Warden (Blade Asunder Book 3) by Jon Kiln Page A

has gone far enough, Lord Josiah,” Artas finally retaliated. “I am placing you under arrest as a threat to the throne. You will remain imprisoned within the castle walls until the return of Queen Myriam, who can then decide your fate.”
    With that, a very red faced Lord Josiah huffed in indignation, his eyes bulging. He drew his sword from its scabbard, pointing it threateningly at Artas.
    “How dare you threaten me, you fool? My armies will overrun this place in an instant. It will be you, sir, who will languish in the dungeons.” Turning to his men, he rallied them to his aid. “Take your up your arms. We are overrunning the castle. Kill all of those who stand in your way!” he yelled at his men.
    Lord Josiah’s men were unsure exactly what they were being ordered to do. There were not enough of them in number to overrun a castle. They were a simple traveling bodyguard, and the castle would be very well defended by a much larger army. Still, if their Lord ordered such action, they were obliged to comply. As one, they all drew their arms and confronted the castle guards.
    The gathered citizens gasped at the turn of events. Soldiers confronting the castle defenders and all readying to engage in combat. They had only just recovered from the last coup, one that had caused much hardship and loss of life, and they certainly did not want another usurper ruling them.
    Later, when discussing that day in the bars and taverns of the castle, no-one could be certain who made the first move, who had made that rallying cry. But as one they had all taken up arms to protect their castle from the offending soldiers. Armed with pitchforks and scythes, they stood side by side with the castle guards, in solidarity.
    Artas looked upon the people in amazement, though his army far outnumbered Lord Josiah’s he was grateful that Myriam had the support of her citizens. All they needed now was the return of their Queen.
    “I suggest you lay down your arms, Lord Josiah. The people of the Kingdom have spoken. You will not rule here in the Queen’s absence.” Artas spread his arms, emphasizing the actions of the citizens.
    The Duke had not noticed that the townsfolk were threatening his own small force. All he was interested in was getting into the throne room and taking charge of the seat of power. He looked around and for the first time he realized the numbers of the castle’s army. Some had remained hidden behind the huge castle gates, but now they marched forward, surrounding his own men.
    Plus the imbeciles of this town thought they could threaten him with their meager tools. This was an outrage, and absolute insult to his family. For now he would concede, as he had no choice, but he promised to himself that this was not to be the end of his rebellion. He would demand to be treated as was fitting of his bloodline.
    “And what do you intend on doing with me and my men?” he demanded to know.
    “I have a room awaiting your arrival,” Artas informed him. “Your men will be sent marching to your own lands. You sir, will be treated as a guest of the castle until the Queen arrives home.”
    Despite his fury, Lord Josiah could see that this would work to his advantage. Once he was on the inside of the castle, he just needed to await his opportunity and he would murder these upstarts in their beds. They were all that stood in his way to power. Once the Regent was dead and the Queen still absent, the army and people would soon fall into line. He was after all, a member of the royal family, albeit distant.

24
    “I demand to see my friends! That’s the least you can allow me,” Myriam shouted at Ghaffar.
    “Of course, I assure you that they have not been harmed in any way. I also have good news for you.” He was quite pleased with himself at how well this was all going. Four of the D’Anjue bloodline to feed his Empress would keep her alive for years to come. “Your grandmother is recovering, slightly, so we will arrange for her to