Chapter 348 A Lords Mercy (2/2)

Arran nodded in understanding, though he could not help but be taken aback by the fearful looks on the outsiders' faces He suspected thatearned their citizenshi+p, and yet, they walked the streets of their own city with the timid looks ofthe captain why the outsiders did not rise up against the Darians, but quickly thought better of it Not only would speaking those words be dangerous, he also knew the answer already — against the armed and trained Darians, the outsiders would have no chance of victory

They continued on for a good half hour, the Rangers not slowing their pace even the slightest bit as they navigated the city's busy streets

And there was no need for theers, the crowds parted easily, with even the ar aside without hesitation

Finally, they reached a large keep at the center of the city — athat stood in the midst of the city like an immovable monolith Easily over a hundred feet tall, its features were brusque and brutish, and it reseiant rock

Yet despite its size and thick walls, Arran could see that its defense was lacking While the area around it was clear of buildings, it held too many doorways and s to stop all but the smallest attacks

But then, there was no need for the keep to withstand attackers Not with the city's defenses strong enough to break even the , they found a uards and soldiers

The two Rangers were clearly faroup through the hallith practiced ease, occasionally nodding at Rangers and soldiers they passed

After several minutes, they came to a halt in a particularly wide hallway, at the end of which stood a set of large wooden doors And next to the doors was a stone desk, behind which sat a cold-faced woave her a respectful nod ”We have two outsiders who seek the Lord's justice”

The wo back to the Ranger ”They have soer nod, she continued, ”You can go inside”

The Ranger turned around and shot the captain a cruel slance at the overseer, he said, ”Couided through the doors, but instead, only the lead Ranger and the overseer went ahead, opening the wooden doors just far enough for the them behind

The captain and Arran reer and the dozen soldiers keeping a close eye on the,” the captain said, his tone al bored

Indeed, barely threethe lead Ranger ”Take them inside,” he said, a dark sh the doors, Arran saw that they had entered a large, eh stone walls The chale wooden chair, clad in red velvet — large enough that it could almost be called a throne

Arran had expected to see Lord Kadun, but he was surprised to see soray hair and a wrinkled face, dressed in a black silk robe

”Master Steward,” the second Ranger said as they approached, giving the old ed the Ranger with a small nod, then turned his attention to the captain

”I have heard of your petition,” he said, his deep voice carrying a slight crackle ”And I have heard of your transgressions”

He paused briefly, his s between the captain and Arran Then, he continued, ”For their indolence and insolence, the outsiders in your group are sentenced to a lifetime of labor in the ht have The both of you, as their leaders, are sentenced to death”

At once, Arran's eyes ith shock He'd expected that they would at least get to plead their case — that the captain would get the chance to ule word, they'd been sentenced to death

”We don't get to defend ourselves?!” he blurted out, already knowing that the words would do little good even as he said theave him a flat stare ”What value has the word of outsiders?” Slowly, he turned his head, facing the overseer, who stood at the side of the chamber ”Another has spoken for you He will be suitably punished for his lies”

Arran briefly struggled for words, but gave up a moment later He nohat Lord Kadun's mercy entailed, and finally, he understood that there was no justice involved

The steward gave theer ”Take theer nodded in response, a small but pleased smile on his face Clearly, this was exactly the outcouided thelanced at the captain, and was surprised to see that there was not even a hint of worry or surprise in the man's expression

Arran creased his brow in a deep frohen he realized that this was exactly what the captain had expected to happen And if the captain had expected this, then he would have a plan — even if Arran still had no idea what it ht, Arran let out a sh Before he tried to massacre his way out of the city, he'd first see what the captain was planning