The Hour of Shadows by C L Werner

Author:C L Werner
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Library
Published: 2011-07-14T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOUR

‘The kindreds of Nymraif and Caidath failed to hold the intruders. They were barely able to delay them.’

Thalos Stormwind glowered as he heard the scout’s report. It had taken time to muster his kinband, to draw out his allies from the trees. He had been depending upon them to hold the skaven at the edge of the forest until he could bring his full army there. Ywain had impressed upon him the threat to the forest if anything evil should come into contact with the Golden Pool, particularly during the Hour of Shadows, when the strength of all dark magic was in flux. He glanced over at Ywain, noting the flicker of worry that disturbed her composure. The spellweaver had warned that Huskk’s magic would be strengthened during this dark time, but Thalos had been unwilling to accept the magnitude of the ratman’s power.

Thalos pressed his palm against the wooden hilt of the Dawnblade, reassured by the feel of the sword. He turned his head and regarded the nobles gathered around him in the clearing. They watched him with expectant eyes, waiting to follow his lead. Looming above them all was the treeman Daithru, the ancient’s gnarled face imperturbable as it observed the elves’ war council.

‘We will send riders to warn the other kinbands,’ Thalos decided, his voice grave. The entire forest would already be aware of the skaven intrusion. There was no need to warn anyone about this. The message Thalos would send was more shameful. He would have to warn the other lords of the forest that the skaven intrusion was something his own warriors might be unable to repulse. It was the duty of any highborn to protect the lands under his charge. To fail in that obligation was among the worst dishonours a highborn could bring upon himself.

Saith shook his head in disbelief, colour rising into his cheeks. ‘You cannot mean to do such a thing!’ he objected. ‘The other lords will demand another noble assume leadership of your domain!’

Thalos smiled at his friend’s loyalty. ‘Thank you for your confidence, but I cannot allow my own fate to endanger Athel Loren.’

‘It is only a filthy ratkin!’ Saith cursed. ‘Such creatures have menaced us before and always they have been exterminated!’

‘Do not underestimate this one,’ Ywain cautioned. ‘The kindreds of Nymraif and Caidath already made that mistake.’

‘The root-chewer has great magic.’ Daithru’s groaning voice thundered across the clearing. ‘It is never wise to take a wizard lightly.’ The treeman’s body shook in a great sigh. ‘And this one has bound a strange creature to its will, a monster whose kind has never before threatened these lands.’

Ywain shuddered as she listened to the treeman’s voice, her insides twisting into a knot of guilt. If she thought her words would do any good, she would have implored Daithru to leave the fighting to the elves. But a treeman’s mind, once decided, was as immovable as the Oak of Ages.

Thalos paced among his nobles, picturing the line of march the ratmen would take.

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