Revelyn: 1st Chronicles - When the last arrow falls Read Online Free PDF

one who came in peace with healing was not a good omen, and in their town.
    There was a pause, filled with tension but the monk slowly stood and faced the captain of the King’s men. He smiled warmly his face still well hidden.
    ‘Ah sira, he said, ‘my back is not what it was, getting up and down for an old man in not as easy as for someone like yourself…’
    ‘Silence old man,’ the captain had no time for old decrepit monks, ‘stand aside now, we will take the prisoner. I will be reporting that the people of this town have assisted in the capture of this criminal. I am sure the king will be pleased to hear it.’
    At this the crowd relaxed visibly.
    ‘However,’ the captain went on maliciously now,’ It has been reported that some comfort was given to the man before he was discovered. It would behoove all assembled to remember that any, I mean any assistance given to an enemy of the king will be viewed most seriously. I hope I am making myself clear.’
    He let the words linger in the air for a time and slowly and silently turned full circle, glaring at all who had the courage to hold his stare, but no one did which seemed to satisfy some inner need he had, and so losing interest in the crowd, now suitably cowed, he turned once more to his prisoner.
    The prisoner had come around and was staring bewildered up at the crowd of soldiers and townsfolk. The Captain gave an evil smile.
    ‘Ah you have returned to us. This is good for I would like you to be fully aware of everything that happens to you from this moment on…’
    ‘Captain!’ The monk interrupted, ‘I can offer assistance in that case, for I have some powerful smelling salts on my person that will ensure the prisoner will stay awake for quite some time. If you will permit me?’ He stood smiling deferentially at the Captain.
    The Captain, initially irritated by the temerity of the interruption, knew all about smelling salts and their powers to bring around a swooning woman or a drunk soldier, and he had spoken the truth; he wanted the man to be fully aware of everything which was to befall him, every last thing.
    He nodded curtly, ‘alright monk give the salts and then stand back.’ And with that he drew his sword placing it at the throat of the prisoner and waited.
    The monk pulled out a small vial from his tunic and opened it. He made a point of pretending to smell the contents and immediately sneezed violently. The soldiers smiled, but the captain looked on with utter disdain; he was looking forward to what would follow, and he’d had about enough of this showy monk with his flowing cloak and hidden face.
    As the town watched anxiously, the monk knelt beside the man, and brought the vial up to his face. Suddenly he bent down and whispered carefully into the man’s ear, in words which only he could hear and which carried an authority which could not be mistaken.
    ‘Shut your eyes now and do not open them until I tell you, or you will die. Trust me for I am here to save you.’
    The monk then placed his hands together onto the prisoner’s bound hands and closing his eyes spoke inaudibly as if in prayer.’
    ‘The salts monk, give the salts or I’ll run you through!’ The infuriated captain would wait no longer, and raised his sword.
    Suddenly the monk and the prisoner whose hands he held, vanished. In an instant they were gone. There was no sound, and nothing in the next instant which followed to indicate they had been there, except for the faint imprint of a man who had lain awhile unconscious in the dust.
    Uproar followed. The crowd screamed and dispersed in all directions. Large Mabel who had finally managed to gather herself enough to join the crowd sank to her knees once more and cried out.
    ‘Sorcer y , the devil has come, we are all doomed .’
    Once more with her head in her hands she started wailing loudly.
    The soldiers mounted their steeds, swords drawn as if by instinct looking for a threat, and nervously rode their mounts around