Free Aegis of The Gods: Book 02 - Ashes and Blood by Terry C. Simpson

the Red Ridge Mountains. Dosteri forces guided them from there in a long trek across eastern Granadia and to the Dosteri capital city of Torandil. There, they were to wait within the safety of the city’s walls.
    Ancel wondered when and if Eldanhill’s own Mystera would close like all the others. Although he had no confirmation, he guessed they would make a mass exodus from Torandil, head to Ostania, and reclaim Seti. His true heritage. The thought seemed unreal. Dreaming of doing a thing, in this case going off to war beyond the Vallum of Light in Ostania, was vastly different from the reality. Even if it was not on the side he’d imagined.
    “Any idea where he came from? Or why he stinks like that?” Mirza’s reedy voice interrupted his thoughts. His friend scrunched up his nose.
    “None.”
    “But you have an inkling who he is.” Mirza cocked his head to one side, the bush under his chin reminding Ancel of red sand.
    “I suppose.”
    “Suppose my ass,” his friend said, some of his old playfulness coming through. Hair reaching to his shoulder, Mirza had filled out in the past months, spending most of his time practicing with the Dagodin after receiving an early promotion by Shin Galiana. He’d also become versed in the Disciplines of Soldiering . His Setian uniform appeared as natural on him as the clouds were to the sky.
    “Fine.” Ancel gave him a bemused smile. He leaned forward so his father couldn’t hear. “He’s the one that’s supposed to teach me.”
    “I figured as much once I saw Mr. Tapestry Man here.”
    “It’s been him all along.”
    “Huh?”
    Ancel rolled his eyes at Mirza’s confused frown. “The link,” he whispered.
    Mirza’s lips formed an O.
    “Right now it’s the size of a senjin ball with him this close to me.”
    Mirza groaned. “Don’t remind me of that damn game. I bet one of the Seifer I could make it to the end of the field untouched.” He turned the side of his face to reveal a mottled bruise. “I was on my ass before I made it halfway across, and he’d taken the ball, scored, and had the nerve to dance. Never saw the big brute coming.” He shook his head. “I need to find out how they move so damn fast.”
    Ancel covered his mouth to suppress his grin. “Next time, leave senjin to me. I keep telling you speed isn’t all that matters.”
    “Whatever. So who shot him?” Mirza glanced at the giant.
    “Da did.”
    “And he lived?” Mirza whistled. “Why? Didn’t you tell your father?”
    “We were fighting off some wolves and the man showed up. Stepped out of the woods with that monster sword in his hand.”
    Mirza glanced over at the weapon the giant still clutched. “I’d have shot him too.” He snorted. “How’d wolves manage to hurt Kach?”
    “I don’t know, but they’ve grown smarter.” He replayed the images of them feinting before they attacked, how they’d tried to hide that he’d wounded one of them, and shook his head in disbelief. “They set a trap for me.”
    Mirza chuckled.
    “What?” Ancel said, glowering at him.
    “The wolves set a trap for the trapper. If you don’t see the irony …” Mirza’s voice trailed off.
    “Anyway,” Ancel said, “Kach and Da held them off while I escaped with him.” He nodded to the dray. “By the time they caught up, she had that bite on her leg.”
    “Well,” Mirza said, “I’ll get some of the men in my cohort together and go take a look for these wolves of yours.” He leaned closer to inspect the giant. “Why’s he so blue and black in the face and hands? You would think he’d been standing outside for an entire winter. I mean, that can’t be good. He’ll probably lose a finger or two or worse. Some of the dead tissue is gone past anything mending can do.”
    “I don’t know, but he was moving fine enough until Da shot him.”
    “Wait,” Mirza’s brow bunched, “Ancel,” his voice lowered almost to a whisper, “we tried to damage that arm of yours since you got