Chapter 13“If there’s ever a war, the city is well protected,” Niall commented mid-morning of the following day, looking at the high stone wall pierced by a wooden-gated archway. On either side of it were small enclosures, each holding a man in uniform and wearing a metal breastplate. Gatekeepers he supposed. “Do you think they’ll let us inside?” he asked Renard.
“I see no reason why not,” Renard replied. “On the other hand, it’s a good thing I had the foresight to have you hide your swords in the cart.”
“All except yours,” Merek pointed out.
“I’m a mercenary hired to protect you. Of course I’m carrying mine.”
By then they were close to the gate. One of the guards stepped forward, calling out, “Halt in the name of his Royal Majesty King Clarembaut the Third of Virlandia.”
“That’s a mo
