The Last Word

Part 1: Beginnings (2)/Chapter 2: In the Service of the Queen

Storm in the Forest of Fontainbleau by Narcisse Virgile Diaz de la Peña (1807–1876): held by the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, and understood to be in the public domain

As explained previously, i am putting up the first part of a full-length story, the tale of Zea and Jaditz: also a lot more about the origins of Cassonne. This is the second instalment: if you want to start from the beginning, click here.

This will eventually be the first Cassonne novel, The Last Word. I just need chiding to get me past my current block (a few chapters further on). So-o…if you like this, let me know.

Clap. Spread the word…and the rest of Part 1 will publish over the next few days.

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Chapter 2: In the Service of the Queen

“Guards! Bring in the prisoner.”

Ferrand, Captain of the Queen’s Bodyguard, and General Supreme, stood aside as two of his elite ushered in their captive. From his wrist and ankles dangled chains: and these they secured to a thick metal ring, driven into the stone floor directly before the Queen’s throne: the Great Throne of Cassonne.

Adalbero was the man’s name: a sometime princeling of Gleichen. Until lately Gleichen was independent kingdom, and situated, it mistakenly believed, beyond both the influence and interest of…