The Black God's War Read Online Free PDF

can’t.”
    Caio nodded in defeat.
    Ilario wiped his brow with the hard muscles of his arms. Despite his marjoram and cardamom scented oils, he still reeked of sweat. “Shall we go back?”
    “Give me a little more time. I like it here. This reminds me of when we went to Gallikos.”
    With Lucia.
    Ilario heard voices approaching from the river and surged to his feet. He gripped the pommel of his sword at his hip as he searched through the trees. “Caio, it’s your father.”
    Caio put one hand on Ilario’s shoulder and leaned against him. “Just remember I wouldn’t judge you.”
    Ilario’s heart filled with relief and guilt at the same time.
    The king approached with two warpriests and two soldiers at his side. He wore a long, loose tunic, maroon with yellow stitching at his shoulders and down the center of his chest.
    Ilario knelt and bowed his head.
    “Ilario, I take it my son came here to rest?”
    “Yes, my King.”
    “Then I hope you don’t mind my presence. Soon enough, we won’t have opportunities like this.”
    Caio clasped his father’s forearm, as his father clasped his. “Of course you’re welcome here, Father. I’m glad you’ve come.”
    “Please stand, Ilario.” The king motioned the soldiers and warpriests away. He glanced up at the canopy of trees. “Such a pleasant oasis.”
    Vieri removed a sealed parchment from his belt and handed it to Caio. “It’s from your sister. The messenger told me she wrote it yesterday, first thing in the morning. She asked him to ride as fast as he could. It’s addressed strictly to you.”
    “Thank you.” Caio broke the red wax seal, unfolded Lucia’s letter, and scanned it. “It’s a bit long. I’ll read it soon.” He folded the paper and tucked it into his belt.
    “There’s something I need to tell you both, something I am going to need your help with,” the king said. “When I was in Remaes, Tiberio told me something disturbing.” His eyes turned glassy as he diverted his gaze. “He sensed some sort of darkness around Lucia. He told me I should search out the cause of her suffering.”
    Ilario felt his blood surging with anger. He clutched the black anvil hanging off his necklace, and asked his family’s god Sansone to protect her.
    “Tiberio’s words were cryptic, but he suggested that I am partly to blame for her affliction.” Vieri’s unfocused eyes rolled around, gazing at the landscape. “It seems absurd. But I will need you to look out for her, Son. And you, Ilario.”
    “Certainly, my King,” Ilario said with his jaw tight.
    Caio’s wide eyes looked devastated. “Of course I will. I’ll also pray to Mya to give Lucia comfort, and ask Lord Oderigo for insight.”
    “Very good,” his father answered quickly. “You’ll let me know whatever you discover.”
    “Do you know anything else about her condition, my King?” Ilario asked.
    “The Exalted told me three days ago that he believed Lucia had not been harmed in battle. He described the dark force as something of a mystery, even to his profound sight. I have put my trust in the goddess Ysa to protect my daughter, and I have faith that she will. Let’s speak of this no more. Worrying will do us no good.”
    Neither will ignoring this , Ilario thought.
    King Vieri put his hands behind his back and stepped around the clearing, looking up at the greenery. “Now tell me something, Dux Spiritus, how does it feel to finally have a hundred thousand warriors at your disposal?”
    Ilario heard a hint of jealousy in the king’s voice. Only two days before, Vieri had relinquished his position as Dux Spiritus to his son, after being Rezzia’s military leader for nearly thirty years.
    “It’s different, Father … It’s entirely new.”
    “I should hope it’s more thrilling than that.”
    “I mean no disrespect,” Caio said. “You know I am honored that you’ve put so much faith in me.”
    Vieri looked down at his son with his sad, brown eyes. “My decision required