Titan's Nest by T. D. Orel

Author:T. D. Orel [Orel, T. D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tanner Orel

25

DARREN DUSKFELL

Descending the stairs proved just as painful as climbing up them for my shaking legs. Sampson and Kaia laughed and jested with one another as they hurried down the spiraling steps, recalling all the victories and trials they had encountered throughout the day. Nyphea and Acheel joined them, exchanging notes and asking one another questions. Ajax marched on in silence. At least he had King proudly brooding from his boxy shoulders.

Tenebros dropped down the center of the spiral and had probably already drifted to the bottom. I imagined how well Maximus would have fit in with Kaia and Sampson. He would be laughing, teasing and grappling with them every step of the way. They would have made excellent friends.

I’m alone.

“Supper awaits you in the dining hall,” Doppler awaited us at the bottom of the staircase holding a lantern up by his face. “Due to the recent situation with the Verdourin, the Lord Commander has ordered that you remain in the tower after sun fall.” His sharp features silhouetted against the orange flame. The Wards all shoved past him and hurried down the hall.

“Thanks, Doppler,” I said as I limped down the last few steps. Doppler watched me with a puzzled look.

“Defending the rear once again, Lord Duskfell?”

“Someone has to,” I said lifelessly. “And it's wise to always have the strongest of the regiment defend the back.”

As we approached the dining hall, the same guards opened the large doors for us. I forced an uneasy grin, and nodded my appreciation to both of them.“Good evening, thank you,” I said. Again, they looked to each other for an explanation to my apparently odd behavior. As I reached the table covered in another feast, I fell into my chair and melted deep into the seat. I don’t remember eating.

“Lord Duskfell,” I awoke to Doppler poking me in the arm with a sharp finger. The flame in the fireplace had slipped away, only a few morsels of food remained, and all the other Wards and dragons had gone. Tenebros stretched across the table, a large bone trapped between his jaws. “I would recommend sleeping in the private chamber we provided for you,” Doppler said, he made no effort to hide how annoyed he was. I nodded my understanding and tried to wake myself enough to walk back to my room. “Remember, you are all scheduled to meet with the Tarok Sheen before breakfast.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for all the gold shells in Dazawrath,” I lied. I’ll be halfway to Sandpeak by then.

I made my way into my chamber, Tenebros in tow. Tenebros went to his usual spot and quickly drifted off into a heavy slumber, hiding his head beneath his dark wing. I hobbled over to my bed and let my weight drop across the mattress. I kept my boots on, I’d need them soon anyways. My eyes felt as if boulders were chained to my lids as they slid closed, nearly impossible to reopen them. The gentle pull of the dream world quickly entrapped me in her arms.

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