Rise of the Storm (The Desolate Empire Book 1) by Christina Ochs

Author:Christina Ochs [Ochs, Christina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Epic, Historical, Teen & Young Adult, historical fantasy
Amazon: B00ZTR09BE
Publisher: Lujin Press
Published: 2015-06-28T22:00:00+00:00

They reached the first outpost within a day. Karrebad was a town of some size on the border with Podoska. An ancient baron held the tiny castle.

“No one’s bothered us here since my brother fought Prince Martinek for the girl,” the baron said, before dissolving into a fit of wheezing. Kendryk wondered if he’d die on the spot. The famous feud over the girl had happened at least sixty years ago.

“We have other problems now.” Kendryk recounted the events in Kronfels. He knew that Gwynneth had written the baron at least one letter, but he appeared to be almost blind, and clearly didn’t remember it.

The old fellow clucked and shook his head. “What in the name of the Father were you thinking, Your Grace? No good can come of this. Back in my father’s day, when old Princess Benda feuded with the emperor, he put an end to it so fast, her family still hasn’t found her head. Though they got the body back after a time …”

“Yes, yes,” Kendryk said, uncomfortable with the talk of heads being separated from bodies. “This is different, I assure you. I have the support of everyone in Kronland this time.” The lie was out before he could stop himself. “We’re just taking precautions. The empress will have to fight Zastwar when the treaty expires, and no one will bother us here. I want to fortify the border, out to Sanova.”

The old man frowned. “Princess Martinek won’t take kindly to imperial troops marching through her lands if the empress comes.”

“I’m sure she won’t. But I also doubt she has enough soldiers to stop a force of any size. We don’t either, but I need your help to slow them down, should the worst happen and we’re attacked.”

“I can do that.” The baron brightened. “Wouldn’t mind putting on the old armor one more time though I doubt I can sit a horse.”

“Why don’t you lead the castle defenses,” Kendryk said diplomatically. “I’ll leave a few of my troops to man the town walls and train up the city watch. Please also call up your militia for training. They needn’t be mobilized just yet, but they must be ready.”

“Very well, Your Grace. I can’t say I approve of all this trouble-making, though things are awful dull around here these days.”

“I hope there won’t be any trouble.”

“Begging your pardon, but for someone who feels that way, you’ve sure done your bit to stir it up. And here I thought when your brother died, we were in for a long, boring, peaceful time. Well, you never know how these young fellows will turn out. When I was your age, I never even dreamed of starting a fight, except in a tavern. Once, when I was nineteen, my cousin Elfred and I. .. .”

“Yes, yes. Everyone keeps reminding me what an awful thing I’ve done. I appreciate your help all the same.”

Rather than pray for guidance as he was supposed to, Kendryk prayed that Teodora wouldn’t attack. He prayed for something to happen, something that would keep her out of Terragand.

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