Read The Rogue Knight for Free Online

there.”
    â€œNobody knows all aspects of Ellowine enchanting,” Mira said. “It’s almost as murky as the shaping in Necronum.”
    Cole stared ahead at the city. “What’s the wall made of? It looks a little translucent. Is it jade?” His grandpa had a carved jade sphere from China of similar color and texture.
    â€œWho knows?” Mira said. “It was shaped long ago. You can bet it’s tougher than jade. The old-timers who used shaping for construction knew their craft.”
    â€œIf it was made by shapers, the wall must be different on the east side of the city,” Cole reasoned.
    â€œWe’ll see soon enough,” Mira said.
    The nearer they drew to the wall, the more details Cole could distinguish. The smoky green surface was ornately carved, especially near the top, with figures in relief and twisting vines bearing fruit. Because of the size and artistry, Cole suspected that on Earth, the wall would be one of the wonders of the world.
    The road led to a massive gate, wide enough for a pair of wagons to pass each other going through. A raised portcullis hung above the opening like a row of giant spears. Pairs of armed guards stood at either side of the gate, vigilantly watching all who came and went. At least the guardsmen weren’t dressed as legionnaires.
    â€œWe should split up on the way in,” Twitch suggested. “In case they have descriptions of our group.”
    â€œNot a bad idea,” Jace said. “I’ll stick with Mira. You two go first. Just head straight, then wait for us down the road. Remember, you come here all the time. You’re bored of this place. You belong here.”
    Cole and Twitch picked up their pace while the others hung back. A busy stream of people were entering and exiting. The guards were paying attention, but nobody was getting stopped or questioned. Cole pressed forward, watching the guy in front of him, keeping his eyes off the guards. He tried to look and feel bored, but his heart was racing.
    The gateway’s tunnel was about fifteen paces long. As Cole entered, he noticed one of the guards watching him. Beneath the shadow of the wall, the sweat on his back felt slimy. He became painfully aware of the sword belted to his side. How suspicious did it look? Did kids carry swords here? He grew hyperconscious of the ringers he had tied around each leg—a serious amount of money. What if he was caught hiding so much cash?
    Forcing a yawn, Cole stretched as he walked. Trying to dwell on dull thoughts, he kept putting one foot in front of the other. He felt relief as he passed through to the other side of the wall, and saw the city spread out before him. The smallest buildings in view were three or four stories high, with some structures rising much higher. Merchants peddled their wares from stalls along the street. Others set their merchandise on blankets. Products included fruit, meat, clothing, jewelry, live birds, and painted statuettes. The herds of people forced the wagons to make their way slowly, though the throng tended to part when horses got near. A couple of autocarts fought the crowd as well, pulled by walking bricks.
    Cole and Twitch moved down the street a few blocks, then paused at a corner. The cross street was busy but not as crowded as the avenue that came through the wall. After a couple of minutes, a hand clapped down on Cole’s shoulder from behind.
    â€œWe want you for questioning,” a gruff voice said.
    Cole went tense for a moment, then shrugged away from Jace. “You’re hilarious.”
    â€œI told you we’d sail through if we just acted natural,” Jace said.
    â€œWhere to now?” Twitch asked.
    â€œI vote for food,” Jace said. “We should spend most of our time on the Sambria side until Joe shows up. We can check his fountain every day, but I’d rather lay my head where I know my gear will work.”
    Down the cross street some distance,