Wrath of the Wraith King: An Epic Fantasy Novel (Runes of Arcana Book 1) by Caesar Daniels

Author:Caesar Daniels [Daniels, Caesar]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Vanguard VFX Publishing
Published: 2024-04-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 38

CARAVAN TO THE MINES OF VALCORDA

CAEDEN

Marching hooves and the clinking of Imperial armor filled the air, the occasional whining of horses accompanying the long convoy. Caeden found himself in chains inside a rickety jail wagon, rattling along the uneven road of the North, the iron bars casting long shadows over the weary prisoners huddled inside. The wagon was part of an Imperial caravan traveling through the northern country road, heading to the Iron Mountains of Valcorda, flanked by guards on foot and on horseback.

Through the iron bars, in the distant hillside fields, the faded outline of the Imperial Citadel Tower of Skyguard rose high in the horizon, the greatest and tallest structure ever built by man, yet it was a stark reminder of the freedom he no longer possessed––a beacon of imperial oppression. Caeden assessed the others who shared his fate. Their faces etched with desperation and fear, others apathetic.

Caeden's attention was abruptly captured by a glinting light, a shimmer emanating from a gold-hilted dagger sheathed at an officer’s hip. The young prisoner’s gaze shifted to the same officer leading the cart, traditional scarlet tailcoat garb complete with a tricorne and powdered wig tied neatly with a bow.

The Copperhead’s blade––he recalled it to be that of his dragon-tooth dagger, easily recognizable by the sculpted dragon-head at its hilt. The same weapon passed down to him by his uncle Gregor, a treasured possession lost when he was recaptured at the High Magistrate’s chambers. Fate had already seen him loose the dagger once. What were the odds of seeing it again?

Caeden leaned closer to the iron bars. "That blade," he called out, his voice cutting through the heavy silence. “Where did you get it?”

The Imperial officer turned his head, eyes narrowing at Caeden's question. He let out a disdainful scoff and spat seeds at him as he continued munching on a piece of fruit. "What’s in it to you, prisoner?" he retorted, more seeds spraying in a contemptuous arc.

Caeden's jaw tightened, eyes locked on the guard. "That blade belongs to me," he asserted gripping onto the iron bars, voice tinged with anger. "It was taken from me––the same way I was thrown into the dungeon cells––without reason.”

A hint of realization dawned upon him, the officer’s gaze flickering with recognition. He took a moment to finish chewing before responding, relishing his authority over Caeden. "So, you're the one they caught infiltrating the High Magistrate's chambers," he jeered, a smug grin curling his lips. "Your little escapade didn't go unnoticed at the Imperial Palace.” The officer said unsheathing the dagger, admiring its form.

"That blade was passed down for generations in my family," Caeden declared, voice firm, not concerned for the guards’ words. "It holds great sentimental value. I need it back."

The officer laughed, a mocking sound that cut through the air. "Sentimental value? If you haven’t already noticed, boy, you’re a prisoner of the Imperium!" he scoffed, twirling the dagger in his hand. "You are beneath the slaves, nothing but an insect. Besides, this nice dagger––it’s mine now.

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