Holmberg, D K - The Teralin Sword 02 - Soldier Sword by Holmberg D K

Author:Holmberg, D K [Holmberg, D K]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ASH Publishing
Published: 2017-06-06T16:00:00+00:00

18

The horses followed the wide road south. They neared the border of Gom Aaldia, nearly passing into the plains of Saeline, reaching the outer borders. The longer they rode, they more monotonous the journey became. Each night passed much the same.

The last few nights, Endric had worked with Pendin before practicing with several of the Denraen soldiers. When he was done, Senda came to him and demonstrated other forms with the staff. He still hadn't challenged her, but he had a growing competence with the weapon and found an increasing correlation with the different sword techniques as well. He wondered if continuing his practice with Senda would be applicable toward fighting with the sword.

It was about midday when they encountered a band of about a hundred mounted men, breaking the monotony and jarring Endric into alertness.

Endric motioned to Listain. “You see them?”

Listain nodded slowly. “I see them.”

“That’s too many for Ravers.”

“Are you certain?” Listain asked.

He glanced over at Senda, who rode next to Listain so that the two of them could talk quietly while riding. She mostly left Endric alone, other than at night when they sparred and spoke quietly over meals. She remained holed up in Listain’s tent, serving the spymaster—her uncle. Endric could do nothing, even if he wanted to press the issue. Listain outranked him, and Senda served him, not Endric.

“If they’re Ravers, we should have heard word of this much organization,” Endric said. “This appears to be two regiments.”

Listain nodded to them. “Look at them, Endric. Do you see any real organization to them?”

Endric stared at the soldiers, noting how the lines of men were not well organized, and there didn't appear to be any sense of coordination. How had Listain managed to observe all that as quickly as he had?

“Not organized, but even disorganized troops can do damage,” Endric said.

Listain nodded. “They can do damage. And they are the reason we patrol. If they’re Ravers, the general needs to know numbers and capability.” He waited, almost expectantly, watching Endric.

It dawned on him slowly that Listain waited for him to make a decision. The spymaster had told Endric that he would lead the soldiers, which meant that he was responsible for determining the nature of their patrol.

Endric turned to Pendin. “Gather a dozen soldiers. We’ll ride down, see if we can't determine whether these are Ravers or men from Saeline.” Endric doubted the latter. The Saeline king was better organized than this.

Listain watched him and nodded briefly after Endric had made his command. There was a hint of concern in Senda’s eyes. Had he not known her as well as he did, he might have missed it. As it was, he recognized the slight wrinkling of her nose as she clenched her jaw.

What was it that bothered her? Would she tell him were he to question her outright?

“Let me come,” she said. “Only to observe.”

Listain’s eyes narrowed. “Endric has the lead.”

Endric glanced from Senda to Listain. “She can come, as long as she doesn't get in the way.

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