Free Knights: Defenders of Ollanhar (Ollanhar Series Book 1) by Robert E. Keller

thought. He glanced at his sheathed sword, which lay atop the
nightstand. He considered just giving the sword to Vorden, but then dismissed
the idea. Lannon also needed a powerful sword. Otherwise he had no chance
against foes like that dark rider who had nearly slain him. And the sword was
bonded to him and was comfortable in his hands in a way that no other sword
could be. It seemed like his friend and he couldn’t surrender it.
    Vorden
bowed. “I’ll take my leave, then. Goodnight.”
    “Wait,”
said Lannon, wanting desperately to give his friend hope. “I know I can’t
open that safe—not yet. But Ollanhar holds other treasures. Maybe we could do
some exploring and see what turns up.”
    Vorden
shook his head. “Do as you wish, Lannon. I’m going to town to have a
drink. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    With
that, Vorden left the room, leaving his melted broadsword where it lay. He
slammed the door behind him.
    Lannon
sat in quiet frustration for a time. The truth was that weapons and armor made
of Glaetherin or Dragon bone were extremely rare. Most Knights got by without
them, relying on iron and steel. Most Glaetherin items belonged to the Grey
Dwarves or to Knights who had done something truly heroic. Jerret’s sword was
an oddity, because many questioned whether or not he actually deserved it.
Lannon’s own sword had cost a fortune—a gift from the wealthy Taris Warhawk.
Yet at the peak of Ollanhar Tower stood a safe containing several Glaetherin
swords that had once belonged to the Dark Watchmen—a priceless treasure trove
that Lannon couldn’t access. He sympathized deeply with Vorden, but High
Watchman or not, Lannon was unable to help him. King Verlamer had robbed
Dremlock of many great treasures—including Lannon’s own irreplaceable throwing
star—and nothing could be done about it.
    Lannon
lay down to sleep, but found himself feeling far too restless. He grabbed his sword
and put on his leather boots. It was time to explore.
    ***
    When
Lannon stepped into the hallway, he was surprised to find Vorden standing with
his back to the wall. Vorden’s eyes were closed, his face bathed in crimson
from the glow of a torch that was mounted above him. He looked like an armored
statue that had been standing there for time untold.
    “I
thought you headed to town,” said Lannon.
    Vorden
shrugged. “I was thinking.”
    “About
what?” Lannon asked. “A new sword?”
    Vorden’s
shot him an irritated glance. “No, not that. Just things in general.”
He sighed. “I was wondering if…if I’m in the wrong business.”
    “What
do you mean?” Lannon was gripped by sudden concern. He always hated to see
his friends begin to doubt themselves.
    “Face
it, Lannon, I’m not who I used to be.” Vorden lowered his gaze. “I
can’t get over what happened to me—how I turned against Dremlock and all my
friends. The evil sorcery is still within me, trying to break free.”
    “But
you’re extremely valuable to Ollanhar,” said Lannon. “You’re one of
the best fighters we’ve got. You’re a Divine Knight, Vorden. You swore an oath
to defend this tower and what it stands for.”
    “You
could release me from that oath,” said Vorden. “And as a friend, you
would do so if I asked it of you. Am I right?”
    “Don’t
ask it,” said Lannon, dreading the thought. “Ollanhar needs you!
We’re about to go on a long and perilous journey, into lands we know nothing
about. I definitely want you at my side.”
    “But
I’m practically useless,” said Vorden. “What good is a Knight with no
blade?”
    Ah,
so it was indeed about the sword. Relief flooded through Lannon. This, at least, was
something he could deal with.
      Lannon nodded. “I’ll try again to open
the safe. But I can’t promise anything. I very much doubt I will succeed.”
    Vorden
hesitated. “I don’t know. If you do manage to open it, I’ll be compelled
to stay and fight on.” He stood in silence for a few moments and then
added,