Dawn of Man (Thanos Book 1) by Thomas A. Watson Read Free Book Online Page A

grabbing Vilarius. Ahnon closed his eyes, hearing the baby cry. “It’s going to be worth it; I know it is,” he mumbled to himself.
    Shortly, Vilarius came back, carrying a bundle wrapped in his arms. “My son, Jedek,” he announced proudly. The people in the room gathered around the king, congratulating him and meeting the prince. Vilarius looked up and saw Ahnon at the window, looking at him. With a smile, Vilarius walked over. “Ahnon, I present my son, Jedek,” he said, holding out his arms.
    Taking a deep breath, Ahnon pulled out a silver necklace with a medallion from his pocket. Reaching over, he looped the chain over the baby’s head, and then Ahnon bowed. “Jedek, I offer myself as your Sho-ka Bhari. I will give my life to make sure yours remains safe. This oath I give for all the days you walk Thanos, may they be many,” he recited the oath then stood up. Reaching over, Ahnon held the baby’s small hand as the others in the room came over, watching the ritual. The chain on the necklace suddenly started to get smaller in circumference till it fit the baby’s little neck perfectly.
    Ahnon let go of the baby’s hand. “We are bonded for life, my sire,” he said as the baby yawned and closed his eyes. A small smile tried to creep up on to Ahnon’s face but stopped. “Yes, sire, you’ve had a rough day. Sleep now; I will never be far away,” Ahnon said, reaching over and rubbing the baby’s head.
    The king held Jedek out to Ahnon. “Hold your sire then, Ahnon,” he said, smiling.
    Ahnon jerked back like the baby suddenly turned into a snake. “Ah, no thank you, your majesty. He needs to grow some before I hold him. Like maybe a year or two, maybe when he can ride a horse.”
    Vilarius stepped forward, placing Jedek in Ahnon’s chest. “Hold him. I’m getting a mug of ale and going to kiss my beautiful wife,” he said as Ahnon took the baby. The baby cracked his eyes, looking at Ahnon as he held the baby close.
    “Yes, sire, I’m here,” Ahnon assured the prince. When the king came back and took the baby to his wife, Ahnon moved to the bedchamber doors and stood watch.
    Theobald came over. “It’s not so bad, is it?” he asked.
    “Not so far,” Ahnon agreed.
     
    Four weeks later, late one night, the queen and king crept quietly to the royal nursery. They stopped at the door, hearing someone talking, and looked at each other. “Who’s that?” the queen asked.
    “Eira, I don’t know, but I can assure you, Jedek is fine. If something were to happen to him, I’m sure Ahnon would level this entire wing of the castle to dust,” Vilarius assured her.
    “I know that, Vilarius, but who’s talking to the baby?” she asked again.
    “Well, it’s our castle. Let’s find out,” Vilarius said, opening the door. Inside, they found Ahnon beside the cradle, reading a book out loud and rocking the crib with his foot. He looked up and saw the king and queen gaping at him. Closing the book, he was fixing to jump up when the queen rushed over.
    “Ahnon, if you ever try to jump up again when we enter a room, I will become very vexed with you. Especially when you are tending Jedek,” she told him in a harsh tone.
    Shock hit Ahnon like a brick to the head. “But your majesty, that will be always,” he told her.
    “Not my problem. I have given you a royal command, and I expect it to be followed,” she told him, reaching out and patting his face. “Since we are the Sovereigns, we outrank everyone else, so that goes for all royalty. I will only allow it in court, maybe, but nowhere else,” she told him as the king walked over to stand beside her.
    “Don’t let her get vexed,” Vilarius warned. “It is not a pretty sight. I hid under the bed for a week the last time it happened.”
    Ahnon leaned to the side, looking behind them. “Is that true, Theobald?” he asked.
    The two spun around to see Theobald standing in the door. “Yes, it is. He made me sneak out from under the bed to bring