Synopsis and Starting Chapter Chapter 2 Master Zhao
Chapter 3 The Blue Angel
Chapter 4 Magic
Chapter 5 On The Road
Chapter 6 A Harsh Lesson
Chapter 7 The Black Pill
Chapter 8 A Taste Of Magic
Chapter 9 Master Firehear
Chapter 10 Windsong
Chapter 11 Stages Of Magic
Chapter 12 The Wind Realm
Chapter 13 Opening A Realm
Chapter 14 A Breath Of Wind
Chapter 15 Drunken Masters
Chapter 16 The Valley
Chapter 17 An Unexpected Arrival
Chapter 18 Preparing For Battle
Chapter 19 The True Face Of Magic
Chapter 20 Aftermath
Chapter 21 Disguises
Chapter 22 Memories Of Murder
Chapter 23 A Difficult Choice
Chapter 24 Master Zhao’S Treasures
Chapter 25 The Journey Ahead
Chapter 26 Redwater
Chapter 27 Dinner With Enemies
Chapter 28 Unlikely Companions
Chapter 29 Stormleaf'S Gif
Chapter 30 Power Overwhelming
Chapter 31 Lord Jiang
Chapter 32 The Price Of Power
Chapter 33 The Estate
Chapter 34 Training With Lord Jiang
Chapter 35 Continued Training
Chapter 36 Body Refinemen
Chapter 37 Feast Of Treasures
Chapter 38 Faster, Higher, Stronger
Chapter 39 The Starmetal Sword
Chapter 40 The Magistrate
Chapter 41 Duel
Chapter 42 Revelations
Chapter 43 Breaking The Seals
Chapter 44 Newfound Power
Chapter 45 Lord Jiang'S Gifts
Chapter 46 Saying Goodbye
Chapter 47 Leaving Silvermere
Chapter 48 Ambush
Chapter 49 Wounds Of Battle
Chapter 50 The Bandit Fortress
Chapter 51 Senecio
Chapter 52 Looting Treasures
Chapter 53 Words Of Chaos
Chapter 54 The Old Man And The Trickster
Chapter 55 Panurge’S Punishmen
Chapter 56 Windblade
Chapter 57 A Way To Escape
Chapter 58 Prison Break
Chapter 59 The Prisoners
Chapter 60 A Clear Path
Chapter 61 A Change Of Plans
Chapter 62 Assaulting The Prison
Chapter 63 Resistance
Chapter 64 Facing The Archmage
Chapter 65 Birds And Dragons
Chapter 66 Leaving The Stronghold
Chapter 67 The Edge Of The Empire
Chapter 68 The Story So Far
Chapter 69 The Border City
Chapter 70 Darkfire
Chapter 71 A Small Figh
Chapter 72 Tournamen
Chapter 73 The Shadowblood Novice
Chapter 74 The Gray-Robed Lady
Chapter 75 Governor Eddarin
Chapter 76 Leaving The City
Chapter 77 Darkfire'S Ordeal
Chapter 78 A New Arrival
Chapter 79 Judgmen
Chapter 80 New Techniques
Chapter 81 The Arenas Of Hillfor
Chapter 82 The Victor'S Spoils
Chapter 83 An Unexpected Invitation
Chapter 84 Lunch With The Governor
Chapter 85 Amaya
Chapter 86 Searching For Answers
Chapter 87 Stoneheart'S Army
Chapter 88 Stonehear
Chapter 89 Zehava
Chapter 90 Unexpected News
Chapter 91 Darkfire’S Decision
Chapter 92 Before The Tournamen
Chapter 93 The Tournament Begins
Chapter 94 The Tournament Continues
Chapter 95 Defeated
Chapter 96 Snowcloud
Chapter 97 The Valley
Chapter 98 Oathbound
Chapter 99 Urgent Matters
Chapter 100 Running
Chapter 101 Questions
Chapter 102 Answers
Chapter 103 First Steps
Chapter 104 Crystals
Chapter 105 Blindsided
Chapter 106 Fighting Blind
Chapter 107 Shadowsigh
Chapter 108 Exposed
Chapter 109 The Bracele
Chapter 110 The Deserters' Fortress
Chapter 111 Fighting Dirty
Chapter 112 Assault On The Fortress
Chapter 113 Blood Magic
Chapter 114 A Debt Repaid
Chapter 115 Exchanging Knowledge
Chapter 116 Goldhaven
Chapter 117 Lord Sevaril
Chapter 118 The Formula
Chapter 119 Ingredients
Chapter 120 The Golden Hall
Chapter 121 Troublesome Treasures
Chapter 122 The Power Of Lies
Chapter 123 Truth Be Told
Chapter 124 Picking Treasures
