Blood Of Gods (Book 3) Read Online Free Page A

in her breast. Sometimes I wonder if she thinks Ashhur was unfairly pushed to war, or unprepared for this conflict. But more than anything, she will protect her world, and that is why we must be patient. We must be calm. We must show, not just to our own people but the very heavens itself, that we act in righteousness, that our war was inevitable, our victory a necessary.”
    “As you say, I believe,” Velixar said with a bow. “But how do we know she will not interfere again? So long as our children believe the goddess is against us, their doubt will foster and grow.”
    Karak frowned.
    “Will my word not be enough?”
    Velixar shook his head. “Consider that their own failure, my Lord, but they will not. Not while that ironbark tree blocks our path.”
    His god let out a sigh.
    “Our number of siege engines will grow, and soon Darakken will join our side. Come then, we shall assault the walls, and when we do, and Celestia stays her power so our battle may play out, all will understand.”
    It made sense, but something bothered Velixar. If the goddess sought fairness and balance . . .
    “We should attack now,” he said, suddenly snapping his eyes up from the earth to meet his god’s gaze. “Before Darakken arrives.”
    “We have a paltry three engines. Any attack would be fruitless.”
    “Perhaps,” said Velixar with a grin. “But as you say, our men will believe once we attack again and the goddess stays her hand. We only need to bloody Ashhur’s nose to show our men that victory may still be at hand.”
    Karak rose to his feet, and he put a giant hand on top of Velixar’s shoulder.
    “You are wise,” he said. “And I could not be prouder of my prophet. I sense my brother’s weakness, for just as we were struck by Celestia’s interference, so too was he caught in its power. Those within the walls suffer hunger, and chaos will sow among their ranks. If valor may lead to victory while our foes brace for a much later battle . . . ”
    He smiled.
    “Ready one of the towers, and gather a battalion of two hundred. Ensure the Lord Commander holds back his greatest warriors until I give the order. Come dusk, we will demonstrate to my children that the only thing they have to fear is my wrath.”

C HAPTER
    2
    A shhur’s eyes were closed, his pristine flesh like marble as he lay unconscious on the slab. His flesh was hot to the touch, as if an inferno burned within him that would soon break the surface and roast the whole world. Ahaesarus, the Master Warden of Paradise, dipped a cloth into a bucket of water, brought it out dripping, and then dabbed it against his god’s forehead. Ashhur didn’t so much as twitch as beads of water steamed off his flesh.
    They were in the makeshift throne room inside Manse DuTaureau , the bastion that rested on the highest hill in the sprawling township of Mordeina. There was an empty feel to the place; whereas two weeks ago the spacious room had been constantly filled with smiling people coming to give their regards to young King Benjamin, the first king of Paradise, now only Wardens and those who called the manse home ever came calling. Ahaesarus glanced about, saw the plump young king sitting on his wicker throne. Tears streamed down Benjamin’s cheeks while an annoyed-looking Howard Baedan, the master steward of the township, rubbed his shoulders. Not that Ahaesarus could blame Sir Howard, as the man liked to call himself, for being annoyed. The king was seemingly in a constant state of duress over the last eleven days, and his endless blabbering was just as irritating as it was unproductive. Not to mention that Howard’s precious pallium was stained with the boy’s snot.
    “Your people are frightened,” Howard said to the boy. “You must go outside, speak with them, ease their fears. You are the king; it is your duty . . . your responsibility .”
    In reply, King Benjamin only sniffled.
    “He speaks the truth of it, boy,” said Ahaesarus. “You have duties