En cours de chargement...
Ciaran Alexander King presents an excerpt from The Canticle of the Blades FirstBlades' Honor .the owl alighted on the dew-covered grass before the two figures, who had since dismounted and appeared to be waiting for him. Korwyn willed for the change to occur that would bring him back to his human body. Standing before him the two seemed small in comparison to his great size, but power emanated from both individuals, and from the swords at their backs.
Korwyn, face somber, bowed deeply to the two individuals, both of which inclined their heads respectfully in return. "Hail and well met, FirstBlade of Eleison, Lord High Justice of the Knighthood, " intoned the taller of the two companions. "Hail and well met, Horsemen, Two of the Four Witnesses of Alaria, " replied Korwyn, the ancient salutation coming freely to his lips despite the years. "You have not forgotten of us then, FirstBlade?" the first Horseman replied, a slight tease to her deep, musical voice. "No, Lady, " Korwyn replied with a shake of his head.
"Though it has been many years since I last laid eyes on any of the Four." The tall Horseman nodded. "Your sword has stayed sharp, FirstBlade. Blood it has tasted, and recently." Korwyn nodded soberly, a touch of sadness in his eyes. "In defense of the weak and helpless I have taken life, as you would have done in my place." "Well spoken and in truth, FirstBlade, " she replied solemnly. "You most of all understand the weight of the burden we bear, for you bear a part of it yourself.
We are very much akin, you and I. I would have found it to be a great honor to draw swords with you in battle. No greater warrior or Knight there is not in all the land who has held more true to his covenants than have you, FirstBlade of Eleison, and for so long. I honor you now, knowing not if we shall ever meet again in this life." Tears sprang to Korwyn's eyes at this greatest of compliments. He had no words worth uttering in return, but bowed deeply in gratitude.
When he stood upright he found his wife by his side, her tiny hand moving to take his large one and grip it softly. "You honor my husband, Horseman of War, and myself as well." "Hail and well met, Liara FirstBlade, High Priestess of the Knighthood, " replied War kindly with a nod of her head. "When I speak of your love I speak also of you. You are both one in purpose, in deed and in heart. I honor you, Lady Liara, a sister akin to myself and those I now ride with." Liara smiled brilliantly, feeling the other woman's smile in return. "Why are you here?" asked Liara, finally giving voice to the only question she had wanted to ask. The Horseman's response was straightforward. "I have come as a witness." "And I have come as a warning, " said War, turning her hood towards Korwyn. "War is coming, " Korwyn breathed. The Horseman nodded.
"You seek an enemy, FirstBlade, an enemy you are not prepared to meet. You seek answers when you should be preparing yourselves and your allies for what is to come. You have not prepared!" "Prepared for what?" Korwyn grated, fists clenched. "I don't know what you mean!" "Not 'what', FirstBlade, but 'who'. Who within your care needs to be made ready for the battles that lie ahead?" "Ahlana!" replied Liara, turning to her husband.
"She means Ahlana! The next High DragonLord!" "There is more than one Heir, High Priestess, and all must be made ready to stand when the call to battle rings forth..." 700 pages
