The Blind King by Lana Axe Read Free Book Online

those years of peace are over now,” the
bearded man stated. “Battle has found us once again. Let the prince do as he
will.” The men parted ways, each with more vigor in his step than before.
Battle ran deep in their veins, and they had felt useless in these years of
peace. Now they would once again bathe in the blood of their enemy.
    Still inside the armory, Prince Ivor felt his
excitement rise as the servant fastened the buckles of his armor. Each second
brought him closer to the battle he craved. His father’s honor did not matter
to him. It was time for him to make his own name—to triumph in battle as his
ancestors had. He could almost taste his victory.
    There would be little opportunity for his
opponents to fight back. They would be too distracted mourning their dead king
to worry about an invasion from the south. He would catch them unaware and
massacre as many as he could. His father’s wishes be damned. Every citizen he
allowed to escape would be a symbol of his failure. His lieutenants would allow
more than enough people to escape. His own regiment would be commanded to leave
none alive.
    Stepping out into the sunlight, Ivor’s armor
gleamed. He was eager for the battle and regretted giving his men until midday.
Leaving now would be better, but the men were not prepared. Some of them were
forming ranks on the palace grounds, but many of them were absent. The supply
wagons were still being loaded, and the smithy was still buzzing with activity.
There was nothing he could do except wait. The moment was so near, he could almost
taste the blood.

Chapter 10
     
    P ointing to a
location on the map before him, Gannon said, “The invaders have stopped here
for the time being. We must ride with all haste before they can advance farther.”
    “Will you lead this
battle yourself?” Efren asked quietly. He feared for his brother’s safety,
knowing he had no true experience in battle.
    “What else would
you have me do, Brother?”
    Efren shook his
head and sighed quietly. There was no answer he could give that would please
the young king. His mind was made up, and he was determined to fight alongside
his men.
    “We cannot let
these attacks go unanswered,” Councilman Faril said, striking his fist against
the conference table. He was an older man who had experienced war with Na’zora
in the past. Though his hair was gray and his face lined with age, he was
strong and determined. “We must push them back into their own lands. Show them
we are not a kingdom of cowards.”
    “I’m inclined to
agree,” Gannon replied. “They began this fighting. It is up to us to end it. I
will lead my army personally. Let them see that Ra’jhou’s king is not afraid to
fight.”
    Efren swallowed
hard but did not speak. He hated the thought of Gannon’s first days as king
being filled with war, but it was useless to try persuading him to stay behind.
His blood ran hot, and he refused to be left behind regardless of matters at
home that might need his attention. Nothing was more pressing than the attack
on his kingdom. Once the troops rode out, all Efren would be able to do was
wait for news from the battlefield.
    General Willem, the
man who had served under King Nilan, was eager to fight as well. He was tall,
broad-chested, and wore a thick black beard. “I can have troops prepared by
tomorrow,” he said. “We should take back our lands and push into Na’zora’s
territory. Whatever lands we take we will declare them part of Ra’jhou. Let’s
show them who they’re meddling with.”
    The king grinned
and nodded. Noticing Efren’s silence, he said, “What say you, Brother?”
    Efren hesitated a
moment before speaking. “We know little of our enemy’s forces,” he said. “Na’zora
has been known to employ mages in their army. They may prove more powerful than
you realize. I recommend caution.”
    “This one has no
stomach for war,” the general said, looking disgusted. “He would have you lie
down before the