Aegis of The Gods: Book 00 - The Shadowbearer Read Online Free PDF

preached and accepted the blessing of a god whose warriors bested theirs.
    In close proximity to the menders were the Pathfinders. Displayed on their cloaks as well on each Ashishin’s breast was the Lightstorm insignia of the Granadian Tribunal—an illustration of three lightning bolts striking in front of the sun. Each Pathfinder’s hand rested on his sword. They had eyes only for the Ashishin.
    Seeing the Matii at work with their guardians keeping watch, Stefan wondered again about the King’s message and his actions. Why did Nerian withdraw all his Alzari? This was the last battle. He knew they needed them to save as many Astocans as possible. Why did Nerian require the few Forgers they possessed? And for what campaign? Why was the King willing to risk the men’s ire by having them go off to war once more? The questions roiled on. Only one threat came to mind that would need the attacking power and prowess of the Matii.
    Shadelings.
    A chill passed through Stefan, and he shivered, covering the tingle by running his hand up the back of his neck and stroking the hair standing on end. He breathed easier knowing that the combined might of the Ostanian kingdoms had driven back the black monstrosities years ago. Thanks to the Tribunal’s help. On rare occasion, a report came in from the far north or northeast of a sighting. A massive hunt followed until they destroyed the creature in question. Stefan found it hard to believe a sizable incursion had occurred without his knowledge. At least not one dangerous enough to warrant the King’s actions and the message of a new call to arms that Cerny had delivered.
    Controlling his mount with his legs, Stefan shifted to get a better look at Kasimir and Garrick. “I still can’t decide if I should break the news to the men or how.” He’d spent the previous night mired in sleeplessness and nightmares. In his dreams, his soldiers mutinied and caused a war that brought Seti to its knees. Hopefully, events would not be so bad. The thought did little to lessen his sense of dread or his dislike for the King’s orders. Such had been the dreams that he’d awoke red–eyed and weary.
    “Do as you always have,” Garrick said. His mount sniffed at the ground then snorted. “Tell it like it is.”
    Kasimir nodded his agreement.
    “Maybe that would be best,” Stefan said. Impaled on a pike not far from him was General Dedrick’s head. A slight breeze ruffled the Setian Quaking Forest banner tied to the shaft below the ragged stump of a neck. “I still can’t help the sense that many of our men won’t be pleased. I feel as if I failed them.”
    “Nonsense,” Garrick said. “The men followed your command because of who you are and what you have done. They’ll know you wouldn’t force them back into duty if it could be avoided.”
    “I still don’t understand why the King feels the need to continue the campaigns,” Kasimir added. “Except for the Harnan and Svenzar lands, we have claimed all of Ostania for ourselves. Does he intend to attack those two again?”
    “Don’t forget the Felani,” Garrick said.
    “Meh, the Felani are the Felani. They will continue to hide behind the Vallum of Light.”
    “Unless he’s found a way to root the Harnan and Svenzar out of their mountain strongholds, I don’t see why he would bother,” Stefan said. “Such a feat would take more Matii than we have.” He nodded toward the Ashishin.
    “Involving that many Forgers in an active battle wouldn’t be worth the risk,” Garrick said with a shake of his head. “At least I don’t think so. Why—”
    A scream cut off Garrick’s words. Stefan whipped his head around to peer in the direction of the sound, twisting slightly in his saddle.
    In the middle of the encampment a young Ashishin Forger stood with her hands and face raised to the gray skies. Her keening intensified until his ears hurt. The slight breeze rapidly became a gale.
    Ragged, tearing sounds followed as canvas, dirt,