Steel and Sorrow by Joshua P. Simon Read Free Book Online

constant flow of water from the ancient fountain. After a minute, Colan finally spoke. “You’re going to kill me, aren’t you?”
    “Yes.” Nareash shrugged. “But it’s been some time since I’ve had the opportunity to speak truthfully. I rather enjoyed it.”
    “Then why kill me?”
    “Because now you hold me at a disadvantage.”
    “Can I make a suggestion?”
    Nareash raised an eyebrow.
    “Let me live. I know your story, but what does that matter? No one would believe half of what you just told me, and it would be my word against yours. Plus you have Tobin’s ear. Why would I betray you when you can dispose of me at any time?”
    Nareash began pacing again. “What do you want?”
    “Besides my life?” asked Colan. “Knowledge. I was sincere when we spoke earlier with Mizak. I volunteered for this assignment because of the chance to learn from our history but also from you. I want answers, and based on what you’ve told me, there are more questions than I even knew to ask.”
    Nareash grinned. “So you expect me to teach you? Perhaps then one day you will grow more powerful than me.”
    Colan shrugged. “It isn’t likely. I’m a capable shaman, but I have to work twice as hard to put the theory into practice. My natural talent is less than others.”
    I know that feeling. It was that way for me before using the Scepter. Then things seemed to just open up.
    Colan continued. “Hold back what you like from me. Even learning a fraction of what you understand would be more than what I could learn from anyone else in Hesh.”
    “And the benefit for me?”
    “Just as you said. You haven’t had the chance to speak freely with anyone for some time. That and my loyalty is what I offer.”
    Nareash considered the proposition. He had expected Colan to beg for his life, but the way the shaman handled the situation impressed him. In fact, he had reminded Nareash of himself.
    He removed his hands from his sleeves. Colan flinched, obviously expecting an attack. Nareash smiled and scratched at his cheek.
    “Your education begins tomorrow.”
    The young shaman bowed. “Thank you, Master.”

Chapter 3
     
    Bazraki had been dead for months. Yet at times, Tobin still felt the weight of his father’s disapproving stare. He wondered what his father would say to the changes he had made to the Blue Island Clan.
    No doubt he would criticize all of them. He was good at that, unless it meant evaluating his own actions. Otherwise, he would not have surrounded himself with so many incompetent people.
    Tobin acknowledged each of his advisors entering the war room. Not one of the men had been part of his father’s inner circle. Some suggested that his cleansing of Bazraki’s advisors would result in them using their influence to cause discord among the populace to undermine Tobin’s authority. Only one man had tried to test the mettle of the new Blue Island Clan ruler.
    No one dared since.
    Tobin created his council to include people who truly made the city work. He replaced those out of touch with the actual running of Junaoq with representatives from the various guilds. Tobin intended to complete the vision his father began and knew he needed the right people in place to help him accomplish those goals.
    Walor and Ufer, his commanders, also joined the meetings.
    “Everyone is here, Warleader.”
    Tobin nodded at Ufer. He would not stand for anyone referring to him by some ridiculous title like “El Olam” as his father had.
    He gestured to the man on his far left, a blacksmith by trade. “Anun, you begin. But let’s keep the updates brief. We need not rehash the details again.”
    Anun nodded and quickly gave Tobin a summary of his progress, noting any obstacles still to overcome. Each person after him did the same over the course of the next hour. Tobin listened intently until Odala slipped into the room and flashed a smile. He held back a grin as he watched her gracefully take a seat in the back of the room.