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Bunnies lurk in pairs of three.
That being said, I'm getting a quicker head start on Ch13 of Beast. About 2000 words in, and the feel of this chapter is already much different. It's not as dark and shifty, but it does get very political. Caspian and Susan have had their first fight, but since they made up last chapter, expect happier scenes ( Read more... )
“How many soldiers are in the castle and under which lords?” the Telmarine King wanted to know.
“As far as we can tell, the number is approximately one hundred and seventy men, the greatest number belonging to Lord Baerd.” Tenneth smirked a touch. “He looked especially nervous this morning when I saw him. He knows that I have become aware of his actions, although I did not say as much.”
“And the others?” Peter asked. “Who are their liege lords?”
“I do not know, but I would assume that it would be one or even all of the other council lords. There is a constant struggle for power, and having arms this close to the throne makes Beard very dangerous to everyone.”
“We have to get all of these men out of the here,” Caspian decided worriedly, standing up and pacing around. “If even one person draws steel, there could be a full out battle in the castle halls. This is not good.”
“Just order them out,” Peter suggested, but Caspian and Tenneth were both shaking their heads.
“It is not that easy, Peter,” Caspian explained, his dark eyes narrowing. “It is by right of royal decree that Baerd has them here. I cannot revoke my approval without reason, and to order the withdrawal of the personal guards could be taken as a threat to the lords’ personages. I might be able to ask Beard to lessen his total number of men, but no less than any other. To admit that I do not want them here because I fear conflict would only stoke a fire I wish to put out.”
Peter was aghast. “You’re telling me that this entire castle is full of Telmarine soldiers just sitting around and waiting to fight, and there’s not a thing we can do about it?”
Caspian just gave him a slightly sick look.
“I think I need a drink,” Peter decided, closing his eyes.
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