Vengewar by Kevin J. Anderson

Author:Kevin J. Anderson [Anderson, Kevin J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781250302144
Google: pM3dDwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Published: 2021-01-19T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

The following morning, after the lookout sighted the misty coast of Osterra, Mandan sat in a chair on the deck, which was still moist from the previous night’s downpour. He eyed scorch marks on the scrubbed planks, scars where arrows had gouged the deck. The marks of battle. Utho called them the marks of survival, not of defeat.

“We sank several of their ships,” Mandan said. “I only wish we could have taken some Isharan prisoners for Lord Cade. It … it would have made a fine wedding present for my father-in-law.”

“Set your priorities, my konag. When we conquer the continent, we will secure more than enough slaves for our needs. And there are things more important than your upcoming wedding.” Utho gave him stern instructions. “You need to write a letter to the kings of Suderra and Norterra. The Commonwealth must be united, and the fate of our entire land now rests in how we respond to the enemy. We know from the last Utauk trading ship that Empra Iluris remains in a coma, unable to rule.” His gray eyes hardened. “Therefore, Ishara is weak, leaderless, in turmoil. Now is the time to strike. We cannot miss this opportunity!” Mandan nodded, agreeing completely, and Utho nudged him into action. “Write all that! Tell your brother and your uncle. Now is our chance. We need to stand together.”

The young man called for fresh paper, ink, a quill. Thanks to Utho, he had so much anger he could barely find the words to write. He struggled to compose the letter as he sat outside in the deceptively bright morning.

Utho nodded down at the paper. “Write, Sire. Issue your commands. You rule the three kingdoms, and this is our war. They all have to obey you. Call them to action.”

“But … but King Kollanan sent that terrible letter about what you did to Elliel. What if he doesn’t heed me?”

Utho’s face grew as dark and stormy as the previous night’s clouds. “You are the konag, Sire. He is only a king.” That seemed to be all the answer he would give.

As Mandan worked through the first few sentences, the words began to flow better. He read his first draft, but found it inadequate, so he tore it up and rewrote the document in stronger, clearer language. He was the rightful konag, issuing a royal command.

When he felt satisfied with the document, and after Utho approved it, he wrote identical letters to Adan and Kollanan.

This war against Ishara would consume the resources of the Commonwealth: the ships, soldiers, weapons, armor, food, and supplies. The three kingdoms, which had been allied since the time of Queen Kresca, would need to merge their armies into a single force capable of crushing the enemy that had committed such horrible crimes. Norterra, Suderra, and Osterra could have no other priorities. They would stand together under Mandan’s rule. He was the konag, and they must obey.

Mandan signed and sealed his letters. As soon as the warships landed at Rivermouth, he would dispatch riders across the land to deliver them with all possible speed.

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