The destruction of the Southland force was welcomed by all in the City. The breastplates of the fallen Southlanders had been collected and were to be melted down and fashioned into bronze eyes for the monuments that surrounded Twistle. The rain of devils was new lore to be added to the legend of the cliff city and it was important that it be commemorated. Harwin would have a lot of blacksmithing to do, well into the foreseeable future.
Rothar gestured towards the ogres.
“Our new allies have posted sentries along the wall, as I am sure you have seen,” Rothar told the King. “You will be safe until my return, I am certain.”
King Heldar nodded sadly. Queen Amelia reached out and took his hand.
“You have taken good care of us always, and I know you have made certain that the city is well fortified in your absence,” said the Queen. “My Lord is only saddened that you will be away for so long.”
King Heldar looked embarrassed, his face reddened but he said nothing.
“I will only be away as long as it takes to complete my mission,” replied Rothar. “I have delayed this for too long.”
“Very well,” spoke the King. “Be on your way, and be well.”
King Heldar rose and embraced Rothar, and the astounding party turned and left the throne room.
Rothar exited through a back passage so as not to draw attention to himself. People watched and waved to the rest of the strange party as they made their way through the King’s City. Rothar watched anonymously from amongst the crowd, waving to Harwin and Esme as they returned to their home. Peregrin gave a quick nod in Rothar's direction as he left for the Banewood. Rothar knew he would see his good friend again. As the towering ogres reached the wall, they were let through the gate and joined by a dozen more.
Rothar mounted Stormbringer and headed towards the Valley of Mourning. He turned to look back once more upon Castle Staghorn, towering over the King’s City. The castle had been his childhood home, as well as his reason for running. He had returned to serve it’s master, and now he departed once again to reclaim what he had lost.
Rothar rode hard for the Southlands, with grim determination and only one goal in mind, no matter the odds stacked against him. His heart was heavy. She had saved him, and he had failed her. But he would redeem himself and free her from the hellish sands of the badlands and the unimaginable cruelties of Chief Bakal.
Taria was waiting for him.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
About The Author
Jon Kiln writes heroic fantasy. His major influences include David Gemmell and Conn Iggulden.
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