The Dark Disciple (The Daybreak Saga Book 2)
Page 50
“That is good news, at least,” Lord Ngozi said as the gates opened.
Lady Anasia hardly believed her ears. She hoped her prayers to the old gods made a difference. The large, metal gates of the Great Steel Rampart opened slowly. As soon as they opened, Scipion and Matalo rode through on their horses, followed by Zel Ilear, Zel Yano, Mathieu Tyronus, and almost all of their army. There was a palpable air of confidence around the returning visitors. Scipion rode his horse triumphantly, chest swelling across his broad shoulders. Matalo scanned the crowd, looking for someone.
His eyes fell upon her, and he smiled. Matalo rode to Anasia’s side and dismounted to embrace her. She wasn’t sure if she was dreaming; when his arms wrapped around her, she knew it was really happening.
“You came back,” she said. “You rode out into the sunset, and you came back.”
“I told you,” Matalo said with a smile, “one thousand Day brothers could not keep me from returning.”
Anasia wrapped her own arms around him and almost cried with joy while Scipion addressed the king.
“Ho, King Barradi,” the Scorpion Knight said with a hint of a smile.
“Ho, Scipion,” King Logan said. “I see you’ve brought good news.”
Scipion grabbed a small, bloodstained leather bag from Eritar’s saddle and tossed it at the king’s feet.
“The head of Anton Day, as requested—though it may not be entirely recognizable. He burned many settlements, but hundreds flocked to join our cause after we defeated him. We had about six hundred survivors after the battle, and a thousand by the time we reached the Madros.”
“You kept your oath, son of Scipion,” King Logan said warmly, though his eyes looked disturbed by the bloody bag. “Come with me. Lord Ngozi, if you would take care of our soldiers, Commander Scipion and I have things to discuss.”
“Of course, King Barradi,” Dumaka said. He and Captain Nassor herded the soldiers into barracks while Scipion and King Logan dismounted and walked through the Merchant District’s busy streets. Zel Rybeck followed closely behind, one hand on the hilt of his sword.
They walked in silence for a while before King Logan said, “Do you know what Elduston is named for?”
“For the Eldus Emperors, long ago,” Scipion answered.
“Correct. This city has pressed on for centuries and looks as if it could go on for eternity,” the king said. He paused and continued, “How much do you know about Vonn Eldus?”
“The same as most,” Scipion replied, confused by the strange line of questioning. “He was one of the greatest emperors in Eldus history. He conquered a third of the Eastern Continent. His invasion established the Gaion and the academies. He was known for his good judgment and early death.”
“Very good,” King Logan said. “His son, Ileon, is known as the conqueror, but Vonn was also quite a general. His armies were always outnumbered in enemy territory, but Vonn inspired respect in friends and enemies alike. So much that even generations later, when the Eldus Empire collapsed under the weight of the Seven Uprisings, his name still carried weight. Vonn is still almost worshipped. Why do you think that is?”
Scipion pondered this for a moment. “He was a legendary man. He conquered, yet he was just; he crushed his enemies and then rebuilt them. And he died young, before he could ever make mistakes. People have always been captivated by him. I’ve never wondered why.”
“People love Vonn because of the person he was, the things he did, and the way he did them. He was purposeful,” King Logan said. “His troops loved him more than anyone thought possible. I see that same level of respect when your soldiers look at you.”
“Thank you for the high praise, my king, though I am undeserving.”
“Undeserving? Bah! I was unsure about whether or not you could do it at all,” King Logan continued. “Outnumbered, far beyond reinforcement—I gave you a task I thought would be impossible because I saw something the world needs in you. We need another Vonn the Great, Scipion.”
They walked in silence for a while, each contemplating what to say next. Scipion saw Logan’s eyes dim—what was his mind on?
The king said, “These are grave times, Scipion. Perhaps there never will be a man like Vonn the Great again. Some days, I wonder if humanity can ever be redeemed—if Lady Rhiannon herself could save us. It is often difficult to see the light.”
“The light is always there,” Scipion said. “It’s hard to find, but it always reveals itself to those who look.”
“I hope you’re right,” King Logan said before he changed the subject. “Scipion, did you know that before the Sack of Sophegion, my father was planning to make you a Valkhar?”
“My father told me something to that effect before it happened. It was so long ago that I can hardly remember what he said.”
“I see,” King Logan stopped. Scipion turned and watched as the king drew his sword. “Kneel.”
Scipion did as he was bid, stunned. He wanted to be a Valkhar his entire life, but after the fall of Madros Relia, he was sure it was no longer possible. Without a king, there were no Valkhars; so, he put his dream in the back of his mind.
