Free Soul Under the Mountain (Legend of Reason Series) by David J. Guyton

about your story. Something doesn't make sense to me."
    "I didn't say I understood it. I am just telling you what I know. Can I go now?"
    "Of course. That is why I came down here. But before you go, I have something to ask of you."
     

     
    Chapter 10
     
    "This is a mistake," Zeke said.
    Tannis eyed the man suspiciously as he bounced up and down on the horse beside him. "Why is this a mistake?"
    "There's a greater army out there on the plains out of sight. If you attack this fortification you'll have men fighting you from the front and the rear. You are placing your men between a hammer and an anvil."
    "I am well aware for your army out there on the plains. I understand the risk of this mission. What I do not understand is why you would alert me to those concerns. Wouldn't you prefer to have my Legion crushed here at the east gate?"
    "It is not my army that waits out there, General Tirinius. I would prefer that those invaders and infiltrators go back to their own lands and leave the Vindyri and Medorans alone. I do as my superiors command, so I am forced to work with them, but I do not support any of this. And now that I have been captured, you are my superior."
    "You would have me believe that you wish to help the Medorans in this cause then? Surely you must think very little of my intelligence."
    Zeke fussed with the ropes binding his wrists securing him to his saddle. "I do not mean to insult you, General Tirinius. I am simply stating my feelings on the matter. We have some things in common. We both want the Bhoors and the Vindyri to go home. I would prefer it to be bloodless, but these invaders in your land are deserving of whatever end they meet. Even I am not guiltless. I am here in your land as well. I have brought blades to the fight. All I can do now is try to make it right."
    "You did inform my men on where your officers slept. I can't say I am proud of you for delivering your own men to your enemy, but I am grateful that you have done so. I am hoping that the blood of those men can save the blood of many others. If we push the army back, then no one needs to die."
    Zeke turned to face his captor. "But when you drive them back, it will only be across the plains and into the cities of Vindyrion. They will still be a threat to my people, even if Medora is safe."
    Tannis flashed the man a look of anger. "Listen to me, Vindyri. The Medorans already marched out to Burnhamheade upon your request for aid. While we came to rescue you, your army marched around us and destroyed Brinn and Taburdum. You have forfeited your alliance with Medora, and you will deal with the Bhoors on your own. We will kill any who remain here-Bhoor or Vindyri—but once our enemies are driven out of this land, you'll have to kill your enemies yourself."
    "I am not asking for your help, General. I am simply stating my concerns. You wonder why I offer my assistance to you, and this is why. I see no hope for my people. If we do not fall to Medoran swords, we will fall to the Bhoors.  There's no reason to fight anymore."
    Tannis sighed. "There is always a reason to fight, but there is not always the will to fight."
     
    ——————
     
    The battle inside Taburdum could be heard from outside the heavy walls on the eastern side of the city. It had gone on for more than an hour, and Tannis was hopeful that it would soon come to an end, and the 40,000 Medoran soldiers waiting at the eastern gate could c rush the resistance inside. They would surely open the gate soon ; if not to retreat from the 1,00 0 Medorans inside, then at least to send for reinforcements. Once those gates were cracked open, Tannis and his men would pour in, snuffing out the flame of the invading force.
    In contrast to the battle within the gates, the forest surrounding Taburdum was quiet. The grip of winter kept the noisy animals in hiding, and the biting cold kept sensible humans indoors as well. The only people mad enough to be standing around outside in the cold were the