Champions of the Apocalypse Read Online Free PDF

Synne.
    “Listen, my children. I want you to arrange a small party of trusted men to go on a scouting mission in two weeks time. I have arranged for you to meet these traders at a place called the Trading Post. It is here,” he said as he pointed at the map.
    “But that is in the North of the Wastelands,” replied Ulric.
    “Indeed and these traders say the sickness only affects these areas to the East and West, they are marked in red on the map.”
    “So you are telling us that there are lands to the North we have never seen that are trading in goods and artefacts such as these?” asked Ulric.
    “Indeed. There are even iron rails that carry mechanical transports off to distant areas where more clans live. If what these traders say is true, then the true number of towns and people is five times more than we ever thought. There are great opportunities for knowledge, learning and trade.”
    “Mechanical transports, you mean trains?” asked Synne as she imagined the machines from her books.
      Lord Galan nodded with satisfaction. Synne and Ulric smiled as they examined the contents of the map and the ancient weapon whilst Lord Galan seated himself back down with a groan. Gratus helped him in position and moved close to his ear.
    “Gratus, I could do with a drink,” said Galan as he closed his eyes and rested.

CHAPTER TWO
     
    Ulric and Synne were wearing only light armour and both carried wooden training swords. Their armour was fashioned from the simple but highly effective boiled leather. It was stiff and hard, and perfect to protect against blows deliver by both metal and wood. Synne carried a single-handed sword and wooden shield, whilst Ulric carried a large two-handed sword that stood from the ground to his armpit. It was a vast weapon and when wielded in the hands of an expert like Ulric it was a sight to behold.
    “Remember, little sister, the shield must stay in front, don’t swing it aside when you strike, you create an opening.”
    The two circled each other, both looking for an opportunity to attack whilst trying to encourage their opponent to make a mistake. Ulric held his longsword up high above his head. It left his body completely exposed to an attack, but also positioned the weapon ready to deliver a series of deadly strikes. Synne was all too familiar with this particular position though, and knew that if she moved in she could expect a flurry of deadly cuts that could come from either side. She would have to position herself carefully if she was to get close enough to strike with her shorter sword.
    “I see you’ve been looking at the manual I’ve been translating for father?” asked Synne with a smile.
    It was a poor attempt to grab Ulric’s attention and as she spoke, Synne stepped forward and slashed at Ulric who easily evaded the attack by simply moving one foot. As he adjusted his balance, he stepped forward and slightly to one side whilst simultaneously bringing down his blade. The tip slashed down and behind Synne’s shield and struck her in the upper arm and chest. As Synne yelped, she dropped her shield and in doing so she created the perfect opening. With a quick twist, Ulric brought the sword back up in an arc and cut a horizontal move towards Synne. With expert timing, he stopped just a few inches from her throat.
    “Don’t lose your head, little sister, you talk too much!” he laughed.
    Synne tried to smile but her arm was still throbbing from the cut to her forearm.
    “I’m sure you hit me just that bit harder to punish me then, Ulric,” she said with a grimace.
    “It is a common enough mistake you made. If you lose your hand or arm in a fight, you will lose your ability to wield a weapon. I know it seems a weak or lazy way to fight but I’ve seen many good fighters take a slash to the inside of an arm and they instantly lose their ability to fight. It is easy to kill your enemy when he can no longer fight. Use the shield, and keep hands and feet out of the way. Strike