I, Demon: An Epic Fantasy Progression Saga (Shattered Gods Book 4) by Chris Fox

Author:Chris Fox [Fox, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Chris Fox Writes LLC
Published: 2022-08-30T16:00:00+00:00

21

XAL INVADES THE TOWER

Waiting through the storm atop the ruined inn destroyed in the fight with Mikhail was perhaps the hardest thing I’d had to do since the Blasted Lands. I had no idea what Dalanthar and his knights knew. All my abilities to predict others were based on knowing how they thought.

I had no idea what Dalanthar’s intelligence network was like or how many real followers he had in this nation. The idea that some had hidden us gave me hope in that regard. His faith was crumbling in these lands.

Beside me, Temis lowered his cloak, allowing the rain to sluice off his angular face as he peered up at the keep. His violet eyes shone in the rain and could be a problem while climbing if he looked down. I wondered if I should mention it.

“This waiting is maddening,” the dreadlord whispered. “It could be a bell or just a few heartbeats, and we have no way to know.”

“There are clues, at least.” My senses detected faint screams on the south side of the city. “Ducius has made his move and may have already reached his target. It can’t be much longer before Dalanthar learns of it.”

“You might be surprised.” Temis gave a wry smile and raised his hood again, blocking the rain he’d summoned. “How many of them are true believers? And how many of them donned a tabard so they could stand a bit higher than their neighbors and lord that authority over them?”

“It isn’t wise to underestimate them.” I shook my head, my mind straying to Mikhail and how I’d stolen not only his soul but the armor and body, besides. I didn’t like thinking about it. I could feel the new strength inside of me, pillaged and added to my own.

Normally, I’d have to rest for weeks to have healed after a fight like that. Instead, I was stronger than when I’d gone in, ready for the next battle. I was already beginning to see that a lot of demonic power didn’t stem from void magic.

“There!” Temis hissed in a low whisper. “At the front of the keep. The doors have opened, guards are coming out, and…yes, there he is! The Steward himself. Our blazing beacon of righteousness.”

A plain man with unremarkable features and hard eyes stepped into a carriage. He carried a golden kite shield that sang the same kind of song I’d heard in the impossible city, which overpowered the rest. I barely registered the golden tabard or plate armor.

“What is that?” I whispered, the words meant for Narlifex or Bronya, whoever might have the answer.

“The shield?” Temis said, preempting them. “That’s his artifact of station. Every Steward has one. It’s the source of their power. My grandfather learned that their worship doesn’t connect directly to the Stewards…it connects to that artifact. If someone killed Dalanthar somehow, then someone else could take up the shield and the mantle of Steward of Justice.”

“Has that ever happened before? A Steward dying?” I kept my attention on Dalanthar as his carriage rumbled away.

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.