Hades Oath: Throne of Gods Prequel by J.A. Culican

Author:J.A. Culican [Culican, J.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dragon Realm Press
Published: 2024-05-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

The pair returned to the camp with swiftness, and were met by a handful of watchmen stationed outside. No fires had been lit for fear of drawing attention and only a simple tent had been erected for Ares' use; the other men all sat upon the ground bickering over their rations.

The return of Xira and Karim brought Ares from his tent forthwith. Still wearing his armor, the god of war marched out to meet them with spear in hand. His wicked grin faded at realizing only two had returned. “Only two of you? I seem to recall sending three. Where has Elias gone?”

“Slain, Lord Ares,” replied Karim with a deep bow. “He fell in battle.”

Xira merely nodded, mirroring Karim's bow. You may as well let Karim do the talking, she thought. This whole idea was his, anyway. If Lord Ares gets angry, I'd rather Karim take the brunt of it...

“I see.” The god of war paced before them for a moment. “Tell me, then: What is the state of the city?”

Karim drew in a deep breath and began, “Your suspicions were correct, Lord Ares. The city has been well and truly conquered, though in a most peculiar fashion.” He shook his head. “King Sisyphus has brought with him a small force, likely numbering in the dozens. These men are highly-trained, excelling in the art of assassination. They're swift and efficient killers.

“As to the city's defenses... it doesn't appear that King Sisyphus is currently taking things very seriously, and this is where I see a great opening. You see, his patrols appear minimal, with the bulk of his men centered around the royal complex. He is quite sure of himself and believes he can slay anyone who dares cross his path. This has led to many oversights.”

Ares arched a brow and stood expectantly over Karim, arms crossed. “You say this as though you've met him.” He smirked. “Did the two of you meet this mad king of the east?”

Karim offered a reticent nod. “Yes, Lord Ares. It was by his sword that Elias fell.” He turned to Xira, as if for support. “We were pursued by several guards but succeeded in entering the royal complex. There, we found many slain servants of Hades, as well as Sisyphus himself. He engaged all three of us in battle and, if I'm honest, he bested us.”

The god of war listened intently, chewing the report over in his mind.

“He released the two of us,” continued Karim, “because he wishes to extend a challenge to you personally. He boasts of unparalleled power and believes he can destroy you, Lord Ares. He wishes to see you in the royal complex within the hour.”

Here, Ares loosed a grunt of annoyance. “And how did he come to know of my whereabouts, pray tell?”

Karim lowered his gaze, searching for an excuse.

Here, Xira stepped in. “Elias let slip that you had come with us,” she uttered. It was untrue, but watching the ire mounting in Ares' gaze set her on edge.

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