Blood and Iron 3 by Eli Steele

Author:Eli Steele [Steele, Eli]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-10-10T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 34

Byron Dhane

Meronian Encampment

Outside of Bearbrook

Kingdom of Meronia

The industrious smell of coal dust and molten iron hung thick in the air, burning Byron’s nose, though the smell wasn’t offensive. Behind Gorv, bellows whooshed and a fire roared as his partner continued working the forge, indifferent to customers, regardless of name or renown.

On the table was the daystar, polished to a shine, lustering by the light of the flames. Beside it was the shield. The sigil of House Dhane, torch and fist, was emblazoned on the front.

“A weapon like this deserves a name, m’lord,” Gorv said.

Though he hadn’t considered the thought before, Byron didn’t hesitate. “Lordsbane,” he said, wrapping his fingers around the hilt. Testing its balance with several slow swings, he dropped the shaft through the oversized loop on his belt.

Havar lifted the shield. “Here,” he said, holding it out.

The commander slipped his stub into the leather boot and fastened the strap himself. Drawing it in close, he saw his house words painted in red across the top of the shield’s back.

We Light the Way

The gesture touched him, more than he would’ve expected. Clearing his throat, he closed his eyes for a moment before looking up at the men. “These last few days have been the hardest of my life. I’ve lost my men, and the source of my identity. A soldier without a sword arm is no longer a soldier, and a commander without an army is, well...” He paused, gathering his thoughts and tamping back his emotions. “The road back to Bearbrook was the longest I’ve ever ridden. And through all of this, I’ve felt unmanned. Thank you, both of you, for giving who I am back to me.” His eyes were moist by the time he’d finished. If the men saw it, their faces didn’t betray it.

“It’s been my honor to serve you, m’lord,” the smith said.

Havar nodded in agreement with Gorv’s words.

Clearing his throat again, Dhane said, “We should go, else we may miss the battle.”

In front of the smithy, in the middle of the street, the marshal stopped. “My lord, I would have but a moment.”

“Speak quickly, Havar. The swords of Beyorn approach.”

The man glanced about, searching for words. “War is a terror, sir. It leaves none unscathed, maiming one side and killing the other. It has pained me to see you struggle. You are the firstborn of House Dhane, a name that may carry more love with the people than the lord king’s own...”

“You shouldn’t speak such words, Havar.”

But he continued. “...You are royalty of Meronia. And you fought bravely at the Barbeau Pass. It was not the gods’ will that you should prevail that day, but today they are with us, I know it. Lead us, my lord, with honor.”

Oh, Havar, I am a coward before Beyorn and a coward before an old man. And if you knew my secrets, you would not follow me into battle, of this I am certain...

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.