Empire Awakening (Maledorian Chronicles Book 2) by John Forrester

Author:John Forrester [Forrester, John]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Amber Muse
Published: 2018-03-05T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“What?” Prince Jondran glared at the scout. “An army south of Chesling?” Was it the Maledorian army that Madam Lassengre had been giving warnings to Arcturius? How had they sped so far south so quickly?

“It’s impossible,” said Branwenth. “No army can march that fast.”

“This is no regular army.” Arcturius looked glum as he surveyed the battlefield. “They are magical constructions created by an ancient spell. Madam Lassengre came to me in a vision last night. She was overrun and had to hide from their speedy advance. Let’s hope she gets here in time to help.”

They had been preparing to engage the army of Jalinfaer. After days of border skirmishes, their enemy had finally decided to move in force against them. Thirty-thousand soldiers, all risked in one big push. Enemy sorcerers stood at their core, behind the regular army.

Their northern flank was almost entirely exposed. Should he send half his army to defend against an attack? But it was madness. He would lose to the army of Jalinfaer.

“Your Highness, there is some good news.” The scout bowed his head once again. “They appear to be heading southeast—away from us. So, it seems they’re not an immediate threat.”

Why would they be heading there? Not that Jondran minded a bit of positive news. Dealing with the army from Jalinfaer was more than enough.

Concentrate, Prince Jondran told himself. Focus on the battle in front of you.

“Southeast…” Arcturius looked off toward the far hills and the deep forests of Maren Downs. A look of horror came over his face. “They’re heading toward the old Maledorian Empire, the capital. There must be something inside those old ruins that they want. I fear this is a far more worrisome situation than I expected, though I do not fully know what they are after.”

Drums began to pound across the field behind the enemy line. A battle horn sounded, and the enemy spearmen began to advance.

“Your Royal Highness!” shouted General Vargendal. “Do we engage the enemy?”

When the news had been received of the problems in Criswall, the military leadership had declared Prince Jondran as their temporary sovereign, at least until the king and the remaining royals were rescued. So, Prince Jondran gave the general a terse nod, signaling the beginning of the battle.

He wished that Arcturius’ negotiations had fared better. The leaders of Jalinfaer had spurned every peace delegation sent. The wizard’s discussions with the witch Cambria had also failed. The fools were bent on total annihilation, all because of Prince Silvren.

Jondran sighed, suddenly thinking of Elendria. He pictured the girl in his mind, hoping and praying she was safe. But knowing the stories of the northlands, he knew she was likely in danger, despite Madam Lassengre’s assurances to Arcturius concerning the girl’s safety.

The old general raised his hand, aimed it at the battlefield, then lowered it. The line of spearmen bearing tall shields began to march forward, spear tips pointed out. Archers followed, nocking arrows and lifting their bows. Next came their cavalry, circling back behind the archers.

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