The Fallen (Book 1) by Dan O'Sullivan Page B

carved into the surface of a round stone table. The roof of the room was raised on columns, with a gap between walls and ceiling to allow light. There were tall stools surrounding the table and several lamps were suspended on chains. In the corners of the room there were stone benches and a large pedestal supporting an urn of water.
    Lord Tiernan and Lady Karrijeuiga were leaning over the high table studying the map when Valeska and Yarrabyth led King Dannicus and Captain Danil into the room. They broke off their conversation and turned towards the visitors as they entered. Valeska stepped forward.
    ‘ My Lord Tiernan and Lady Karrijeuiga, may I introduce King Dannicus of Alkira.’
    ‘ Welcome to our home,’ said Lord Tiernan. ‘We are honored by your visit.’
    ‘ Thank you Lord Tiernan, Lady Karrijeuiga,’ replied King Dannicus.
    ‘ Please call us Tiernan and Karri,’ said Lady Karrijeuiga.
    ‘ And this is King’s Marshall Danil of Castle,’ Lady Valeska continued.
    Danil felt an explosion of adoration burst from his heart and he longed to lean forward and touch Valeska’s face. He flushed with embarrassment as he had become quite aware how easily the guardians could sense his thoughts. His eyes moved from Valeska to the Lord and Lady who were staring at him in surprise.
    ‘ Valeska?’ Karrijeuiga kept her blue eyes fixed on Danil. Danil felt his heart pounding and in a flash of panic he wondered if it was forbidden for a human to fall in love with a guardian. He managed to slightly suppress his unruly emotions.
    Tiernan shook his head slightly. ‘It isn’t forbidden.’
    The King looked in bewilderment from Tiernan to Danil.
    ‘ Your Majesty,’ said Tiernan, turning to the King, ‘if you and King’s Marshall Danil would accompany us to the patio we would be pleased to serve you refreshments. Valeska, I would like you to join us if you will, and Yarrabyth, will you also join us?’
    Tiernan opened a door leading onto a bright sunny patio. The patio was a beautiful semi-circular area of granite which had been laid in a pattern of splashing water and polished until it mirrored the sky above. Several large sandstone pillars next to the building were covered in honeysuckle and jasmine and the lawn around the patio was sprinkled with tiny purple flowers. Sweet smelling bornya bushes dropped pink flowers onto the smooth floor. The lawn led to a white sand beach which stretched along the peaceful bay, its glittering water dotted with little white-sailed fishing boats.
    A white wrought iron table with matching chairs stood in the middle of the patio. The table was laden with bowls of fruit and nuts, tiny sweet cakes, and platters of meat with small rolls of bread.
    ‘ Valeska, have our guests had the opportunity as yet to explore our city?’ asked Tiernan.
    ‘ Yes,’ Valeska replied. ‘We took a very winding path through the city when we arrived and the soldiers are now resting in the high tower. Nemalie is going to provide refreshments and see they’re comfortable.’
    ‘ The view from the tower is good,’ Tiernan commented. ‘Let’s eat!’ he added and the group seated themselves around the laden table. Whilst they ate, Valeska relayed to the Lord and Lady their encounter with the fallen. Tiernan listened with growing alarm.
    ‘ I doubt it was by chance the fallen made an attempt on your life, Majesty.’
    ‘ No. I’m sure it was a planned attack. We planted a rumor that I would be travelling with two guards only. I’m certain someone within the Castle garrison is a traitor. That was the whole point of the rumor, to find out if someone took the bait.’ He sat gazing ahead for a moment, his mind flashing over each aspect of the disturbing events.
    ‘ That was dangerous,’ Tiernan commented, eyeing Dannicus with deep concern.
    ‘ The fallen are always dangerous. I doubt they are irrational yet I can never make sense of what they do.’
    Tiernan looked warily at King Dannicus. ‘I see there is