Chapter 49: Eye of the Storm

"General Konnyr would be over there," Lord Beluar pointed towards a small group of warriors by the distant trees. "We wanted to keep him separate from the others."

Niamh knew what Lord Beluar meant by "others." He was talking about Tormil and the rest of the council. Their fates would be decided shortly.

"Let's deal with this traitor," Lorcan decided.

He glanced at his Queen, who nodded in agreement.

Lord Beluar rode ahead, leading Lorcan and Niamh to the General's position. As they watched, however, Lord Beluar suddenly dismounted and ran forward.

"Oh no," Niamh breathed.

Lorcan groaned low and almost silently. They, too, began running, and when they reached Lord Beluar's side, they were faced with a disheartening sight.

The four warriors guarding the traitorous General were sprawled unconscious at the scene of what obviously was a short, violent struggle.

"He removed his ropes somehow," Beluar kneeled beside one of the warriors, picking up the sawed-through ropes that had once hel