The Final Shard by David Adams

Author:David Adams [Adams, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 1463780516
Publisher: Amazon
Published: 2011-09-12T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6: Gathering

Lucien had started to wonder if he would ever be used as a warrior again. He had checked his warblade a few days ago, wondering if it might be rusting from lack of use. He had been assigned messenger duty, first by the dying Durst, then by his new chief, Xoshan. Lucien thought Xoshan handled his ascension to power well, accompanied as it was by tales of betrayal and murder, and while marching to war in a foreign land. Lucien had been dispatched to pass on news of what had happened to Alexis, along with Xoshan’s apologies for the treachery planned by some of his race. Lucien knew he was the best choice for the job, knowing Alexis as he did, and he would not have argued even if he wasn’t—Xoshan was his chief now. The one good thing was that he was moving to the front of the advancing army, and if battle was to be joined, it would likely be there.

He had been stopped and questioned harshly by the Lorgrasian rear guard. He submitted to their scrutiny humbly, and handed over his warblade without comment. From his earlier travel in the human lands he knew what to expect, allies or not. He moved through the Lorgrasian camp on foot, loosely surrounded by guards, one of whom led his horse. After all the hard riding it felt good to walk again, although he preferred a brisker pace than his new companions set.

When Alexis saw him she shouted happily, running to him and wrapping him in a friendly embrace. The only one more surprised by the display than the Lorgrasians was Lucien, who awkwardly returned the gesture.

“It is wonderful to see you well,” she said.

“And you,” he replied.

Alexis looked to the guard holding Lucien’s warblade. “Give him his weapon, Trelon. He is a friend.”

“As you wish, my queen.” Trelon handed Lucien his warblade, then backed away with an uneasy bow.

Alexis addressed the guards, who now wore uncertain looks. “You have done your jobs well. Be of good cheer! Return now to your posts. Dalon, see to the horse.” With a motion for Lucien to follow, she went into her tent.

Lucien, as was his way, got right down to business. He told her what had happened in stark terms, of the plot to take Lumia, of the deaths of the three chiefs, and of the battle that ensued.

Alexis shook her head. “A waste of lives,” she said. “We will need all the strength we can muster when we face Solek’s forces.”

“I apologize for treachery of my people. Xoshan, new chief, wishes me to ask forgiveness also.”

“You need not do that, nor Xoshan. The intrigue was Grosh’s, and perhaps Ast’s.”

“Was goblins’.”

“And our real foe, Solek, is human. Should I be apologizing for my race as well?”

Lucien took a moment to think about this, not understanding the question was rhetorical, and finally shook his head.

“Good. What’s done is done, but all is moving in the right direction again. I am sorry for the loss of Durst, though.

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