Chapter 125 Windfall
Chapter 126 Rapid Training
Chapter 127 Leaving Goldhaven
Chapter 128 Injuries
Chapter 129 Smooth Travels
Chapter 130 A Familiar Face
Chapter 131 Stoneheart'S Misfortune
Chapter 132 Preparing For Battle
Chapter 133 Bloodlus
Chapter 134 Control
Chapter 135 Trus
Chapter 136 Forced March
Chapter 137 Contac
Chapter 138 Danger Illustrated
Chapter 139 Titan
Chapter 140 The Dragon
Chapter 141 The Tempering
Chapter 142 Destruction Realm
Chapter 143 The Tempering, Take Two
Chapter 144 Tempered
Chapter 145 Weakness
Chapter 146 At The Castle
Chapter 147 The Dragon'S Proposal
Chapter 148 A Decision
Chapter 149 The Eve Of Battle
Chapter 150 Bai
Chapter 151 Fighting An Army
Chapter 152 Novices
Chapter 153 Hunting The Survivors
Chapter 154 Riverbend
Chapter 155 The Next Mission
Chapter 156 Leaving The Castle
Chapter 157 Hiding The Evidence
Chapter 158 Eidaran Ruins
Chapter 159 Parting Ways
Chapter 160 Into The Ruins
Chapter 161 A Long Wai
Chapter 162 Enemies
Chapter 163 Fear
Chapter 164 Spirit Crystals
Chapter 165 About Dragons
Chapter 166 Journey To The Dragon Lands
Chapter 167 Chasing Dragons
Chapter 168 Dumber Than Rocks
Chapter 169 Unexpected News
Chapter 170 The Dragon'S Lair
Chapter 171 The Enemy Appears
Chapter 172 Plan Of Attack
Chapter 173 The Eve Of Battle
Chapter 174 To Fight A Dragon 1
Chapter 175 To Fight A Dragon 2
Chapter 176 To Fight A Dragon 3
Chapter 177 To Fight A Dragon 4
Chapter 178 The Best Way To Kill A Dragon...
Chapter 179 Dragon'S Blood
Chapter 180 Blood Crisis
Chapter 181 Blood Battle
Chapter 182 Leaving The Blood Pool
Chapter 183 Escape Plan
Chapter 184 Dragon'S Fligh
Chapter 185 Dragon'S Ruin
Chapter 186 The Way Back
Chapter 187 Unexpected Allies
Chapter 188 Iron Mountain Adepts
Chapter 189 A New Plan
Chapter 190 The Road To Uvar
Chapter 191 Setting The Trap
Chapter 192 Facing A Master
Chapter 193 Hunter
Chapter 194 The Way Back
Chapter 195 The Edge Of Victory
Chapter 196 A Final Deception
Chapter 197 The Iron Mountain Camp
Chapter 198 Toward The Valley
Chapter 199 The Valley'S Gate
Chapter 200 The Patriarch'S Palace
Chapter 201 Barrier
Chapter 202 The Patriarch
Chapter 203 The Patriarch'S Summons
Chapter 204 A New Path
Chapter 205 A Long Journey
Chapter 206 Into The Valley
Chapter 207 Alder'S Farm
Chapter 208 An Invitation
Chapter 209 Houses Of The Ninth Valley
Chapter 210 A Change For The Worse
Chapter 211 Unreasonable Demands
Chapter 212 A Small Demonstration
Chapter 213 Show Of Power
Chapter 214 Bad Teacher
Chapter 215 The Thousand Cuts
Chapter 216 Training Days
Chapter 217 The Road Ahead
Chapter 218 Hidden Estate
Chapter 219 A New Approach
Chapter 220 Insigh
Chapter 221 Recovery
Chapter 222 Reunion
Chapter 223 Snowcloud'S Potions
Chapter 224 Snowcloud'S Departure
Chapter 225 Return To The House Of Swords
Chapter 226 To The House Of Flames
Chapter 227 A New Teacher
Chapter 228 Forms
Chapter 229 Form And Function
Chapter 230 Brightblade'S Vow
Chapter 231 The House Of Shadows
Chapter 232 A Step Into Shadow
Chapter 233 Shadow And Swords
Chapter 234 The House Of Seals
Chapter 235 A Small Bit Of Talen
Chapter 236 A New Teacher
Chapter 237 Reunion
Chapter 238 An Agreemen
Chapter 239 A Palace Of One'S Own
Chapter 240 Brightblade'S Background
Chapter 241 A Final Night Of Res
Chapter 242 The First Day Of Training
Chapter 243 Effor
Chapter 244 Destruction Essence
