The Bard: Tales from Aévan: Book One by Matrell Wood

Author:Matrell Wood [Wood, Matrell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-01-15T05:00:00+00:00

Traitors & Depravity

Whispers and rumors spread quickly around Grithala. The loud battle from the other night caught the attention of every person in the town. Some thought that the kingdoms were in all-out war again and started stockpiling supplies. Others spoke of the return of the Fade and brave heroes protecting the town. Every rumor in the town reached Cade’s ear and the more ridiculous the rumor, the louder he laughed at their petty gossip.

Their temporary housing in Grithala’s council building was filled with the Emerald Blood members that had survived the night in question. The last few days had been filled with wine, ale, and the finest food the townspeople could bring them. Town natives served the Emerald Blood members as the bandits celebrated their victory. Uyala sat at the front of the room atop Cade’s lap. She, along with many other men and women from Grithala, had been stripped bare for the bandits’ amusement.

“I’m proud of all of you,” Cade yelled out to them. “You all did exactly what we needed to return home victorious.”

The bandits roared with excitement. They raised their drinks in the air and downed whatever they had left. Some pulled the men and women serving them to the side and abused them for their own pleasure. Others struck each other like animals testing their strength. Cade looked out at the sea of chaos in front of him, smiling from ear to ear.

The door to the council building creaked open. The party was in full swing and no one except Cade noticed the scout creep into the room. He pushed his way through the sea of ravenous bodies and fell to his knees in front of Cade.

“It’s good to see that everyone who returned seems to be in good spirits, sir,” he said.

“Yes, you did well boy. Magnus and his weaklings clearly knew nothing of our plans.”

“Of course. I would never betray you. I am loyal to the Emerald Blood.”

“Oh? Loyalty is a funny word isn’t it.” Cade smiled maliciously down at the scout. “We always boast about those loyal to us, but what does it really mean? That they follow your orders when you ask them to? That they’ll die for you?”

“Of course, sir. I would do whatever you asked.” The scout looked up at him with sweat pouring down his forehead.

“Anything?”

“Yes. Anything, sir.”

“Then gut yourself with your own blade,” Cade ordered.

The scout looked up at Cade with horror in his eyes. “B-but I thought I did everything you asked, sir. I thought I did well.”

“You did. That’s why I’m allowing you to make your death swift. You’ve outlasted your use to me, and I don’t make a habit of keeping useless toys lying about the floor.”

“I don’t understand. I’m still loyal to you. I always have been.”

“Always? Were you not once loyal to Astoria? Your loyalties have changed since then. That’s the problem with loyalty. The only people who are truly loyal are those who are already dead.”

“Please, sir. Don’t make me do this,” the scout pleaded.

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