Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor by Chuck Black

Author:Chuck Black [Black, Chuck]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure, Childrens, Historical
ISBN: 9781601421289
Google: -dd6NjDdUskC
Amazon: 1601421281
Goodreads: 7889692
Publisher: Multnomah
Published: 2010-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CLOSE TO THE ENEMY

Quinlan and Taras navigated their way closer to the valley. Taras grew more uneasy with every stealthy step.

Quinlan kept the crystal coin close at hand and was able to help them avoid multiple patrols. As the sun rose higher into the sky and the western face of the mountain became brighter, however, his range of identification lessened, so he and Taras staggered their advance. One would serve as lookout while the other moved ahead and found cover.

They had just evaded a group of three Shadow Warriors near the rim of the small valley when two more mounted warriors appeared. “Lord Hatlin,” one of the newcomers said, “the patrols are reporting all clear.”

The warrior named Hatlin glared at his subordinate, then slowly scanned the area himself. The mere sight of him made Quinlan shudder. He was a massive figure who wore a constant scowl, creased by decades of evil deeds. Quinlan imagined his face was but a faint image of the darkened mind and heart behind it. His silver armor fit his muscular torso snugly and was ornately decked with gold and red markings that apparently signified his position and allegiance. The other four warriors, though intimidating, seemed inferior in every way.

“Widen the patrols,” Hatlin commanded. “Lord Luskan makes his report to Master Lucius tomorrow, and I don’t want to tell him we’ve been compromised.”

“Yes, my lord.” The reporting warrior galloped off with his comrade, clearly anxious to be out of Hatlin’s presence. Hatlin sat still on his mount for another moment while the other two warriors waited tensely.

“I smell something, Ectar.” Hatlin turned to his lieutenant. “I’m holding you personally responsible for security within the inner ring. Do you understand?”

The warrior named Ectar saluted. “Yes, my lord.”

“Get the warriors you need. I brief Lord Luskan this afternoon. Notify me immediately if you discover anything.” Hatlin pulled on the reins of his horse and wheeled around.

“Even if it means interrupting your briefing?” Ectar asked.

“Of course, you imbecile!” Hatlin kicked his horse, who reared and bolted off in the direction from which they’d come.

Ectar scowled after Hatlin, then turned on the remaining warrior. “Don’t sit there gawking, dolt. Fetch me thirty warriors immediately!”

Quinlan and Taras waited until both warriors had left; then Taras crawled the short distance to Quinlan. A look of grave concern was on his face.

“How many warriors did you see through the crystal earlier?” he whispered.

“I’m not sure,” Quinlan replied. “Perhaps a thousand.”

Taras’s eyes widened. “We need to get out of here now!”

“What’s happening?” Quinlan asked.

“Had I known how many there are—or who they are—I would have never risked this.” Taras clenched his jaw. “Luskan and Hatlin are Lucius’s top two commanders. Whatever is happening here is serious—very serious.”

He looked for the best cover for their retreat and pointed. “We’ll travel northeast and give a wide berth to this valley. Once we’re clear, you must travel to Chesney Isle just off the coast in the north country, due west of the Wasteland. A Silent Warrior named Rafe will continue your training in my absence.

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