34 - Eat, Pray, Lop Off the Head of a Henchman or Two

Clunkwoodling Village, Eighteen Days after Festival

Two more heads rolled and landed by Corwin's feet. This time, it was the two trackers who had followed Lovantus's trail into the woods to an encampment of clunkwoodlings. Not only had the barbarian moved through the forest at surprising speed, the brute had defeated the clunkwoodlings leader and installed a strange government in his wake, which led Sir Grey to conclude that Lovantus was not as feebleminded as first reported but was instead playing a long game.

Sir Grey was so infuriated by the news that after ordering the slaughter of the clunkwoodlings and the burning of their village, he killed three more of the riders, leaving eleven of the original thirty men left. Not a single casualty was caused by anyone they had faced in battle. While the clunkwoodlings were worthy opponents, the rangers of Traldalor were the most elite fighting force around. Therefore, they had little issue defeating the ogres in combat.

Corwin couldn't fathom why any of the riders stayed around, knowing that their master would end their lives if he got in one of his moods. Nevertheless, Corwin was determined not to let his recent promotion be his ticket to an early grave. The only way he figured that he'd get out of this alive was by freeing Lady Ameria when the time was right.

From all the rumors he'd heard from palace guards, she was generally considered the cooler head when those at the top would bicker. The account seemed accurate because even when Sir Grey turned his anger toward the captives and threatened to cut off her head unless she revealed Lovantus's master plan, she refused to speak of any plot and said, "Dude, bro, I literally don't know what those nerds are doing! Those geeks are probably planning to buy an escort, so they don't have to go to prom alone."

Percy struggled against his bindings and said, "Be nice! Those nerds are helping us."

"You're not the one going to get your head chopped off because you don't play enough DnD !"

"Enough!" Sir Grey yelled. "Clearly, these buffoons do not know the nefarious plot, but the evidence is clear. Lovantus means to replace our kingdom with a republic."

Corwin thought for a moment, then said, "What exactly is that?"

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

"It is a democracy, a truly vile enemy of the people. In democratic governments, people vote for their leaders."

"If you don't mind me saying, how is that all bad, sir?"

Sir Grey chuckled, "Oh Corwin, you are too much. Imagine living in a world where any idiot can be a leader."

"It doesn't seem that far off from what we've got,” Corwin said and instantly regretted it.

"What?!" Sir Grey spluttered and drew his blade.

"That is to say, Lovantus, letting him be king because of the gauntlet."

Sir Grey lowered his weapon. "You know what? You're right. Democracy is kind of like that. Just let any old fool rule the place because he has the right arm gear."

While Sir Grey continued to rant about the folly of a republic, Corwin counted his lucky stars that his head wasn't yet rolling this day. Then, after rechecking his neck to make sure his head was secure, he noticed that the paladin Percy was staring at him as if the man were formulating a plan.

Before Sir Grey noticed that Corwin had stopped paying attention, the rangers who were recently promoted to scout arrived with urgency.

One of them knelt. "We have spied Lovantus, sir!"

"Let us make haste," Sir Grey said. "We will ride until we have Lovantus on the other end of our lance."

"Sir, they are headed toward the kingdom of Helfra."

Sir Grey roared with disapproval and disposed of the two scouts.

“At the speed he is going, he will make it before us,” Sir Grey brooded, which was true. Ever since entering the woods, they had to move slow to avoid the dangers. Something must have been helping him.

“I know of a shortcut,” Lady Mordock said.

"Come," Sir Grey said and grinned, while wiping his blade. "We will go to Helfra. Perhaps a trade could be arranged. But watch yourself, Corwin. The king of the mystic province is no friend to Traldalor."

Maybe inside the walls of Helfra would be the time for Corwin to make his move. He only needed to survive a bit longer.

‎