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

always some question on whether it would work or not. The workings of such magical tools are not my expertise, you know.”
    “Don’t give me that. That’s not what you told me before. If I recall, you assured me that the moment something happened, the device would brighten and you‘d be made aware of it. That was years ago.” Jonrell scowled, growing agitated. “Now, you’re saying this was all in question?”
    Krytien cleared his throat. “The uncertainty came when trying to confirm the tool’s effectiveness at the time of purchase. Only the one who created the item could figure that out. However, I do know the device worked as intended.”
    “Would you swear on it?”
    “I’d swear on my honor as a mage.”
    Jonrell snorted. “Honor? Isn’t that the same pledge you make when Raker accuses you of cheating at dice?”
    “Well, that’s different,” he smirked. “My fingers are crossed then.” The mage raised his hands and wiggled his fingers as the smile vanished. “It’s true. I’m sorry for your loss.”
    A breeze from the north blew Jonrell’s long auburn hair into his face. “You have nothing to be sorry for, I’m not.” He turned and kicked his horse into a quick trot and the mage did the same. “When we get to camp, gather the crew together and bring them back to my tent. Hell Patrol only.”
    “I brought the device with me in case you wanted to see it for yourself.” Krytien reached into his robes and pulled out a round stone similar in appearance to a pearl, only larger.
    Jonrell reached out and grabbed the device without examining it, sticking it in his pocket.
    “I’ll ride ahead then.” The short mage gave his horse a kick and galloped toward camp, bobbing in his saddle.
    * * *
    When Jonrell entered camp, the sun had dropped below the horizon. A clear sky allowed the moon and stars to cast an eerie light on their sorry excuse for a camp, illuminating the soldiers’ questionable activities. Jonrell didn’t like what he saw. Men joked, drank, and did just about everything but ready themselves for the next day. The fools have grown just as overconfident as Melchizan.
    Jonrell shook his head in disgust as he harkened back to the days when he and Cassus had first left home and joined the Hell Patrol. They were led then by a man named Ronav, a hard but fair man who had taught Jonrell what it meant to truly lead an army. Jonrell was forced into command after Ronav died and kept the group’s survivors together while rebuilding what Ronav had started.
    But now? He would bash my teeth in if he saw us working for Melchizan. What was I thinking these past couple of years? I should have cut our losses long ago.
    As he made his way through camp, Jonrell stopped to speak with a few of the men at several fires. The soldiers had the sense to appear as if they cared about his advice regarding the impending battle, but Jonrell saw the truth of things behind their eyes. Melchizan called this my army? It doesn’t matter what I say or do because he will come in behind me and undermine my authority. This has never been my army.
    A man with short black hair waited outside the command tent. “I take it you tried to talk some sense into them again?” asked Cassus.
    Jonrell gave the man a frustrated look but ignored the comment. “Is everyone here?”
    “Almost. What’s going on?”
    Jonrell clasped Cassus on the shoulder. “You’ll have to wait like everyone else. Who are we missing?”
    “Just Hag. She said not to wait for her. She…uh…well, let’s just say she and one of the Byzernians are a little busy right now.” Cassus let out a shudder after finishing the comment.
    “You’re joking. I didn’t think there was anyone here old enough or desperate enough?”
    “Apparently, she was quite convincing.”
    The remainder of Jonrell’s scowl vanished, replaced by a grin. “Well, maybe it will improve her disposition.”
    “Ha. It couldn’t hurt it,” said Cassus as he opened the tent