Roy was in a hurry, prodding his steeds to pull the cart faster. He had just finished selling the Rine-beats at the Bryerstone market and was on his way to meet his family at their cottage. It was a very special day. It was his son's tenth birthday. As he turned the bend near McAlister's Wash, he had to come to a sudden stop. A large black carriage was blocking the road. From it, a large man in a full cloak, with a sword drawn approached him.
"Roy O'Hara?"
Roy steadied the beasts with the reins in one hand and reached into his coat pocket for his stone with the other.
"I am," Roy replied.
"Her Majesty would like a word with you," the man said, then stepped to one side to give Roy a straight path to walk.
Roy was curious. So with his hand still on his stone, but concealed, he st
