The Veredor Chronicles: Book 03 - The Gate and Beyond Read Online Free PDF Page B

Prince Armida and then to Eben. They were clothed in long dark cloaks. The leader was an old man with greying hair, bushy eyebrows, and a large moustache.
    ‘My name is Aperio. I am an outcast of Zyran and a former wizard of the Seers of Zyran. I am honoured to meet you, Eben Ecorian.’ He bowed to Eben. ‘These are my companions: the Zyranians Cardo and Tuor. They are also outcasts of Zyran.’ Cardo was a stocky and short man with blond hair and dark eyes. Tuor was much the opposite; he was very tall and lanky with a sallow complexion and a youthful face; although his age was given away by the strands of grey in his hair.
    Eben stood up and stepped toward the Zyranians and shook their hands. ‘It is also an honour to meet you,’ said Eben.
    They all took seats at the table. Prince Armida waited until everyone was ready before he started the council. ‘Tomorrow we plan to march north, and we will follow the Adira River toward Irvaria. We are aware that King Ignis of Ortaria is leading a combined army of Ortarians and Scaldonians across the Sunset Hills. We also believe he has the support of the Empyrians. His army numbers about fifty thousand men. He plans to attack the muckron army which is currently laying siege to Faircastle.’
    ‘We must march to meet with King Ignis. With our armies combined we will crush the muckron horde,’ said Chief Parco.
    ‘No, such a plan would lead to our defeat,’ replied Prince Armida bluntly. ‘The walls of Faircastle have thus far repelled the enemy army. We believe it will not be long before the city falls.’
    ‘Why wouldn’t we want to join with the Ortarian army?’ asked Eben.
    ‘Because by the time we arrive at Faircastle the Prince of Shadows will hold the city. Once they win the city it will be impossible for us to win it back,’ said Prince Armida.
    ‘What other options do we have?’ asked Chief Parco, his brow deeply furrowed. Prince Armida glanced across at Aperio and indicated for him to speak. The wizard looked at Eben.
    ‘We have been using magic to hide our army from the eyes of the Prince of Shadows and his sorcerers. The enemy is not aware of the presence of the Aterian army in Vastoria. Furthermore, the Prince of Shadows is so confident that he no longer hides his plans from us. He believes his ultimate victory is near. He considers King Ignis to be the only thorn in his side. He will want to destroy the Ortarians as quickly as possible. Therefore, our plan is to allow King Ignis to draw the muckron horde away from Faircastle. When the stage has been set we will reveal ourselves.’
    ‘Do you think we can defeat the Prince of Shadows?’ asked Dillon.
    The company fell silent. Prince Armida sternly looked to Eben. ‘Perhaps we should ask the Ecorian.’ They all turned to look at Eben.
    Eben pondered the question. He glanced down at the Sword of Light that was at his side. ‘The Prince of Shadows will wish that he never returned to Veredor,’ he said with conviction.

CHAPTER SIX

    The gate of Faircastle creaked as it opened. It was clearly evident that the hinges were buckled and twisted. The gate had little strength remaining. The Irvarian army had gathered along the main road that led between the gate and the palace. A sea of red Irvarian flags flew in the brisk breeze of the morning. Several long beams of sunlight shone over the city and lifted the hearts of the gathering soldiers. King Edric rode out through the gate, and Princess Apherah, wearing shining silver armour, rode her magnificent white warhorse after her father. The long lines of Irvarian troops began to march out of the city.
    The horde of muckrons had completely departed the area, but their presence had left the fields and villages surrounding Faircastle in a state of complete ruin. Not one building remained standing outside the city walls; each and every structure had been burned to the ground, and all the old stone buildings had been destroyed by the invaders. Every tree had