Upon This World of Stone (The Paladin Trilogy Book 2) Read Free

were listening to the account of a battle-scarred colonel from Kargos who was describing his reconnaissance of the Northing force, including the black shape that marched before it, destroying everything in its path.
    “I know not what this thing is,” the Colonel admitted. “But it radiates an overwhelming power that can be felt even at a great distance. I do not doubt that it is the force that destroyed Nargost Castle, and I tremble for the fate of Jalan’s Drift.”
    “Brillis holds the Drift in hands shod with iron,” Ursulan, Chancellor of Corland, answered calmly, referring to the city’s legendary mayor. “It will not slip easily through her fingers.”
    Argus nodded slowly in support of his Chancellor’s assertion and waited for the goads which would infuriate this flinty soldier and undercut his credibility. The tales of these witnesses were having a strong impact on his fellow dukes, but he knew the lords would never set their armies in motion merely on the words of three frightened women and a youngster in a torn uniform. But the account of this battle-hardened Colonel was a different story entirely. Argus, stealing furtive glances at the figures on the other thrones, could tell they were being swayed by the man’s grim bearing and steady voice.
    “Let me understand your account,” Ursulan began wryly as the Colonel finished. “You were sent to engage these barbarian raiders who possess neither cavalry nor supply trains, and you fled from the enemy after only the slightest of encounters. Is that correct?”
    The Colonel bristled. “We were a reconnaissance force, not a battle unit. We drove back the enemy’s patrols and approached their main body. Once we saw their number, I ordered a withdrawal, for it was clear we were greatly overmatched.”
    “A frightened man counts every enemy twice,” Ursulan observed with a slight sneer. “And reconnaissance is a convenient claim for a man who lacks the courage to fight.”
    “How dare you…!” roared the Colonel, leaping to his feet. The guards of the Black Watch took a half step forward, a clear warning.
    “You overstep yourself, Chancellor,” Boltran said evenly, his eyes a rebuke.
    “Our Chancellor speaks with our voice,” interjected Argus, looking at the Colonel, but his words intended for Boltran. “And we call this man renegade, liar, and coward.”
    The man’s eyes blazed with fury. “The only answer to such words is blood! Come and face me, Argus, man to man, and the world will see which of us is the coward!”
    Argus’ only response was a cold smile.
    “The voice that speaks from the Iron Throne is not Ursulan nor Argus, but Corland itself,” Boltran told the Colonel. “There are no personal affronts nor personal vengeance at the Council of the Lords. Corland has spoken and rejected your evidence. That is an end. You may withdraw, Colonel.” A momentary pause, before he added, “With our thanks.”
    The man lingered for only a few seconds, his eyes still hot for Argus, and then he forced his head around towards the golden throne, bowed deeply, and took his leave.
    “A brave man,” observed Thrandar of Norealm, his voice loud enough to be heard by the Colonel. And by Argus.
    “Are we to hear still more of these refugees’ tales of woe, Maganhall?” Argus demanded, ignoring but not forgetting Thrandar’s words. “We have ample evidence that this danger has been grossly overplayed. With your permission, we will present witnesses who will tell the full truth.”
    Boltran’s young face hardened at this slur on all the testimony which had been presented so far, but he nodded his head. “You may present your witnesses.”
    Instantly, Ursulan called out, “Barrow of Strallia, stand forth and present yourself to the Council of the Lords!”
    The double doors opened immediately, and a thick-set man strode into the grand chamber wearing a green cloak over bronze armor. He strode up to the witness chair, bowed in respect to the