More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
Gar nodded slowly. ‘We all fear, Ban. Even Tull. It’s what we do about it–that’s the important thing. That’s what’ll make you the man you grow into. You must learn to control your emotions, boy. Those that don’t do that often end up dead: anger, fear, pride, whatever. If your emotions control you, sooner or later you’re a dead man.’
‘Cywen works with Gar, mother,’ Edana said. ‘She has a way with horses–you should see her ride.’ ‘Anyone who learns from Gar is likely to have a way with horses. Gar has a gift from Elyon, I think,’ said Alona, smiling at Edana. ‘I remember when he first came here. You had only just seen your first nameday.’
Is Gar Elyan?
‘What did he say to you?’ Veradis asked. Rauca pulled a sour face. ‘He said “There’s no point getting old if you don’t get cunning.” ’ Veradis chuckled. ‘He’s right enough. Who was he?’ ‘Said his name was Tull. He came here with the shieldmen of Ardan.’ ‘Where’s that?’
Love when worlds collide
‘Two born of blood, dust and ashes shall champion the Choices, the Darkness and Light.’ He paused, turned more pages. ‘This is not written clear to see, you understand,’ he murmured as he searched through the book. ‘This script is almost hidden, spread from beginning to end. It has taken me moons to work just a little part out. Ah, here is more. Black Sun will drown the earth in bloodshed, Bright Star with the Treasures must unite.’ Again he stopped, carefully turned more pages, eventually continued his halting reading: ‘By their names you shall know them–Kin-Slayer, Kin-Avenger, Giant-Friend,
...more
‘Look for them when the high king calls, when the shadow warriors ride forth, when white-walled Telassar is emptied, when the book is found in the north. When the white wyrms spread from their nest, when the Firstborn take back what was lost, and the Treasures stir from their rest. Both earth and sky shall cry warning, shall herald this War of Sorrows. Tears of blood spilt from the earth’s bones, and at Midwinter’s height bright day shall become full night.’
Veradis counted, frowned. Only five had stood: Romar, King of Isiltir, Brenin of Ardan, red-bearded Braster, Temel of the Sirak and Rahim of Tarbesh.
The work began: the coaxing of raw iron into shapes that it would hold for generations. There was something satisfying in that, Corban thought, as he pounded with a hammer where Thannon directed, sparks flying, sizzling and spitting on his leather apron. Thannon doused the length of iron in water and steam leaped up in a hissing cloud. Time passed quickly, father and son lost in the rhythm of their work.
‘Whatever your cause, lies are a coward’s way; and they are like poison. They bring death. Death of trust, Ban. Death of honour, death of respect. Two things,’ he grunted, holding up two fingers. ‘Truth and courage. Elyon gave us the power of choice. Choose those two and they will see you through. Maybe not easily, but…’ He leaned back in his chair, shaking his head.
‘You were talking, in your sleep.’ Nathair’s eyes narrowed. ‘What did I say? Did you hear what I said?’ ‘No. Not really. Something about–searching, I think. And something that sounded like cauldron. I am not sure.’ Nathair stared at Veradis a moment, then shrugged. ‘I have dreams, Veradis. Troubled dreams. Often the same one.’ He smiled, hesitantly. ‘I have dreamed it as far back as I can remember, or variations of it; but of late it is becoming more urgent.’
‘Because I have dreamed it. And in my dreams I have been told of a coming darkness; but more than that. I have been told of a man who will change the world we tread, someone who will unite the whole of the Banished Lands under one banner. I have been told that man is you, Nathair.’ Suddenly Lykos dropped to his knees. ‘I am at your command, Nathair, and along with me the Three Islands of the Vin Thalun, and a fleet the likes of which the Banished Lands has not witnessed since the coming of the Exiles to these shores.’
‘Indeed,’ replied the Prince. ‘How can we combat these Elementals?’ ‘Do not be troubled,’ said Calidus, ‘Alcyon and I will accompany you. We are also familiar with these powers.’ ‘You are sorcerers?’ said Veradis. Alcyon said nothing and Calidus just smiled.
Veradis felt his spirits soar as he spotted Rauca in the mass of mounted warriors, holding Nathair’s standard aloft, the eagle of Tenebral snapping in the wind. He raised his hand to his friend, a broad grin splitting his face. He had never felt more alive. Nathair grinned at him fiercely, and Veradis knew the Prince felt it too. Destiny leading them, just as Nathair had promised. They both faced forward and spurred their horses on.
