Between Dark and Light by D. A. Adams

Author:D. A. Adams [Adams, D. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy
ISBN: 9780976554721
Publisher: Third Axe Media
Published: 2005-02-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Unleash the Dark One

Roskin, Krondious, and Bordorn stood before the court of King Johreon the Red while the crowded room celebrated their success at subduing Alganeon. Krondious seemed uneasy at the attention, and Roskin seemed annoyed by the waste of time, but Bordorn soaked in the applause. Throughout his life, he had felt disconnected from his people, even while living in the valley, so for him, the recognition was most welcome. He almost wished he could stay there and take his place as part of his cousin’s court.

For most of his youth, he had dreamed of becoming a great warrior, one of the heroes who expelled the Great Empire from his homeland. Now, however, after having fought in real battles and having seen Roskin and Krondious for himself, he had grown to recognize he was not a true warrior. They were built for combat – Krondious with his unnatural power and Roskin with his grace and speed. At best, Bordorn might develop into an above average swordsman, but he would never be great. Despite the pangs of pain in his chest from that admission, he accepted that his contributions would have to come in different forms.

“Cousin,” the king said, motioning for the crowd to silence. “You’ve done better than I could’ve hoped. Rounding up the entire group, that’s quite impressive.”

“Thank you, my king,” Bordorn returned, bowing at the waist. “But these two are the real heroes.”

“Please, step forward,” Johreon the Red said, waving at Roskin and Krondious. The two Kiredurks advanced and stopped between Bordorn and the king. “I’m guessing you are Roskin, son of Kraganere.”

“The Eighth Kingdom salutes the House of Johreon,” Roskin said, bowing as Bordorn had.

“And who are you?” the king asked Krondious.

“I’m a lumberjack,” the dwarf replied, obviously out of place.

The room filled with laughter, and Bordorn felt as if he should defend his friend.

“A lumberjack, eh?” the king asked, chuckling too.

“He’s too modest,” Roskin interjected before Bordorn could. “He’s my personal bodyguard and once killed a cave troll with one strike.”

“That so?” the king asked, growing serious. The laughter in the room faded.

“It’s not so hard,” Krondious mumbled, shuffling his feet and staring down. “If you know where to hit them.”

“You are too modest,” the king added. “It’s decided. Tonight, we feast in honor of the troll slayer.”

“If it’s all the same to you,” Roskin said. “We’d like to head on to inspect this other problem you have.”

The king arched an eyebrow, and for a moment his eyes flickered with anger. Bordorn scrutinized his face, alarmed by the expression. The king glanced at him and quickly composed himself, changing his appearance to one of hurt.

“My king,” Bordorn said, stepping forward. That look unsettled him, but he couldn’t quite place why. “Our troops await us. Perhaps, if it pleases your highness, once this peril has passed, we can return for your hospitality.”

Johreon the Red tapped his fingers on the marble and studied the three dwarves. A broad smile then stretched across his face.

“You are quite right, cousin,” he said.

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