Terror of the Sixth Spire Preview #4
Before Caellan and Caezik can settle into their home, they are alerted to a mysterious figure on horseback approaching the castle. After arguing with the captain of the guard about the possible dangers, they leave the safe confines of the castle to investigate.
He left Caezik and Sinnell on the wall and made his way down the stairs and through the gate. As he proceeded across the bridge, he felt the wind picking up and causing his cloak to flap violently. The horse approached the gate with two smaller riders hunched over. Getting closer to the animal, Caellan walked faster and grabbed the grip of the large two-handed sword hanging on his back. With Sinnell’s warning still haunting his thoughts, he drew it from the scabbard. Holding his sword with both hands, he stopped and waited. The mare plodded toward him and revealed two children as her riders. They were covered in dirt and soot while clinging to the horse’s back. Seeing they were barely conscious, he put his sword away and gently removed the children. After laying them on the ground, they appeared to have no visible wounds and muttered incoherent responses. He waived to the castle for help and returned his attention to the children. They appeared dehydrated and sick. Then, Caezik was at his side.
“How are they?” Caezik said.
“Not well, we have to get them inside. They are not going to last much longer.”
“I will take this one.”
Caezik picked up one girl and disappeared into a nearby shadow. Carrying the other girl, Caellan ran across the bridge. The horse continued to follow. Once in the courtyard, he made his way to the castle’s main entrance yelling at one of the young guards to open the door. After fumbling with the lever, the boy barely managed to open the door in time for Caellan to plow through the doorway. He started his way through the main hall, but heard the clattering of hooves behind him. Annoyed, Caellan ignored the animal and continued to the study.
“What is going on?” Meera said while Caellan gently laid the girl onto a couch. Caezik placed the other girl on another couch. “Why is the horse in here?” Caellan turned around and discovered the horse’s head sticking through the study’s door.
“It’s a persistent horse,” Caellan acknowledged.
“Her name is Pretty Face,” the girl next to Caellan said weakly.
“Oh good, you can speak still,” Caellan said crouching next to her. “Get me some water and food.”
“How am I supposed to get out with this nag in my way?” Meera tried to push the horse aside but the animal held her ground.
“It’s okay, Pretty Face,” the girl said breathless. “We are okay now.” Suddenly, the horse backed up and Meera fell onto the ground. Then, Caellan heard it’s clattering hooves fade into the hallway. The girl’s eyes started to close again.
“Hurry, get me some water,” Caellan said. “Don’t go back to sleep. You are safe now, young one.” Still grumbling, Meera pulled herself up and made her way into the bowels of the castle. “How is the other one doing?”
“About the same,” Caezik said with a concerned tone. “They must have been traveling for days.” Caellan knew something terrible happened. He recognized their clothes which were made in the northern towns.
“I got water,” Djinn said appearing in the doorway. The orc poured two cups of water and handed them to the young girls. They slipped slowly. Caellan was relieved to see them drinking. “You should know that there is a horse in the kitchen.”
– Excerpt from Chapter 7, Terror of the Sixth Spire, Fallen Spires Book 2