The Storm's Own Son (Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

"we must return to the real danger you face."
    Talaos put the sword back on the floor at his feet, and listened as Sanctari spoke.
    "You are famous in this army now. The stories of what you did, against Drosta, and against the enemy force under Vissos, are being told and retold in the camp. You must have some sense of this already, and I suspect you guessed it when you made your demands.
    "Despite the seeming unity and orderliness of this army, Talaos, this is Hunyos, not the Republic. Here, both are fragile and changeable. That presents both risks and opportunities. You would never, no matter how dangerous a warrior, be promoted so quickly in your country's army. Here, under the right circumstances, a man can rise as far and fast as his abilities might take him, and fall just as quickly if he fails.
    "In Hunyos, this may be the largest war in our lifetimes, but we've had forty years of it in one way or another. Even when we were under the boot of Dirion, things were far from quiet. Local loyalty is far stronger than that to a league or alliance. And ambition, or fear of an upstart rival, greater than any of them."
    "Why are you telling me all this?" asked Talaos, now finishing his own wine.
    Outside, the wind was picking up.
    "Because of the speed with which you are rising, and the awe in which you are held by the men. Others, I have no idea yet who, will come to see you precisely as an upstart rival. You may be popular in the ranks at the moment, but you have no real power base of your own.
    "We are in a war I intend to win. I like you, but much more, I need you alive as the powerful weapon you are. Your gifts make you very deadly in battle, and very difficult to kill. But could they protect you from a sudden dagger through the heart? Or poison? Or sufficient men and chains to drag you down while they brought the headsman's axe to your neck?"
    "Then it's my task," smiled Talaos, "to build a base of power."
    Sanctari smiled, and the world-wise look returned. "That is the right view, though it may only multiply your enemies. I'll help you as I can, for many reasons. Now however, I'm afraid our time to talk is running short."
    Deep in his heart, Talaos had only one enemy. All other threats, he thought, were only true enemies in relation to that. However, Sanctari had given him a great deal, and deserved respect and thanks for it. He gathered his captured sword, crown, and scepter, then replied.
    "Thank you, this meant a lot to me. I will make use of your advice. Do you think we could speak again about magic, and the wider world?"
    Sanctari gave it a thought, "When the siege is done, and the enemy dealt with, there might be some time, and that would be a worthy use of it. Have a good evening, Talaos."
    With that, the old general gripped his forearm in the military handshake, and then Talaos departed. The wind was strong outside, and now colder, with moisture in the air. He took a look at the night sky and could see the clouds were starting to move west.
     
    ~
     
    The rider came in fast, under the blackening sky. The predawn stars were winking out one by one as the slow-moving masses of clouds blocked them from sight. The wind was rising from the east. Talaos, awake, outside, and pacing with restless energy, watched the scene unfold by torchlight. The rider greeted the outer sentries and came in at a gallop with two of them in tow. They went straight for the main command tent, where one or other of the senior commanders would be on duty.
    Looks like we're out of time, thought Talaos.
    With that, he went to his tent to throw on his armor and gear. Then he would get the men up and ready... and wait for the messenger to arrive from command.
     

 
    3. Storm
     
    The command tent was packed. Lamps lit the place in the twilight of early dawn under storm clouds. The tables had been moved from the center and placed  in a long single line at one end. Behind that line sat the senior commanders, with Sanctari at the center. Facing the