Heroes of the Crystal Star (Valcoria Book 1) by Jason James King

Author:Jason James King [King, Jason James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Immortal Works
Published: 2020-05-25T16:00:00+00:00

Sitrell stood inside the command tent listening as Valek and his subordinate generals discussed the logistics of marching thirty-three thousand soldiers across hundreds of miles of untamed wilderness. They had gotten most of the planning out of the way and were now going over a final checklist of supplies. Sitrell surreptitiously massaged his side. He had tried to get more opiate extract from the chief medical officer but had to abandon the attempt when the doctor’s line of questions came close to exposing the severity of his wound. I’ll manage. Sitrell gritted his teeth.

A commotion outside caused Valek’s lieutenant to stop listing the armies’ various species of livestock and the group of generals to look up from their table and maps. To Sitrell’s surprise, Ashra parted the canvas wall and stepped into the tent. She was hooded in a cloak of deep blue, clasped together at her neck and falling over her shoulders like a cape. A muscular man dressed in the white uniform of the Royal Guard stood behind her. The generals all bowed their heads and saluted fists to chests. Sitrell hesitated before rendering a half-hearted version.

“Princess.” Valek offered a second reverential nod. “I was not aware you would be visiting the camp. How may we be of service?”

Ashra drew down her hood revealing auburn hair done up in the back in an intricate weave with a net of small pearls. “I have come to see you and your army off, General Valek.”

“That is most kind, Princess.” General Valek said. “I know my men will appreciate the gesture. Can I have someone set up a tent for you to take some refreshment and rest in while you await our departure?”

Sitrell met Ashra’s eyes as she nodded. “That would be appreciated, General Valek. But first I require a moment to speak with Commander Trauel.”

Valek shot him a confused glance. “Of course, Your Highness.”

Valek motioned and he and his men vacated the command tent. Ashra shooed her burly escort outside before turning back to face him.

“Your Highness,” Sitrell said, trying not to sound impertinent. “How may I be of service?”

Ashra stared at him, her eyes falling to the sword sheathed at his left hip. “Your father’s sword suits you.”

Sitrell tightened his jaw. “I lost my blade in Lisidra, and this sword is of superior craftsmanship.”

“So it is strictly a matter of utility?” Ashra raised an eyebrow.

“Why are you here?”

Ashra took several steps toward him. “I wanted to speak with you before you deployed.”

“Why?” Sitrell asked, his voice full of suspicion.

“Because I care about you.” Ashra hesitated. “And we never have had a chance to discuss what happened.”

Sitrell ground his teeth, emotion welling up inside him. “What is there to discuss?”

Ashra stepped closer. “I want to tell you why―”

“Why you spurned me? Why you toyed with my heart and then cast me aside when it became politically inconvenient?”

Ashra shook her head. “This is why I wanted to talk to you before you left. I need you to understand.”

“Oh, I understand. Gaining

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