Rise of the Dead Prince by Brian A. Hurd Read Free Book Online Page B

books. He had finally become something like them, if only for a little while. Meier knew the new found fame couldn’t possibly last. After all, he had barely done anything. He had waved his sword and barked a few helpful orders. It was hardly worth the adulation he was receiving. Meier’s reverie was broken by a young soldier who called his name.
    “My lord!” he said, bowing. “Your brothers have requested your presence in the war tent.” Meier nodded, and the soldier saluted and left. Meir made for the tent, receiving more loads of praise as he did. There was a stunned silence as Meier entered the tent. All the generals, including his brothers, turned to face him. They all saluted and bowed deeply. In the far corner, King Wold lay on a stretcher. Per the doctor’s order, he was not to sit up or stand. He was quite awake though, and he wore a broad smile on his face.
    “Meier, come here,” he said in a weak voice. Meier obeyed, kneeling beside his father. Wold took his son’s hand and squeezed hard. His grip was still as strong as a bear’s. “I always knew you would make me proud, but I never knew how much. You are truly my son. Now take your place with them. You have every right to a place of honor!” Meier was flooded with emotion. He had always felt like an outcast, even in his own family. Now for the first time in his life, he felt like he was a part of something greater. Hot tears stung his eyes. His father had acknowledged him. Even the old man’s eyes were brimming over.
    “We wouldn’t start without you, little brother,” said Assur. The big man seemed every bit as emotional as Meier felt.
    “Come stand beside me, brother,” said Ian with arms wide. Meier was overwhelmed. He wasn’t sure of what to say, so he said nothing. He walked to the table and stood by his brothers. They put their arms around him and hugged him close. Meier laughed an honest laugh and then took a moment to wipe the tears from his face. He looked down at the map, and they got to busi ness.
    “The Karavunians are broken, my lords!” said one general. “We can march straight to the capital without resistance now!” There was a round of assent from the other generals. Even Assur and Ian were nodding. It seemed like a sound plan. The war could be over in one fell swoop. Meier looked around. Why couldn’t they see it? He summoned his bravery again, but this time only to s peak.
    “They will attack us again, wherever we go. They will rally and attack us even here if we don’t move. They will come for us even if they are outnumbered hopelessly. Unlike today, they will now resist us even to the last man,” said Meier. He pointed to the map. “They will mount a defense here, and then again here, all the while pulling every able-bodied man and boy from every single village to the cause. It will be a bloody road to the capital.” The generals looked at the map, stunned. Meier had pointed to the two remaining rivers on the way to the capital at Karavunia City.
    “How can you know they will do this?” another general asked, scoffing slig htly.
    “Because that’s what I would do,” he answered. Meier felt his face flush. He felt as though he was in over his head, which of course he was. Assur shook his head, smi ling.
    “How can you be so sure they’ll act like you, little brother?” he asked. Meier turned to face him.
    “They showed us their mettle today. Even as they were beaten, I saw their faces. Their men still had courage behind their fear. They’ll be back, every one of them and more. They’re fighting for their homeland, after all. We would do no less.” Meier was right, and he knew it. Still, they shook their heads. Why couldn’t they se e it?
    “It’s not that we don’t accept your council, little brother,” said Ian, “but please explain what you’re thinking and why. So far, I see no good reason why we can’t scatter them again as we did today.” All faces turned to Meier again. His face was as