The Pool And The Pedestal (Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

in the recessed area of the guard’s station. The line of supply troops shifted uneasily and opened to allow Colonel Udas to step forward.
    “I am.” stated the colonel smugly.
    “You press my patience.” growled Manfir. “I’ve completed a long journey and will not be trifled with.”
    “I don’t intend to trifle with you, Prince Manfir.” stated Udas. “I simply intend to do my duty. One of the many tasks added to my already full plate is the security of the palace.”
    Manfir glanced to Brelg and the old sergeant nodded in agreement.
    “The palace is not a military facility, and all able bodied Guardsmen were needed elsewhere.” said Brelg. “We use many of Udas’s supply staff to fill these roles.”
    “Roles we take very seriously.” sneered Udas. “The General Staff may not regard the protection of his majesty as vital to the interests of Zodra but we know better. Especially knowing that Macin’s death might lead to the ascension of an element not as committed to the defense of this realm as he.”
    Manfir clenched his fists and moved toward the one-armed colonel. Udas’s men crowded close to their leader. Brelg put a restraining hand on the prince’s shoulder. Manfir ground his teeth and glared at Udas.
    “If it were not for your .... condition.” growled Manfir. “We would settle this in the yard of the Hold.”
    “My condition  is known as a battle wound! ” shouted Udas waving the stump of his arm in Manfir’s direction. “Something you haven’t seen in the last seventeen years while you went missing! A wound I received in defense of a kingdom I am loath to say you will one day rule. A wound demonstrating my conviction to the defense of this kingdom. A wound inflicted upon me by the beasts commanded by the scum you intend to allow in the presence of his Royal Highness.”
    Udas’s eyes filled with madness and he pointed toward Granu.
    “Macin ordered the Elven emissaries and his son brought before him. He did not request the murderous offspring of Grannak Stormbreaker be put within a blades length of his throne.” spluttered Udas. “Nor did he request the presence of Ader the magician. Your tricks and riddles are not needed in a time requiring clarity of thought and focus of mind old man. Off with you to the marketplace to entertain the simple folk. As for your mountain dog, my men will take it into custody.”
    Ader quickly stepped forward and smiled at the colonel before Manfir had the chance to break free from Brelg’s hand. The Seraph gave the prince a reassuring look and Manfir stepped back. Ader turned and faced the heaving Udas.
    “Calm yourself, colonel.” smiled Ader. “There have obviously been some misunderstandings here.”
    Udas furrowed his brow and looked at the Seraph quizzically.
    “The Elven emissaries were requested and the Elven emissaries have arrived. Both Granu son of Grannak and I are emissaries of the crown of Luxlor.” 
    “Ridiculous!” scoffed Udas.
    “Not at all.” replied Ader removing a rolled parchment from beneath his robes. “King Leinor has provided this signed document to avoid any confusion. Also, his son, Prince Eidyn may vouch for his father.”
    Eidyn stepped forward and bowed to Udas. Udas snatched the parchment from the Guide’s hands and quickly read it.
    “Interesting that you are aware of my companion’s heritage.” continued Ader. “Granu could be any Keltaran by the look of him, but you were certain he held the title of prince heir. Perhaps you get your information from a very reliable source.”
    Udas humphed and threw the parchment back at Ader. The Seraph nimbly snatched it from the air and tucked it back in the folds of his robes.
    “I am well aware who your lap dog is old man! I do not intend to allow him before the king and his nobles no matter what foreign puppet vouches for him! He is an enemy of the state and will be removed to the lower levels of the Hold!”
    “I am afraid not!” came a voice from the