The Legend of Asahiel: Book 03 - The Divine Talisman Read Online Free Page B

“But we are in no position yet to elect a new king.”
    “Doubtless, there will be much discussion,” Rogun sneered. He returned his attention to Thaddreus. “Only, bear in mind, every moment we delay is a moment in which we grant our enemy renewed confidence. To build upon our victory here, we must act swiftly and without hesitation.”
    A debate ensued, which the First Elder moved swiftly to quell. “Our regent is right,” he offered hastily. “We must not rush a decision of that magnitude. Surely, even the general would have us wait at least until Baron Nevik arrives.”
    Rogun glared, then relented with a slight bow. Allion wondered what to make of his reaction. Was it only that he did not wish to appear overeager? Or did it suggest a specific confidence where Nevik was concerned? As the land’s highest-ranking nobleman, Drakmar’s baron would seem to be the general’s chief rival. But Nevik had aided the general in his secret plot, after all, and thus far Allion had only Rogun’s word as to why. Perhaps the pair had already conspired for this eventuality.
    “So be it,” the general allowed. “As I understand it, the baron will soon be en route?”
    “If not already,” Thaddreus affirmed. “He was said to be waiting only until Baroness Ghellenay had arrived at Drakmar to help escort their refugees alongside Commander Troy.”
    “Until then,” Rogun said, “I recommend we appoint a military task force to ensure the Sword’s safekeeping.”
    All eyes turned to Allion.
    “Until then ,” he echoed sternly, “the Sword remains in my possession, or in the possession of those I deem fit to carry it.”
    “That talisman is our standard. We cannot risk—”
    “You know well that our king willed the Sword to Marisha, and, as regent, I bear it now at her request. On this matter, I will not be challenged, General.”
    He was hanging by a thread, he knew. Rogun was but a step away from securing the support of the populace, with or without the blessing of the Circle. But Allion was still the land’s appointed regent and, as such, had no intention of letting Rogun walk away with things. That included keeping the Sword until such time as he felt comfortable relinquishing it.
    He forced himself to match stares with the general while the others observed in strained silence. To his surprise, Rogun was the first to blink.
    “As you will,” the general conceded, “though my recommendation stands.”
    Allion breathed a sigh of relief the moment Rogun looked away. Evidently, his strength of conviction had persuaded the general to let the matter lie—for now.
    “I require an answer, then, to my initial demand,” Rogun said, without a moment’s loss of control. “Have I this body’s commission to begin testing for the undead hiding among us? Or would you permit them to once again spread their disease?”
    Allion turned his gaze toward Thaddreus. The typically calm First Elder appeared angry, desperate even. If seeking comfort, the regent would have to look elsewhere.
    “We will take the general’s proposal under advisement,” the speaker determined, frowning at those who protested. “Until then, I’m sure the army has much to do in tending to the carnage that clogs our streets already.”
    As it had upon arrival, Rogun’s gaze swept the Circle in count of his supporters. A sly smile suggested that he was not entirely displeased.
    “We will reconvene tomorrow,” the chief commander stated. “I expect the matter will be decided by then.”
    He spun from the table and marched for the exit, his lieutenants in tow. As soon as he’d gone, the debate resumed, though Allion continued to wonder what choice they’d truly been given.
     
    V ORRIC H AZE NODDED CURTLY TO those he passed in the outer hall. His angry visage did not invite discussion. While one or two bid greeting as if to beg further word, most of the noblemen and courtiers and servants that clogged the corridor seemed only too happy to clear his