Twixt Heaven And Hell by Tristan Gregory Read Free Book Online Page A

knew.
    “Nothing important, Lawrence. Get over there,” Robert pointed to where he had directed Erickson. “You’re a Gryphon now.”
    As Lawrence walked off, Robert noticed blood on his practice sword. He wiped it off on his boot, and the splash of crimson was lost in the cacophony of dirt and stains on the well-worn leather.
    Robert raised his head at the sound of his own name, shouted by an imperious voice. The crowd of recruits near the entrance to the training yard parted to release General Mackette, chief overseer of the barracks, upon the lieutenant.
    Mackette had a youthful appearance for his age, and only the thoroughly grayed hair atop his head betrayed his five-and-sixty years. His clothing was immaculate as always. It was often said that in his younger days, Mackette had been a soldier’s soldier, a man of action and an excellent comrade. If this was true, that side of him had never shown itself in Robert’s presence. The Lieutenant of the Gryphons knew Mackette as the Council Leader Arric’s loyal lackey, who shared his master’s opinions of Darius and the Gryphons.
    By Robert’s reckoning, that just about made the two of them enemies – or as near as they could get, being on the same side.
    “General, welcome,” Robert greeted him. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”
    The irony in Robert's statement could not have been lost on the man, but he gave no sign of noticing it. “Lieutenant. I’m here with good news.”
    Robert was immediately wary. “We can always use good news, sir.”
    “Yes. The Council has decided that the Gryphons will remain in Bastion for the time being, for rest and recuperation,” the General said. His tone was laden with cheerfulness for the onlookers that were not-so-subtly eavesdropping.
    Some of the Gryphons began to cheer, thinking that Darius had changed his mind. Robert was sure that was far from the true story. “And what does our commander, Wizard Darius, have to say about this – General?” Robert inquired.
    “He has not yet been notified, as he was not in the Crown at the time of the decision. He will be told as soon as he can be found.”
    There was the play. If Darius attempted to reverse the decision, it would vilify him in the eyes of his own soldiers. Someone had thought this out.
    Nodding his head and saluting with hand to heart, Robert merely thanked the general for the news.
    Mackette returned the salute. “I see you’re up to stealing the best men away from the army, lieutenant. Again.”
    “We had losses to replace, General.” Robert indicated the men he had been testing, “Every man you see here volunteered.”
    It was true. As a unit that had quickly garnered an elite reputation, being a member – being a Gryphon – had become increasingly prestigious in the four years that they had been around. Having a wizard for a captain was always a draw for soldiers curious about magic, as well.
    “Besides, General,” Robert continued, “The Gryphons are part of the army too.”
    “Not that you would know it by visiting the Crown, Lieutenant.” Mackette turned to the soldiers who had been listening and raised his voice. “Rest well men! The Council has decided you deserve a time away from the weapons of the Enemy. No doubt you’ll have to return to the battlefields all too soon, eh?”
    Turning to leave, the General added a final comment, low enough that only Robert would hear it; “Though perhaps not with the same leader.”
    The charismatic General got what he had intended – another round of cheers from the soldiers who had been alienated by the cool way in which their lieutenant and the General had been conversing.
    Robert suppressed the urge to throw his training blade at the General’s back. Darius was right – they should not have to fight battles in the field only to come home to more. Turning back to his soldiers and his work, Robert wondered where his commander was, and what his reaction would be when he heard the ‘good