The Ashenborn (Ashenborn Series Book 1) by Matthew Fenn

Author:Matthew Fenn [Fenn, Matthew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Warren Publishing
Published: 2019-10-29T22:00:00+00:00

“Your Grace, I will contact Wulvsbaen and speak to my father the king,” Thornbeorn said.

Alanias rubbed his beard and stood up from the table where he had been sitting.

“Thank you, Thornbeorn, but I must ask more of you.”

Thornbeorn shifted uncomfortably.

“We will need as many men as Wulvsbaen can muster. As quickly as possible.”

“It will be done without question.”

“It must be.”

“What of the others? How fare your sons?” Thornbeorn asked respectfully.

Alanias’ face was grim.

“I fear that they have run into trouble. I often doubt having sent them on this mission. But never mind. You have enough to concern yourself with currently.”

Thornbeorn nodded as Alanias handed him a scroll with his seal in red wax.

“Take word to your people and see what men we can gather. Normally the High King and his men would come in time to quell incoming armies, but we can’t count on that this time. At all costs deliver this message.”

“My Lord, we have a long-standing alliance and we shall send what men we can spare,” Thornbeorn said as he bowed.

Alanias nodded solemnly, then turned to look out a nearby window, dismissing Thornbeorn.

“It is only fitting that you receive the same aid that you have provided us,” Thornbeorn said, turning to go. “I will make haste.”

He left at a run, and Alanias went out to the balcony of the throne room. He had not expected to see ships entering Arkyras Rift from the west. The Rift was a perilous passage for inexperienced sailors, with sharp rocks hidden beneath the waves that could easily reduce a ship to nothing but a few floating pieces of wood. He had thought the enemy would come from the southern Mist Isles. His face became grimmer as he thought of his sons, his resolve wavering for a moment. If they returned with Jakobin and reinforcements, then their journey would have not been in vain. Thornbeorn was also an ally who could be trusted to send men in this time of need.

“Lifesveil shall not fall,” he said to himself, reassured by the plans he had made. Yet still he looked over the kingdom, committing the view from his window to memory as if he might never see it whole again.

“I am being silly in my old age.” He shook his head and rubbed his temples. I must be strong for the people, he thought. Even if it isn’t true.

A bird flew from the south and landed on the bird keep just below him, delivering some news he hoped to be good. His mood was down. He had spent the majority of the night planning with Zarx and his captains to build up the city’s fortifications. Lack of sleep had left him tired and irritable. He contemplated taking an hour of rest, knowing appearances were important. He had seen Zarx off to do other things, and this would give him time to renew his strength.

His shaking hands unwrapped the message delivered by the bird, careful not to tear the delicate scroll. He shook his head and threw down the letter.

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