“Scipion Gannala the Second, son of Zel Scipion Gannala the Elder, by the power of Aion, Behem, and the old gods, and the Barradi bloodline, I, King Logan Barradi, first of his name, do ask you to swear the solemn Oath of the Valkhar: to protect your king, fight with valor and honor, obey his every command, and uphold his crown until the end of your days or mine.”
Scipion was almost too shocked to speak. He was filled with joy but pretended to be calm. “I do solemnly swear to uphold the Oath of the Valkhar: to protect my king and fight with valor and honor—to obey his every command and uphold his crown until the end of my days or his.”
King Logan smiled, but again, it was empty. Scipion could not explain why it disconcerted him so, but at this moment he cared little.
The king continued, “Of course, in addition to making you a Valkhar, you’ll take a blood-squire—someone to serve by your side, directly. I have a feeling I know who you’ll choose.”
Scipion gave a half-smile. So do I.
Logan tapped each shoulder with his blade to complete the ceremony. “Rise, Zel Scipion Gannala II. We shall accomplish great things together,” he said.
Zel Scipion said, “I will not fail you, my king.”
The king gave a smile that appeared to mask pain. “I know you will not.”
—
After discussing their next move, the king departed for the Hall of Eldus, and Scipion went to the barracks. On his way, he found Matalo and Anasia, who were still in the Merchant District.
Matalo waved madly upon laying eyes on his friend. “Ho, Scipion!”
“Ho, Matalo,” Scipion replied with a wide grin.
“How did the meeting with the king go?” Anasia asked. “I am sure he was pleased to see you.”
“My lady.” Scipion dipped his head to show respect. “It went well. He—he made me a Valkhar, Matalo.”
Matalo’s eyes widened with excitement. “This is wonderful news, brother!”
Anasia smiled and said, “Congratulations, Scipion!”
“Hey, it’s Zel Scipion now,” Matalo teased. “I can hardly believe it! Just like you always wanted.”
“I can’t believe it either,” Scipion remarked. “I always thought it would be impossible to achieve when Bhothar killed every king, but here I am—a Valkhar.”
“Don’t expect me to stop making fun of you now,” Matalo warned.
Scipion smiled. “I would never expect such a thing. Your job is to keep me sane through this whole process.”
Matalo grabbed Scipion’s shoulder and looked to the sky. The meteor was visible in broad daylight.
“I told you, brother,” Matalo said quietly. “We are that meteor.”
Zel Scipion smiled.
“Now,” the Scorpion Knight said, “we have a war to win.”
Keia, Scipion, and more will return in War of the Immortals, the third book in The Daybreak Saga, coming in 2022!
Appendix I
Lords and Ladies of the Provinces of Gaddeaux
Lord Stern Keenig of Keenighold, Lord of Vordenheim
Lord Jaqu Sylbian of Kent, Lord of Lazreis
Lady Katarinerva Vandor of Vandoria, Lady of Greislav
Lady Lazara Egon of Urgan Thalmar, Lady of Nar’ith
Lord Haik Larkkson of Folsawn, Lord of Jur’Anan
Lord Locke Halcion of Magnus, Lord of Opanira
Lord Virgal Osu of Nauvon, Lord of Velshamsphire
Lady Hilayna Grannot of Belevan, Lady of Quantaine
Lord Aoras Anarda of Valdremus, Lord of Vertan
Lord Edgermont Nordunmar of Camlotte, Steward of the Oldlands
Appendix II
Captains of the King’s Militia/Master Knights of the Noble Order
First Royal Brigade—Sir Brandon Gladwell,
Captain Gunther Wellington
Second Royal Brigade—Sir Gerwain Gravemoor,
Captain Seri Walford
Third Royal Brigade—Sir Siegfried Santem,
Captain Jurdann Margritt
Fourth Royal Brigade—Sir Julian Pennsworth,
Captain Halford Ben
Fifth Royal Brigade—Sir Kaine Sawyer,
Captain Godfrey Eckhart
First Paladin’s Division—Sir William Avalon,
Captain Helena Valrune
Second Paladin’s Division—Sir Kay Vos,
Captain Aliya Atlos
Third Paladin’s Division—Sir Achilles LeCroix,
Captain Gendryx Givault
Fourth Paladin’s Division—Sir Absalom Kent,
Captain D’nesh Turzian
Fifth Paladin’s Division—Sir Bedivan Granmad,
Captain Pietro Perriman
First Magician’s Division—Sir Isaiah Lancellion,
Captain Xander Wainwright
Second Magician’s Division—Sir Arthur Montfort,
Captain Duwain Hargreaves
Third Magician’s Division—Sir Patrick of Conley,
Captain Sen Castigan
Fourth Magician’s Division—Sir Tristayne Fabius,
Captain Edwin Vulfred
Fifth Magician’s Division—Myrddin the Wizard,
Captain Oliver Alrick