‘They will come from there,’ Alcyon rumbled, pointing. Veradis looked at the giant’s arm. At the wrist, flowing from beneath a leather band, a dark tattoo swirled up it, circling great knots of muscle and sinew. Curved thorns were etched into the skin, the tattoo resembling a vine creeping up Alcyon’s arm. It disappeared at his elbow, covered by a half-sleeve of chainmail. ‘Why do you have that?’ Veradis asked, without thinking. The giant looked at his arm and grunted. ‘That is my Sgeul; my Telling, in your tongue.’ His voice was cold, flat. ‘Telling?’ ‘Aye. The lives I have taken.’ Veradis
...more
He's Uthas, the giant from the beginning which means he's on Asroth's side
‘When you stand before the Jehar on the morrow,’ Calidus said, ‘remember what I am about to tell you. The writings of Halvor, the giant, mention certain criteria that the champions shall be known by. Kin-Slayer, Kin-Avenger, Giant-Friend, Draig-Rider. You are already friend to a giant,’ he gestured at Alcyon, ‘and you have just spoken of riding a draig.’ He chuckled. ‘You are the prophecy, Nathair, living and breathing.’
‘Enough of this,’ Calidus said. The old man stood, looking taller to Veradis, his back straighter, shoulders broader. ‘The Seren Disglair does not negotiate. He is. And his followers will know him. As I do.’ Suddenly Calidus changed. It was as if he had been wreathed in mist, for now his travel-stained clothes were replaced by a coat of gleaming mail, his eyes blazed amber, and things were growing from his back, wings, Veradis realized, great wings of white feather. They extended across the room, flexed, the wind of them staggering Veradis, spilling the jug of wine. ‘The Ben-Elim,’ whispered
...more
‘What happened?’ Corban repeated, firmer. ‘Your colt, Ban. He just raced past us, from nowhere, threw himself into the hound. He killed it, Ban, defending you.’ She blew out a breath and shook her head. ‘I’ve never seen the like before. I’ve heard tales, of full-grown horses doing things like that, warhorses, but never seen, never heard of a colt doing such a thing.’ Corban nodded, walked forward unsteadily. Storm nuzzled his hand. He wrapped his good arm around the colt’s neck and laid his head against it. ‘I shall call you Shield,’ he whispered.
Hands grasped Corban and suddenly he was being lifted into the air, great white wings propelling him skywards. He twisted but was held firm. ‘Be still,’ a voice growled in his ear. He looked into a grim, battle-scarred face, dark, purple-tinged eyes staring back at him. A hand reached out, touched his temple and he heard whispered words, then all faded into darkness.
Has to be Meical
‘See that justice is done,’ Nathair had said to him, standing on a windswept quayside before he set sail. ‘Justice?’ Veradis had answered. ‘What exactly would that be?’ ‘Peritus will find Mandros, help you beat him. But Peritus is a politicker. He may see uses in Mandros, advantages.’ ‘What would you have me do?’ Veradis had asked. ‘A life for a life,’ Nathair had said, his voice as cold as the winter sea about them. ‘That is justice. No negotiation, no compromise.’ ‘I will see it done,’ Veradis had sworn.
Nathair killed his dad and is trying to blame mandros
‘He should be tried. Here, now,’ Gundul said, licking his lips. ‘There is too much risk while he lives.’ He looked between Veradis and Peritus, eyes a little wild. ‘Nathair promised me, and I have kept my part, won you your battle. But if he lives, men will rally to him. God’s teeth, we are in the middle of Carnutan.’ He looked away. ‘If he is paraded through the realm it will make things difficult. For me. People should think him slain in battle, think me the peacemaker. If he lives I will appear…’ He rubbed the heel of his palm into an eye.
Nathair bribed him
‘Your King. You mean the son of your King. He will be your ruin, Peritus. He shall be Tenebral’s ruin.’ He glanced between Veradis and Peritus. ‘On my oath, I did not kill Aquilus. Nathair did.’
‘What happened then?’ said Edana. ‘Not even Father has told me.’ ‘Braith sliced Pendathran’s sword arm, was about to finish him, but those two brothers ran at him–Halion and Conall. Both went swinging at Braith like they were Asroth’s Kadoshim.’ ‘Don’t say that,’ muttered Edana. She made the sign against evil. ‘It’s true,’ Ronan shrugged. ‘They did. If not for them we’d have brought Pendathran’s corpse back.’
