worry, you will get your justice, and I will be standing right beside you.”
The morning came quick. They had a new task before them, one filled with uncertainties and danger, but also hope. Their task was to find the warrior king, Kromm, who was fleeing for his life in the mountains around Tarsis with what was left of his followers.
Tarsis had been destroyed by Malbeck the Dark One, and his forces were now moving on Finarth. Jonas knew that something was hunting King Kromm with the sole purpose of destroying him, and this something was probably of another world, something that only a cavalier could face. They had to find the king and bring him back; it was necessary for the survival of the land, although Jonas had not yet been told why.
King Baylin Gavinsteal and Kiln would be preparing the defenses for Finarth while Jonas, Taleen, and Fil went on this mission. They could wait no longer, it was time to leave.
Their nighttime mission had been successful. Lord Moredin was dead and they had rescued the prince. Hopefully the retreat would now go unhindered since Lord Moredin and the other enemy commanders were now dead. It would take Malbeck many months to reach Finarth and the winter season would slow them as well, giving Finarth the time needed to prepare for a long drawn out siege. Also, no one knew if Malbeck would stop along the way to plunder other cities like Cuthaine, a free city just outside of Finarth’s borders and in Malbeck’s path. Either way, the people of Finarth had a lot of work to do, as did Jonas. He had to find the King of Tarsis and bring him back.
All three of the warriors were saddled and ready to ride. Kiln had given them all provisions and the necessary supplies for the long journey.
Fil had a hard time masking his excitement. He sat proud and tall on a sturdy warhorse that Kiln had given him. He was wearing his chain mail shirt draped with a charcoal gray tunic and black breeches and he carried his traditional footman’s short sword and dagger, as well as a stout long spear. He was ready for this mission.
Jonas and Taleen sat on their cavalier mounts. Everything sparkled in the morning sun as their huge warhorses pranced about, eager for their mission. Tulari would be leading them, and he shook his head back and forth in anticipatory eagerness for the adventure.
Jonas was wearing his polished helm, the deer antlers jutting from both sides like a noble stag. Endowed with magic, the magnificent piece was almost weightless. Jonas sometimes forgot he was wearing it. It felt a little different now that he had no hair, but that would grow back, creating a softer bed for the helmet.
The edges of the God Mark that had been burned into his forehead could be seen under his helmet. The blue symbol was slightly raised, like a scar, its lines smooth and its edges straight. Jonas often brought his hand up to touch it, marveling at the feel of the gift that Shyann had given him for his service. He did not need a religious symbol on a chain around his neck; his symbol was embedded in his flesh, where it would never go away.
A small crowd of men were out to watch the departing trio. It was an hour before dawn but word had spread throughout camp and many of the men had come to wish them well.
Kiln was there, along with Alerion and several knights with whom Jonas had traveled. Graggis stood like a block of stone holding his huge battle axe. He nodded his head to them as they made eye contact.
Dagrinal was standing next to him in full battle armor, casually resting his hand on his long sword. Jonas smiled and Dagrinal smiled back, nodding his head in farewell.
Suddenly the men around them parted and began to cheer, “Finarth! Finarth!” as an armored man moved through them with purpose. It was the prince, now the King of Finarth, and he approached the trio dressed in full battle armor.
The men were yelling and cheering for their king. Rumors had spread quickly of his rescue but no one had yet seen him. He looked tired but he had healed fully and he moved with determination. He moved close to Jonas and looked up at him. They shared something briefly, a knowing, and a silent thank you. Words about what happened did not need to