Rise and Fall by Joshua P. Simon Read Free Book Online

here?”
    The girl looked up, eyes filled only with tears.
    “I know you are frightened but I can help you. You must promise not to let anyone else see you. alright?”
    The child just stared at him—through him—scared and unable to move. Why would she trust me after what she’s seen and heard? “Please, I…”
    A booming voice came from the doorway, cutting him off. “Who is that I hear talking?”
    On instinct, Tobin whipped around at the sound and faced the man in the entranceway, exposing the child.
    “Well, what do we have here?” A wide grin broke out across the warrior’s face as he leaned to look at the young girl still trembling in terror. “Hmmm, and young too. I was just looking for someone to warm my bed tonight,” said Durahn.
    The massive warrior ducked low as he stepped into the hut. In response, Tobin’s fingers tightened around the grip of the dagger, more out of reflex than courage. He looked back at the girl, meeting those hollow eyes.
    Already dead.
    Durahn stopped cold and leaned back, noticing the dagger in Tobin’s hand. “Ah, now I see.” His thick hands opened and closed as if inviting a fight. “Don’t worry, cripple, you can have her when I’m done.” The demon of a man turned to the girl and smiled wider. “Well, whatever’s left of her.”
    Tobin crouched. Cripple. A reminder. What can I expect to do against him? His hand lashed out, drawing a line across the child’s throat. He stood there watching as her body went limp and fell. Blood poured out from the young girl. “Looks like there’s already nothing left.”
    Tobin stared back at Durahn, unsure what to expect. The Kifzo smiled, and then laughed. It was a sadistic cackle. “After all these years, cripple, you never fail to surprise me.” He turned and walked back to the doorway, swinging around at the last moment. “Killing puts me in a good mood, so I’ll give you that one. Stop me again though, and next time it’ll be you I use for my pleasure.” Durahn snorted in mirth, leaving Tobin alone once again.
    Hanging his head, Tobin watched the lifeless girl, a pool of crimson enveloping her tiny frame. I really meant to help you. But this was all I could offer. He clenched the dagger in his hand even harder in frustration. This is your fault, Kaz. You don’t participate and think that makes you different than the others, but you still let it happen. You’re no better than they are. He looked down at the blade in his hand, covered in the innocent blood of a child and sighed.

Chapter 3
     
    “…This is the one that will break their back for sure, Commander. We’ll smash them to pieces. They will be talking about tomorrow for years to come…”
    Aye, for years to come they’ll talk about tomorrow as one of the worst bloodbaths this continent has ever seen.
    Jonrell stared across the open landscape below. The cliff gave him a full view of an expansive plain, littered with rows upon rows of tents from the opposing army’s encampment, more than double the size of their own forces. Two years after taking this job and I’ve regretted every minute of it. Shorting us on pay, ignoring advice, putting us in dangerous positions…why am I here again?
    “...I won’t be able to sleep tonight in anticipation…”
    Anticipation of what? Stuffing your face while others fix your mess? I haven’t seen you do anything besides that since I’ve known you. “I think the men are a little too eager,” said Jonrell.
    Melchizan continued. “…Oh, yes. Naturally. They feel the significance of tomorrow as well…”
    Jonrell cleared his throat and cut in, “I think we should withdraw to more favorable ground.”
    “…yes, we will slaughter them, we will…” The would-be conqueror almost choked on his last words as he turned in the saddle of his mount. The short man’s demeanor suddenly turned from one of excitement to confusion, and then anger. “What do you mean withdraw? We have them right where we want them. This is