Pawn of Dragons by Robert Stanek

Author:Robert Stanek [Stanek, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: teens, fantasy dragons, heroes, legends, elves, wizards, werewolves, shapeshifters
Publisher: Reagent Press

“Steadfast in this decision, are you? If that’s your mind, I’m not the one to change it. You are making a mistake, of course. There’s soldier’s honor and duty, and then there’s pride. If it’s pride that’s bringing this on then it is best that you resign. No room for arrogance, self-importance and conceit in our business.”

Emel bit his tongue to keep from saying something he knew he’d regret. When pain cleared his thoughts, he replied, “No father, not pride. For me, you’ve made the favor of exception. Any other would have been banished—sent to the Territories or worse.”

“Sit and lets discuss this—” It was an order not a request. Emel sat as his father spoke. “—Seventeen generations have served and to have the line broken now for such a thing? I think there’s an easier way to accept responsibility—if there’s a need for accountability and that should’ve been for me to decide. If this is about last spring, I think I—”

“This isn’t about last spring. I didn’t know what I was doing or thinking then, and the summer did clear my thoughts. I need distance or I may…” Emel’s voice trailed off.

Ansh Brodst nodded solemnly in understanding. “Distance is sometimes a good thing. Take a leave of absence, surely one is deserved after all that has happened—” Again it was an order and not a request. “—it’s settled then, is it not?”

Emel persisted though he knew better. “Leave of absence? I may not return—I’ve a mind not to return.”

“You’d have to ask yourself then if it was worth it—if she was worth it. I can tell you from experience that it is—and isn’t. But you shouldn’t forswear your future for a notion that can never be real. Where will you go on your leave?”

“The Territories,” whispered Emel, his thoughts elsewhere. “I have some business in the Territories. I leave tomorrow at first light.”

“With the supply caravan? That’s a dangerous business. You’d be better off going alone or with a small company of guardsmen.”

Emel stood. “Dangerous if one is a fool.”

“Many men have been a fool then,” said Ansh Brodst, standing as well. He clasped his son about the elbow. “Safe journey, may you find what it is you seek.”

* * *

Vilmos awoke in a warm, soft bed. He peered around the room warily as a knock came to the door, soft and then hard, but he didn’t move to answer it. After a couple more raps, he heard the rattling of something being set onto the floor, then the sound of footsteps as someone walked away. He waited cautiously for the footsteps to fall away and then he opened the door slightly. On the floor he found a tray containing a bowl of murky soup and a large chunk of black bread covered with some sort of jam or honey. Also on the tray was a pair of candles, with one lighted and placed into a wooden candleholder of sorts.

He eagerly picked up the tray and carried it back into the room.

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