David Bishop and the Legend of the Orb T.C. Crawford (easy to read books for adults list .txt) 📖

dispersed throughout the city streets, going back to their normal patrols while the captain stayed behind eager to see this one through to the end.

“Lead the way boys” the captain said, gesturing towards the door.

“Thanks, Captain, we owe you one.” they said, relieved.

David and Orin relaxed and lowered their weapons, putting them away in their appropriate places.

Finally, Rex lowered his weapon too, but he still bore a look of rage and fury on his face. He didn’t like being accused of conspiring against his uncle. He had never really liked the man, but he wasn’t a traitor, either.

They all quickly walked out of the door, heading for the castle on the hill with the crowd from the pub and what appeared to be the entire town following in suit – each readying themselves for a confrontation that would decide their fate, and ultimately, the fate of the whole world.

When they reached the pathway on the hill leading up to the castle, they could tell from the amount of movement up by the gates that the rest of the soldiers had been placed on high alert.

The sky was getting darker as each moment passed leaving only a small portion that was still colorfully lit by the fading sun as it set behind the mountains to the West.

Dozens of soldiers patrolled the tops of the walls over the front gate, pacing back and forth searching for any signs of trouble.

When they saw the massive crowd approaching the front gates, along with Rex, David, and Orin leading the way with some of their own in tow, they immediately blew their horns and signaled for the gates to close, preparing their company of soldiers to stand and face the threat.

Rex, David, Orin, Holzer, Reingard, and the captain slowly made their way up the hill before stopping at the gates. The captain walked ahead and signaled to the guards before shouting to let them in.

“It’s okay, there’s been a misunderstanding. They’ve come to speak with the King and the council members to clear up the confusion.” he called up to the soldiers on the ramparts.

Their captain looked down from the walls at the soldier, carefully inspecting his expression for any sign of a threat. After some time, he decided the soldier wasn’t being coerced, and signaled for the others to open the gates and let them in.

David let out a silent sigh of relief, having known it would have been impossible for them to get through those gates otherwise.

When the soldiers signaled for them to proceed, Rex and the others led the way into the open courtyard and were greeted by Reginald.

“Greetings again, my lord.” he said to Rex with a slight bow of respect.

“Reginald.” replied Rex, with an equal bow of respect, “Would you kindly inform my uncle that I am here to speak with him, along with the entire population of Ravenfell.”

And he wasn’t exaggerating the numbers. Not a single person had remained in their homes when word had spread from the pub to the rest of the town. Even the women and children came out to hear what fate would be decided by their king.

“Of course, my lord.” said Reginald, and he quickly turned and disappeared into the heart of the castle in search of the King and his council.

It wasn’t long before the great doors opened once again and out strolled the King of Ravenfell, followed quickly by a group of burly, elderly men that David assumed was the council members Rex had previously mentioned.

“What is the meaning of this, Nephew?” demanded the King, clearly displeased at the enormous crowd now standing before him and the manner of which they came parading into his courtyard.

“You tell me, Uncle. You’re the one who sent your men to arrest me for conspiracy!” shouted Rex, loud enough for the crowd to hear him.

“What did you expect me to do, Reximus? I was receiving reports that you were in the pub, shouting and screaming and causing a ruckus, that you were inciting a riot! Did you expect me to think you had good intentions, showing up here unannounced after disappearing for years without a trace, demanding I lend you my army for another man’s war!” he replied, his voice booming.

“You know that’s not what I was doing!” shouted Rex, but his uncle quickly cut him off.

“I knew no such thing! You come to MY kingdom, after giving up your right to rule, and demand that I do as you say. HOW DARE YOU!” he screamed, enraged, taking a step towards his nephew.

“I listened to your requests, I weighed the options, and I have decided along with the council members, that it is not in our best interests to go to war with a kingdom that is far greater than our own. And for what? To save a king who had no regard for our lives and those of our father’s when he demanded we fight in his war?” he continued.

“The past is behind us, Uncle! Today, we are faced with a threat far greater than anything we have ever encountered before! A threat that once nearly destroyed the world of man! That would have succeeded, had it not been for the collective efforts of all of Man, Elves, and Dwarves combined with the almighty power of the Mystics!” shouted Rex defiantly.

“I do not need a history lesson, boy!” shouted his uncle, pointing his finger at Rex and poking him in the chest. “You don’t have the right to lecture me on what our people need. You lost that right when you walked out on us three years ago!”

“So, you would damn your people to death, out of spite for a man you no longer call your king, and a grudge you hold against your nephew?” asked Rex. “Is THIS the kind of man you want leading you?” he screamed, turning to the crowd. “This coward, who is too blinded by the past to see clearly what is happening right in front of him?”

The crowd began