The Warrior by Stephen Aryan

Author:Stephen Aryan
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780857669599
Publisher: Watkins Media
Published: 2022-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

“This is a bad idea,” said Malina.

“I have no choice,” said Sigrid.

The two of them were sat atop their horses, riding towards the enemy, under a flag of truce.

“There must be another way,” said Malina.

Despite their peaceful mission, the Choate warrior was dressed in her leathers and armed to the teeth. They were outnumbered several hundred to one, but Sigrid knew that if she asked, Malina would attempt to fight their way out. For her, fighting was as natural as breathing, and any form of surrender felt alien.

The front ranks of the missionaries grudgingly stepped aside, letting them pass to the rear of the camp, where their leaders waited outside a command tent. Sigrid noted the camp was still in the process of being set up. The army had started its slow march from the Holy City, towards the heart of Algany, but had not made it very far. Soldiers could only walk so many miles each day, especially when they relied heavily on so many others to keep them alive. The supply wagons probably stretched along the west road all the way back to the walls of Lorzi.

Six people were waiting for Sigrid outside the command tent. She didn’t recognise any of the figures, but the plain-faced woman dressed in white and yellow robes could only be Reverend Mother Reyna. She had a no-nonsense look, was solidly built and had grey, wavy hair. The others were all soldiers, and Sigrid guessed they were her generals.

As they dismounted from their horses, half a dozen soldiers armed with swords ran forward.

“Put them away, you idiots,” snapped the Reverend Mother, freezing the soldiers in their tracks.

“But the savage is armed,” one of them said.

Reyna gave him a withering glare then turned to one of her generals, a tall man with a bushy grey moustache. “I thought you said they were professionals?”

“That won’t be necessary,” he said, waving the soldiers back.

“Come, child,” said the Reverend Mother, ignoring everyone except Sigrid. “Your bodyguard can come as well.”

“But she will need to surrender her weapons,” added the general.

Reyna grunted but didn’t comment. She went into the tent without waiting to see what happened. Much to Sigrid’s relief, Malina gave up her weapons without an argument.

Inside the tent, the air was cool and, despite the situation, Sigrid felt a lot more comfortable with less people watching.

“Please sit,” said the Reverend Mother, gesturing at a couple of chairs which had been padded with brightly coloured cushions. She fetched two mugs, of what turned out to be water, and offered one to Sigrid. When she hesitated to take a drink, Reyna rolled her eyes and sipped from both mugs before Sigrid accepted.

“So, tell me, why are you here?” asked Reyna.

Sigrid took a moment to gather her thoughts. The Reverend Mother was younger than she’d anticipated, but she had a bullish attitude that was familiar.

“You sound just like your predecessor,” said Sigrid. “She was also direct, and when she said jump, people did as they were told.”

“True enough, but you should know I don’t have her skill with words.

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