he was not sure if they would be effective since he believed that the Kelnians were now closer than the minimum range of the catapults. As he looked down he saw the arrangement o
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 92
She could not tell Alexa for it would alert the men with them. Hester waited until they turned the next corner in the passage. Alexa looked back as always after turning a corner. Hester followed them around the corner and then stopped as soon as Alexa had looked back. She turned and ran back around the corner and into the dark. She had no torch but there was only one path in this passage. If she collided with a wall she just had to find the right way again and then continue on. She prayed for Alexa to forgive her for not saying goodbye.At the next corner Alexa turned and realized Hester was gone.“Hester is gone!”The men in front of her stopped and looked back. “We can’t go back Alexa. It’s too dangerous now. Others will be coming through here soon enough and if she has fallen they will find her.”“But she could be dying!” Alexa insisted.The men looked at each other. One volunteered. “I&rsquo
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 91
“You seem to be full of excuses King Benedict but yet have no proof of anything you say. Assassins killed our masters you say but they escaped. Atomas body was not burned you say but you cannot produce his body. Atomas women have left you say but where is the proof? I truly believe that you have lost control of the kingdom King Benedict. In all the time you have been king, you have failed to eradicate the Black Cloaks. I think it is time that we should do your job for you and relieve you of the task of ruling this kingdom.”“I ask you to please reconsider your threat Olnoy. I have come here today in peace. There have been a series of unfortunate events which have happened at this point in time. However, if you will decide to at least try and trust me, I will show you what I say is true.”“I think letting you stand out here and lie to me is enough. Letting you give me the bodies of our masters simply adds insult to injury.”Ben
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 90
“He had it coming. Besides, if he had been freed and allowed to voice his opinion, he would not have voiced it in favour of us.“ “Of that much I am sure,” Benedict replied. He would have to explain the death to Talek. There was not much else that could be done. Benedict insisted that they make their way to the mine first before returning the bodies of the masters. Tordor agreed. Melonor had not returned with news from the mine and both Benedict and Tordor suspected that he must have met with misfortune. They instructed the soldiers with the bodies to wait at the East gate for them and rode to the mine with a small number of soldiers. On the ride up they found out why Melonor had not returned from the mine. He lay dead beside the road, killed by an arrow through the heart. Benedict and Tordor surmised that it was an assassin ordered to stop word of the situation at the mine getting back to Benedict. They doubted that anyone would try to stop them now but cautioned the soldiers to
Viva La Vida (Complete) Chapter 89
Tordor agreed. He knew it was a war they could not win. He left to order the bodies prepared for burial.Benedict looked over the city. His thoughts turned to Hester and Harbem and Alexa. He called one of the guards and told him to fetch Harbem from the dungeons.Harbem was ushered in some time later. His hands were still chained and Benedict ordered the chains removed. The guard removed them and left. Benedict indicated that Harbem should be seated. He poured two cups of wine and handed Harbem one.“Perhaps we can make a deal Harbem.”“I am prepared to listen your Majesty.”“There are ten thousand men outside the walls of the city. This morning, two of the three masters who led them to the gates, were murdered in audience with me. I have no doubt Breeger is behind it, but that’s beside the point. Those men outside the city will march and wipe out this city. I will need every man to defend it. Perhaps now is the
