Chapter 17: Fallout and MotiveMarcelo, the next day
The blow knocked all the air out of Marcelo’s lungs and propelled him backward into Efren, causing them both to stumble. Sharp pain radiated from the center of his chest.
Marcelo sensed Efren turning, putting strong arms around him, swinging him in a half-circle, putting himself between Marcelo and further danger from the riders.
But it wasn’t necessary.
Reaction from the training field was swift and sure. As if watching in slow motion as he spun in Efren’s arms, Marcelo sagged into that safe embrace as Prince Artemis dropped from his perch atop his horse with no less than three arrows in his chest and one through his neck.
The riders who’d been with him turned, and their horses kicked up dust as they galloped away. Whatever their pu
