The Spirit of Revenge by Bryan Gifford Read Free Book Online

sympathize greatly for your loss. However, time will not allow us to finish what we had begun.
    ‘Tarsha has fought this war against Abaddon for four centuries, and Kaanos has done her part to protect her. We have aided our allies as best we could, giving our blood to defend our freedoms. Each country fights their battles alone, unable to assist their allies. We fight disbanded and without hope. Tarsha will soon collapse due to its own folly, broken by the detriments of war.
    ‘Alone we fall, but together we may stand firm against the armies of Abaddon. We must form a united front if we are to survive. One would assume that amid the chaos, Tarsha would unite as we have in days long past, yet we do not, for pride and distrust burns unbridled.
    ‘Abaddon has realized this and he holds the probability of defeating us, one by one, to fight our own losing battles. This I believe is Abaddon’s design to change the tide of this dragging war to his favor. He will pick us apart, one at a time.
    ‘I however must do something to protect my country and keep Tarsha alive. Those of us who wish to do something about this war and unite the countries are few, but over time, we hope to rebuild the Alliance of old and stand firm against the might of Abaddon.
    ‘Lord Darius, King of Erias, is at the head of this reformation, gathering his armies and calling for aid to assist us in our struggle.
    ‘Several others have also agreed to assist in the reformation, including my dear friend Verin, King of Charun, as well as the country of Atuan in the eastern deserts.
    ‘In order to turn the tide of this war, we have decided that the only way to rebuild the Alliance of old is to send a group of warriors to the other countries of Tarsha, assist them in their struggles and unite them under the banners of Alliance.
    ‘As you might have guessed by now, I have chosen the four of you for this task. Abaddon’s forces run rampant and unhindered within our borders, preventing us from contacting the other countries and cutting off our trade routes, further adding to our need of a small group that can slip past their blockades.
    ‘Our lack of communication in this time of confusion has dealt us a fatal blow. We are now cut off and alone, we are ready to break. There is no way we can continue fighting if we remain isolated and cut off by the enemy that now swarms our lands. This is where you come in my friends.
    ‘Each of you is filled with a driving spirit of revenge that will push you to the very end, and that is exactly the motivational force required for this precise and difficult task. You are a very tight group of friends and have fought together in this war for many years.
    ‘You are bound to one another by friendship since your youths, and once again, that type of unique brotherhood is exactly what we need for this task. I beg of you not just as your king but also as your friend and fellow, to consider this task of un-paralleled importance.
    ‘If you wish to inquire more before you make your decision, I have asked a friend to meet with you at the arena. Please consider this task, my friends; it is of the absolute necessity. Tarsha needs you.
    Ethebriel.”
    Aaron finished reading aloud and folded the parchment, looking at his friends in contemplation. “Well,” he asked the others, “Should we meet with his friend? This is a heavy burden he wishes to place on us.” The others remained stolid.
    Aaron fidgeted with the letter for a moment as Cain looked the group over slowly, “Let’s at least hear them out before we make our decision, and I have questions… questions that need to be answered.” He fastened his sword to his belt and opened the door. “Besides,” he continued, “he may even talk us into it. It’s not like we have anything more to lose.”
    “Way to stay positive,” Joshua replied.

    Cain’s company left the inn and followed the road for several minutes before reaching the end of the street and the foot of a large