Vanquished by T.J. Land

Author:T.J. Land [Land, T.J.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2019-08-08T16:00:00+00:00

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Thunder-struck, Uther stared at Courage’s unmoving form, crumpled in the snow at his feet.

“I’ve never much liked physical violence,” said Sesserine, lowering the rock. “But by all the gods, that felt amazing. Wait until my mother learns that I’ve defeated the great Sir Courage in combat. Heh.”

“W-what have you done?” Uther said, stuttering for the first time in his life. He bent down and, touching Courage’s neck, found that the knight was still breathing.

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m taking the initiative. Since you so handily provided a distraction, I thought it was time to make our move. Oran’s still digging himself out of the snow, and we know these mountains better than anyone. If we make a run for it now, we can -…”

“You blasted imbecile!” Uther roared, clutching his head. “Aargh! I was so close!”

Gaping, Sesserine said, “What are you babbling about? What did I do wrong? You said the plan was to escape! That was the whole point of seducing Courage and Oran! Haven’t I simply expedited matters? We can escape right now! We don’t have to linger amongst these fools a moment longer!”

Pointing at Courage’s unmoving form, Uther hissed, “I want to recruit him. I want to get something out of this whole sorry affair and he would be a major asset. If we flee now with our tails between our legs, all my work will have been for nothing. Now keep your tongue still while I try to fix this mess you’ve made.”

“You – that – oh, fine! Do what you want. Like you always do.”

Ten minutes later, Courage woke up to see Uther crouching over him with a concerned expression, and Sesserine bound and gagged at his side.

“The wretch attacked you,” said Uther.

“Attacked?” repeated Courage, gingerly touching the welt on his head.

Uther sighed. “I apologize. I am many things, Courage, but one thing I am not is a coward who goes for his enemies when their backs are turned. Even so, I beg you to be merciful. In a sense, he cannot help himself. It’s in his nature.”

Courage looked from Sesserine – silent, scowling – to Uther.

“Thank you, Uther,” he said.

Uther smiled. You stupid, trusting boy.

It turned out the two warriors whose names Uther hadn’t learned had died in the avalanche. Now only Oran, Sesserine, Courage and Uther remained.

Two of them. Two of us.

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