“Kneel,” Criosa instructed, then raised her sword and tapped Aiden on each shoulder, and finally on the head. She repeated this on Nellise, then stepped back and lowered the sword.
“I dub thee Sir Aiden Wainwright and Dame Nellise Sannemann, of the Order of the Rose Eagle. Stand and be recognised.” The crowd roared to life with thunderous applause as Aiden turned to face them. At the forefront of the assembly stood Sayana and Pacian, sporting wide smiles as they joined in the applause.
Sayana looked positively radiant in a bright red dress, which she wore with the awkwardness one would expect from a country girl squeezed into a formal gown. Next to her, almost lost in the crowd was Margaret Fairweather, who applauded and cheered just as much as the others and gave Aiden a quick wave when they locked eyes for a moment.
Unaccustomed to being the centre of attention, Aiden smiled at the crowd, enjoying the sight of his companions finally able to put aside their troubles for a time. Behind his relaxed veneer however, the image of an iron monster marching towards the kingdom was burned into his mind. The old dream he had endured for years could not be so easily cast aside, and if he couldn’t figure out a way to eliminate the Ironlord, all of Aielund would be reduced to ash and cinders.
About the Author
Stephen L. Nowland resides in Frankston, Australia, where he spends his time creating stories, games and art to astound and entertain.
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/sln
https://www.facebook.com/stephenlnowland
www.stephenlnowland.com.au
@stephennowland
The Aielund Saga
Soldiers of Winter
Soldiers of Avarice
Soldiers of Ruin
Soldiers of Legend
Soldiers of Tyranny
Soldiers of the Heavens
Other titles by the same author
The Ballard Trilogy
The Fortress of Gold
Upon the Ashes of Empire