Possessing the Grimstone - By John Grover Page 0,28
it and pulled the warrior toward him with all of his might. He used Tolan’s body to hoist himself out of the trough, and kick Tolan in. In his hand, he gripped his sword.
Tolan pulled his face out of the trough and spit water. Pim collided with him, forcing him to the ground, holding the point of his sword to the man’s face. “Swords are not the only weapon, but I’m sure this one will cut you open, just the same,” Pim said to him.
“You have great fighting spirit, my friend,” Tolan said through a chuckle. “Continue.” He flipped Pim over onto his back, and jumped to his feet.
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That night, Pim sat at the largest table he had ever seen. It filled the room and was laden with all manner of food and drink, baked breads, fresh fruits and vegetables, and platters of roasted meat. The aroma that hung in the air was intoxicating.
The young Wivering had never been in the midst of such splendor. He and the rest of his people now in the Warrior Guild joined the Cardoon soldiers and Northern men from Bhrungach in a great feast before battle.
Women of all ages joined their husbands, sharing in the wine and nibbles before bidding their men farewell in the morn. Some of the wives fought back tears.
In the distance, Pim heard music: soft strings and flutes, a single drum. Perfumed candles burned in all corners of the room.
Tolan took a seat beside Pim and patted him on the shoulder. He looked up the warrior; his expression was the picture of calm and stoic bravery in the face of danger. Along side Tolan, Geyess sat, then Jorrel, the commander of the armed forces.
On Pim’s other side sat Ono and Jun. From there, various Wiverings sat with their Cardoon trainers. All seemed so jovial, as if celebrating. Pim, too, was filled with a burning excitement. He was sure he wasn’t going to get any sleep tonight. Battle awaited. In his head, visions played of him outsmarting his enemies, sailing over their awe-struck faces, and crashing down on them with righteous fury.
Across the room, on the other side of the table, sat King Endrille accompanied by many women, including his young wife. They drank and drank, cups overflowing with wine.
“Eat up, my friend,” Tolan said, sliding a plate full of meat and roasted root vegetables toward him. Tolan broke some bread from a loaf in front of him, and handed it to Pim.
“I’ve no appetite. It’s all so wondrous.” Pim’s belly churned, and his limbs tingled. His heart raced.
“I was like you before my first battle, too, but you must eat. It’s important to keep up your strength for the morning. Besides, one never knows when it will be our last meal.” He slapped Pim on the back, again.
Pim gulped, and then sucked in some air. Is that true? Could this be the last thing I ever see? He pulled the bread apart and devoured it before starting in on the meat and vegetables.
Pulling a goblet toward him, he drank something he’d never tasted before. It was a tart, sweet nectar that went down smooth, and made his insides feel warm. It was amazing.
“That a boy,” Tolan laughed. “That will curl the toes of those amazing feet of yours. May they guide you to victory.” He pulled up a goblet of his own, and clinked it against Pim’s.
Pim almost dropped his own cup as a trickle of burgundy seeped down his chin. He grinned, then ate, and drank… and drank some more.
The King bellowed and laughed; the music wafted through the air; the room grew thick with steam and tobacco smoke. Pim absorbed it all. This was more than he ever expected to see outside of Gonnish. The rest of Athora amazed him at every turn. He knew why they must fight. How could they let any foreign kingdom take all of this away from them?
Pim looked around at all of his friends from Gonnish, as well as his new friends, the taller, stronger Cardoon soldiers, the gallant Tolan, and his best friend, Geyess. He was ready. Tomorrow, he embraced fate. Tomorrow, he made a difference to Athora. How proud would his parents be of him? The thought made him glow.
Chapter Seven
The dusty light of early dawn filled the Cardoon courtyard. Milky curtains of the sun’s rays gathered around fountains, glittering over the surface of the water.
The sky glowed with hues of scarlet and pale indigo. The air was cool, and