The Fallen (Book 1) Read Online Free

couldn’t help but notice you had arrived,’ said the Prince. He walked to the edge of the balcony which had a fine view of the devastated marketplace. ‘We have notified the fire guards, the health attendants and the public patrol, all of whom couldn’t restore order to the chaos without the help of our soldiers.’
    ‘ You sent Borgulnay?’ asked Araas. ‘I guess they were just too scared to continue squabbling.’
    ‘ Actually,’ Kelian replied, ‘the hysteria continued until Borg picked up one of the angriest of the merchants and tossed him onto a roof. Borg seemed to feel he was causing more problems than he was solving with his anger, and that the fires might burn out of control if the man was allowed to continue his tirade. He was unhurt, but the good citizens decided it was pointless to join him and calmed down a little.’
    The Prince looked at Jaralina carefully, walked to the door and called, ‘Wait here please,’ over his shoulder as he hurried back down the stairs. A few minutes later he returned to the room followed closely by two castle servants bearing trays of baked delicacies and fruit. ‘You’d better eat before you see Father. I don’t imagine our discussion will be short. Jaralina, I have asked my sister Eijelin to find you suitable clothing.’
    ‘ Thank you, Highness.’ Jaralina was relieved at not being presented to the King wearing only a baker’s coat, however tightly fastened. A few minutes later little Eijelin trotted into the room holding several garments in her arms.
    ‘ This way please, Lady Jaralina,’ the little girl said properly, escorting Jaralina into an adjoining chamber. ‘Let me know if they don’t fit.’
    Jaralina thanked Eijelin and changed into the undergarments and the more practical of the two dresses. The Princess had included a pair of soft slippers and a comb in the bundle and Jaralina was impressed by her thoughtfulness. Timbul, Araas and Jaralina sat beside the table and tucked hungrily into the food.
    ‘ Where’s your fiancée?’ asked Timbul, dropping a piece of watermelon skin into the scraps bowl.
    ‘ Elena went with Immosey and Louisa to visit their parents in Cullen Ringo,’ Kelian replied. ‘Cassic has a company of his finest foot soldiers accompanying them on the journey, for which I’m ever grateful. They’ve been on a training exercise in that area. Coincidently,’ he added innocently.
    Araas laughed. ‘No-one believes it was a coincidence, Kelian.’
    Kelian smiled. ‘They’re taking the traveler’s road to Ringo’s Crossing, then by barge down the River Ringo with a timber merchant. All going well, they’ll arrive back here in a few days.’ He jumped backwards as both Timbul and Araas leapt to their feet with shocked expressions on their faces. Jaralina was rising slowly to her feet also, staring at the Prince in alarm. Understanding dawned on Kelian’s face.
    ‘ Jaralina! Tell me!’ Kelian’s voice rose with panic.
    ‘ Three Ways! That’s where the fallen are camped! Oh Kelian, I had no idea Elena was...’
    Kelian flew from the room, with Timbul, Araas and Jaralina not far behind. He burst into the King’s private conference room, leaving the three visitors standing uncertainly at the doorway. The King spun around and was beside his son in an instant, at the same time beckoning for Timbul, Araas and Jaralina to enter, and those with whom he had been speaking to leave, though his eyes didn’t leave his son.
    ‘ Father, Elena is-’ He broke off and turned to Jaralina. ‘Explain!’ he shouted.
    Tears of shock and distress came into Jaralina ’s eyes as she gathered her thoughts wishing to make a clear and comprehensive report.
    ‘ Patience, Kelian!’ Timbul’s voice cut like a knife and his blue eyes blazed.
    King Dannicus held up his hand to forestall Timbul ’s defensive anger. He turned and placed a hand on Kelian’s shoulder. ‘My son, you gain nothing by venting your anxiety upon your friends, and