The Traitor by Anthony Ryan

Author:Anthony Ryan [Ryan, Anthony]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy
ISBN: 9780316430821
Publisher: Orbit; Hachette Book Group
Published: 2023-07-11T00:00:00+00:00

I expected to see the scowling, vengeful personage of Supplicant Ildette emerging from the fog on the far side of the causeway. So, it was with a welling of disappointment and regret that I beheld the sight of Captain Ofihla Barrow.

“Scribe,” she said, bringing her horse to a halt. She spoke with typical gruffness, heavy brows drawn in a manner that indicated she had no more love for this outcome than did I. Behind her, riders wearing the dark armour of the Ascendant Host reined in their mounts, which pained me yet further. I saw several faces I recognised among them, some I had fought beside, others who had ridden with Wilhum. He sat mounted alongside the rest of the Free Company, positioned a decent remove from the causeway. Seeing a brief spasm of anguish pass over his features as he beheld his former comrades, I hoped he could find the resolve to fight them. Desmena’s band was nowhere in sight, making the disparity in our numbers even more stark. Still, I exhibited no lack of confidence as I returned Ofihla’s greeting.

“Captain. I find I lack the words to fully convey how sorry I am to see you here.”

“And yet you still use ten where one will do, eh?” A grudging smile appeared on her broad, weathered face. I didn’t return it.

“I thought you above murder,” I said. “The murder of children, in fact. It was you who burned the Knoll, I assume?”

Ofihla stiffened, jaw clenching. “I did the queen’s bidding. As I am sworn to do. As are you, my lord.”

“An oath does not bind me to murder, especially one given to a false Martyr. Where in the scrolls is it written that the slaughter of innocents can ever be sanctioned?”

The captain’s visage darkened, an angry murmur rising from the soldiers at her back. Swords scraped from sheaths as they readied themselves. Any faint hope I harboured that prior comradeship would give them pause faded quickly in the face of their mounting rage. Evadine’s hold on those who chose to stay in her service had evidently grown to the point where once good folk were now willing to massacre the defenceless in her name. The realisation stoked my own temper, Blackfoot nickering in anticipation as he sensed my mood.

“Did you cheer when she hanged Captain Swain?” I asked Ofihla. “Did you rejoice in the death of the man you followed for years?”

“Swain died begging pardon for his actions,” she shot back, hefting a mace I recognised as belonging to the fallen captain. “I carry this in his honour.”

I grated a harsh laugh, shaking my head. “You no longer have any honour. Can’t you see that? All of you.” I raised my voice to a shout, casting it at the soldiers under her command. “Evadine Courlain damned us. Our souls are forever sullied by service in her cause. Join me and at least try to cleanse yourselves before she sets you to yet more crimes.”

It was a hopeless appeal, but heartfelt.

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