Fall of the Western Kings (Tirumfall Trilogy Book 1) by J Drew Brumbaugh

Author:J Drew Brumbaugh [Brumbaugh, J Drew]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2016-08-21T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 29

Barlon’s troops massed before the locked gates of Pogor’s massive walls. They did not set up siege engines or catapults. Instead Barlon, Varg, Razgoth and a contingent of Lom’s men marched up to the gates. In front of the procession, heavily shackled and guarded by purple clad knights, were King Fasoom and King Petre.

“You, on the wall,” shouted Barlon from horseback. “Tell your city leaders to come forth and bargain for the life of your king.”

A guard raced from the wall to deliver the message. It wasn’t long before the great gates inched open and a sullen group shuffled out to meet with Barlon. Two grizzled, stoop-shouldered old men led the way. A short, fat middle-aged man dressed in thick velvety robes followed them. Next came an honor guard and finally Barlon’s spy, Shalmuthe.

“Gersh, who are these men?” blurted King Fasoom when he saw who came to bargain for his life. He was clubbed into silence by the guards.

“My Lord Gorth,” began the nearest elder statesman. “We want no more war. The good people of Pogor seek only peace, prosperity and freedom to carry on trade.”

“Then surrender the city and there will be no need for more bloodshed.”

“Will you guarantee the safety of our citizens?”

“Of course. This war is foolish. Throw open your city and peace will return.”

“And the king?”

“He will stand trial for acts of war. Most likely the good citizens of Pogor will find him guilty of a great many crimes and he will be forced to spend the rest of his life in the dungeons.”

“He won’t be killed?”

“Whatever the citizens decide.” Barlon smiled sweetly, waiting for Pogor’s leaders to take the bait.

“What citizens will try our king?” questioned the second statesman.

“Whomever you choose. Yourselves if you wish.”

The men put their heads together, a short exchange followed, and then they separated.

“It is done. The city surrenders with peace guaranteed for all citizens and the king to stand trial with the elders as judge.”

“Fine. We enter the city in three hours.”

Barlon turned back to his waiting army and the city leaders returned through Pogor’s gates, which remained open.

At his command tent, Barlon ordered a great carriage be readied for his triumphant entrance into Pogor and all the troops dressed in their finest. A huge feast was to be prepared and served once inside the city. Everywhere there was hustle and bustle. With the mundane chores handled, he called a staff meeting.

Varg arrived first. He stood black as night, waiting.

“I’m glad you’re here first. I have an errand for you. Kill Petre and Fasoom.”

Varg’s eyes glittered like rubies. He nodded and was gone.

Soon the others trickled in. Lom and Ecker came together, the general remarking on the good fortune of Pogor falling without a long and costly siege. Lom remained silent, his white eyes unblinking. Razgoth entered the tent alone, stoic and silent. Shalmuthe simply appeared and as usual, no one saw him enter.

“Thank you for coming,” beamed Barlon when they were all seated. “This day seals our triumph over the West.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.