By the Sword Read Online Free PDF Page B

are not victorious until Sanctus is defeated and every follower of this so-called God is slain.”
    Jalarn nodded, but annoyance flickered in his eyes. It would do him good to remember his place.
    “How many Cardamonians were slain, Commander?” asked Naeshi.
    “Nearly everyone, but a few cowards managed to escape. Some knights from Sanctus came unexpectedly on horseback, but they did little damage. We managed to take many of them, but their general got away.”
    “So, General Edandir has been sticking his battle-hungry nose where it is not wanted again,” said Ittonifer.
    If Ittonifer knew General Edandir as well as he thought he did, the man would persuade that flighty woman ruler to let him lead his army to Malinor. It would be refreshing to have a worthy enemy to go to war against.
    Ittonifer was pleased with the fall of Cardamon, as well as his new installment of wealth, but there was still much more that they needed to accomplish. Even once they overtook Sanctus, it would not be enough for him. There was a whole world of interesting land out there.
    “We must ensure our victory over Sanctus. We are strong, but outnumbered. They have powers from their religion that we cannot ignore.”
    “Hardly comparable to the great power of our lord, the great prince , ” Jalarn argued. “I think we need to focus on gaining more knowledge from him.”
    “Yes,” said Ittonifer with a nod. “Our great prince is willing to help those that prove themselves.”
    Ittonifer was impressed at Jalarn’s thought process. The boy was becoming more like him.
    *****
     
    Talya and Tasar stood on the field outside of the meal house glaring at one another . A small crowd of knights had already gathered around them.
    “Ready when you are, little lady,” said Tasar with a grin.
    Talya sprinted toward Tasar and blocked his careless swing. Tasar’s large frame was still clumsy and inexperienced. Cardamonian knights were generally a couple of years ahead in skill and agility. There had been no better teacher than General Landine.
    Tasar hit Talya in the stomach with a high kick, catching her off guard. She stumbled backward, annoyed with herself for allowing her mind to wander so easily. Talya took a run at him and hit the lower part of his sword with all her might, knocking it from his hand. She stood with the point of her blade at his chest.
    Many of the knights cheered and hollered. Some laughed.
    “I guess I could use some more training. You’re good,” he muttered.
    “We all can improve in some way ,” said Talya.
    They shook hands. He wasn’t so bad, after all.
    Tasar and Atalsa walked together back to the meal cabin. Some of the young men taunted Tasar for being beaten by a girl .
    They haven’t seen anything yet, Talya thought.
    Talya stepped away from the crowd and practiced her swinging techniques.
    “It sure is energizing to practice while the morning is still cool,” said a familiar voice.
    It was General Edandir. Talya regarded him with a nod and then continued to work on different maneuvers .
    “I’m sorry for the loss of Cardamon. I know how you loved it there.”
    “We’re going to get it back,” said Talya.
    Talya took a run and kicked her right foot high in the air.
    “I saw you fighting that Malinorian commander before you disappeared into the woods. I was very impressed with your skill, Talya. You were fighting against Ittonifer’s nephew , Jalarn . You have become an excellent knight.”
    Talya’s eyes widened. Her father had actually just complimented her.
    “That would explain why the brute had been impossible to beat then,” said Talya.
    Ittonifer was an expert swordsman. Jalarn had no doubt received his training from him.
    “I’ve decided on who I’m going to take with me to Malinor,” he said.
    “And?”
    “You’ll find out shortly.”
    Thousands of knights and soldiers swarmed onto the training field like hungry flies. Talya was almost afraid to hope that her father would take her on the