Book Read Free

Soldiers of Ruin

Page 38

by Stephen L. Nowland


  “Kneel,” Criosa instructed, then raised her sword and tapped Aiden on each shoulder, and finally on the head. She repeated this on Nellise, then stepped back and lowered the sword.

  “I dub thee Sir Aiden Wainwright and Dame Nellise Sannemann, of the Order of the Rose Eagle. Stand and be recognised.” The crowd roared to life with thunderous applause as Aiden turned to face them. At the forefront of the assembly stood Sayana and Pacian, sporting wide smiles as they joined in the applause.

  Sayana looked positively radiant in a bright red dress, which she wore with the awkwardness one would expect from a country girl squeezed into a formal gown. Next to her, almost lost in the crowd was Margaret Fairweather, who applauded and cheered just as much as the others and gave Aiden a quick wave when they locked eyes for a moment.

  Unaccustomed to being the centre of attention, Aiden smiled at the crowd, enjoying the sight of his companions finally able to put aside their troubles for a time. Behind his relaxed veneer however, the image of an iron monster marching towards the kingdom was burned into his mind. The old dream he had endured for years could not be so easily cast aside, and if he couldn’t figure out a way to eliminate the Ironlord, all of Aielund would be reduced to ash and cinders.

  About the Author

  Stephen L. Nowland resides in Frankston, Australia, where he spends his time creating stories, games and art to astound and entertain.

  http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/sln

  Further information on this novel and upcoming titles can be found at his website, and you can follow his progress on Facebook and Twitter.

  https://www.facebook.com/stephenlnowland

  www.stephenlnowland.com.au

  @stephennowland

  The Aielund Saga

  Soldiers of Winter

  Soldiers of Avarice

  Soldiers of the Crown

  Soldiers of Ruin

  Soldiers of Legend

  Soldiers of Tyranny

  Soldiers of the Heavens

  Other titles by the same author

  The Ballard Trilogy

  In the Wake of War

  The Fortress of Gold

  Upon the Ashes of Empire

 

 

 


‹ Prev