Free Eclipsing the Darkness (The Dragon Chronicles Book 5) by Shawn E. Crapo

sword to strike down his cousin once again.
    “Eamon, no!” Farouk shouted.
    The king turned back to Eogan, seeing the young man’s smile. He was wearing light blue robes, similar to the robes that Traegus wore. Behind him, a strange figure stood, taller than Eamon himself, and divine in appearance. At his side, another, smaller figure stood, wrapped in a cloak with its face hidden.
    “It is I, Traegus,” the boy who looked like Eogan said. “I apologize for startling you. But I had to get you away from Farouk’s spell.”
    “Traegus?” Eamon repeated. “But… how?”
    “I am a wizard, Eamon,” Traegus replied, looking around at the approaching soldiers with a smile. “I do strange things sometimes. I hope you don’t mind that I took Eogan’s body. If you are upset, I understand.”
    Eamon shook his head, scanning the crowd for his knights. “Well,” he said. “Eogan wasn’t using it anymore.”
    Farouk approached him, his face grave. “I am sorry, Eamon,” he said. “We can no longer destroy the defilers. I promised them that I would free them.”
    “We had no choice, Farouk,” Eamon replied. “One of them had to be destroyed.”
    Farouk nodded. “Yes, and I am glad everyone is safe. But we must remember that these creatures can help us. We need to preserve as many of them as we can for use against the Lifegiver, and for the future.”
    Eamon nodded. “I understand,” he said. “Let us make camp here and discuss it further after a short rest.”
    Ulrich blew his horn into the air, signaling to the rest of the massive army that the battle had been won.
    “Well done, men!” he shouted. “Time for a night’s rest.”
    As the men cheered, Eamon turned back to Traegus, glancing briefly at the strange duo who had accompanied him.
    “We shall take residence in the fortress,” he said. “And plan our route there.”
    “King Eamon!” a soldier shouted, approaching with a terrified look on his face. “It’s Brynn. I fear he has fallen.”
     

Chapter Eight
     
    Khalid watched the impressive line of Alvar soldiers approach from the north. They formed a perfect line, were spaced as evenly as possible, and were dressed in beautifully engraved suits of gleaming steel armor. They were the most beautiful people the priest had ever seen; tall, fair, and golden-haired.
    At their lead, a grim-faced figure in darker, more elaborately engraved plate marched forward, keeping his eyes on Khalid. The priest stepped toward them as they entered the edge of the temple grounds, bowing low in respect and admiration. The leader shouted the order to stop, and his troops obeyed like clockwork; stomping their feet on the ground and snapping to attention.
    “I welcome you,” Khalid said.
    The leader stepped forward, removing his gloves and holding out his hand. Khalid took it gladly, nodding his approval.
    “I am Tenegal,” the leader said, in a smooth, calm voice. “Captain of these troops. We are here at the request of our king, Faeraon. Command us as you will.”
    “I am most honored to meet you, Tenegal, and have your assistance. I am Khalid, High Priest of Tel Drakkar.”
    Tenegal bowed in respect, turning to his troops. “You will obey Khalid’s commands as if they were my own,” he said. “Should I fall in battle, he will become your captain.”
    “Tell me,” Khalid said. “Have you seen the rangers that were sent? Did you cross paths with them at all?”
    Tenegal smiled. “We passed them earlier as they took positions in the surrounding forest. They are very skilled at their craft. You may not see them, but they are here.”
    Khalid chuckled knowingly. “Yes,” he said. “They are very skilled, indeed. Come then, my friend. Make yourselves comfortable in the temple. The Dragon welcomes you.”
    “Thank you, friend,” Tenegal said. Then, to his troops, “Fall out!”
    The Alvar captain joined Khalid as he returned to the temple complex. Tenegal’s troops followed loosely behind, admiring