Death Mages Ascent: Revised Edition (Death Mage Series Book 1) Read Free Page B

king asked. Jaxom shook his head.
    Letting out a great sigh, the king stood again. “I guess that’s it for the night. Jaxom--” a knock at the door interrupted him. “Come,” Corin shouted.
    General Nelix Blackburn was a short boulder of a man whose head came in just under Jaxom’s chin. What the general lacked in height he more than made up for in girth. His arms were the size of most men’s thighs, and his shoulders could be used as anvils. The grizzled war veteran bore streaks of white in his once black hair, and a long scar ran from under the collar of his blue tunic up the right side of his neck, stopping at the blocky features of his face. His grey eyes scanned the room, pausing momentarily on Jaxom to whom he gave a slight nod. For Nelix, it was the equivalent of a pat on the back.
    “What is it, Nelix?” Corin asked.
    Bowing at the waist, the general handed him a letter with a broken falcon seal. As the king read, his expression changed from apprehension to anger.
    “Dradon and Azuria have started moving north,” the King said without looking up, his voice quiet with rage.
    Dradon and Azuria were Ale’adaria’s southern neighbors. The two kingdoms had been allies for generations, even in the midst of war. The southern kingdoms were not as fertile as Ale’adria, with its many rivers that sustained the land even in times of drought, and they had always been envious. Even without the alliance, they had never dared to attack for fear that other kingdoms would join against them to protect the abundant trade they enjoyed with Ale’adaria. With the other kingdoms preoccupied, they must have decided to make their claim on the more prosperous northern lands.
    “When?” Jaxom asked.
    “Five days ago.” Corin looked up. “If they’re making good time, they’ll be at our border in nine. Nelix, assemble the army and inform the mages. Their services will be needed.”
    “Already done, Your Majesty,” the general replied.
    “Good. Send messengers to the southern nobles with orders to gather their men–at-arms and provincials. Instruct the nobles to bring them to the capital. From here those not essential to the war effort will be sent to other holds that are not in harm’s way.”
    The general paused. “Some of the nobles will not leave their holdings without a fight, your majesty.”
    “I am their King, and they will obey!” Corin snapped. Nelix showed no emotion at the outburst. The king stared hard at the older man for a moment then seemed to snap himself out of it. “Forgive me, Nelix. Convey my message.  Those who do not comply will be dealt with at a later date. If they survive.”
    “As you command, your majesty,” the general said, turning on his heel to leave. Half way through the door, Nelix paused and looked back. “You get your temper from your father. He, too, often spoke in anger. However, he never apologized when he saw the fault in his words. I am proud to see that the son has surpassed his father as a leader.”
    After the general was gone, Corin looked to Jaxom. “Well, my friend, are you ready for this? I doubt any man, soldier, or mage will have ever seen your type of casting before.”
    It was true. Many knew he was a death mage, but few even among other mages had ever seen his true abilities. They may have heard stories or read books on what such casting was capable of, but reading and seeing were two different things. As far as he and Corin knew, Jaxom was the only living Death Mage. The line was thought to have been wiped out during the Mage Wars.
    “Whatever comes, I’ll be where you need me. Besides, you know what you’re like when I’m not around,” Jaxom said. “Without me to reign you in, you’d charge into the evil horde alone, and Ale’adaria would be short one foolhardy king.” Jaxom laughed at his own joke.
    Corin joined in. “Says the man who once thought it was a good idea to sneak into the great hall, so we could sit on my father’s throne.”
    “It