Chapter 245 A Brief Respite
Chapter 246 Shields
Chapter 247 Ambush
Chapter 248 After The Battle
Chapter 249 Questions Of Power
Chapter 250 Questionable Plans
Chapter 251 A Fruitless Search
Chapter 252 Facing The Elders
Chapter 253 Offending An Elder
Chapter 254 Brightblade'S Challenge
Chapter 255 The Dueling Grounds
Chapter 256 The Duel
Chapter 257 A Fight To The Death
Chapter 258 Aftermath
Chapter 259 The Matriarch'S Plans
Chapter 260 Treasures
Chapter 261 An Heir'S Estate
Chapter 262 Gifts
Chapter 263 Festivities
Chapter 264 Effor
Chapter 265 Brightblade'S Fortress
Chapter 266 A Small Wager
Chapter 267 Brightblade'S Orders
Chapter 268 Leaving The Valley
Chapter 269 Essence Remnants
Chapter 270 An Obstacle
Chapter 271 More Than Remnants
Chapter 272 Demons
Chapter 273 A Short Goodbye
Chapter 274 On The Road
Chapter 275 Hunter
Chapter 276 Amydon
Chapter 277 The Fall Of Amydon
Chapter 278 A Quiet Place
Chapter 279 A New Foundation
Chapter 280 The Final Stretch
Chapter 281 A Break
Chapter 282 The Caves Of Amydon
Chapter 283 The Hidden City
Chapter 284 Karanos
Chapter 285 The Mines
Chapter 286 Trash And Treasure
Chapter 287 A Step Into Shadow
Chapter 288 Darkness
Chapter 289 The Shadow Realm
Chapter 290 Amid The Ruins
Chapter 291 Shards Of Living Shadow
Chapter 292 A Fitting Weapon
Chapter 293 A Small Bribe
Chapter 294 To Leave A Dying World
Chapter 295 Homecoming
Chapter 296 Hidden Treasure
Chapter 297 Waiting For A Sign
Chapter 298 Departure
Chapter 299 Into The Ligh
Chapter 300 Redhill
Chapter 301 Pursui
Chapter 302 Training Ground
Chapter 303 Hunters
Chapter 304 Recruits
Chapter 305 Pills
Chapter 306 Thieves And Robbers
Chapter 307 Facing A Hunter
Chapter 308 Into The Battlefield
Chapter 309 Suffering
Chapter 310 A Knight Of The Imperium
Chapter 311 A Choice
Chapter 312 Searching The Battlefield
Chapter 313 The Fores
Chapter 314 Studying The Forms
Chapter 315 Preparation
Chapter 316 The Road To Esran
Chapter 317 The City Of Esran
Chapter 318 A Steward'S Aid
Chapter 319 Leaving The Borderlands
Chapter 320 The Border
Chapter 321 Into The Imperium
Chapter 322 Advice
Chapter 323 The Fate Of Refugees
Chapter 324 A City Of Tents
Chapter 325 The Wolfsblood Company
Chapter 326 Arrival
Chapter 327 A New Deal
Chapter 328 Imperial Politics
Chapter 329 Battle Approaches
Chapter 330 A Taste Of Battle
Chapter 331 The Spoils Of Battle
Chapter 332 Lord Kadun
Chapter 333 To The Mines
Chapter 334 What Lurks Below
Chapter 335 Into Darkness
Chapter 336 Diggers
Chapter 337 Battle
Chapter 338 Three Monsters
Chapter 339 The Blood Ruin
Chapter 340 A Warm Welcome
Chapter 341 Studying Strategy
Chapter 342 Weapons And Training
Chapter 343 A New Tool
Chapter 344 Unwelcome Company
Chapter 345 Provocation
Chapter 346 Down Below
Chapter 347 A Small Disturbance
Chapter 348 A Lord'S Mercy
Chapter 349 Prison
Chapter 350 Prison Break
Chapter 351 Breaching The Defenses
Chapter 352 Defending The Gate
Chapter 353 A Knight'S Power
Chapter 354 Lord Rannoc
Chapter 355 Outrage
Chapter 356 The Strength Of Lords
Chapter 357 An Offer
Chapter 358 Revelations
Chapter 359 The Desolation
Chapter 360 Rannoc'S Orders
Chapter 361 Citizenship
Chapter 362 Sleepless Nights
Chapter 363 A Foundation
Chapter 364 The Road Back
Chapter 365 A Deb
Chapter 366 Settling Debts
Chapter 367 Broken Company
Chapter 368 An Exchange
Chapter 369 Preparations
Chapter 370 Breakthrough
Chapter 371 Delivery
Chapter 372 A New Journey
Chapter 373 An Unwelcome Invitation
Chapter 374 Challenge
Chapter 375 A Duel
Chapter 376 Facing A Knight, Again
Chapter 377 Words Of Warning
Chapter 378 What Lurks In The Bligh
Chapter 379 A Quiet Departure
Chapter 380 The Road To Sacrifice
Chapter 381 A Storm Of Blood
Chapter 382 Behind The Walls
Chapter 383 A Sea Of Shadow
Chapter 384 Reaver'S End
Chapter 385 Newcomers
Chapter 386 A New Plan
Chapter 387 An Old Friend
Chapter 388 An Imperial Knigh
Chapter 389 The Knight'S Apprentice
Chapter 390 Knight'S Watch
Chapter 391 Comprehension
Chapter 392 Master Of Shadow
Chapter 393 Finding Enemies
Chapter 394 The Missing Piece
Chapter 395 Reunion
Chapter 396 Decisions
Chapter 397 The Wolfsblood Army
Chapter 398 Enlightenmen
Chapter 399 An Unwelcome Gues
Chapter 400 The Oath
Chapter 401 An Invitation
Chapter 402 The Dangers Ahead
Chapter 403 Into The Desolation
Chapter 404 Suppression
Chapter 405 Confrontation
Chapter 406 Arrival
Chapter 407 The Archon'S Summons
Chapter 408 The Master'S Bloodline
Chapter 409 Bloodlines
Chapter 410 The Ruiner'S Temple
Chapter 411 Assassin
Chapter 412 The Citadel
Chapter 413 Fruits Of A Poisonous Tree
Chapter 414 The Strength Of Bloodlines
Chapter 415 A Path Forward
Chapter 416 - A Simple Task
Chapter 417 - Breakthrough
Chapter 418 - Final Preparations
Chapter 419 - Into Harm'S Way (1)
Categories Genre: Action, All, Fantasy, Ongoing, Xianxia, Xuanhuan Status: Ongoing ______
Total Chapters in book: 419
Estimated words: 787321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3937(@200wpm)___ 3149(@250wpm)___ 2624(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 787321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3937(@200wpm)___ 3149(@250wpm)___ 2624(@300wpm)
______
LIST OF LAST 10 CHAPTERS:
Page No. 419 Page No. 418 Page No. 417 Page No. 416 Page No. 415 Page No. 414 Page No. 413 Page No. 412 Page No. 411 Page No. 410 Page No. 409 Chapter 331 The Spoils Of Battle
Chapter 331 The Spoils Of Battle
"Commanders!" Captain Kaleesh called out. "Gather up!"
The three commanders joined them moments later, and as they did, Arran saw that only Gar had some small wounds. Sassun and Lasha, meanwhile, had somehow escaped the battle unharmed.
"Looks like they got you good," Lasha said with a glance at Arran's bloodied clothes. There was a hint of disapproval in her eyes, as if she thought being wounded by the soldiers was almost shameful.
"Just some small scratches, is all," Arran replied.
In truth, the wounds he'd received were already long gone. The soldiers' deaths had provided his Blood-imbued Dragon's Ruin with plenty of power to feast upon, and none of his shallow wounds had lasted for more than a moment.
But that was a secret he could not share. The mercenaries might be his allies, but he would not reveal the full extent of his powers even to them. To do so would be every bit as dangerous as announcing that he was a mage.
Lasha gave him a doubtful look, but before she could say anything more, Gar stepped forward, a broad smile on his bloodied face.
"Can't have a good fight without a few wounds," the large man said. "And unlike you, we got something out of the battle."
With a pleased look, he patted the new sword at his side — starmetal, like the ones Arran and Captain Kaleesh had taken.
"Well done," the captain said, giving the giant commander an approving nod. "Now give that new sword of yours to Sassun, if you will."
Gar's satisfied expression faded in an instant, and he stared at the captain in bewilderment. "You want me to give up my sword?"
"Correct," Captain Kaleesh replied. "We're about to hunt down our enemies' leaders, and I expect them to have several Rangers at their side. I need my strongest fighters well-armed."
"What about him?" Gar said, pointing at Arran. "Why not have him give up his weapon?"
"He's stronger than you," the captain said. "He will join me and Sassun in confronting the enemies' Rangers, while Lasha and yourself will handle the others." A frown crossed his face, and he continued, "Besides, that sword is far too small for you. You'll have something more suitable in an hour or two."
That, at least, was true. The sword Gar had captured was slender and somewhat short, making it look almost like a dagger in the giant man's hands. But even so, Gar parted with it only reluctantly, a dark look in his eyes as he handed the weapon to Sassun.
"I expect another before the day is over," he grumbled.
"And you shall have one," the captain said. "But now, we must prepare. Gar, Lasha, I want your groups to advance on either side of the road. When we reach our enemies' camp, we will attack—"
"You will do no such thing!" Payam interrupted him loudly. The steward had only just arrived, and rather than showing relief at still being alive, his face was filled with outrage.
"Oh?" Captain Kaleesh faced the steward with a friendly smile, but his eyes held a hint of danger.
"You…" Payam paused briefly, perhaps remembering how easily the mercenaries had defeated the soldiers who would have slaughtered his men. When he continued, there was a fearful tremble in his voice. "Killing their leaders and Rangers will be a provocation that cannot go unanswered."
"If I hadn't intervened," the captain replied, "they would have butchered your troops to a man and taken my men for themselves." He paused as he looked the steward in the eyes. "You mean to say that Lord Kadun lacks the honor to answer such an insult?"
The steward gave him a pained look. "We killed their soldiers. Isn't that enough? To attack their Rangers, it would be—"
"A reminder," Captain Kaleesh interrupted him. "A reminder that Lord Kadun will brook no insults. A reminder that your Lord is no less than his rivals." A thoughtful look crossed his face. "Or do you believe he is?"
Payam paled at the captain's words. "I didn't say…" he began, then stopped mid-sentence. A moment later, he shook his head. "I cannot stop you from acting. But know that facing Rangers is different from facing soldiers. You may not find these opponents so easy to defeat."
Without further words, he turned around and began to head back to the group of soldiers in the distance.
Captain Kaleesh waited until the steward was out of earshot, then turned back to his commanders.
"As I was saying, Gar and Lasha, your groups will take the forward flanks. Do not let even a single one of our enemies escape. As far as the world is concerned, Kadun will be the one responsible for this."
Both Gar and Lasha nodded silently, but Arran frowned at the last words. From the sound of it, the captain's plans extended beyond merely seizing the spoils of battle.
Rather, it sounded like Captain Kaleesh intended to fuel the tensions between Lord Kadun and Lord Rannoc. Yet what purpose the captain had for earning their new employer enemies, he could not tell.
"Sassun," the captain continued, "our enemies were kind enough to leave us an ample supply of bows and arrows. Our groups will gather these, and take the back flanks."
As Sassun nodded, Captain Kaleesh turned to Arran. "Your group is to remain on the road behind us. Their sole task is to look threatening — enough to keep our enemies from getting foolish ideas about charging forward."
Arran nodded. He'd been impressed with his troops' performance during the battle, but not so much that he was eager to have them face Rangers.
"Finally," the captain said, his eyes on Arran and Sassun, "the three of us will face the Rangers. There should only be two of them, but do not let that trick you — Rangers are formidable enemies. Wait until I give the command to attack, and do not take any foolish risks."
After the four commanders had been given instructions, it barely took the mercenaries a quarter-hour to gather their enemies' bows and prepare for the battle ahead.
They left a few of their number behind to care for the wounded, but other than that, the mercenary force that set off was almost as large as it had been in the morning. Bloody though the earlier battle had been, all but a handful of the bodies that littered the ground belonged to the soldiers.
As they made their way back down the road, Arran studied the formation the captain had chosen.
Gar and Lasha's groups led the formation, walking a few dozen paces on either side of the road. Behind them were the captain, Sassun, and Arran himself, with two more groups of mercenaries flanking them. And finally, at the back was Arran's group.
Arran knew little of strategy, but he could tell that if their enemies had massed on the road, the simple formation would be devastating.
And yet, he could hardly imagine that the Darians would be so foolish. By now they certainly would've heard of their forces' defeat. If they had any sense at all, they would have long fled the area.
But less than an hour's travel from the first battlefield, he saw that he was wrong.
In the middle of the road stood a group of around a hundred people, many of them dressed in the fine silks of courtiers and merchants, their stances relaxed, almost casual. And while a good half of the group were soldiers, even they looked strangely unconcerned.
The only ones who showed any tension at all were two men who stood a few dozen paces ahead of the others. These, Arran instantly recognized as Rangers. Even without the starmetal weapons in their hands, their movements betrayed them as powerful Body Refiners with no small amount of skill in combat.
To Arran's bafflement, the group made no attempt to prevent itself from being flanked. And rather than panic, the men and women in the group showed annoyance more than fear at their enemies' approach.
Captain Kaleesh waited for his mercenaries to get into position, then finally called out, "Halt!"
At this, a heavy-set man stepped out from the group of Darians. Dressed in ornate robes, he was clearly a noble or merchant rather than a warrior, despite the starmetal dagger at his side.
"What is the meaning of this?" he called out to Captain Kaleesh, in a tone that suggested mild annoyance. "You have your victory, do you not? What need is there to bother us any further?"
Captain Kaleesh ignored the man completely. "Nock!" he shouted, and the two groups of mercenaries on the rear flanks immediately nocked arrows to their bows.
A hint of worry flashed across the ornately dressed man's face. "Wait!" he called out. "If you want compensation for your dead and wounded, we can make you a suitable offer. There is no need for—"
"Draw!" the captain's voice sounded.
Finally, the man's face turned to panic. "Stop! My guild can offer you—"
"Loose!"
Whatever the man's guild had to offer, they would never hear. Because in an instant, the man was riddled with arrows, dead before he even hit the ground. And behind him, another dozen among his group met the same fate.
"Fire at will!" the captain shouted, and the mercenaries wasted no time in following the order. More arrows struck the group of Darians only moments later, and their composure disappeared in an instant, the merchants and nobles fighting to hide behind their soldiers.
But it was no use. Exposed as they were, there was no safety to be found. In mere moments, half their number lay dead on the road, and the mercenaries showed no sign of letting up.
Yet the two Rangers were still unharmed. While they, too, had been struck by arrows, it seemed that mere arrows were not enough to cause them serious injury.
"Run, you idiots!" one of the Rangers shouted, moving his body between the men and women behind him and the archers.
If the mercenaries' arrows had caused chaos among the Darians, the Ranger's words were enough to send them running in an instant. Yet even as they began to move, Arran knew they would not get far — not with Gar and Lasha's groups already closing in on them.
There was no time for him to give any further thought to their fate, however. Because at that moment, Captain Kaleesh said in a calm voice, "Our turn."
He unsheathed his sword and started toward the two Rangers at a calm pace, with Sassun and Arran falling in beside him a moment later.
Despite the situation, the two Rangers showed no sign of panic. Instead, they faced their opponents with cautious eyes, focused on the battle even while the screams of their dying allies sounded in the distance.
"Kadun will pay for this," one of them snarled as the two small groups faced off, outrage in his voice despite the look of utter concentration on his face.
"Perhaps," the captain replied, some amusement in his voice. "But you'll be long dead by then."
No further words were spoken, as one of the Rangers suddenly dashed toward Arran, unleashing a furious flurry of blows in an attempt to quickly even the numbers.
Despite the man's terrifying skill, Arran managed to parry the blows, allowing himself to be driven backward several paces. And before the Ranger could push his advantage, Captain Kaleesh joined the fight.
While the Ranger held the upper hand against Arran — without Arran showing his full strength, at least — the odds were reversed when the captain stepped in. Even with the Ranger's skill, the two enemies were too much for him, and he was forced to retreat several steps.
Yet before they could defeat their enemy, the captain suddenly darted away, joining Sassun just in time to save the commander from being cut down by the other Ranger.
Arran's opponent recognized the opportunity, and at once, he attacked Arran with full vigor, driving Arran back several paces with a series of powerful strikes. But the attacks failed to achieve anything, and even as he pushed forward, a hint of frustration appeared on his face.
