Read Online The Wounded Guardian by Duncan Lay - Free Book Online Page B

man. And you arrive today. An unusual child, an unusual man, bound together by a common purpose. But to what end?’
    Martil could feel his temper rising but he quashed it ruthlessly.
    ‘Now look here, Father, I am no plaything of the Gods. I have seen too much death and pain on too many battlefields to think that there is some higher plan in all we do. Zorva’s balls, if I…’
    ‘How dare you?’ Nott snarled. ‘Never mention that name in my house!’
    ‘But that was just a harmless jest…’
    Nott’s eyes flashed fire and he seemed to swell in anger. ‘There are no harmless jests concerning that foul God. Understand?’
    Martil gulped. If he was going to persuade Nott to take on Karia, he had better not offend him. ‘My apologies, Father. It is a bad habit of mine, to make a joke like that. My friends and I used to laugh about it. I won’t let it happen again.’
    Nott was breathing heavily, and his face had lostits colour. ‘To joke about the Dark One is to risk his attention. Believe me when I say you do not want that. It was his agents that seduced the Berellian King, and led to years of war and suffering down south. But at least you believe in that, don’t you?’
    Martil smiled grimly. ‘I know all about it. I was there from the start. Part of the Ralloran army that went to help the Avish against the Berellian invasion, only to learn that it was a trap and the two of them intended to parcel us up. I was there when we were beaten, only to be saved when the arrogant Berellians turned on the Avish, wanting a bigger share of our country. I was there when we finally drove them out. And I was there when the Berellians broke the truce and we destroyed their city of Bellic so they could never rise against us again. Now I just want to buy a mansion on the coast, enjoy the sun and have the rich merchants fighting to marry their daughters off to me.’ Martil was aware he was letting his mouth run away with him and shut it, before he said something that would really offend the priest.
    ‘You have earned the right to peace. But if there is one thing I know, it is that we do not get what we want. We get what Aroaril knows we need. And what you both need is to go to Thest.’
    Martil was horrified at the thought. ‘What I need, and what the girl needs, is for you to look after her or at least keep her until you can send word to her uncle Danir in Thest.’
    Nott finished his drink and took a long moment before he looked up at Martil again.
    ‘I cannot do what you ask. Tomorrow is my eightieth birthday and, according to the rules of my order, I am to return to Norstalos City, there to live out the rest of my days in our Chapter House.My replacement will arrive here tomorrow, along with my bishop. Karia cannot stay here and she would not be allowed in the Chapter House.’
    Martil fought to control his temper. ‘I suppose this is the purpose you were talking about.’
    Nott smiled gently. ‘My son, I have done many strange things in my life but I can assure you that growing old to spite you is not one of them. Now, please listen to me. There are things happening in my country that disturb me. The priesthood has always stayed out of politics but that does not mean we are blind and deaf to events that are going on around us. Norstalos has a queen, for the first time in its history, who cannot use the Dragon Sword, for the dragons made it so only a man can draw it from its scabbard. No noble was judged worthy, which means until the Queen has a son, she needs a Champion to wield it on her behalf. The people have always believed that the Dragon Sword has magically protected this country and need the reassurance that its power is working to keep them safe.’ Nott held up a hand as Martil opened his mouth. ‘I know, it sounds unbelievable that a sword can somehow keep a country at peace. I am one of the few people who suspect this power of the Sword is more legend than reality. Nevertheless, most people believe it to be