Chapter 3 - The Thief’s Tale

By the skin of their teeth, fugitives, Kessa and Aquestria, finally reach Aquina, but some unexpected news sets them back. Or does it?

 

Chapter 3 of Meena Mason's audio edition of The Thief's Tale.

 

Chapter 3 Excerpt:

Dismayed to see wanted posters of themselves plastered all over the city, Aquestria tugged her hooded sister away from the food stands. “Come on; we must get to Lord Aguilon as soon as possible.” She tugged on the edge of her own hood. “Even with these, we still risk being recognized.”

Plowing their way through the throngs of people, they steered toward the castle sitting visibly upon a hilltop. Massive, stone battlements, tall towers, spiral staircases, spacious rooms, and spectacular views were just a few of this building’s virtues. Secret tunnels, a dungeon labyrinth, a remarkable hedge garden maze (the Aguilons’ loved puzzles), and a deep, encompassing moat were features that really made the place unique.

From a distance, one would assume the family that called the castle home had been particularly fortunate and immune to calamity. But upon closer scrutiny, it was evident this wasn’t the case. The drawbridge sagged precariously to one side, and chips of mortar littered the weeds at the base of the wall. The portcullis was inoperable and was hinged at an awkward angle, barely high enough to admit a rider on horseback. No one was in sight, and the inner gate was shut tight. Misfortune had befallen the once immaculately kept castle - or more accurately, Casyius had befallen the place.