Read Online Reborn: Demon's Heritage by D. W. Jackson - Free Book Online Page B

about as much as I can stand of the stench of honor-less dogs.”
    The two dukes faces paled, but they made no sign of moving for their weapons. They quickly turned and left, leaving behind only the bald soldier. “Regis, is there something else that you need?” Jorin said in a dismissive tone.
    “Count Harding, we have long known each other. I know that you are a man of honor and I just ask that you make the choice that is best for the kingdom and for the men under your command.”
    “I used to think that you were a man of honor as well, but it seems that I was wrong,” Jorin nearly yelled. “This is Hawkwing land and as long as my men and I live, we will not stand to see if defiled by the likes of people who have already sold their soul and honor for a few bits of gold.”
    “It saddens me that you see me as such,” Regis said with obvious pain in his voice.
    “It saddens me to see that you sold your honor. Your father would be turning in his grave if he saw you. Now leave, I have had enough of the stench of your disgrace.”
    Though the man looked to be a seasoned warrior he hung his head in shame as he left the building. Once he was gone, Jorin sat down in his chair, his face looking to have aged more than ten years in a moment’s time. Jorin picked up the bottle of brandy and drank straight from the bottle.
    “Someone you know?” Ash asked.
    “Aye. I served with his father when I was a young man. I was there when the boy was born he always had a good head on his shoulders, so when he came of age both me and his father supported him in becoming a knight under the king’s banner. If I had known it would have come to this, I would have demanded that he serve the duchy just as his father did.”
    For the rest of the evening, Ash and the others sat in silence drinking. Allice nursed her drink without asking for another. By the time they went back to their own tent, the sky was already dark and only the light from a few campfires lit the area.
    For hours Ash lay awake with Allice nestled up against him. Her soft breathing helped ease his tense nerves, but he still couldn’t sleep. After laying still for more than an hour, Ash quietly left the bed and walked outside to feel the cool night air against his skin. He didn’t know why, but soon Ash found himself on the west wall looking out at the enemy camp.
    “They will attack tomorrow,” A light voice said from Ash’s side. Turning around, Ash noticed that Marilyn had moved up next to him.
    “I was surprised to see you here,” Ash said, turning his attention back to the numerous tents of the enemy that had sprouted in the distance. “I thought that you were back at the capital training the new recruits.”
    “I was,” she admitted. “But I asked to be reassigned. I didn’t want to be sitting in safety while everyone else was fighting. It just didn’t seem right.”
    “I can understand that,” Ash said remembering his own feeling when Emelia had asked him to stay behind.
    Without warning, his luck shield activated and Ash was covered in a light blue light. His eyes widened he turned to find Marilyn holding a dagger in her right hand, her eyes looking at him as if he were some sort of monster. “Why?”
    “You have corrupted the duchess and brought this war to us,” Marilyn spat. “The second I learned that you had demon blood, I knew that something was wrong. I went to the duchess, but she had already been taken in by your lies and deceit. I was left with no other choice. I sent word to the king of the truth and my fears.”
    “You gave your word to keep your silence,” Ash said, his anger rising.
    “Who would keep their word given to a demon spawn,” she said as she lunged at Ash.
    Ash wasn’t taken by surprised and quickly grasped her hand with his own twisting her arm behind her. His left hand went to where his sword should be but he was left with only air as he remembered he left his sword lying beside his bed. Marilyn struggled but soon a