A Necessary Enemy(2)

The ten gold coins flew towards Richard’s location. If they continued along their path, one of the coins would hit him square in the face. Of course, that would never happen. All of the coins hit an invisible barrier, dropping to the ground. They jumped around on the ground, clinking against each other.

None of Richard’s soldiers moved at the sight, not even glancing at the coins. Hundreds of gazes were focused on the knight at the front. The fellow’s horse seemed more perceptive than him, refusing to go forward and even starting to retreat as it showed signs of irritation.

Richard stroked his chin lightly, slightly unused to the feeling. A short, grizzly beard had covered his face during...