Book 4: Chapter 17: Antechamber Antics
“Halt! No weapons in the presence of the King,” one of them shouted in that no-nonsense, ‘I don’t really want to be dealing with you’ tone unique to vice-principals and policemen.
Joseph gestured at some seating just down the hall. “I’ll need to ask you to stay behind, Lady Laurelstone. And one of your companions too, Lord Roughtuff. Please leave your weapons as well.”
I nodded. “Aye. Starshine, do ya mind waitin’?”
“Ach, aye.” The heavily plated dwarf took Balin’s axe and my warhammer, then walked over with Lady Laurelstone to hold up the wall.
The guard scanned us with his eyes, and probably a couple more Abilities. Then he gestured, and the doors swung open on their own. “You may enter. Please wait to be called by the Sergeant at Arms.”
And then we were through the doors, and inside a plushly appointed room. It wasn’t too big, only about five meters by five meters. Another pair of gilded double doors sat on the opposite end.
“This is the antechamber.” Joseph said, taking a seat on a green gold-trimmed couch. “They’ll give us a short warning before we’re due to enter. The guards will have notified them that we’re here.”
I sat on the couch across from Joseph and stretched out my feet while Balin stood behind me.
Joseph looked up at him. “You two are brothers? By blood or bond?”