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“I’lad to hear it They’ll have many more miles to cover before we’re done” Heat Alucius “Sohness, but I would prefer water”
“As you wish”
The young poet poured a goblet of water frouarded but still eager for acknowledgeain, my lord”
“And I you, sir” His tone was neutral but, from the way Alucius drew back, he knew his face hts
“Check on the horses will you, Alucius?” the prince asked “Ranger gets feisty when he’s not groohness” Alucius bowed and departed, casting another guarded look in Vaelin’s direction before the tent flap closed behind hied me,” Prince Malcius said “Said he would follow us even if I commanded him not to I hness?”
“A Renfaelin custohts to learn their trade” He paused, noting Vaelin’s expression “I see you share my sister’s disapproval”
“His brother didn’t want this for hi wish”
“Then I am sorry But a man must make his own path in life”
“A man yes But he is still a boy All he knows of war comes from a book”
“I had barely fourteen years when I accoht of war as a grand escapade I soon learned I rong And so will Alucius It is the lessons we learn that change us from boys to men”
“Has he been trained at least?”
“His father attempted to have him tutored in the sword, but apparently he ive him sohness, but I would consider it a favour if I could be permitted to train the boy”
Prince Malcius considered a moment “So, friendship with one brother extends to the other?”
“More like obligation”
“Obligation I know a little about that Very well, train the boy if you wish Though where you’ll find the tiine Look here” He turned back to the map “Our mission is like to prove arduous”
The map was a detailed depiction of the border between Cumbrael and Asrael, fro the northern boundary with Nilsael “We are currently enca at the western branch of the Brinewash “Whilst Battle Lord Al Hestian leads the Real the Western Road to the ford north of the Martishe From there he willfire and terror in his wake Most likely he will reach the capital in twenty days, perhaps twenty-five if the Cumbraelins muster sufficient force to ets to the city it will burn, and many innocent souls will burn with it” Prince Malciusand intent “Would the Orders of our Faith rejoice or weep at such an outcoiven to the fire to trouble us no more”
“The truly Faithful could never rejoice at the spilling of innocent blood, Highness Denier or not”
“Then you would agree that we should seize any chance we have to halt such slaughter before it begins?”
“Of course”
“Good!” The Prince’s fist thumped the table and he moved to the tent flap “Fief Lord Mustor! Your attention please”