The Dragon's Banner Read Online Free PDF

his allies and mercenaries. Already much of the eastern
coast has fallen, and the surviving lords there have sworn to our
enemy. There were kings in the east who resisted, friends of mine,
and of some of you as well, who now lie unburied in the smoking
ruins of their castles.
    "Vortigern rouses the barbarians of the far
north to march south, pillaging and burning as they go. Savage and
godless, the Picts are a deadly threat to all, and first to our
northern brethren here seated. Few of you are old enough to recall
when I reclaimed the throne of Powys from this usurper, after he
slew King Brochwel and dishonored and murdered that noble monarch's
daughter. Many of your fathers stood with me then and were my
allies, for they were outraged by Vortigern's fiendish deeds, and
their hearts cried out for justice.
    "But now it is more than justice at stake,
more than the return of a single throne to one with rights to claim
it. For this time, Vortigern has many times the strength he did
when last I fought him. Indeed, he has the power to crush every
kingdom and rule all of Britannia with an iron fist. Our disputes
and grudges are of little import, for if we do not stand together
then we shall fall, and those who survive defeat would do so as the
usurper's slaves. I shall not live as such, and I will face the
enemy alone if needs be.”
    Constantine looked out over his guests as he
continued. "I am known to all here assembled, and I have ruled
longer than any at this table. My father was not only imperial
governor of Britannia, but also emperor of Rome, and I present this
lineage to support my claim to the high kingship. I ask all of you
to join our alliance and name me war leader so that I may again
defeat the usurper. I claim no lands or spoil, no dominion over you
or the rule of your kingdoms, only your support in facing this
deadly foe."
    Constantine paused, for he could feel his own
weakness. With every fiber of endurance left to him he struggled to
stand firm and speak in a clear and commanding voice. His body
ached, and his tired legs throbbed. But weakness was something he
dared not show here, for these kings would follow him only if they
thought he had the strength to lead.
    "And you, brave kings of the north, Lot and
Uriens, who have fought the Picts many times. Think you that alone
you can defeat this dark coalition, for the savages from the far
north will be streaming south ere long, and your villages and
castles lie in their path. And you, Rience, for your lands lie
north and east of my own, closer in both directions to our foes.
Will you stand alone against the onslaught that is coming?”
    His gaze moved down the table. "You, lords of
the south, think you that if Lothian and Gwynned and Powys fall
that you shall be able to stand on your own? Nay, for if we do not
fight together, our enemy will surely destroy us one at a time
until none remain to challenge his rule."
    Constantine paused again, resting for an
instant while he allowed his guests to consider his words. "I
propose, therefore, that we leave this council sworn and proclaimed
to an alliance to meet the foe and drive him into the sea. Join me,
my brother kings, and together we shall have the strength to gain
our victory."
    Finished with his opening speech,
Constantine, his legs on fire with pain, slowly lowered himself
into his seat. His voice had remained true. It had wavered perhaps
once or twice, but nothing that would be unduly noted. He thought,
how will I get through not only this council but the war that is
coming as well? Blessed be Merlin's concoction, for it has kept my
accursed cough at bay. And he promises me a stronger potion when he
is able to find the plants he needs. Perhaps that will be enough,
for Merlin is wise and resourceful.
    His thoughts were interrupted as King Rience
rose to address the council. This is one you must watch,
Constantine thought silently, for he may be trouble.
    "I thank King Constantine for his
hospitality.” Rience spoke