The Map of All Things by Kevin J. Anderson & Kevin J. Anderson

Author:Kevin J. Anderson & Kevin J. Anderson [Kevin J., Anderson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA
Published: 2010-06-21T00:00:00+00:00

64 Fashia's Fountain

Three sturdy Soeland patrol ships anchored just off the rocky Uraban coastline, far below the Edict Line. The lookouts remained on high alert to make sure no Urecari vessels saw them. Up against the cliffs, a small pier and marker obelisks indicated a stony path that wound into the narrow gorge. Destrar Tavishel was sure that this was the right place.

Flushed with excitement, Jenirod watched the determined Soelanders take up their weapons and prepare to go ashore. “Are you sure we need all these men, Destrar? Fashia's Fountain isn't a military outpost, just one of their unholy shrines.”

Tavishel gave him a cool look. “Do you fault my thoroughness?”

Jenirod shook his head. “No, we both have too much riding on this operation. Let us do it in the name of Queen Anjine.”

The Soeland destrar barked gruff orders, but the men already knew what they were doing. Creaking ropes lowered the small boats over the side, and the men rowed to the lonely pier, disembarked, then sent the boats back for additional shore parties. Jenirod sat aboard the second boat, anxious to fight. Tavishel arrived with the very last group. The Soelanders, though eager, were professional warriors.

Years ago, after the heinous slaughter of Prester-Marshall Baine's pilgrims at Ishalem, Tavishel's ships had intercepted a Uraban diplomat en route to Calay. After killing the man and his crew, Tavishel had desecrated the proposed peace treaty and sent the corpse-filled ship into the Tenér docks. The Soeland destrar was not a braggart, but it had been too long since he'd done something significant.

Now Jenirod was only too glad to help him—and earn the respect and adoration of his bride-to-be. He grinned to think of how impressed the queen would be. Previously, Jenirod had fought in mock battles and tournaments, but he suspected this experience would feel different from a colorful equestrian cavalcade. He was anxious to see the color of Urecari blood; he had heard so many stories that questioned whether they were even human….

As the last boat tied up to the dock, Tavishel stepped off. He was a humorless man, but they had a grim task ahead, and it was good for grim men to do it. The bearded destrar strode to Jenirod. “Are you ready?”

Jenirod's eyes gleamed over his enthusiastic smile. “I've been waiting for this all my life.”

Unimpressed, Tavishel trudged up the steep path, holding his sword in a firm grip. The hardy Soelanders followed at a swift pace, and Jenirod found it difficult to keep up; he was a horseman, not a footsoldier. His own sword was heavy, but it would feel lighter once coated with Urecari blood.

During the mile-long climb into the gorge, the Soelanders spread out and paced themselves to save strength for the real attack. Along the way, they came upon two women who were astonished to see an armed Aidenist party heading toward the shrine. Tavishel did not bother to speak to them, since nobody understood the gibberish of Urecari language anyway. The pilgrims were

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.