The Warrior's Stone by Matthew Duncan

Author:Matthew Duncan [Duncan, Matthew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781312214460
Publisher: MOBD Publishing
Published: 2014-12-22T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

The Commander of Prophecy

As the Suns set, the Serken did precisely what Roy said they would do. They doubled-back up north following the road from the tree line, occasionally catching small animals along the way for food. As the light dimmed, they went deeper into the woods, found a dry trench and built a fire to keep warm. Nightfall was what Roy had been waiting for. As the land cooled, his computer's sensors could see the enemy's fire from miles away.

The Kings and their army had made camp on a hillside that gave them an elevated view of the landscape, a position useful in planning an attack and capable of defending should the foe attack first. Drawing a crude map in the dirt, Roy explained where the enemy was to the Kings. Together they formulated a plan.

The men huddled together around pits of firestones for warmth as they waited for orders. Orie had been amongst them earlier listening to the tall tales they spun of great hunts and romantic conquests as they passed the time. When Roy finished with the Kings, he could no longer see the boy with the men. Concerned he began to look around, but quickly found him saddling up his steed. Roy had wanted to send Orie home, but he was concerned about sending him out on his own.

“Orie," Roy called out. "Hold up a moment." He worked his way through the crowd of soldiers to the boy.

"What is it, Roy?" Orie asked.

“I know you are eager to get home, but I think it would be best if you stayed here with the soldiers until I get back.”

“But you heard what Pa told me. They are expecting me,” he said surprised that Roy would suggest any action that would go against his father’s wishes.

“I know,” Roy said with a bit of a forced smile trying not to put a fright in the boy, “but there are a lot of unknowns right now. Such as how many Serpent People there are and if they are all in the same place right now. I think it would be best if you camped here with the army for at least tonight.”

“I am not a boy. I can take care of myself.” Orie insisted as he finished tying the saddle pouch and climbed up on the Kanis-steed.

Roy grabbed Orie's arm as if he was one of his raw cadets. With a stern look, he said. "If anything should happen to you while you were in my charge your mother would never forgive me, and that is a wrath I never want to face."

That put a pause in Orie. It was a logic he didn’t have an argument for. Nodding his head he said, “Alright, but just for one night,” and dismounted his steed.

"You see that man over there? He's the captain of the first unit. I explained to him who you are to me and he will make sure you get a meal and a place to put down your bedroll.

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