The Emblem Throne (The Runes of Issalia Book 2)

Home > Other > The Emblem Throne (The Runes of Issalia Book 2) > Page 29
The Emblem Throne (The Runes of Issalia Book 2) Page 29

by Jeffrey L. Kohanek


  The canyon was quiet for a long moment. Brock waited nervously, hearing only the soft sound of the wind whistling in the mine tunnels behind him. With a look of determination on her face, Salina ran toward Brock and climbed onto the living boulder to stand beside him. She turned toward the throng and shouted.

  “Let’s do this! If what Brock says is true, we can be something, something special!” Her fierce brown eyes swept across the audience standing before her in still silence. She thrusted her fist in the air and shouted, “Let the Unchosen be the saviors to mankind!”

  A deafening roar rose up, echoing off the canyon walls. The newly freed prisoners jumped and shouted, pumping their fists high. Every single one of them.

  Brock had them, and he hated himself for it.

  CHAPTER 60

  The hinge squeaked as the door opened. Brock didn’t have to look up to know it was Ashland. He sensed her approach, similar to how he sensed Wraith’s presence on the floor near the bed. Choosing not to respond, his face remained buried in his hands. A warm hand rested on his arm, but he showed no reaction.

  “What’s wrong, Brock?’ Ashland asked. “It worked, just as you planned. I thought you’d be happy.”

  Removing his hands from his face, he sighed before responding.

  “I manipulated those poor people. They don’t understand what will come, what they will face, but they bought into it.”

  She looked him in the eye. “You told them the truth and nothing else. Your method may have been a bit dramatic, but that’s understandable. We don’t have time for them to debate the issue. Our only chance, their only chance, is to commit immediately and begin preparing for the Horde.”

  Though Brock knew that she was right and he felt that he had no choice but to do as he did, it didn’t make him feel better.

  “How many will die because of me?” he asked softly.

  Sympathy reflected in Ashland’s eyes as she cupped his cheek. “Oh, Brock. I realize that this is hard. Yes, many will die in what is to come, but you can’t look at it that way. Would they have lived if you hadn’t freed them from this prison? If you did nothing, these people and thousands of other innocents would die at the hands of the Horde. This way, they at least have a chance.”

  She leaned in, her lips meeting his. He closed his eyes, focusing on the warm rush of emotion in the kiss. As their lips parted, he opened his eyes to look into hers.

  “Remember, you did give them an option,” she said, “You laid the truth before them and they chose to join you and fight back. It was their choice to make. Now that they’ve decided to follow you, your job is to prepare them so they have a chance. Do your best and we’ll see what fate decides.”

  Brock stared into her wonderfully blue eyes, marveling at his luck in finding such an incredible woman.

  A knock sounded, causing Wraith’s head to pop up and look at the door.

  “Come in,” Brock said.

  The door opened and Benny and Parker peeked into the storage closet that Brock and Ashland had claimed as their private room.

  Benny stepped inside, holding the door for Parker as he spoke. “We finished taking the inventory of food stores in the cellar.”

  Brock nodded. “Good. What did you find?”

  Parker responded, “The cooks believe we have enough food to feed everyone for five or six days. With the guards gone, there are about twenty fewer mouths to feed, so that helps a bit, too.”

  Benny jumped in, his shoulders rocking. “Apparently, the mine gets food delivered a few times each month. The next wagon is due the day after tomorrow.”

  “Okay. We need that delivery to show up so we can remain here for a bit,” Brock said, working it out in his head.

  Parker smiled. “That’s not all. We found something else.”

  Brock raised his eyebrows in question. “Well, what is it?”

  Parker glanced at Benny, who was nodding. “There are casks of ale. Four of them. Apparently, it was for the guards.”

  Finding the ale was a bit of a surprise. Considering what was coming, they could use some ale and a little diversion. Brock forced a smile, showing what he hoped was enthusiasm.

  “First, let’s work on getting things cleaned up around here today, and then we’ll have some fun.” Brock pointed toward the door. “Tell them we’ll break the ale out at dinner. Tonight, we celebrate our freedom.”

  Everyone smiled, seemingly happy to have cause for celebration. Brock tried to focus on the moment, focus on today, fearing what tomorrow might bring.

  A Note from the Author

  Thank you for reading this book and joining Brock and his companions on their quest. If you enjoyed the book, please help to spread the word by:

  -Posting reviews on sites such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads

  -Sharing on social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

  -Telling a friend who might enjoy the book

  -Watch for the third book in the series, An Empire in Runes, coming in Spring 2017

  Regards,

  Jeffrey L Kohanek

  For information about The Runes of Issalia series, the author, and upcoming events, visit:

  www.JeffreyLKohanek.com

  View select Black Rose Writing eBooks at http://www.blackrosewriting.com/ebooks

  and use promo code DIGITAL to receive a 20% discount when purchasing.

  www.blackrosewriting.com

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Table of Contents

  PROLOGUE

  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

  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

  A Note from the Author

  Black Rose Writing 20% off Coupon

 

 

 


‹ Prev