The Long War 03 - The Red Prince Read Online Free PDF

comradely fashion. ‘It’s okay, Kale, no need to thank me.’
    ‘Fuck you, Rham Jas,’ responded Glenwood, with an ironic smile.
    ‘Aren’t you sweet?’
    They rode for a while until the ground levelled out and the wind dropped away completely. Some way to the north, across the rugged plains, Glenwood could see riders heading away from them at a trot. Otherwise the two men were alone in the duchy of Haran.
    ‘See those riders?’ asked Rham Jas, pointing. ‘We’ve been spotted.’
    ‘Who are they? Friend or foe?’
    ‘They look like Hawks to me.’
    The assassin raised his head as if he’d caught a scent on the wind. ‘I think we’ll know in a minute.’ He gestured to the south. Glenwood turned, just as six more riders emerged from a rocky outcropping.
    As the riders approached, Glenwood was relieved to see their weapons were sheathed, though all were dressed in full battle armour. Rham Jas pulled back on his reins and wheeled his horse to a halt on the gravel path. Glenwood followed suit and the two men waited for the news or, more likely, confrontation the riders would bring.
    All six wore the heraldry of Duke Alexander, a tabard bearing a red hawk volant, and well-maintained chain mail underneath. They wore short swords and rectangular shields, and the hard expressions of professional soldiers. Their faces suggested they had seen neither a bath nor a bed in some time.
    ‘The road is closed, friend,’ announced the lead rider.
    Nudging his horse forward, Rham Jas held his empty hands wide. Glenwood followed. Their leader was a man of Haran of middle age and the chevrons on his shoulder suggested an officer’s rank.
    ‘We have business in Ro Haran, captain,’ said Rham Jas, showing more knowledge of the Ro military than his companion would have credited.
    ‘Not today you don’t, Kirin... any business you have can wait until the city is open to travellers. No exceptions,’ replied the soldier.
    The assassin nodded and glanced to where the other riders had disappeared northwards. ‘You are the duke’s men?’
    A chuckle erupted from some of the Hawks, though the captain looked unimpressed. ‘We are Hawks of Ro, Kirin,’ he replied scornfully.
    ‘I know that,’ said Rham Jas. ‘What I mean to ask is, are you still the duke’s men or do you follow... a new mistress?’
    Worryingly, Glenwood noticed the Kirin’s hand rest casually on the hilt of his katana. Well, if Rham Jas intended to fight half a dozen men of Haran, he was welcome to do so... without Glenwood’s aid.
    ‘We follow General Alexander Tiris,’ replied the captain. ‘The Karesian witch holds no sway over us.’
    At the mention of the enchantress, the faces of the Hawks became ominous.
    ‘That’s good, then,’ said Rham Jas, with a disconcertingly friendly grin. ‘Would it be possible for us to have a little chat with your general?’
    The captain frowned. ‘Why?’ he asked.
    ‘I’m here to kill your witch,’ replied the assassin cheerfully. ‘It’s only polite to let the duke know that he’ll soon be able to return to his city.’
    The Hawks were silent. The captain nudged his horse forward until he was as close to Rham Jas as their horses would allow. Glenwood felt the Hawk assessing the Kirin, taking particular note of his katana.
    ‘I’m Captain Brenan of the Walls,’ he said. ‘What is your name, Kirin?’
    ‘I’m Rham Jas Rami, friend to Lord Bromvy of Canarn and enemy to the Seven Sisters.’ He wasn’t grinning now and Glenwood caught a rare note of seriousness in his voice.
    Brenan nodded slowly. ‘Bromvy’s a Black Guard and you’re wanted by the Crown,’ said the captain. ‘They say you killed an enchantress in Tiris in front of a hundred armed men.’
    Glenwood coughed. ‘Probably a few more than that, but most of them weren’t armed.’
    ‘And who are you?’ asked Brenan, turning to face him.
    ‘Me? No one really, just a loyal companion... well, a companion. My name is Glenwood. I’m