Read Online The Halfblood King: Book 1 of the Chronicles of Aertu by Julian Benoit - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Julian Benoit
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“Father” hit the man like a battering ram. He immediately genuflected, saying, “Son of the Nameless God, please forgive me my insolence.” At their leader’s words and actions, the other soldiers dropped their weapons in the sand and dropped to one knee as well, averting their eyes to the ground.
To the group he said, Rise, my friends. I took no insult from you performing your duties. I am still unknown in these lands. I am Zormat, King of Arkus. To Shaggat he said, “Ride back to your people, my friend and spread the word that our day approaches. Prepare for war!”
The hobgoblin wheeled his mount, tugging the reigns of the second yag to follow, saying, “Yes Lord, I will spread the news to all of my people!” before riding off at a brisk trot.
To the leader of the men he said, I must journey to your capital and speak to your king and his priests. What is your name and what rank do you hold among your people?
“My Lord,” the man replied, now standing again, “I am Matlal, Captain of the army garrison at Ixtauhac, just north of here. We have been monitoring your vessel for over a week and we have sent riders south to alert the nearest naval ships in port. There will be warships making their way up the coast by now.”
I imagined as much would be afoot and that could add unnecessary complication. Will they be likely to attack or hail first?
“Most likely, they will attack and then search the ship when all the crew are killed or captured, my Lord.”
That would not happen, but I would prefer not to destroy the ships of my allies. Is there one among you that you can spare to accompany us? And a banner, perhaps, that we might display friendly intent?
Matlal replied, “I will be the one to accompany you, my Lord, if you will have me. We can fly my unit banner off the bow. It will confuse them at first, but they will recognize it as Kolixtlani. That will keep them from attacking before they ask to board.”
Will you not be missed at your post, Captain?
“I will send word to my Lieutenant to assume command, Lord. He is a capable young man who will do fine running the garrison for a couple weeks,” the Captain answered. To one of the lancers he said, “Soldier, get me the banner and move smartly.” As the soldier moved out, the Arkan, rowing the small boat from the ship, was almost within reach of the shore.
***
As Aleron readied the horses that morning, Hadaras recalled the words Cladus had left him with several mornings past, Keep a close watch on that boy, my friend. There is something about him that’s goes beyond him being a half-blood. The lad is a focal point of both light and dark and I sense unfathomable power within him. One of my gifts is a keen sense for potential and I sense in him, depths of potential I have never before sensed in an individual. Given the chance, that boy of yours might even surpass the power of Goromir of old. The words troubled him, as he could not sense Aleron’s potential in such concrete terms. Every sorcerer had his or her own special gifts and if that was Cladus’, he dared not ignore the warning. Also troubling, was the casual resurgence of the name he had not used in four thousand years.
“I think we’re ready, Grandfather,” Aleron called, breaking Hadaras from his contemplation of the events of days past. He was leading the horses to the spot where Hadaras and the bags were waiting. They worked together to finish loading the animals, then donned their helms and mounted. Neither spoke much that morning, as if both were deeply involved in their own thoughts.
A bell or more had passed when Aleron spoke up, “Grandfather, I had a strange dream last night. I was wondering if you could tell me if it means anything.”
“I can try to help you make sense of it, Aleron,” Hadaras replied. “Just bear in mind that most dreams are meaningless, just your minds way of rearranging its
To the group he said, Rise, my friends. I took no insult from you performing your duties. I am still unknown in these lands. I am Zormat, King of Arkus. To Shaggat he said, “Ride back to your people, my friend and spread the word that our day approaches. Prepare for war!”
The hobgoblin wheeled his mount, tugging the reigns of the second yag to follow, saying, “Yes Lord, I will spread the news to all of my people!” before riding off at a brisk trot.
To the leader of the men he said, I must journey to your capital and speak to your king and his priests. What is your name and what rank do you hold among your people?
“My Lord,” the man replied, now standing again, “I am Matlal, Captain of the army garrison at Ixtauhac, just north of here. We have been monitoring your vessel for over a week and we have sent riders south to alert the nearest naval ships in port. There will be warships making their way up the coast by now.”
I imagined as much would be afoot and that could add unnecessary complication. Will they be likely to attack or hail first?
“Most likely, they will attack and then search the ship when all the crew are killed or captured, my Lord.”
That would not happen, but I would prefer not to destroy the ships of my allies. Is there one among you that you can spare to accompany us? And a banner, perhaps, that we might display friendly intent?
Matlal replied, “I will be the one to accompany you, my Lord, if you will have me. We can fly my unit banner off the bow. It will confuse them at first, but they will recognize it as Kolixtlani. That will keep them from attacking before they ask to board.”
Will you not be missed at your post, Captain?
“I will send word to my Lieutenant to assume command, Lord. He is a capable young man who will do fine running the garrison for a couple weeks,” the Captain answered. To one of the lancers he said, “Soldier, get me the banner and move smartly.” As the soldier moved out, the Arkan, rowing the small boat from the ship, was almost within reach of the shore.
***
As Aleron readied the horses that morning, Hadaras recalled the words Cladus had left him with several mornings past, Keep a close watch on that boy, my friend. There is something about him that’s goes beyond him being a half-blood. The lad is a focal point of both light and dark and I sense unfathomable power within him. One of my gifts is a keen sense for potential and I sense in him, depths of potential I have never before sensed in an individual. Given the chance, that boy of yours might even surpass the power of Goromir of old. The words troubled him, as he could not sense Aleron’s potential in such concrete terms. Every sorcerer had his or her own special gifts and if that was Cladus’, he dared not ignore the warning. Also troubling, was the casual resurgence of the name he had not used in four thousand years.
“I think we’re ready, Grandfather,” Aleron called, breaking Hadaras from his contemplation of the events of days past. He was leading the horses to the spot where Hadaras and the bags were waiting. They worked together to finish loading the animals, then donned their helms and mounted. Neither spoke much that morning, as if both were deeply involved in their own thoughts.
A bell or more had passed when Aleron spoke up, “Grandfather, I had a strange dream last night. I was wondering if you could tell me if it means anything.”
“I can try to help you make sense of it, Aleron,” Hadaras replied. “Just bear in mind that most dreams are meaningless, just your minds way of rearranging its
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