Blood and Iron 1 Page 10

Eldrick sighed. “Fair enough, then. How many soldiers in the Meronian force that is to lay siege to the Brae?”

  “One thousand and seventeen men, just as he commanded.”

  “Who, your king?”

  “He is not a king.”

  “Who is he, Creedon?”

  Milky eyes stared up at Eldrick. Creedon’s jaw clacked. He spoke. “He has many names. Which one would you have?”

  Eldrick rubbed his temples. “Humor me, asshole, let’s hear them all.”

  “He is known as the Olde One, The Pursuer, Dark Unifier…”

  Eldrick’s chest tightened. A wave of dread passed over him. He reclaimed his seat.

  The raspy voice continued, “…The Tireless One, The Shadow Seer, The Raven M-“

  “Wait, stop, stop,” Eldrick said.

  Creedon’s jaws clacked shut.

  “How about a name, like you and I? A first name?”

  Creedon laughed.

  Never heard ‘em do that before…

  “What’s coming to the Brae? How do you plan to breach the keep?”

  Creedon’s voice deepened. “That is not for you to know, D’Eldar.”

  “Creedon, I demand-“

  “Do not speak to Creedon,” the voice commanded, “speak to me…”

  Knocking his chair over, Eldrick stumbled backwards.

  “Beyorn will pay for its sins, and so will the others. Leave now, D’Eldar, and leave with your life… Stay, and forfeit everything…”

  Creedon’s body rose and yanked at the chains. Steel groaned and creaked.

  Eldrick drew his longsword, preparing to end the man. As he stepped forward, the prattlesap completed its course with the body.

  A low gurgle emanated from within, followed by a wave of tremors. And finally, Creedon’s lungs emptied. The body slumped.

  Breathless and shaken, Eldrick sat on the floor. His hands trembled. His pulse raced.

  Griffon’s steps echoed down the hall outside. “Eldrick, is everything alright? Father Alden was concerned…” Rounding the corner, he froze. “What happened?”

  Looking up, Eldrick replied, “It’s far worse, far worse than we feared…”

  A Note from the Author

  I hope you enjoyed Part 1 of my serial!

  Part 2 of B&I is currently available on Amazon!

  Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYGKY83

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  https://elisteele.blogspot.com/

  I’d love to hear your feedback, or a kind review on Amazon.

  Thanks!

  E.S.S.

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