Broken Forest: Book One of the Daath Chronicles by Eliza Tilton Read Free Book Online Page A

for them to cross. On horseback, we saved a day and a half of riding by taking a smaller path. We would cut them off at the east bridge.
    I kept thinking about Lucy. I had never met a mage before. Anyone showing magical abilities was sent to The Order. There they would be tested and trained. You only had two options as a magic user: work for The Order or join the king’s army. I’d rather be in the king’s army. King Corban had kept Tarrtainya peaceful for the past thirty years. He ruled the various lords justly, and the drifters across the seas hadn’t returned in generations.
    No one really understood The Order. My father said they protected us from secret threats in our own borders. I didn’t believe him. The Order had as much power as the king, and they enforced it.
    But how did Lucy escape them? Were there other mages outside of The Order? And why would she be attacking us?
    The twins returned with a full layout of the enemy’s camp, which consisted of thirty men. I watched Nathaniel draw a map of the terrain. I reached into my pocket, searching for the familiar pouch. I loosened the knot and grabbed one of the marbles.
    Davin explained our route in, but I could focus on nothing beyond the smooth stone in my hand. I wasn’t ready for this. They talked about battle, a real battle. What did I know about war? Only the stories Father told me. How did a trio of Roamers turn into an army? I glanced around at the other men, every expression stoic except Derrick’s. His brow creased, his gaze glued to the map.
    In order for us to succeed, each of us had to take down four men. Four men! The ache in my head returned. My family counted on me. I swore I would bring Jeslyn back, but what if I failed? I’d be responsible for two siblings’ deaths. I couldn’t bear that much guilt.
    A strong hand gripped my shoulder. Rudy stood between Derrick and me with a knowing look. “I think you two boys better come with me,” he said. We both followed him away from the group.
    “This here be your first battle?” he asked, his large arms resting on his belly.
    “Well…” I was embarrassed by my inexperience.
    “I thought so. Well, there be a few things you two ought to know. Sit down.”
    Rudy spent the next hour explaining battle tactics, the importance of watching one another’s back, and how to fight multiple opponents. He called Reaper, Henry and Steven to help us practice. Overall, Derrick and I handled ourselves well. Sparring together had trained us to fight side by side. We were used to each other’s movements. It was just a matter of knowing how to navigate.
    Night had fallen, and it was time to get some much-needed rest before the attack. Rudy took first watch. The past week’s journey had exhausted my body and mind. I picked a spot near the campfire and lay on the ground.
    One of the men hummed a dark melody. I repositioned my pack under my head, trying to get comfortable. A memory of Jeslyn and I feeding one of the colts entered my mind. Every detail about that afternoon seemed alive. It was one of the last time’s we laughed together. Water stung my eyes and I closed them, hoping I would get to her soon.

    A strange high-pitched cry woke me. I opened my eyes but saw nothing unusual. Derrick lay across from me snoring.
What is that?
I tried to sit up, but couldn’t. Am I dreaming? A heavy fog pressed in around me. My eyes flickered open and shut. It was the only part of my body that responded.
    The wailing grew louder and closer. The hair on my arms stood. A bright mass of swirling light caught the corner of my eye. The mass resembled a hundred moonbeams vigorously twisting and turning. I attempted to roll on my side.
    What’s wrong with my legs? And my arms? Why can’t I move?
    The haunting mass spiraled closer. Soon it was right above me. I gaped in horror as it transformed into the face of the giant I’d killed. Vacant sockets bore into me, seeking revenge. Paralyzing fear overwhelmed me. Every muscle