Read Online The Black Tower by Steven Montano - Free Book Online Page A

their destination.”
    “And that?” Syke asked, pointing at a single black marker far to the south, buried deep in the Black Hills.
    Gess snickered.  “The Count’s citadel,” the Veilwarden answered.  “He’s taken Ironclaw Keep.”
    Syke looked at Blackhall questioningly, and the Colonel nodded.
    “Yes,” he said.  “The same Ironclaw Keep once used as a training facility by the Dawn Knights.” 
    The renegade Dawn Knights had always thought themselves superior to the rest of the White Dragon army, and Mezias Crinn, their commander and one of the most highly decorated Generals in the Empire, had the facility specially constructed to suit his brutal militaristic mindset.  It was of little wonder the Dawn Knights had all gone insane and slaughtered hundreds of captured Bloodspeakers in the mountains. 
    Syke watched the map carefully, tapping his fingers and speaking softly to himself.  His eyes sparkled with intelligence, which seemed to be in direct counter to his rough and barbaric appearance. 
    “Can I offer a suggestion?” he asked.
    “Of course,” Blackhall said.
    “If we can, we should intercept the Count’s forces there in the Bonelands rather than try to beat them to the city.  It sounds like we may have a numeric advantage, and if we can meet them in open battle I’m sure our men’s training will help us overcome a bunch of hired mercenaries and street thugs.  We can keep them from even reaching Corinth.”
    Blackhall rubbed his chin and nodded.  It wasn’t exactly a sound strategy – if there was any chance they could secure the city it would be much safer to fight their enemy from behind its protective walls.  That being said, with surprise on their side there was a good chance they could position their forces and take the Count’s mercenaries in a pincer maneuver and outflank them. 
    “That sounds like a good idea,” Gess said, as if reading Blackhall’s thoughts.  “Here’s a better one: what about taking Ironclaw Keep?”  The look Blackhall gave him obviously signaled his thoughts about that idea, and Gess raised his one good hand.  “Just a thought.  If we eliminate the threat at the source...”
    “Ironclaw Keep no longer stands in Jlantrian territory,” Blackhall pointed out.  “The entire Black Hills region was annexed back to Den’nar as part of the Treaty of Black Fork.  We received trade control of the River Grey, they got the Black Hills…a learned man such as yourself would surely know this,” he said acidly to Gess.  Gess put his hand up in mock surrender.  “To take Ironclaw Keep would mean walking into the Empire of Den’nar, and I don’t think that’s a good idea, given our less than joyous relations.”  He looked at each of them in turn.  “We’d need Karthas’ authority, and he’d need the blessing of Empress Azaean.”
    They both watched him like he’d told them to stand in the ocean. 
    “Sir,” Syke said brusquely, “I’m sure General Karthas would approve, especially considering what a mess the Den’nari are in right now.  Emperor Krag couldn’t find his ass with both hands...it’s unlikely they’d even know we were there.”
    “I understand that, Major,” Blackhall said, “but making that assumption could be dangerous, and I don’t want to give Den’nar any excuse, however slim, to start trouble with Jlantria.”
    “I think it’s a mistake not to jump at this opportunity,” Gess said.  “We can easily realign the cutgates ...”
    “No,” Blackhall said.  “This is a military operation, Toran, and unless I receive a contrary order we’re doing it my way.  We can’t afford to make any mistakes.”  He looked at Syke.  “Prepare your men.  We need to leave as soon as possible.”
    Blackhall left the tent without another word and started back towards the city.  The sky grew dark with storm clouds, and the dull rumble of thunder shook the ground.  He sensed Gess on his heels, moving double-time to