Free Drenai Series 02 - The King Beyond the Gate by David Gemmell

no relative of mine eating with his fingers in the officers' mess.'
    'Thank you, grandfather,' said Tenaka.
    'Don't call me that,' snapped Orrin. 'Not ever! You will call me "My Lord" or in company "Sir". Do you understand?'
    'I believe that I do, grandfather. And I shall obey you.' Tenaka's gaze flickered to the child.
    'This is my true grandson,' said Orrin. 'All my children are dead. Only this little lad survives to continue my line. His name is Arvan.'
    Tenaka nodded and turned to the dark-bearded man to Orrin's left.
    'And this is a friend of the House of Regnak - the only counsellor worth his salt in the entire country. His name is Ceska.'
    'Delighted to meet you,' said Ceska, reaching out his hand. Tenaka clasped it firmly, his gaze locking to the man's dark eyes.
    'Now let us get inside and out of this damned rain,' muttered Orrin. Lifting the child to his broad shoulders, the white-bearded Earl strode away towards the distant keep. Tenaka gathered the reins of his pony and followed, Ceska beside him.
    'Do not be upset by his manner, young price,' said Ceska. 'He is old and set in his ways. But he is a fine man, truly. I hope you will be happy among the Drenai. If ever there is anything I can do for you, do not hesitate to tell me.'
    'Why?' asked Tenaka.
    'I like you,' said Ceska, clapping him on the shoulder. 'And who knows - you may be Earl some day.'
    'That is unlikely.'
    'True, my friend. But the House of Bronze has been unlucky of late. As Orrin said, all his children are gone. Arvan alone survives.'
    'He looks a strong child.'
    'Indeed he does. But looks can be so deceptive, can they not?'
    Tenaka was not sure he understood the meaning of Ceska's words, but he knew there were undercurrents of dark promises. He said nothing.
*
    Later Tenaka listened in silence as Valtaya talked of the rescue in the marketplace, and of their bribing a night sentry to let them pass through the northern postern gate of the city. Ananais had brought a huge pack of food, plus two bows and eighty shafts in doeskin quivers. Valtaya had extra blankets and a rolled canvas sheet for a small tent.
    After they had eaten, Tenaka took Ananais into the trees. They found a secluded spot and cleared the snow from some rocks before sitting down to talk.
    'There is an uprising in Skoda,' said Ananais. 'Two villages were sacked by Ceska's Legion. A local named Rayvan gathered a small army and destroyed the raiders. They say men are flocking to him, but I don't think he can last. He's a common man.'
    'Not of the Blood, you mean,' said Tenaka dryly.
    'I have nothing against common men. But he has not the training to plan a campaign.'
    'What else?'
    'Two risings in the west - both ruthlessly put down. All the men crucified, fields sewn with salt. You know the system!'
    'What about the south?'
    'Difficult to say. News is scarce. But Ceska's there. On hand. I don't think they will rise. It is said that there is a secret society against Ceska, but that is likely to be no more than talk.'
    'What do you suggest?' asked Tenaka.
    'Let us go to Drenan, kill Ceska and then retire.'
    'That simple?'
    'The best plans are always simple, Tani,'
    'What about the women?'
    Ananais shrugged. 'What can we do? You say Renya wants to be with you? Let her come. We can leave her with friends in Drenan. I still know one or two people I think we can rely on.'
    'And Valtaya?'
    'She won't stay with us - there is nothing for her. We will leave her in the next town.'
    Tenaka raised an eyebrow. 'Nothing for her?'
    Ananais looked away. 'Not any more, Tani. Once, maybe.'
    'All right. We will head for Drenan, but angle to the west. Skoda should be beautiful at this time of the year.'
    Side by side they returned to the camp, where they found three strangers waiting. Tenaka spoke softly: 'Scout around, Ani. See how many other surprises are in the offing.' Then he walked forward. Two of the men were warriors, both about the same age as Tenaka himself. The third was an old man, blind and