Crusade (The Empires Trilogy) by James Lowder

Author:James Lowder [Lowder, James]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9780786963997
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast Publishing
Published: 2012-09-24T16:00:00+00:00

The dwarves had been on the march for almost eighteen hours when Azoun finally returned to Telflamm’s harbor. The sun was coming up over the city, its first rays casting a pale halo around the high, onion-shaped spires that so characterized Telflamm’s skyline. The docks were still aglow with torches, and the myriad of vessels crowding the harbor were spotted with faint flickering lights cast by watchmen’s lanterns.

The Cormyrian ships were once again empty, having left their cargo of orcish troops to the south of the city. Azoun and Vangerdahast knew that they had no other choice; the Zhentish soldiers were likely to cause more trouble in the city than they had in Torg’s camp. Now, all the king had to do was gather his own forces and begin the march to the east.

That proved far more difficult than Azoun had expected.

Telflamm provided too many distractions for the Alliance’s soldiers and sailors, most of whom had never traveled more than a few miles from their own homes. Refugees from the onslaught of the Tuigan—now less than five hundred miles to the east—crowded the streets. Along with the refugees came vice and corruption. Thieves flourished, as did a black market in food, clothes, even human life. Brothels sprang up overnight throughout the city, often right next door to makeshift arenas where the foolish and the brave could battle to the death for a handful of gold. The city watch, sorely undermanned for the task of policing a transient army and a horde of refugees, found it easier to take bribes and look the other way.

“I don’t care if the local watch isn’t any help,” Azoun said loudly. He glared at Lord Harcourt, the commander of the Alliance’s cavalry. “Why aren’t the nobles doing something about this? We should have some type of military watch.” He paced nervously around the temporary command center, located in Telflamm’s government offices.

The general shrugged. “Well, Your Highness,” he began tentatively. “It’s, uh, a, uh—”

Brunthar Elventree leaned back in his chair. “What Lord Harcourt is trying to say is that his men are right alongside mine—passed out in an alley somewhere or spending their day in a whorehouse.” The red-haired dalesman smiled. “However, I don’t see what the problem is,” he added snidely. “If you’ll let us fight beside orcs, a little debauchery won’t—”

“That’s enough, General Elventree,” Azoun snapped. “One more insubordinate comment like that and you’ll be relieved of your command.” He stormed across the room and stood in front of the dalesman. “I need your cooperation, now more than ever. I have accepted the orcs to fight the Tuigan. You will enforce that. Do you understand?”

Brunthar slowly sat up straight. The poor lighting in the room cast deep shadows over his face, masking his expression, but making him look demonic. “Yes, Your Highness.”

“Then that’s settled,” Azoun said firmly. “This crusade is floundering. If we are going to be able to face the Tuigan, we need to get the men out of here right away.” The king paused for a moment, then turned to the dalesman.

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