Chapter 9

High on the city walls the trumpet sounded. One long, high blast, followed by two shorter notes a third lower. From his offices in the palace Jeed heard it, and cursed. One terrible hour you have survived, but a second is imminent. So the next terrible hour had arrived. He dashed out in the direction of the city gates, shouting orders to the guards.

***

Archen and his three friends heard the blast, also.

“It’s time,” Durran said grimly, standing. “Handshakes all around. Good? Alright.” He faced Archen, “The order went out yesterday. If the alarm should sound, all capable hands must report immediately to the Armory.”

“I’m coming with you, of course,” Archen nodded, addressing the unvoiced question.

“I am too,” Olivia spoke up. “And don’t you dare try to stop me.”

***

Coming up the great marble steps that led to the palace’s east entrance, Eve heard the blast, as well. She gripped the doctor’s arm, her face turning deadly white. “Oh, no,” she cried. “Not yet. We’re not ready.” Her legs would not support her; she swayed and felt close to fainting. Indeed, she wished she might.

All around her, through blurring vision, she was faintly conscious of figures, people running, excited and frightened shouts ringing out. Father, help me! A hand clutched at hers. Eve blinked and saw a woman, barely older than herself, holding a toddler with a tear-streaked, dirty face.

“Highness! Prophetess!” the woman cried, almost fiercely, “Are we going to die?”

Warmth spread throughout Eve’s limbs, she felt as if time lay suspended. So this is the real enemy, she thought, This terror that robs men of their souls while death is still miles away.

“I am not a prophetess, that is my Father’s gift.” Eve said, “But now be quiet, and listen to me. For what do you hope, and what do you fear? I tell you that there is no greater hope than for a noble death, and no greater fear than a coward’s demise. You must resolve in your heart to live and die valiantly. Then you will find fortune in both life and death.”

“Pardon me, your Highness,” Doctor Merrill broke in gently from her side. “But I think I must get you to a safe location. My office is close by, in the east tower. Please allow me to take you there. I will then attempt to locate Lord Jeed, who will no doubt wish to station guards over you.”

For a moment Eve appeared ready to refuse, then a subtle light flickered in her eyes. She nodded, and without a word allowed herself to be guided up the steps into the palace. Together they climbed the steep stairway that led to the doctor’s study, a cheery, wood-paneled room with a long, low window on the south side, overlooking the battlements.

Beyond those fortress walls she gazed, and the shock of what she saw sliced through her composure.