Read Online The Silent Army by James A. Moore - Free Book Online Page B

discussed the minutiae of the war on as many fronts as they could be certain of. There were seven kings. They could account for five. The other two either were not involved or were better hidden than they wanted to think about. Likely it was the latter of the two.
    In the far east, the armies of the Sa’ba Taalor were already making their mark. Elda was gone, destroyed and buried under a growing mountain of fire. From Elda the Sa’ba Taalor marched north, heading along the coastline and striking wherever they found people. The news was grim whenever they found a city or town. They did not leave survivors. Danaher was a vast city, but it was currently engaged by the Sa’ba Taalor and not doing well.
    Morwhen was to the north and had already sent forces to stop the Sa’ba Taalor if possible. Theorio Krous himself was leading the charge. Having seen the man, there was the possibility that he could match the savagery of the Sa’ba Taalor.
    Nachia thanked her general for the news and smiled warmly. He really was a wonder. Despite everything he maintained a level head and that helped her do the same.
    When Merros headed away, back to his office to find out the latest details, Nachia asked Desh Krohan to stay behind.
    As soon as he agreed, she dismissed the guards to the outside of the room. There were few times she actively told them to stay out of range and this was one of them. They were trained well enough not to react openly. Desh was not. He looked genuinely puzzled.
    Before he could make any comments at all, she spoke.
    “I can’t forbid you to do anything, Desh. I mean, I could, but you and I both know it would be a waste of my words. So I’m just going to say this and have it out in plain view between us for you to consider.”
    She took a breath and considered her words.
    Desh watched her, unblinking, his face calm but cautious.
    “You should let Goriah stay where she is.”
    The sorcerer paused for a moment then said flatly, “I’ll consider that.”
    “You are the one who wanted necromancy outlawed. I looked into it. You were the one who said it was too dangerous.”
    “I’m well aware of what I said, Nachia.” His voice was colder still and his expression was impossible for her to read. She had nearly grown up on the man’s knee and she could not guess what he was thinking. That was a first for her.
    “There’s always a price. That’s a phrase I’ve heard from you all of my life, Desh.” She fought against the tears that wanted to sting her eyes. She did not want to have this argument with him. She did not want to give him any reason to grieve. “There’s always a price. Always. Your words.”
    If she could have, she would have looked away. She would have pretended that she did not know what was in his heart. She knew how much the Sisters meant to Desh. They were his chosen disciples. They were very nearly his children.
    “I did not break the rules for your cousin. I will not challenge the laws for my Sister.” His voice shook with rage and guilt. He was still thinking hard of lifting Goriah from the dead.
    “You know I won’t punish you if you do this thing, Desh. It’s not in me to punish you, even if I could make the punishment stand.”
    She stood up and stepped toward him where he stood in his robes with his arms locked behind his back, lest he make a gesture that was too harsh to forgive. Or perhaps lest he cast a spell and shatter her body.
    “Do not do this thing, Desh. I don’t know if you could forgive yourself.”
    “There is always a price, Nachia. I am aware of that.”
    He turned and walked away and she let him. She could have commanded that he stay and he would have, but she had already done all she could to convince him. If he listened she would be grateful. If he did not, she could cause him no harm. The trouble with sorcerers is that they were sorcerers and oh, so very powerful. Even when they tried to hide that fact.

    They gathered in silence. Deep beneath the main hall