Fury by James Alderdice

Author:James Alderdice [Alderdice, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LOST REALMS PRESS
Published: 2019-12-21T16:00:00+00:00

11. Song of Treachery

Come daybreak they saw the bare destruction of Tarbona’s men. A horrific red smear on the ruin of tall grass not two hundred yards from the gatehouse was all that remained of Tarbona’s huntsmen. It was difficult to tell what was man or beast, but it was clear there were several mangled carcasses among the gut piles. Even the men that had been slain by the wolfshead farther up the road had been partially devoured.

“I believe I heard several of the men racing away in the dark. I don’t think Fiendal got them all, or if he did, it would have been miles from here,” said one of the wall wardens.

“And if anything could run them down, it would be Fiendal, the bastard!” said Bors.

Gathelaus sensed Bors gazing at him. The captain of Hoskuld’s men glared angrily over the top of his jack of ale.

Bors continued speaking low to his men, but not so quiet that Gathelaus could not hear him. “Then maybe soon, we can collect some reward ourselves to make up for our ill luck thus far, maybe then—”

Hoskuld slapped a hand down on Bors’ shoulder and squeezed. He leaned in to whisper into his headman’s ear menacingly. “Anymore such talk against my guest and you will be put out to pasture in a box. Am I understood?”

“Yes, my lord, I just wanted—”

“No more. It isn’t wise to taunt a man that slays for a living,” said Hoskuld as he limped away and joined Gathelaus at his solitary table.

Gathelaus raised his ale mug in silent greeting.

Hoskuld said, “Please do not hold my wayward servants accountable for their foolish words. I have few enough men as it is.”

Gathelaus grunted, sipped his ale, then said, “I’ll let any words go by, but if a blade is raised in my direction …”

Hoskuld gave a withering glare toward Bors. “You have my blessing if it comes to that.”

“I hope for your folk’s sake it doesn’t. You have few enough men as it is.”

Hoskuld smirked and grimly nodded. “True. He and Brotheus are my last most resolute men.”

Gathelaus asked, “I prepare to face the dragon. Is there anything I can count on?”

“There is a pattern in all things the dragon does. He seems to wander differing parts of the valley every few days and so we know which nights he will come. Barring something unusual, he shouldn’t come to Finnsburg tonight, but the next night.”

“He is that predictable?”

Hoskuld gave pained smile. “I wouldn’t call it that, but it is a routine now. We know what nights will be the worst. We have learned it with blood these last few weeks.”

“So, I have some time to prepare?”

Hoskuld stood from the table and spoke loudly enough for his men to hear. “Yes, anything at my disposal that you can utilize you have my blessing for acquisition.”

“Thank you, Lord Hoskuld. I will begin my preparations in earnest.”

“Anything,” said Hoskuld with a wave of his hand. He glanced at Bors, saying curtly, “Anything.”

Bors bowed

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