Sacrifice (Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Chalaine,” the Shadan said happily. “We can hold the gap for a good long while. I give us one chance in four of surviving the entire onslaught, unless they have magic, in which case I calculate one in ten.”
    “Listen to me, Gen,” the Chalaine pleaded from her litter. Her veil obscured the tears sliding down her face, but the pain in her voice could not be hidden. “Two cannot stand against two thousand! Please don’t do this. Please, Gen. Obey me just this once.”
    Preparations done, Gen crossed to her and took her hand, eyes clear with purpose.
    “Chalaine, we must hold them until your mother’s army arrives. Torband and I are the only ones who have a chance to stall them.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Chertanne is dead now, Chalaine. Happiness and love is at last yours to have.” He drew her eyes to Dason scowling nearby. “I will see it done. Never forget that you are the best of women, and that I am never wrong. Farewell.” He grinned affectionately at her and stood. In her grief, the Chalaine lay back, limbs flaccid as if the bones had been pulled from her body.
    “Dason,” Gen said, “may I have a word?” Dason nodded, and Gen stepped apart with him. “Dason, the plan was to meet with Mirelle’s army and climb out of the canyon on a path to the south that I told you about. From there, we were to head south until we passed the Kord Forest and then strike west for Tolnor and Rhugoth. It is quite possible that Harband’s army was defeated by what approaches us now. If so, you must make the journey alone.”
    “I understand.”
    “Also, the Chalaine will need you in the coming days. You know how she tortures herself. She has an affection for you that will be important.”
    Dason nodded. “I have always loved her, Gen. You know that. You do not think to survive this day, do you?”
    “No, and you shouldn’t be too optimistic about your chances, either. Please don’t tell the Chalaine that, if you would.”
    “Of course. I will praise your memory for this last sacrifice.”
    Gen returned to the Chalaine’s litter and knelt beside her, taking her hand. “You must survive. If you chance to see your mother before I do, tell her that I love her and that I am sorry. Will you do that for me?”
    “Yes.”
    “Thank you. I leave you with my love. Make haste.”
    “And I leave you with mine,” she returned. “Come back to me, Gen. Please don’t throw your life away.”
    Gen smiled at her and turned to the others. “Get going, Falael, Dason. Go as fast as you can, in case the Hunters get by us.”
    Torbrand ascended to the gap while Gen watched Dason and the elf lift the litter and go. A sadness overcame him momentarily, but he had done everything he could to secure a pleasant future for the Chalaine in their poor circumstances. As her litter disappeared into the trees at the first switchback, he joined the newly reinstated Shadan between the two massive red stones that formed the sides of the gap.
    “How long do you think we have?” Gen asked, rechecking his armor.
    “By the dust, the main body will arrive shortly. We may see Hunters any moment now. They will be the most important to kill in the short term. If it comes to it, we let the slower ones pass.”
    Gen nodded in agreement.
    “So tell me, Gen,” the Shadan asked. “Are you really the Ilch?”
    “Yes.”
    Torbrand shook his head and smiled. “I thought the story a concoction to discredit you for a long time. Does that mean you can use Trysmagic?”
    “Not anymore. Mikkik stripped the ability from me.”
    “Pity. That would have improved our odds. Should we stand and intimidate them or hide and ambush them?”
    “Hide. If we are out in the open, the archers may be able to pick at us from a distance.”
    “I concur.” The Shadan breathed out heavily, excitement playing upon his features. “I confess, this is perhaps the most alive I have felt in years.”
    “And while you are confessing,” Gen said as he pulled