Shadows of Men (The Watchers Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

blinding flash of pain as his sword was knocked from his hands and he fell to the dirt, blood filling his mouth and trickling down the side of his head.  He had been struck by a run-away horse.  The beast panicked and began fleeing chaotically through the streets when the fires started.  And when Captain Tammeran woke, the silhouette was gone.
    Sunlight filled his vision as he slowly opened his eyes.  He half expected to see the smoke-filled ruins of South Fort.  He looked down to his own body, ready to brush away the ash and soot but he soon remembered where he was and took in a breath of relief. 
                  All around him the refugees were slowly getting to their feet.  They were brushing away the dirt and grime that clung to their clothing and wrapping whatever blankets or shawls they had for warmth tightly around their shoulders. 
                  Captain Moresy and Captain Barlos were approaching- their heavy boots splashing in the puddles of mud that remained from recent rains. Moresy smiled down at Captain Tammeran and held out a waterskin which Tammeran gladly took.
                  “The people are eager to get moving again.”  Barlos said. 
                  Tammeran took a long drink of the cool water, letting it sit on his tongue for a moment before swallowing it down.  He handed the waterskin back to Moresy with a ‘thanks’ then stood on his tired and aching feet. 
                  “Then let us get moving.”  He said.  He took one step forward and squeezed his eyes shut tight from the pain.  He could feel the blisters that were breaking under his weight and wished he was not miles away from any civilization.  Tammeran had never been one to pay for the pleasures of a female companion but he would pay a whore just to rub his feet.  Perhaps I will find one in Ylia. 
                  Tammeran opened his eyes and gazed out towards the rabble of refugees who were gathering their belongings and preparing to march forward.  All they waited for was a signal from their Captains. 
                  The sky above was once again cloudy and foreboding, making the threat of rain.  Tammeran looked to them with a solemn expression, hoping they would not be forced to make the rest of their journey with sopping wet and cold clothing. 
                  When he turned his gaze downward, his eyes caught a glimpse of something- a small break in the clouds had allowed just enough of the morning sunlight to shine through.  Its rays glinted off steel, sending a blinding flash to his eyes.  Tammeran focused his gaze upon the hill where the light had landed and saw there a figure, standing at the tallest point of the valley looking down upon them. 
                  For a moment, Tammeran thought that Captain Jamus had returned to them and his heart leapt with joy.  But all hope and happiness fled when he heard the blow of the horn and the pounding of horses’ hooves into the ground. 
                  They emerged over the hill behind the figure, racing down towards the refugees with a thundering cry.  Thousands of horsemen with swords raised high came barreling towards them and Captain Tammeran could only stare, frozen in a fit of terror.
                  It was Captain Moresy that broke him from his trance.  Moresy began shouting from behind, calling to the other Captains to form lines and protect the innocents but they were too late. 
                  The refugees began screaming and scrambling to get away.  They pulled their children and loved ones to their feet and clumsily tried to make an escape but the army of Axendra was on them before they could even make it ten paces.  Some of the more brave refugees began fighting back with whatever they could find as a weapon. 
                  Captain Tammeran stood in the midst of the slaughter and watched