Shield of Conquest by Jonathan Moeller

Author:Jonathan Moeller
Language: eng
Format: epub

Ridmark dropped from the saddle and stalked towards the western gate of Amathur, the staff Aegisikon in his right hand, his mind pulsing with fury. Lika Stormstrider and Calliande hurried after him, Lika’s face a mask of fear and worry. Selene followed them as well, a faint look of amusement on her angular face.

Ridmark had asked her to come since he suspected an object lesson was going to be needed.

Sir Calem, Sir Tamlin, and Lord Gavin followed him, and Ridmark knew they were worried that his temper had finally snapped. They needn’t have worried, though he appreciated the concern. When Ridmark got this angry, he didn’t lose his temper or act rashly, he grew more focused.

And right now he was very focused on the fact that giving Marina Velirius a second chance after the incident with the crystal cluster in the Deeps had been a serious mistake. Damn it all, they were in the middle of a battle that would decide both the future of the Isle and of Andomhaim itself, and Ridmark had wanted to be on the road of Lithios right now.

Instead, he had to deal with this idiocy.

Some of the villagers were standing near the gate, holding spears and swords. They might have stopped him, but perhaps Lika’s presence changed their mind. Or maybe they took one look at his expression and decided it was best not to impede him.

Ridmark strode through the gate and into the square beyond and saw a standoff.

On the right side stood praefectus Tagar, the village priest, Father Agis, and a score of men from the village, all of them holding weapons. Behind them stood a dozen women, some of them looking frightened, others angry, children clutching at their skirts.

On the left side stood Marina Velirius and a dozen of her followers among the younger Magistri. One bright point – Quintilius was not among them. Ridmark had thought the young Magistrius might have gotten his head straightened out after the incident in the Deeps.

Certainly had been wise enough not to follow Marina into this abject folly.

Marina had drawn herself up, her expression aloof and threatening, white fire crackling around her fingers. That fire, of course, would be totally harmless to anyone in Amathur, but the villagers didn’t know that. The young Magistri behind her had expressions ranging from defiance to outright terror. Marina was speaking, and failed to notice Ridmark striding toward her.

“You only show your ignorance!” spat Marina. “To serve the Magistri is an honor, one that you barbarians have yet to appreciate. You will…”

“What is the meaning of this?” said Ridmark, stepping between Marina and Tagar.

He didn’t speak loudly, but his words cut through Marina’s, and every eye turned towards him.

“Lord Ridmark, I am glad you are here,” said Marina. “You can explain the misunderstanding with these uncouth villagers. I was only…”

“She was trying to take the children!” said Tagar, his face red with anger.

Marina turned a patronizing look in his direction. “I was only going to take them as servants.

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