Dragonskull by Jonathan Moeller

Author:Jonathan Moeller
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: epic fantasy, jonathan moeller, frostborn, dragontiarna, dragonskull
Publisher: Jonathan Moeller

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The rest of the day passed in uneventful tedium.

The art of soldiering, Gareth had heard more than one seasoned knight and veteran man-at-arms say, was long stretches of boredom interrupted with moments of stark terror. Today, it seemed, would fall into one of those long stretches of boredom.

Gareth and the other knights escorted Lord Constantine and his wife to the Forum of the Crown. The Duxi and their most influential Comites and their chief knights packed the square. For that matter, as with the arrival of the high elves outside the city, spectators arrived to watch the Great Council. Commoners filled the surrounding streets and the rooftops of the buildings overlooking the Forum. Gareth hoped nothing unexpected or startling happened. If there was a panic, God alone only knew how many people would die in the stampede.

He looked towards the ramparts of the Citadel and saw squires and servants standing at the battlements, watching the assembly in the Forum. A dais had been set up at the foot of the ramp climbing the crag to the Citadel, and the two High Kings stood there, the royal knights and the Arcanii gathered at its base.

Against his will, Gareth found himself looking for Iseult, but he could not find her.

He wasn’t sure if he was relieved or disappointed.

Accolon Pendragon gave a speech, and then Kothlaric Pendragon followed suit. Both thanked Ardrhythain for fulfilling the Pact of the Two Orders, while Kothlaric spoke of the hope that a new order of Swordbearers would bring to Owyllain in its fight against its dark magic-wielding neighbors. Gareth kept glancing at the sky, worried that the winter weather would bring a rainstorm on the heads of the assembled nobles. But while the sky became overcast and wind blew from the sea to the south, no rain fell.

The archbishop of Tarlion closed the assembly with a prayer, asking God to provide wisdom to the nobles and the two High Kings as they deliberated the affairs of the realm and to deliver the soulblades into the hands of worthy Swordbearers. With that, the High Kings and their elven guests ascended the ramp to the Citadel while the Duxi and the chief Comites followed them.

And with that, Gareth’s duties were done for the day.

He looked around for Iseult, but he couldn’t find her in the press.

“God and the saints,” said Crake. “That took bloody forever.”

“Great Councils of the realm only take place every hundred years,” said Philip. “And this is the first Great Council attended by the High King of Owyllain.”

Crake snorted. “That’s only because this is the first Great Council where anyone from Andomhaim even knew that Owyllain existed.”

“Suppose that’s why it’s historic,” said Jerome.

“I’ve been on my feet all damned day,” said Crake. “Sir knights, I propose we find some food and some drink. Quite a lot of drink.”

“We do have to toast the health of the High King,” said Jerome.

“See? It’s practically a knightly duty to toast the High King,” said Crake. “And I’ve found a brothel in the Yards.

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