The Sword and the Flame by Stephen R. Lawhead

Author:Stephen R. Lawhead
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781595543813
Publisher: Bill
Published: 0101-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

"I will not."

"Ronsard, then. Anyone. I do not care."

Page 392

Theido knew he was beaten then, turned away, and walked to the door.

With his hand on the latch he paused and said, "There are those who will give their lives for you and your throne. And many more will brave any danger in service to you. flurwin did, and Toli and others you know nothing of. Will you not lifts hand to save yourself?" With that he closed the door.

The King heard his footsteps diminishing in the corridor, and lay staring up into the darkness of his blackened room. He did not move.

"Well?" Ronsard asked, already guessing the answer, for it was written in the gray, weary lines of his friend's face.

"He will not ride. I fear we have lost our King even before a single blow has been delivered."

"If our King gives himself over to defeat, then our kingdom is in disarray. The jackals will tear it to pieces."

Theido drew a deep breath. "That, at least, we can hold off for a little longer. We will ride to Ameron-on-Sipleth and do what we can."

He cast an eye skyward. "If we ride all night we can be there by morning."

As twilight tinted the bowl of heaven the color of dark wine, the Dragon Page 393

King's army left Askelon. In all the times of leaving, in all I 935 I

the wars when Mensandor's men-at-arms had answered the call and marched forth into battle, in all the frightful days when foe threatened and peace would be won only by lance and sword, there had never been a more silent departure.

The troops filed through the outer ward and gatehouse, over the immense drawbridge spanning the dry moat, and down the long ramp to wend through the streets of the city. The knights came first on horseback, their armor bundled beneath netting behind the saddles of their squires. The footmen were next, marching together in long ranks, not speaking for word had spread through the file hat the Dragon King had not the heart to lead his men. After the footmen came the hevy wagons loaded with provisions and weapons for the footmen and knights; smitha'

and surgeon? wa ins with supplies and tools for mending broken men and their armaments formed the rear of the train.

The silent army passed through the streets of the city like a ghostly phalanx whispering off to some forgotten battle on the mists of time.

No one came out to mark their passing; no citizen cheered their march.

The streets remained empty of all but a few mongrel dogs, hungry-looking and scabby, who ran yapping at the horses' hoofs.

Page 394

At the head of the troops rode Ronsard and Theido side by side, upright in the saddle, eyes ahead. They did not speak, but wrapped themselves in their own thoughts like cloaks against the night. And though the night was warm, there was an atmosphere of melancholy and futility that chilled the air. AU felt it who followed the banner of the Dragon King this night.

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