Once We Were Kings (Young Adult Fantasy) (The Sojourner Saga) by Ian Alexander, Joshua Graham Page B

parents.  He would even settle for remembering her face, the sound of her voice, the smell of her perfume, which must surely be a sweet as honeysuckle.
    And then, to his surprise, something warm pressed up against his leg. Without lifting his face, Render reached out and felt soft fur.  "Hello?"
    The black cat, stared up at him with those deep emerald eyes.  Render smiled.  "Oh, it's you again."  She leaned her head against his hand and purred.
     
     

 
    CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
     
     
     
    The sun had just begun its ascent over the western hills, but Edwyn had already been awake and about the wood for two hours.  For the most part, the guards at the citadel gates knew of his morning routine, or ritual, as one might call it.
    No one else knew of his visits to the now barren wood that had long been abandoned since his childhood village had been annexed into the ever-expanding kingdom.  And though for decades, nothing remained of his home, his past, his family, Edwyn continually returned to the ruins to think, to remember.  Or perhaps to forget, he couldn't be sure which.
    The sentry called down from his tower. "A fine morning, Sir Edwyn."
    "Indeed."  Edwyn pulled down his hood, turned his eyes upwards and nodded his thanks as the enormous iron gates opened for him.  Render would soon be at the library awaiting his history lesson.  And his combat exams thereafter, to be taken against the worst possible opponent.  An opponent who by now was certainly an able swordsman under the tutelage of the King's premier military commander.
    If he had survived the training.
    Edwyn tightened his belt and hastened his steps past the merchants selling their wares, the farmers peddling their produce and livestock.  Even in the fresh of the morning, the stench of rotting vegetables and yesterday's refuse hung in the air.  But such was life in the citadel.  If he hadn't been accustomed to it by now, he never would be.
    As he continued, he noticed the haggard man who every day since the kingdom of Valdshire Tor had begun to expand its protectorate towards the Eastern borders, stood by Hawthern Fountain, pacing back and forth speaking quietly only to those that would stop and listen.  Many mocked him and called him 'The Prophet.'
    "Will you lend an ear today, Sir Edwyn?"  The grimy prophet gently grasped his elbow.  "It's about your—"
    "My answer has remained steadfast for the past eleven years, old man.  It shall not today change."  Usually, The Prophet would release his arm and turn to another passerby.  This time, he clutched it harder.
    "The time is at hand," The Prophet said.  "You of all people must hear my message."
    "I think not.  Kindly unhand me."
    He did not.
    Instead, The Prophet tightened his grip with alarming force.  "Hear me, for I know all about you, your parents, what they—"
    "Unhand me!" Edwyn shoved The Prophet with what should have only been adequate strength to gain release.  But the old man fell back and landed with a weak grunt.  His mouth remained agape as he lifted a finger and pointed at Edwyn.  "Hear me, Sir Edwyn.  I implore you."
    "Defending the kingdom from the frail and elderly, I see." A voice from behind him said.  Edwyn clenched his teeth.  His face burned as he turned around to respond.  "Mooregaard."
    "Lord Mooregaard, if you please."  He climbed down from his black steed, stepped past Edwyn and offered a hand to help the old man to his feet.  The Prophet thanked him politely, never taking his oddly cautious eyes from him.  Carefully, he backed away and bowed, then turned to the opposite side of the fountain.
    "It is not as it seems," Edwyn said, as he started off for Castle Mittelvald.  "I did not intend to... I merely tried to pry free from his grip."
    "And a fine job you did of it," Mooregaard said, overtaking his stride.  "For he did seem rather dangerous."  Then, standing directly in his path, he bent down such that his nose nearly touched Edwyn's forehead and said,