Lord of Ashes (Steelhaven: Book Three) Read Online Free Page B

is still much to do.’
    Feeling no braver, Waylian followed.

TWO
    M errick glanced at his reflection on the shield as he polished it. His cheeks had hollowed out in the past week alone, and he was leaner, hungrier than ever. It wasn’t just the meagre rations that were turning him that way. He’d never experienced so much discipline, been trained so rigorously or punished so mercilessly, as he had since pledging himself to the Wyvern Guard.
    At any other time in his life he was sure he’d have hated it; railed against it, run away or kicked up a storm. Now he had to admit he was thriving on every moment. That little sadistic imp that always sat on his shoulder was laughing its head off as he trained until he dripped with sweat, only to be rewarded with the soggiest gruel he’d ever had the misfortune to taste. It wasn’t like him to take so much shit without complaint, but all he could do was relish the change.
    Change? You’ve been taking shit all your life, Ryder. Only difference is you now look better while you’re doing it.
    That was true at least. He felt stronger and fitter than ever, and even in full armour he was fast as the wind. Whoever the forge master was back in the Wyvern Guard’s keep, he was a peerless craftsman. Merrick now possessed the best sword he’d ever owned, its balance perfect, its edge keener than a kestrel’s eye. Fully armed and armoured he felt all but invincible. Standing alongside his fellow knights it was as though nothing could match them.
    Fellow knights
. It almost made him laugh. Weeks ago he’d been scraping a living on the streets – no friends, no money, no luck. Now he was amongst the most dangerous bunch of fighters in all the continents of the world, if the legends were true. Strange how quickly fortune could spin you right round.
    Looking across the courtyard he took in the scene of the Wyvern Guard in repose. They were polishing their armour, chatting idly or sparring on the square. Though they all looked relaxed Merrick could sense the tension. There’d be fighting soon. Vicious, dirty fighting that would see plenty of their number in the ground. A princely portion of these men would soon die in battle and each of them knew it. But if anyone could face death with a grin and a wink it was the Wyvern Guard. No one was ever eager to meet his end but Merrick could tell every man here was ready for it.
    And are you ready for it, Ryder? Are you ready to rush into the fray with a grin and a fucking wink? Or will you do what you’ve always done and run for the hills when the blood starts to fly?
    Despite the fact they were the roughest bunch of bastards Merrick had ever met, they were loyal to one another. Would die for one another. The Wyvern Guard was a true brotherhood; anyone with eyes in their head could see that. For his part, Merrick knew he was on the outside of that brotherhood. Some of the lads had taken to him, all right. He was liked well enough, even after such a short time amongst their number, but he knew he had a long way to go before they’d trust him like one of their own. It was no secret he was Tannick Ryder’s son, but there didn’t seem to be any antipathy because of it, but neither was he given any special treatment. Part of him was thankful for that. If he was ever going to gain the respect of these men he wanted to do it on his own terms, until they considered him an equal because of his deeds, not because he was son to their Lord Marshal.
    Tannick had done a good enough job of treating him just like everyone else. The old man had shown him no favouritism, treated Merrick no different to the men he would soon be fighting alongside, and he could only be grateful for that. As a result no one showed him any ill will. Almost no one.
    There was one among them that bore him no love. Cormach Whoreson was even now staring at him across the courtyard with a look like he wanted to stroll right over and smash Merrick’s teeth out. What he’d done to upset