The Mad Raven's Tale (The Accarian Chronicles Book 1) Andrew Walbrown (early readers TXT) 📖

his blade missed my heart. I even have proof.” Morganna slid her dress far enough down to show the silvery scar just above her left breast. “And I would have died as well if it was not for Jaga, always faithful Jaga.”

“Jaga?” Count Aldamar said, “Jaga saved you?”

Jaga. I know this name. He was the groundskeeper?

“Yes, I did.” The wolf said as he removed his helmet. Though he was an older man, Ulam could sense the immense strength hiding behind the wrinkles.

“You have betrayed me too, have you?” Count Aldamar said, a small hint of anger in his otherwise restrained voice. He bent over and picked up a sword, testing it for balance. “Very well, if I am to be surrounded by traitors at least I will not die without a fight.”

“Excellent,” Morganna said as she stepped away, Amantius’ arm entangled in hers. “This is why we have come. Ulam, I extend upon you the protection I have given Amantius. If you wish to join me then I will not have you harmed in any way. Your brother has spoken highly of you ever since he woke up in our village, and I would very much like to keep him happy as well.” She signaled to her two other companions. “Jaga, Movan. Bring me my brother’s head.”

In a flash, the room erupted in chaos once again, Captain Karraman fighting the one called Jaga to a standstill. Ulam was pushed aside as Count Aldamar locked into combat with the person named Movan. He was surprised by the ferocity the Count displayed, his attacks as graceful as a butterfly’s wings. Within moments Movan was cut down, Aldamar having used a combination of sword and dagger to slash him a dozen times over. In the other duel Captain Karraman was badly wounded by a vicious swing, blood streamed from a wound in his already hobbled leg.

Without thinking Ulam rushed to his friend’s aide, determined to defend him at all costs. But before he could reach Karraman’s side he felt Jaga’s blade skid off the chain links of his mail. He countered with a strike of his own, one that was easily dodged. He was astounded by how fast Jaga was, especially for an old man in chainmail. Ulam swung wide again, connecting with a stone pillar in the middle of the room, sending an eruption of sparks shooting in every direction. Before he could recover from his swing he felt a blow to the back of his head, causing his legs to buckle and sending him crashing to the floor.

Ulam’s world was spinning, his hearing hindered by a high-pitched ringing. He struggled to keep his eyes open, and when he could they would not focus. He was aware of Jaga’s presence beside him, ready to strike, but Ulam was not worried about his impending doom. He had systematically failed everything he had attempted since leaving Accaria. He did not find any more Orcs, nor did he discover any of the world’s ancient ruins. He failed to rescue Amantius, failed to defend Count Aldamar, and failed to protect a defenseless Captain Karraman as well. Worst of all, however, he was breaking his oath to Pelecia, and that broke his heart. Forgive me, Mother. I do not deserve to live.

Suddenly there was a scream beside him, followed by the heavy sound of metal hitting the ground. The presence that had been there was gone, replaced with a familiar shadow of purple and silver. A chorus of laments sounded, and then Ulam heard nothing. The world turned black.

Amantius…

Chapter 31

Amantius

How has this happened?

Everything had gone according to plan. They entered Silverwater before the gates closed in the evening, dressed in everyday clothes. When night had fallen Jaga and Movan had taken all but a few people to the castle, while Amantius remained behind with Morganna and a few of her personal guards. After a few hours, Jaga returned to say the castle was all but taken, only Aldamar and a small group of those loyal still held out in the grand hall.

“Was an Orc with them?” Amantius had asked.

“Not that I have seen,” Jaga had replied, “Perhaps your brother is not here?”

Jaga had then escorted them to the castle, while Amantius split away so he could search for Ulam. He had checked every room thoroughly, including the bodies that were strewn about the floors. He had felt his heart stop every time he had spotted a new figure motionless on the floor, praying silently that it was not Ulam. He had been in the foyer when he had heard the sounds of battle coming from the grand hall, and had immediately rushed inside with hope and panic swirling in his heart.

And then he had seen him.

A whirlwind of emotions had stirred upon seeing Ulam, specifically relief, hope, and fear. He had been supremely confident Ulam would switch sides, that he would lay down his axe and allow Jaga and Movan to capture Count Aldamar. All he had to do in order to convince him was to tell him the truth, to tell him that Aldamar was a murderer and have Morganna validate his story. Ever since they were children Ulam had been the more logical of the duo, always making decisions based on facts instead of impulses. When presented with evidence from a firsthand source, he knew the Orc would see the error of his ways and join Morganna’s cause.

But then everything had spiraled out of control.

Aldamar had flown into a fit of rage, striking down Movan like a farmer reaping wheat. He could not believe the strength, speed, and grace in which the Count had moved. Movan stood no chance, falling before he could pose any real threat to Count Aldamar. Amantius was a little ashamed that he had felt a small degree of relief and elation watching Movan die, but those feelings had been quickly subdued when his eyes had turned to the duel between Jaga and Ulam.

Amantius had tried to run to them both,