Legends of Marithia: Book 1 - Prophecies Awakening: Uncut and Extended Second Edition Read Online Free Page A

out
someone else for the task?”
    “Your words are unnecessarily sharp, young
prince; doubting our abilities is an unnecessary wounding of our
reputation. I hear many whispers of a loyal knight who leads them
on this journey who has a particular talent of disposing of
demons. What do you know of him?”
    Derian sighed loudly, reached into his robe,
and snatched a white scroll bearing the royal marks of
Greenhaven.
    “Here is a map of the surrounding lands; it
details where Helenia will be traveling. Worry not of the knight,
as I already have a plan for... dealing ... with Vartan. If
you somehow manage to kill him yourself, it would save me a lot of
trouble and would land you the role of military advisor to me as
your new king."
    Derian unrolled the scroll on the table and
pointed out the exact location of the ambush.
    "This is where I suggest you attack them. If
all goes to plan, and you perform your duties without hesitation or
incompetence, then the king’s famed knights won’t be around to
protect him. Without the knights, we won’t have a problem. Now get
to work and prepare. It’s time for my precious sister to
have a little unfortunate accident.” Derian laughed darkly.
    The man scoffed and snatched the scroll from
the table. "We don't question the jobs we are given; we only
question the payment. But I now see why your cold heart is truly
worthy of Kassina's affections."
    Derian grabbed the man roughly by the throat,
and brought him close to growl in his ear. “Never forget who you
are talking to! Did you bring me my special request?”
    The mysterious figure forced away Derian’s
hand angrily, reached into his coat, and slowly drew out a tall,
dark bottle of liquid.
    “ Never lay your hands on me! I am not
one of your servants, and your moods have been unpredictable of
late. The next time you grab me will be your last. I hope you
appreciate how difficult it has become to fulfil your requests . People are beginning to grow suspicious of the
disappearances…”

    “Vartan! Vartan ? Whatever is the
matter with you?” asked Arman, who now stood from his throne.
    Vartan drew another deep breath as his mind
hazily returned to the present as if he was a sobering drunk. His
head felt like a struck bell from the connection with the dragon’s
mind, and he brought his hand up to his forehead in a useless
attempt to ease the throbbing pain within.
    Helenia stood confidently to address the
room, but the look of concern on her face worried Vartan. “Father,
the attack is not the fault of Sir Vartan. If he hadn’t protected
us with his own life, I might not be here at all. By the gods, just look at him! He is clearly hurt. I suffered only a scratch
and I am here to tell the tale of the ambush. Isn’t that what is
most important?”
    Arman turned his attention to his daughter
and sat back down on his throne.
    “My dear Helenia, you speak out of turn. Of
course we are all relieved that you have returned to us. But until
you have been asked to speak, I strongly urge you to display one of
our most practised virtues—patience,” replied Arman.
    Helenia sat back down heavily at her father’s
reprimand. Her face reddened and her nostrils flared.
    Arman turned to Vartan and cocked his head
slightly. “From Helenia's reports and from what I know of you, you
fought with honour, Vartan, and that I would not doubt. However, I
simply cannot excuse the fact that Derian had warned you of a
planned attack, and you chose not to heed his words."
    The king stirred in his chair, "What else am
I to do? This is a failure of your sworn duties as a knight, and
therefore you simply must be punished. I cannot be seen to have
laws for some and differing laws for others. Therefore, failure to
heed such a warning carries serious consequences. You knew this the day you were knighted.”
    Derian glowed with delight, a conniving smile
dancing its way from ear to ear.
    This was his plan for me all along? thought Vartan. Then I truly have