Beyond the Bloodline the Empty Throne by Angela Hossack

Author:Angela Hossack
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: dragons, science fiction, epic fantasy, intergalactic warfare, worldbuilding, sword and sorcery fantasy books, space opera science fiction
Publisher: HPH Publishing
Published: 2019-10-11T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Damanacree and Analaision rode side by side at the vanguard of their armies. They sat astride two white Kallips – large, two-legged beasts with long necks and enormous heads – and neither were particularly comfortable.

The road from the border of the forbidden territories, heading south towards the heart of Icarrion, was not well travelled and was, therefore, uneven, overgrown and bumpy. The earth was a red clay that was baked solid in hard chunks and, on many occasions, the Kallip’s hooves failed to find purchase and their legs often buckled as they struggled to navigate the treacherous terrain.

Damanacree cursed every time he was nearly thrown from his saddle and, by the time the sun set, he was ready to slaughter his beast and walk the rest of the way.

The wagons hauling the atomfire weapons didn’t fare any better. Three had broken their axels - when they hadn’t even travelled half a day - and the others found it almost impossible to move across the earth without the benefit of a few dozen shoulders heaving them on.

By the time they made camp on the first night, tempers were frayed, and spirits were markedly downcast. What didn’t help matters was the fact that the wagons carrying the food seemed to have got themselves lost and, with everyone’s bellies rumbling in protest, it didn’t bode well for a restful night.

‘May the Sun God curse this detestable planet.’ Damanacree spat into the fire and threw himself down onto the ground. ‘I must be mad to think I could live here.’

‘They say that the capital is magnificent,’ Analaision said. ‘And that the royal residences are a joy to behold.’

Damanacree snorted through his nose. ‘Trust a female to weigh everything against the comfort of a royal palace.’

‘I’m sure you would appreciate owning such splendid abodes, my Lord, and appreciate the status that went along with possessing them. A little discomfort along the way isn’t too much hardship for such reward.’

‘I’m not going to make war for the sake of the frivolity of fancy palaces, wife, and I’m used to discomfort... though not on the back of a Kallip.’

She had the sense not to pursue the subject and set about boiling water for a hot drink.

They were still at least three suns away from the capital and he wished that he hadn’t listened to her and had landed his ships nearer to their ultimate destination. He said as much and received a doleful look in return.

‘As you say, my Lord.’ Her voice was stiff. ‘Please forgive my error of judgement.’

Slightly mollified by her words, he accepted a cup of herb tea and let the matter rest. There was no point in crying over a decision already made and acted upon and, anyway, he wasn’t all that sure that she was entirely wrong.

‘Will you share your plans with me?’ she asked, taking a sip of her tea. ‘What’s your strategy for taking the royal castle?’

His first instinct was to tell her that war was not a female’s business, but he had begun to consider her more male in her outlook and demeanour.

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