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[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] You didn t answer my question, sir, Der said. He sighed again. Fine. Der, I m not going to try to sweeten war, and you re going to learn what it s truly like soon enough. You don t play with your enemy like you do in a game there aren t any rules on the battlefield. We re in this for survival, which means we cannot afford to take chances. This is just a trap it isn t like we re assassinating anyone. You ll soon learn that in battle, the dirtiest, most cunning bastard wins. If you aren t he, you don t survive. This war is about our survival. We re trying to kill them before they kill us, that s all a battle is. But, is this honorable? she persisted. He held up an index finger. Honor is defined by what do you after combat, cause in the fight, everyone s a bastard. If you aren t, you die. Der s face was pained. I just want to hear yes or no. She bit her lip. But, it s not that simple, is it? He shook his head and held out his hands. No, it s not. Don t dwell on it though, I m the commanding officer so it s my responsibility, alright? Yes, sir. Don t worry about it. That s an order. He ran a hand over his face. There is honor in war, Der. It s what helps to separate the good from the rot. But, there are no rules. You win. Then, after the fight, you tend to the wounded and all that. All Things Impossible Crown of the Realm Dalton 185 I m still confused, sir. He nodded and offered a small facsimile of a smile. You ll learn. I know you will cause you re too stubborn to do wrong. Fienan also half smiled. It lightens my heart to hear your concerns, Derora and Kelin. I was beginning to believe that all humans had lost their way again. Right. The knight nodded. Now, let s get you some proper armor. Salinienn stepped aside to reveal two very lightweight shirts of elven mail. They glistened in the sunlight like fresh waves on the water. Jakkobb handed Der a thin, red-brown swordbelt. The belt was imprinted with an intricate pattern. She cautiously drew the sword from the elaborate sheath. The blade was without a single nick, and shone brighter than the practice weapon she d been using. It reflected the early sunlight as strongly as if it were noon. The hilt was engraved with elvish patterns. He hinted at a cold smile. You wanted to be a warrior, so here is a warrior s sword. The moon could ve been behind Der s head for the way she glowed, all fears and concerns tossed over her shoulder for the moment. Yes, sir! Baroness Evelyn of Elloan led Thalon quickly down the hall by holding on to his hand. He had just dried his most recent round of tears, and let himself be pulled by the lady instead of following. She pulled him down some wide, low cut stairs that spiraled around some two- story statute. It wasn t a person, but a depiction of a stag running up a cliff. He ducked his chin against his chest and did his very best not to look around at the early winter beauty around the secret elvish city. It was too easy to let go of his angry emotions if he did. They came to a still lively ivy covered stone wall. As he watched, a dead-end archway of stones and the greenery vanished before his eyes. The corridor continued. The lady kept walking without hesitation, but now, he dragged his feet because he was staring. The hall led to a wide, elaborate balcony with a grand vista of the mighty Riverfall Mountains. Several elves stood around, watching the crown prince, who gripped the ornamental railing with both hands. He recognized Sir Amthros, the duke and the duchess, but he didn t know the youngest elf with golden eyes. He heard as they swept closer. & Even word that the chemmen started raiding the dwarves. The duke scoffed. Apparently, they ve already assumed victory over us. Not yet, the crown prince answered quickly. We still have a hand to play. He turned to face them. Lady Evelyn, Thalon. The baroness curtseyed, and Thalon managed a quick bow. He vaguely remembered his mother saying something about it being rude not to drop one s eyes. It meant a lack of trust. Have you heard? Amthros drawled. Even the dwarves. It won t be a fortnight before the chemmen attack the humans, probably Thealith and the world from there. Yes, she replied. It s a Centum War reborn, as we feared. The secret of Riverfall is no longer safe. I fear that no place may be secure. Lady Sabille leaned closer to her husband. Evelyn bowed her head. I wish to protest your highness s decision to accompany us to Elloan. It will be dangerous. All Things Impossible Crown of the Realm Dalton 186 He waved his hand behind his head. Myself in danger? We sit here in comfort whilst our people are being murdered. He stared off into the horizon, watching, imagining seeing the smoke of fires eating the remnants of towns and cities. Instead, the reality of the vista [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |