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)
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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 366 Settling Debts
Chapter 366 Settling Debts
As the five Rangers were unbound and given their swords, their forlorn expressions faded almost instantly. Weapons in hand, they had once more become warriors rather than prisoners, and the change in their demeanor was as sudden as it was complete.
A single obstacle still remained between them and their freedom, but they were obviously confident in defeating the captain. If anything, they looked eager for the fight — eager for a chance to regain their honor.
Arran, however, knew that their confidence was misplaced.
While both the captain's mercenaries and Rannoc's troops looked worried, Arran had seen Kaleesh's true power. And if that power wasn't quite enough to defeat a Knight, it was far more than a handful of Rangers could hope to match.
Yet the Rangers were still blissfully unaware of the fate that would soon befall them. Weapons drawn, they moved to face the captain, their leader at the front of the small group.
To his credit, the man did not waste his breath on threats or insults. While his expression was one of grim anticipation, his eyes remained alert, focused on the outsider who had so casually challenged not one but five Rangers.
The captain drew his weapon as he faced the Rangers. And unlike his opponents, he still looked every bit as relaxed as he had before.
"Shall we begin, then?" he asked. From his casual voice and relaxed posture, it almost seemed like he treated the duel as a sparring match.
Yet although he looked unconcerned, Arran saw a subtle shift in his movements. Though few of the people present would recognize it, the captain's body now held a hidden tension, like a loaded spring, ready to snap into action.
The Rangers' leader did not reply. Instead, he gripped his sword with both hands, his body tensing up as he prepared to attack. And then, with a sudden dash, he rushed forward, striking a vicious overhand blow at the captain.
At least, that was his intent. But as the Ranger's sword came down, it found only air.
Before the Ranger could respond, Kaleesh had stepped to the side, moving so fast even Arran could only barely see the movement. And as the captain moved, his sword flashed toward the Ranger in a single viper-like strike.
The Ranger's weapon hit the ground an instant later, and although its owner's hands still gripping it tightly, those hands were no longer attached to the Ranger's arms.
For a brief moment, there was only silence.
The Ranger stared in horror as blood gushed from his wrists, and while his companions had already begun attacks of their own, they came to a sudden halt when they saw the scene before them.
"Take him away," Kaleesh said with a brief glance at the Darian soldiers who had gathered around them. Despite their shocked expressions, the soldiers did as told, dragging the maimed Ranger away even as more blood poured forth from his wrists.
Then, the captain turned back to the remaining Rangers. "Abandon your weapons," he said, "and I will spare your lives."
The four Rangers, so confident only moments earlier, hesitated for barely a second. But then, understanding that they were hopelessly outmatched, they threw their weapons on the ground.
"Sassun," the captain said, "please gather my spoils."
As the middle-aged commander began to pick up the Rangers' weapons, the captain turned around to face the priest, not giving his defeated enemies so much as a second glance.
"No dead Darians," he said with a mirthless smile, "and four Rangers to add to Lord Rannoc's ranks. I assume you are satisfied?"
The priest gave the captain a dark look in response. "What you did to him… that's a fate worse than death."
"He chose his path," Kaleesh said. He shrugged dismissively, and continued, "Now then, with that taken care of, perhaps it's time that my troops are granted their citizenship?"
The priest nodded, though his expression was no less grim than before. "It will be taken care of."
"Excellent," the captain replied, this time with a genuine smile. He turned to Rahm, and said, "And I thank you for the gift."
"My pleasure." The Knight grinned, and added, "Had I known I'd get a show out of it, I might have gathered a few more prisoners. See what you can really do."
Kaleesh laughed. "You might see that yet," he said. "Who knows what the future holds."
Yet his laugh lasted only a moment, and his expression soon turned serious once more — more so than before.
"But if you'll excuse me," he said to the two Knights, "there's another debt I need to settle. Sassun, Arran, come with me. Lasha, please take us to the overseer."
While Arran had almost forgotten about the man who had supposedly spoken for them to Kadun's steward, he now remembered what the steward had said — that the overseer would be punished for his words.
He had barely spoken with the overseer during their time in the camp, busy as he was with his studies, but he now felt a sudden pang of guilt. From what he little he had seen of Darian justice, he could not imagine that it had gone well for the man.
"How is he?" Kaleesh asked Lasha as she guided them to the overseer's quarters.
"Not good," she replied with a small shake of her head. "I wasn't there to see it, but…" She sighed. "When the Rangers returned, they had him lashed. A dozen lashes, with their leader taking it upon himself to carry out the punishment."
Arran clenched his jaw when he heard her words. While a dozen lashes didn't sound like much, even a single lash from a strong Body Refiner could kill a man.
Kaleesh nodded grimly. "Will he survive?"
"He will," Lasha replied. "When Rannoc's troops took the camp, they made sure he received proper care. But even so…"
She did not finish the sentence, but from her expression, Arran understood that the overseer's wounds were serious ones.
This suspicion was confirmed only moments later when they entered the overseer's quarters. They found the man in bed, his face deathly pale and weary with anguish.
Yet despite his pitiful state, he looked up in wonder when he saw them.
"You returned," he said in a weak voice. "I was certain they had…" He paused to sigh. "No matter. I'm glad to see you're still alive. I tried the best I could, but the steward… he refused to listen. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help."
"Don't apologize," Kaleesh replied, his expression pained as he looked at the gaunt man. "I owe you an apology for putting you in danger."
At this, the overseer shook his head. "All I did was speak the truth."
The captain nodded softly. "Your wounds, how bad are they?"
"Not too bad," the overseer replied, forcing a smile. "The healers say I should recover with a few months' rest."
"I'll make sure you receive proper care," Kaleesh said. "But I also have a gift for you."
"A gift?" The overseer looked at him in wonder. "What for?"
"For speaking the truth," the captain replied. "And doing so despite the consequences. Sassun, hand me the weapons."
The commander did as told, handing Kaleesh the swords he'd taken from the defeated Rangers.
"These," the captain said, putting the weapons down beside the overseer's bed, "I took from the Rangers who did this to you. Consider it their repayment for what you've suffered."
At once, the overseer's eyes went wide with shock. "Starmetal?! I cannot accept such gifts!"
Kaleesh smiled warmly. "You don't have a choice — not unless you manage to get out of bed and give them back."
"But…" the overseer began, the shock on his pale face only growing stronger. "Starmetal weapons… those are worth a fortune."
"Indeed," Kaleesh replied. "A fortune large enough that you can spend the rest of your days in wealth — once you're out of this bed, at least."
The overseer remained silent for several seconds, then finally stammered, "Thank you." From the look on his face, it seemed he still couldn't believe his good fortune.
They spoke for several more minutes, though it soon became apparent that between his injuries and the shock of the captain's gift, the overseer could handle no more than that.
As they made their way out of the squat stone building again, Lasha looked at the captain in wonder. "It's rare to see you so generous," she said, giving him a questioning look.
"Debts must be repaid," the captain replied. "And the debt I owed him was a great one, since I gave him little choice in this matter."
"True enough," Lasha admitted. "Though I think he'd have been happy enough with just one sword."
The captain gave her a wry smile. "Perhaps. But my conscience required more than that. And it doesn't matter — a few swords will be the smallest of my losses, today."
Lasha gazed at the captain with narrowed eyes, concern suddenly written across her face. "Losses? What are you talking about?"
"Rannoc made a request," Kaleesh replied. "That I offer my troops the choice to join his forces. Once the priest finishes his task, I intend to honor that request."
"Join Rannoc's forces?" Lasha asked, her worry now turning to puzzlement. "Even if you make the offer, you don't seriously believe anyone will accept it, do you?" She shot a glance at Arran, then added, "Maybe a few of the newcomers will leave, but the rest are loyal."
"I have no doubts about their loyalty," Kaleesh said. "But the path ahead is a dangerous one — more so than you realize. What Rannoc offers is a life of comfort and wealth. What I offer is only a slim chance of survival."
Lasha paled as she stared at the captain, her expression horrified as understanding finally dawned in her eyes. "You're going to tell them to accept the offer, aren't you?"
Kaleesh gave her a slight nod. "I am."
The commander stared at her captain in bewilderment. "Why would you do such a thing?!"
Kaleesh sighed, turning his eyes to the large group of mercenaries in the distance. The priest had already begun his work, and one by one, the mercenaries were given glasses of wine to drink, a single drop of clear liquid in each.
He remained silent for some moments, eyes fixed on his troops. And when he finally spoke again, all humor had fled his expression.
"Many of those who join me," he said, "will not survive the journey. The enemies we will face are no common ones. With sufficient luck, half of those who go will return. Without it, none will."
"Then why go?" Lasha pleaded. "If it's so dangerous, why go at all?"
"Because there's no other way to get the power I need," the captain answered plainly. "But the troops — I would not ask of them to face the same danger. Not without knowing the risk."
That wasn't nearly enough to convince Lasha, but her continued pleas had little effect. It was clear that Kaleesh had made up his mind a long ago, and no amount of words would dissuade him from the path he'd chosen.
Arran, however, wasn't the least bit surprised by Kaleesh's words.
Although he still didn't know the full extent of the captain's plans, he already understood that they involved far more than just toppling a single Lord.
Whatever Kaleesh had planned, it would require no small amount of power. And to get that power, it seemed the captain was prepared to face any danger, no matter how great.
Yet he had honor, as well. And while he could be ruthless to his enemies, so far Arran had seen nothing to make him doubt the captain's loyalty to his allies.
It was the reason Arran trusted the man, but it caused him worry as well. Up to this point, their goals had aligned, with no need for either of them to choose between conflicting loyalties.
But if that changed, Arran could easily see it turning to a disaster.
Still, he did not intend to part ways with Kaleesh. Not yet, at least. By now, he understood all too well how little he knew of the Imperium, and how dangerous a place it was for ignorant outsiders.
To accompany the captain into the Desolation would be even more dangerous, of course, but it would offer him a chance to gain the Darians' secrets. And after seeing the battle between the Lords, he knew that would be his path — to seize their secrets, and make them his own.
"Arran!"
Arran looked up in wonder, torn from his thoughts by the sudden voice — Lasha's, he realized.
"What is it?"
"This mad plan of his… are you going along with it, too?" She gave him an expectant look, apparently hoping that he might convince the captain where she had failed.
"I am," he replied instead. Seeing her disappointed look, he explained, "In the city, we watched two Lords do battle. If you'd seen it, you'd understand — their power is terrifying. If facing danger means a chance at learning that, then it's well worth it."
"Even if it means breaking up the Wolfsblood Company?" she asked. Though she spoke to Arran, it was clear that her words were intended for the captain.
Yet suddenly, Arran understood her true objection. And it wasn't, as he'd thought earlier, that they would face danger. Rather, it was that she feared losing her companions.
To him, the mercenaries in the Wolfsblood Company were friends and allies — important both, but not so much that he would hesitate in leaving them behind. But to Lasha, it seemed they were more like family.
Suddenly, he could not help but feel out of place. Even after the half-year he'd spent with the group, it seemed that in some ways, he was still a stranger.
The captain appeared to sense this as well, as he turned to Lasha and said in a soft voice, "Let's take a walk together."
Arran's brow was furrowed in thought as the captain and his commander walked off, softly talking as they disappeared between the stone buildings around them.
He turned to Sassun. "Are those two…?" he began, leaving the final words unspoken.
"No," the dour-faced commander replied curtly. Yet a moment later, he added in a friendlier tone, "Lasha was young when she joined the Company, barely out of childhood. Captain took her in and taught her to fight."
That only raised more questions for Arran, but it was clear that Sassun had no interest in answering them. He gave Arran a short nod, then began to head in the direction of the mercenaries who were still gathered around the priest.
And just like that, Arran suddenly found himself alone, standing by himself in the middle of the mining camp.
For a brief moment, he found himself wishing he was back in the Ninth Valley, with Brightblade, Snowcloud, and the others — not to mention his cooks.
Yet the Ninth Valley was thousands of miles away, and after a moment's thought, he set off to find Muna. Although she might be his enemy, at least she was a friendly one.
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)
______