“I’ll enter the palace with my sword, or-” Hadjar began quietly.
He didn’t finish his threat. Maybe it was fate, maybe a fluke, or maybe part of someone’s grand plan, but a moment later, the gates opened and a man with a valet’s medallion ran out.
“Milady Rowena, there’s no need for any more formalities. All of us are waiting for our honored guest,” the valet’s voice was soft. “Please, General Hadjar. Come in, please. You can keep your sword with you. The King and the Governor are strong enough not to feel threatened by our guests.”
Hadjar turned around and climbed back toward the gates.
Long ago, back at the village, he had agreed to the request of the villagers because he had entered a house where the laws of hospitality had been respected. Only an animal wouldn’t comply with those l
