by John Marco
Overwhelmed, Lukien remained on his knees, holding the Sword of Angels and letting Malator heal his lacerated fingers. Magically, the blood ebbed. The wounds began to close.
‘Is this how it will be, Malator?’ he asked with dread. ‘Will I live forever here or not?’
Malator, like Gilwyn, hid his pleasure poorly. Forever does not have the same meaning in this world, Lukien.
Lukien scoffed at the Akari’s vagueness. ‘You’re being slippery, Malator. Answer my question.’
‘No, Lukien,’ Gilwyn interrupted. ‘It doesn’t matter what he answers. It’s still your choice.’ He handed off the soiled handkerchief to Lukien. ‘It’s your life and it always will be. If you want to end it, give me the sword. I’ll bring it back to Grimhold, just as we planned. You can go to Cassandra, if that’s what you want.’
Lukien looked at Gilwyn in surprise. Unlike Malator, Gilwyn was not playing games. The perfect day had been sullied by blood and terrible choices, and Lukien did not know what to do or even how to get up off his knees.
‘What will I do if I choose life?’ he asked.
‘What, don’t you think we need you?’ Gilwyn smiled. ‘There’s still so much to do in Jador. And what about Liiria? You could go back there if you want. You can help Lothon and the others rebuild. And even if you don’t, there will always be a place for you here, Lukien. Remember – you are Shalafein.’
His words brought something deep within Lukien back to life. Slowly, he managed to rise to his feet. Glancing around, he heard the stream again and the rushing of its water. Once again he felt the warm light of the sun on his face. He had chosen a special place to die. In a way, it was a kind of paradise.
‘Yes,’ he said softly. ‘I am Shalafein.’
The Protector.
THE END
Table of Contents
Also by John Marco in Gollancz
Copyright
PART ONE: THE BLACK BARON
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
PART TWO: THE RIDDLE OF THE SWORD
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
PART THREE: ARMOUR AND SWORD
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Chapter 70
Chapter 71
Chapter 72
Chapter 73
Chapter 74
Chapter 75
Chapter 76
Chapter 77
Chapter 78
Chapter 79
Chapter 80
Chapter 81
Chapter 82
Chapter 83
Chapter 84
PART FOUR: THE LAST ADVENTURE
Chapter 85
Chapter 86
Chapter 87
Chapter 88