Arran, on the other hand, fought eagerly. Although he was forced to hold back his strength, he gladly seized the chance to study a Ranger's techniques. And much like before, he found that they held some hints of insight.
The battle continued for a good quarter-hour, with the captain darting between the two separate fights whenever one of his commanders came under too much pressure.
But while it was little more than a practice session to Arran, he soon saw in the corner of his eye that Sassun was struggling to keep up. The commander had already sustained several shallow wounds, and although his face was expressionless as always, his movements were gradually growing slower.
Moreover, Arran's own opponent was beginning to fight more cautiously. Where he had earlier shown only frustration, some suspicion was now beginning to appear in his eyes, as if he was starting to realize that Arran was holding back.
It was time to end the fight, Arran knew.
When the Ranger launched yet another powerful attack, he did not step back as he parried. Instead, he caught his enemy's blade in a bind, then pushed the man back with unexpected force.
The Ranger's eyes filled with realization as he stumbled backward, but it was already too late. He was only caught off-balance for a fraction of a second, but that was enough for Arran's blade to find his heart.
Arran did not pause to savor his victory. Instead, he immediately rushed over to Sassun's opponent, who was already struggling to defend himself from two enemies. And with a third enemy added, it only took seconds before he was cut down, too.
As the second Ranger collapsed to the ground, Sassun let out a deep sigh. "Son of a whore," he grunted, face soaked with sweat. "That was one tough bastard."
Yet although Sassun looked like he might collapse from exhaustion, Captain Kaleesh seemed as fresh as ever. So much so, in fact, that Arran found himself wondering whether he'd been the only one to hold back in the fight.
"A good battle," the captain said with a look at the defeated Rangers' bodies. "And now, it's time to collect our rewards."
Arran looked around at their surroundings, and found that the other mercenaries had gathered in a wide circle around them. But while they had watched the fight with great interest, none of them had been foolish enough to get involved.
But now that the Rangers were defeated, both Gar and Lasha stepped forward with excited faces.
"Good fight, captain!" Lasha said. She held up a starmetal sword, then grinned wickedly. "I put my sword through that bitch's throat just like I said."
Captain Kaleesh frowned, then nodded. "Well done," he said. "But I suggest you speak no more of that. We'll get rid of that sword, too. We don't want it getting out that you killed Rannoc's niece."
Lasha's eyes went wide with shock. "Rannoc's niece?"
"His favorite niece, in fact," the captain said. "I imagine he'll be quite displeased with Kadun."
Ignoring the horrified look Lasha gave him, he gathered the two fallen Rangers' swords, then handed the larger of the two to Gar.
"A sword for you, as promised," he said. "And one that should be more to your liking. Lasha, hand me that cursed thing you're holding."
She gave the captain an ugly look, but nevertheless, she handed the sword to the captain, receiving the remaining Ranger's weapon in return.
"Now then," the captain said. "Let's see what we won today."
As the mercenaries began looting their defeated enemies' carts, Arran looked at the bodies that littered the ground.
As far as he could tell, not a single mercenary had fallen in the battle. In truth, it could hardly be called a battle at all — rather, it had been a massacre.
He did not feel sympathy for their fallen enemies. They'd had no qualms about sending hundreds of soldiers into battle, but had believed themselves safe from retribution. Perhaps if they'd known their own lives were at stake, they would not have gambled others' lives away so carelessly.
And yet, he could not bring himself to feel happy about the slaughter, either. Not when their enemies had lacked the strength to defend themselves.
"Why the glum look?"
When Arran looked up, he saw the captain standing next to him. He hesitated, then said, "Killing defenseless enemies… it doesn't feel right."
"Defenseless?" The captain looked at him with wide eyes, then burst into laughter. "You think them defenseless? Their soldiers were their weapons, and if we hadn't killed them, they would've taken up arms again without hesitation."
The captain shook his head, then continued, "An army is a greater weapon than any sword could ever be. Enemies who wield swords, you can afford to show mercy. But those who wield armies should never be spared."
Arran pondered the man's words for some moments, then finally nodded. "I suppose you're right."
"I usually am," Captain Kaleesh said. "But enough of that. There's looting to be done, and feasting after that. You won't believe what these bastards had in their supply wagons."
Total Chapters in book: 419
Estimated words: 787321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3937(@200wpm)___ 3149(@250wpm)___ 2624(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 787321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 3937(@200wpm)___ 3149(@250wpm)___ 2624(@300wpm)
______