Dragonhammer: Volume II Read Free

his response will be.  I just had to give him my side of the story, and not while he was under my warhammer.  I have full confidence in my ability.
    The guards atop the wall light torches at increments along the crenellations.  The bridge remains dark and ominous.
    As a result, we see the torch of the messenger quite clearly.
    He rides a horse at a run, but not quite a full gallop.  The torch races along the bridge towards our position.
    “Let down the drawbridge,” Hralfar commands.
    The guards obey and release the chains.  The drawbridge booms downward and the messenger rides across.
    As he enters the city, he slows the horse and jumps off.  “Message for Captain Armstrong,” he says to the nearest guard, who points upward at me and the Jarl.  The messenger darts up the stairs and hands me an unenclosed piece of parchment.  Titus has not bothered to seal it.  I position it so the Jarl can read it as I do, and a dark smile begins to tug at my lips as I read.
     
    Dragonhammer,
    I care not for your respect or your condescending words.  I am feeling especially generous tonight, so I will offer you a final chance.  If you refuse, the same fate will befall you had you not replied at all.  My father was killed in cold blood and you are to blame.  You must die for him to be avenged.
    My request stands.  Meet me at Balgr’s Monument south of here, and there we will duel on behalf of our armies.  Send your reply.  I do not think you will disappoint me.
     
    Titus Swordbreaker
     
    “Somebody have a quill and ink?” I ask.  To my surprise, the messenger pulls out a black quill and a small inkwell.
    “Thank you,” I say.  Then I write my response on the back of the letter, using a crenellation as a table, with the others looking over my shoulder.
     
    Jarl Swordbreaker,
    I have decided of my own accord to comply with your wishes.  Know that I fight in the defense of my home and family, and not to satiate the bloodlust that you feel.  Send me the day you would like me to meet you at Balgr’s Monument, and I will be there.  Do not worry; I will not disappoint.  There is a reason I am called Dragonhammer.
     
    Captain Armstrong

 
     
     
     
     
    The orc
     
     
     
    T he messenger rides the next morning to deliver the letter.
    I meet the Jarl in the throne room to await the response.  There I see Commander Magnus for the first time since my arrival.
    She has a pretty face with eyes that shine like her armor.  Though the yearning in her eyes has mostly gone, they still divulge the smallest trace of longing.  “Captain,” she greets formally, offering her hand.  “Good to see you arrived safely and in good time.”
    “It is,” I reply, shaking her outstretched hand.  “I hate to think what would have happened otherwise.”
    She nods and holds on for half a second longer than I would like.  Then she turns to my companions Aela and Nathaniel.
    She tilts her head, acknowledging them.  “Commander,” Nathaniel responds, bowing his head.  Aela does nothing.
    “Who is this?” Genevieve asks, turning to me.
    “This is Aela,” I introduce.  “A friend of mine.”
    “Ah,” the commander breathes, scrutinizing Aela’s faultless face.  Her eyes dart from head to foot, inspecting and recording every detail they can find.  Genevieve apparently finds nothing of malicious intent.
    “Good to meet you,” says the commander.  Aela nods uncomfortably.  “Where are you from?”
    “Kera,” Aela replies coldly.  “And no I do not wish to return.  He’s offered that to me many times.”
    Genevieve nods.  “I see.  What are your plans now that you are here?”
    “I want to fight.”
    Genevieve nods again and eyes Aela’s slim form.  “You look like a fighter,” she says.  “How do you wield a sword?”
    Aela does not answer.
    “Well?” Genevieve urges.
    “I’m a better shot with a bow,” Aela continues.  “Swordplay is not my strength.”
    “Even our archers must know how to