A Prayer of Hope and Bones by D. Elias Jenkins

Author:D. Elias Jenkins [Jenkins, D. Elias]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-07-20T22:00:00+00:00

12

Alfred knelt with his sword driven into the earth before him.

He was at the foot of the slope leading up to the gates of Ironghast.

Behind him was motley bunch of walking wounded. Monks, lords of Vassonia, and a smattering of those blessed or cursed with the Magus Heart. Sitting exhausted on rocks or just lying on the ground. The few shamans amongst them tended to injuries as best they could, but their own pool of magic was spent. Alfred glanced at the exhausted and battered people. They had defended their home, but at what cost?

Many dead creatures would never grace the world again, slashed and hacked to death up there in the walls of Ironghast. Several young monks died defending them. The few remaining blackguard, Witchfinders and hatchetmen who escaped the losing battle had fled into the Bleaks. Alfred doubted they would have the courage to return to their Sorrow masters and admit failure. They were few, but still dangerous. A threat to any town or village they came across. A problem to be dealt with another day.

He closed his eyes and felt the winds blow against his face. Now instead of flesh it felt like the bone dust was blowing against marble. How many years could he kneel there like a statue before the particles scoured away his features to leave a smooth white mask, he wondered?

Alfred whispered beneath his breath.

"Lord Angall.

Thank you for giving me the strength to defend these people and this monastery in your name.

I ask you take the souls of those who have fallen into your care. And for those who worship your brothers and sisters, guide them to their gods.

Show my master Invar ironbound the way home, let him follow your light.

And give me the courage to finish what we have started.

And take this fight to the King."

A hand rested on Alfred's shoulder. He knew it was Deena because he felt his Magus ignite within him, a warm hearth burning in his chest. His eyes shone as golden coins and the loneliness left him.

He took off his gauntlet and placed his hand on top of Deena's. The white flesh was hard and cold, but he felt a vibration pass through it into his body. He heard the heavy boots of Manzak stomp up by his side. The armour rattled as he planted his sword in the ground beside Alfred.

"They came here thinking it would be a massacre. Slitting our throats as we slept the way they did to the paladins years ago. They will have pause before they try again. Should we hunt them down?"

Alfred stayed on his knee, breathing deep and continuing his prayer.

"No. We can clear up the mess after Oligan is deposed and the Green King destroyed. Everything stems from that."

Alfred felt Deena's white fingers intertwine with his own. He felt the golden light in him waken. They both had to concentrate to control the upsurge of magic. It was dangerous to be this close. Her voice carried down to him.

"They know who we are now, Alfred.

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