Chapter 1

Jeed made all haste down the steps to the courtyard, where they laid the young man. The charwoman was kneeling over the body, administering water from a small clay jar and dabbing at his bruises with the corner of her apron. All her motherly tenderness was in those hands as she smoothed his forehead and attempted to restore the boy. Jeed ran a hand over his tired eyes, before putting his arms around her shoulders, gently pulling her aside.

With a sudden cough from the young rider, and a groan of agony, he was revived. In a moment Jeed was certain he had never laid eyes on him before, a lad only of maybe 19 or 20 winters, maybe less. He had a hard, outdoor look to him, with tanned skin and a rather dirty, bruised face, but he wore the fine gilded armor of one of the King's high-ranking soldiers. Although it appeared he had no serious injuries from his fall, yet his face was contorted with such a fierce pain that Jeed feared he would soon pass out again.

“Good citizens, convey this unfortunate son into my chambers, of your courtesy. And Gambius,” here Jeed addressed an official at his side, “Do you quickly assemble the palace physician and my council members to me, at once.”

"My Lord, all the council members?"

Jeed paused and considered, "No, not all of them. Do not worry her Highness. I will see her myself as soon as time and circumstance permit."