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Crash Landings: Red Knight Chronicles, Vol.4
Product Description
by Ray Morand
Captain Isobel of the Scaled Fist and a former Judicator for the Kingdom of Niadhardal was not actually sure who she was anymore. Why did he own people attack her? Is she a traitor involved with the Black Guard’s plot to destroy those she vowed to protect? Is Sir Victor alive and plotting the overthrow of the Kingdom of Niadhardal? And what of Gunther, does he plan revenge for her betrayal? The only one she can rely on now seems to be her dragon, Stormchaser, but because of their link and her reputation as the Red Knight, she now has Dwarven dragon hunters, spectres, and a Ludnikan necromancer all hunting her down to learn the secret of dragon domestication.
ISBN 978-1594318832 Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery
PRELUDE
Captain Isobel of the Scaled Fist and a former Judicator for the Kingdom of Niadhardal was not actually sure who she was anymore, except for the names and titles others had used to identify her. Too many conflicting memories and images were trapped in her mind. Isobel was going do something about it now before she really did completely lose her mind. One image seemed to be unmistakable in her thoughts and maybe this man, appearing so powerfully in her recent memories, could tell her what had been done to her. Maybe he could be persuaded to remove this curse.
She wrapped a black cloak around her shoulders and pulled the hood down to better conceal her face, in an attempt not to be noticed by the Royal Guard as they rode past. They were astride their specialized mounts, white Niadhardal warhorses that were slightly smaller than the Northmen warhorses. Isobel found the speed and agility of the hunter breed though more useful than a lumbering warhorse. Isobel had stabled her recently purchased motley colored hunter near the Hruod Ardal Lesser Gate in case she needed that speed for a quick getaway.
The guardsmen luckily did not spare her a second look, merely seeing another peasant afoot. They seemed to be in a rush as they continued on their way toward the Royal Castle. It was a massive stone fortress that housed the Royals, easily larger than most small villages, and built over the cliffs on the ocean side of the city of Hruod Ardal.
Isobel casually walked down the street to review the defenses of a residence she had been watching the last few days. The Guard for the small estate had allowed several gaps in the defenses she could exploit, but she was not sure yet if it they were intentional flaws to set a trap or actually places she could use to infiltrate the manor. Isobel knew she would have to plan this mission carefully, to be at the right place and the right moment to intercept her target, or all would be lost. She would not be allowed a second chance, and she would not let them take her alive ever again.
Isobel watched as a simple, enclosed carriage arrived. Several Royal Guardsmen, disguised in the livery of a common duke, were on horseback surrounding the carriage. She had long ago noticed another team of guardsmen, though wearing the clothing of commoners stayed at a discreet distance, ready to catch anyone before they got too close to the carriage. Isobel easily avoided their attention, as they made their way through the cobbled, busy streets. The carriage and the escort changed directions a few times and double backed to make sure no one was following. Isobel had always been known for being exceptionally proficient at not being noticed when she hunted. Judicators were well known for their ability to sneak up on criminals of the King’s law, and her recent experience with the Scaled Fist taught her even more spy and scout skills.
The carriage arrived uneventfully at the walled estate deep within the nobles’ residential district. A well dressed man stepped out of the carriage, and spoke to an armored guardsman, who was obviously the leader of the Guard detail. The noble used his own key to open a black ironed gate, and went along a cobblestone path that led to the main house. It was only a short walk through the well manicured gardens and trees scattered strategically about the fenced in area, protecting a hidden archer and his lookout.
Isobel smiled to herself. This noble was right on time.
He always seemed to visit his mistress the same time, the same day, a creature of habit. A very dangerous thing to do, for such an important man. She just had to wait for his next visit to execute her plan.
Captain Isobel of the Scaled Fist and a former Judicator for the Kingdom of Niadhardal was not actually sure who she was anymore. Why did he own people attack her? Is she a traitor involved with the Black Guard’s plot to destroy those she vowed to protect? Is Sir Victor alive and plotting the overthrow of the Kingdom of Niadhardal? And what of Gunther, does he plan revenge for her betrayal? The only one she can rely on now seems to be her dragon, Stormchaser, but because of their link and her reputation as the Red Knight, she now has Dwarven dragon hunters, spectres, and a Ludnikan necromancer all hunting her down to learn the secret of dragon domestication.
ISBN 978-1594318832 Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery
PRELUDE
Captain Isobel of the Scaled Fist and a former Judicator for the Kingdom of Niadhardal was not actually sure who she was anymore, except for the names and titles others had used to identify her. Too many conflicting memories and images were trapped in her mind. Isobel was going do something about it now before she really did completely lose her mind. One image seemed to be unmistakable in her thoughts and maybe this man, appearing so powerfully in her recent memories, could tell her what had been done to her. Maybe he could be persuaded to remove this curse.
She wrapped a black cloak around her shoulders and pulled the hood down to better conceal her face, in an attempt not to be noticed by the Royal Guard as they rode past. They were astride their specialized mounts, white Niadhardal warhorses that were slightly smaller than the Northmen warhorses. Isobel found the speed and agility of the hunter breed though more useful than a lumbering warhorse. Isobel had stabled her recently purchased motley colored hunter near the Hruod Ardal Lesser Gate in case she needed that speed for a quick getaway.
The guardsmen luckily did not spare her a second look, merely seeing another peasant afoot. They seemed to be in a rush as they continued on their way toward the Royal Castle. It was a massive stone fortress that housed the Royals, easily larger than most small villages, and built over the cliffs on the ocean side of the city of Hruod Ardal.
Isobel casually walked down the street to review the defenses of a residence she had been watching the last few days. The Guard for the small estate had allowed several gaps in the defenses she could exploit, but she was not sure yet if it they were intentional flaws to set a trap or actually places she could use to infiltrate the manor. Isobel knew she would have to plan this mission carefully, to be at the right place and the right moment to intercept her target, or all would be lost. She would not be allowed a second chance, and she would not let them take her alive ever again.
Isobel watched as a simple, enclosed carriage arrived. Several Royal Guardsmen, disguised in the livery of a common duke, were on horseback surrounding the carriage. She had long ago noticed another team of guardsmen, though wearing the clothing of commoners stayed at a discreet distance, ready to catch anyone before they got too close to the carriage. Isobel easily avoided their attention, as they made their way through the cobbled, busy streets. The carriage and the escort changed directions a few times and double backed to make sure no one was following. Isobel had always been known for being exceptionally proficient at not being noticed when she hunted. Judicators were well known for their ability to sneak up on criminals of the King’s law, and her recent experience with the Scaled Fist taught her even more spy and scout skills.
The carriage arrived uneventfully at the walled estate deep within the nobles’ residential district. A well dressed man stepped out of the carriage, and spoke to an armored guardsman, who was obviously the leader of the Guard detail. The noble used his own key to open a black ironed gate, and went along a cobblestone path that led to the main house. It was only a short walk through the well manicured gardens and trees scattered strategically about the fenced in area, protecting a hidden archer and his lookout.
Isobel smiled to herself. This noble was right on time.
He always seemed to visit his mistress the same time, the same day, a creature of habit. A very dangerous thing to do, for such an important man. She just had to wait for his next visit to execute her plan.
