Gods From the Machine Read Free Page B

Why did the Supreme Commander choose him particularly for this mission, and why was he so specific about the little details? He was so busy ranting earlier that he had forgotten to ask.
    Nick pulled several books about prominent knights in history off the shelves and sat at a table with a single desk lamp. He needed to find out exactly why Peter was so interested in Sir Marcus and his sword. Several tomes had nothing about the orator or his blade. There was no mention of the sword until he came across one of the older textbooks and discovered something interesting.
    There was only a single page dedicated to the deceased swordsman: a hand-drawn portrait of Sir Marcus standing very regally on a boulder overlooking the sea with his sword slung at his hip. A small inscription below the picture read:
     
    “ My life has forever been intertwined in servitude, but I have no regrets for a cause that is just. With the knowledge that the coming dawn will be my last, I vow to fight until my dying breath. Bravery, Justice, Wisdom, and Peace are the core that lay in the hearts of the men who stand with me. My brothers and I can never surrender no matter the obstacle, for the day man loses the will to fight, that day will mark the end of life itself.”
    -Sir Marcus Kinsley
    The Second Coming
     
    Nick sank into his chair. The Second Coming was the most recent demon war. It occurred to him at that point that something wasn’t right. For years the sword had remained buried within the grave of this fallen knight, yet retrieving now was suddenly of great importance. Why now? And why was it so imperative that he not touch it? Peter was a great mentor and one he respected, but at the same time, he was a man with many secrets. What would he have to hide?
    The sound of soft footsteps took Nick’s attention from the page. Joni walked casually into the room, but she was too wrapped up in her thoughts to notice him. She was a slender girl of small stature, and an oval face that was pleasant to look upon. She had dark brown eyes and jet black hair cut in a jaw-level bob. She wore the standard female knight uniform, which was much more form-fitting than the male counterpart. The jacket was also cut shorter to the waist. The boots ran much longer up the leg.
    S he finally noticed him sitting there, gasped, and pressed her hand to her chest, dropping the plastic bags filled with streamers and the other decorations to the floor.
    “ You nearly gave me a heart attack! What are you doing in the library at this hour?”
    “ I was having trouble sleeping. Thought I could read a book and maybe the boredom would put me out. What are you doing here so late?” Nick said.
    Joni scooped up the bags. “I was helping the decorating committee with some last minute banners for Cotillion and I needed to find the exact design for the Glenhaven Seal as a reference.”
    “ Isn’t it just a shield with a feather across it? Not that it matters because I don’t think anyone going to Cotillion will pay attention to some banners.”
    Joni laughed. “It’s actually a kite shield with an angel wing on both sides. And for your information I’m an artist. I can’t just slap on anything and pretend it’s fine because I’ll know the difference.” She pointed at the stack of books next to him. “Mind if I take a look?”
    “ Help yourself.” Nick closed the book and slid it across the table to her. Joni took a seat across from him and began skimming through the pages.
    “ You know, I was talking to Matt and he said you were planning on skipping the Cotillion. I have to say, it’d be a real waste of Peter’s generosity if you stayed inside.”
    “ That’s easy for you to say. You and Matt are like the ideal couple, so you’re going to have fun regardless. Besides, you both know I hate dancing.”
    “ I think the real problem is that you don’t have a date.” Joni pulled a pen from one of the bags.
    Nick shrugged.
    She wagged her index finger at him. “Look