Hmmmm
Braith stopped. The man he was speaking to–dark haired, handsome apart from a scar beneath one eye–walked on towards the roundhouse. ‘What goes?’ Camlin said. ‘Recruits,’ Braith answered, eyes following the new arrivals. ‘Recruits? I’d wager they’re not woodsmen, Braith. What is this about?’ ‘It’s complicated, remember. But for you and the other lads, you need recall only one word,’ Camlin’s chief said grimly. ‘Vengeance.’
Has to be Rhin's champion
‘I hate that crow,’ he muttered. ‘He’s not all bad,’ Brina said. ‘There are some advantages, still, from acquaintance with an animal that has the gift.’ She leaned closer and spoke quietly. ‘Craf tells me things. Mostly about the weather, or snails, or frogs,’ she shivered, pulling a sour face, ‘but sometimes I hear something a little more interesting. For example, today he has told me that he has seen something.’ She looked at him pointedly, then stared ahead. ‘He has told me of a wolven that tracks us, just out of sight. A white wolven with dark stripes on its body.’
This is breaking my heart
‘No, Tull…’ Alona blurted. ‘It’s the only way. They’ll take you otherwise,’ he said. ‘And the rest of us’ll still be dead.’ He reached out and covered her hand with his. ‘If you run, live, then our deaths will have worth.’ They looked at each other a moment, then Alona nodded. ‘Good,’ Tull said soberly. ‘You might want to throw another of those knives tucked in your belt, girlie,’ he said to Cywen. ‘With me, lads.’
God I love Tull
‘All scared of an old man,’ the warrior at the centre of the glade panted. ‘Best all run back to your mothers.’ One of the new lads stepped forward, a hard-faced, cold-eyed youth. He wore a coat of mail beneath his red cloak, looked like he knew what he was doing with a blade. The Ardan warrior nodded to him. They set at each other in a blinding flurry, the larger man moving shockingly fast. When they parted, his opponent had a gash in his thigh. The big man attacked again, his blade sweeping high, then low. He pushed inside his adversary’s guard, head-butted him right on the bridge of the
...more
‘You,’ the big man whispered, eyes widening. ‘Tull,’ Scar said, dipping his head as if to an old friend. ‘So this is Rhin’s doing.’ He nodded to himself, taking note of the red cloaks. ‘Didn’t think Uthan and Owain had the stomach for this kind of work.’ He snorted. ‘Ready for your second lesson?’
‘You’re not coming, cripple,’ Conall said. Gar glanced at him and said nothing, just continued strapping on the sword-belt. He loosened the blade in its scabbard. ‘Cripple, I’m talking to you,’ Conall said, louder, but Gar just walked over to stand beside Corban and Storm. Conall strode over and grabbed Gar’s shoulder roughly. ‘You’ll answer me when I speak to you–and you’ll not be coming with us,’ Conall repeated. ‘I think I will,’ said Gar. ‘You’ll slow us. Take the sword off and hobble back to Uthandun, with all the other women.’ Conall was visibly furious. ‘I’ll go where the lad goes,’ Gar
...more
Sounds like Conall and his brother serve Asroth and know something about Gar
‘They’re coming back!’ Halion shouted from amongst the trees. There was a whirring sound, Alona staggered and fell against a tree, an arrow sprouting from her back. Edana screamed. ‘Out of here!’ Marrock yelled. He grabbed Alona, put her over his shoulder and ran into the forest. Edana and Cywen stumbled after them. Camlin stood for a moment, then followed Conall as he ran back towards his brother. Corban hesitated, staring back at the sounds of battle, and caught a glimpse of Halion amongst the trees. Then he followed the girls into the shadows, with Gar and Storm close behind.
Halion and Conall work for Rhin then
Both the brave man and the coward feel the same. The only difference between them is that the brave man faces his fear, does not run.’
Corban felt lost and suddenly found it hard to breathe. He looked up to see Nathair watching, and felt a new depth of emotion, a rage, that he’d not experienced before. Nathair returned his gaze. ‘I will kill you,’ Corban said.
‘Da,’ he whispered. Gar bowed his head.
Is Gar Corban's dad?
