seriously. “Jonas, if you do find your father you must be prepared for the worst.”
Jonas looked away in thought. “I have thought about that. But I need to know.” After a few seconds of silence Kiln addressed Jonas directly.
“Jonas, it will hurt us that you will not be fighting with us. We have been slowly retreating back to Finarth but Lord Moredin has been attacking us with hit and run tactics the entire time. We do not know if he is being directed by Malbeck himself, one of his minions, or if he just decided to fight us on his own. Nevertheless, Lord Moredin is not making our retreat back to Finarth easy.” Kiln glanced at Fil and Taleen. “But your mission to save King Kromm and bring him back is sanctioned by Shyann and I will not interfere with it. When will you three leave?”
“You mean I get to go with them?” Fil asked enthusiastically.
“Yes, Fil. You heard Jonas. Shyann wants you with him. I relieve you from your duties here and expect you to watch over him.”
“With my life,” Fil said seriously. Jonas smiled at his friend. It warmed his heart that Fil would be coming with him. Jonas had a feeling that his friendship and his spear would very much be needed on this mission.
“And I will be accompanying you as well. I have received no other calling, which means that Shyann’s wishes are in league with Bandris’s.”
“That is good. Jonas, I have one favor to ask of you before you leave,” Kiln asked.
Jonas did not hesitate in his response. “Of course, anything, Kiln. I owe you much”.
“I am going on a mission tonight, and I would like you by my side.”
“I will be there. What kind of mission?”
“Let us discuss it in more detail later. I must return to my men. Meet me in the king’s tent at dusk.”
“I will be there,” Jonas said.
“Good, I will see you soon.” Kiln smiled one more time. “I am proud of you, Jonas. You suffered a mortal wound in that fight and yet you persevered and managed to defeat that demon. It fills my heart with pride that Shyann has rewarded your courage and skill with another mark. There is no doubt that you are something special.” With a smile Kiln added, “I would not want to face you myself.”
“Yes, but you are over fifty winters old,” Jonas laughed.
Kiln smiled wryly. “I’ll see you soon.” He turned and walked from the tent.
Fil watched him leave before he turned and spoke to Jonas. “There is something about him, like a volcano ready to explode. I would not want to fight him, even if he is over fifty winters old.”
“Nor I, Fil. He is utterly fearless, and I cannot imagine someone skilled enough to best him. Now go get ready. We have a meeting very soon.”
Fil’s smile took up his entire face as he stood up and walked from the room, eager to begin the mission.
Kiln sat at the heavy wood table in the king’s tent looking over several maps when Jonas, Taleen, and Fil entered. Sitting with him were several commanders, third lance Lathrin, fourth lance Dagrinal, and three others that Jonas had not yet met. The first warrior, Gandarin, was a second rank general of five akrons. The tall lean man, sporting a graying beard and mustache, and still wearing his dirt and blood encrusted platemail, stood as the trio entered. Jonas immediately perceived an aura of strength and power in this man, a man obviously accustomed to commanding others.
The other two men were also second ranking generals and they looked equally disheveled. General Kuarin and General Ruthalis wore similar armor but that is where the similarity ended. General Kuarin was short and thick around the waist, a powerful muscular man. His chin was covered with a gray braided goatee and his head was completely shaven. General Ruthalis was of medium height and build with a thin waist and a handsome, tanned face. His shoulders were wide and his exposed arms were muscular.
Each of the generals wore a gold colored cape to mark their rank. Kiln introduced Jonas and Taleen to the three men. They all looked tired, their eyes red and puffy from lack of sleep.
Also sitting at the table was Alerion, the wizard. He sat, silently staring at the three, stroking his pointy beard in thought.
Jonas, Taleen, and Fil stood before them. The two cavaliers were attired in their full battle gear, the armor and clothes perfect