The Road To The King (Book 1) by Steven Styles

Author:Steven Styles [Styles, Steven]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Belator Books
Published: 2012-08-30T23:00:00+00:00

JOSEPH NAMED his horse Belator. It was the name of a courageous warrior sung of in ancient myths of the kingdom, stories only told by firelight on moonless nights. When the young colt was weaned, the farmer brought him to the smithy. Training the obstinate young horse indeed proved difficult, but the challenge provided a welcome change to Joseph’s routine. By the end of the harvest he’d won Belator’s trust, and gained an officer’s steed. Winter didn’t give Joseph much time to ride his horse, however. Belator often watched from his stable--by the forge--as his master swung swords with the others, learning to gain footholds in the icy yard.

The spring came again. Joseph’s daily ride broke up the monotony of training smiths and sparring. Fashioning his own brand, Joseph branded his steed with the small Kingdom military design, along with his own initials. As none of the other soldiers stayed at the stronghold very long, the horse had become his only constant companion.

That harvest marked Joseph’s third year at Vyretant. Arider brought a military dispatch from Fort Munitio, directly from General Inermis. Joseph took it from the messenger in his smithy, reading it by himself. He was ordered to report to Fort Saref in the North-East part of the Kingdom, in Mirden Province. According to the message his new duties were to lead a detachment of men on routine patrols between the two major Northern port cities. His new commander was the former Colonel Jamieson--now the general in charge of Fort Saref. Taking his leave of the stronghold and the town Joseph rode to his new assignment on Belator.

Three days later, Joseph arrived at Saref. The large fort, itself, was building into a majestic coastal mountain; its fellows protected the fort’s namesake city. Joseph arrived--just after sunset--at the bleak, stone entrance to the fort’s outer walls. Riding up to an iron-studded gate, Joseph saluted to the captain of the guard.

“Name and rank,” the man stated briskly; his breath showed as a cloud in the cold air and torchlight.

“Lieutenant Joseph Asher, sir, reporting from the Stronghold Vyretent,” Joseph replied, handing over orders.

“A long way to travel,” the captain said, musing over the paper. “See the General, inside, before you head to your men. The great hall just inside the castle.”

This ‘fort’ was far grander inside than the last Joseph had seen, looking more like a lord’s palace than a place of defense, Polished suits of ancient armor stood along the passageways; richly-colored tapestries hung on the stone walls and delicate tables and chairs graced the rooms. At the end of the main passage, a guard let Joseph through a carved archway into the main hall. Peering into the dimly lit room, Joseph spied a man, sitting at the end of a long table. Several platters of fine food and pitchers of wine sat on the table’s polished surface.

“Come, Lieutenant Asher,” spoke the man. At once, Joseph recognized Colonel Jamieson--now a general--Inermis’ aid from the battle at Munitio. Setting his features to an impassive expression Joseph came forward, standing straight before his new commander.

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