Chapter TenMounting Suspicions
One of the Lion Folk guards relinquished Barlo’s ax at their leader’s nod when they reached the bottom of the stairs outside the throne room. Barlo nearly snatched the weapon from his hands, eager to have it back in its usual place on his belt. Once he, Iarion, and Lodariel had reclaimed their weapons, they were escorted back to the palace entrance.
“This is where we leave you,” the leader said. “You are free to walk the city, but you would be wise not to linger. Our laws are simple. Do nothing to disrupt the natural balance, or you will face the judgment of the king. Stay away from Sekhmet’s temple. It is a place for Lion Folk only. The penalty for sullying the goddess’ temple is death.” He looked at each of them in turn, his gaze adding weight to his word
