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

those … Etchings.” He glanced around after saying the word before continuing, “But nothing affects it. How could your Da’s arrows …”
    “ Divya, ” Ancel whispered. “That’s what Da used. I’m sure of it. He also sounded like he knew the man or rather the Etchings, but then he stopped talking about them.”
    “Did you ask him—?”
    Ancel cut him off with a flat-eyed expression.
    “Right,” Mirza said, “I forgot your Da is as stubborn as you are when you want to keep a secret. Anyway, you think he’s near invincible to normal weapons like you?” Mirza’s gaze drifted to the giant.
    “Maybe, but remember it still hurts when I get hit on mine.” Ancel paused. “There’s something else …”
    “What?”
    “I think he might have recognized my Da. He knew Kachien for sure.”
    “Really?”
    “Yes. Remember when she told us about her orders in Ostania?”
    Mirza frowned.
    “About the man and the boy?”
    Mirza stroked his red beard for a moment then nodded.
    “Supposedly, he’s that man.”
    “Didn’t she say they died?”
    Ancel shook his head. “No. She said she failed.”
    Silence ensued as they continued their trek through Eldanhill. One of the soldiers in front yelled to keep the way clear as they reached the more crowded parts of town, passing along the tight stalls and shops of Market Row and into Thanairen Square. The noise of criers and others shouting their wares drowned out the rumble of the dray’s wheels. Stalls occupied almost every space within the market. Peddlers rubbed or blew in their hands or simply stomped to drum up some warmth. Some stayed close to fires. A few shoppers congregated near where peddlers sold soup or hot broth. The aroma of food and the press of unwashed bodies mingled for an unpleasant odor. A fur seller in one corner was doing brisk business. He nodded in Ancel’s direction. Ancel shook his head. He had no pelts or furs to provide the trader this day.
    “Any word yet about when or if they’ll close the Mystera?” Ancel asked as they turned east down Henden Lane. Off to their left began Learners Row and the line of large, three and four storied buildings, halls, and open spaces where the Teachers, all retired Ashishin, held their classes.
    “None yet, but Jillian left earlier to escort what’s to be the last convoy to Torandil.”
    Ancel breathed a sigh of relief. The animosity between Jillian and his father had grown since the man took Mother. He often felt it was only a matter of time before they fought openly. This must have been Galiana’s way to dissolve the problem. Always plotting, that woman. He shook his head.
    Chests puffed out, several cadets garbed in blue and sporting the gold shield and sword of Dagodin in training stepped out from the Row. When the cadets looked toward the guard and saw Mirza’s green uniform, they ducked their heads quickly and hurried toward the market. Ancel smiled. They hadn’t even acknowledged his father where he strode with the horse’s reins in his hands. Stefan was the commander of all the military in Eldanhill, but his furs and leathers often made him appear as unassuming as the next man.
    “Remember when we were just like them?” Mirza gestured with his head toward the young soldiers.
    “Yes, less than a year ago.”
    “Look at us now.” Mirza spread his hands to show off his uniform and matching jacket. The crossed swords of a Dagodin Knight glinted on his lapel.
    “You mean look at you now,” Ancel said.
    “Bah. Why do you do that?” Mirza flicked at his hair in irritation. “You’re more than any of us.”
    “And yet still I’m not. If someone asked after my title, what would you say?”
    Mirza tilted his head to one side, stroking his beard again. Eyes narrowing, he contemplated for a bit more before he shrugged.
    “Exactly. For all my talent and this so called Gift, whatever it is, I’m nothing,” Ancel said bitterly.
    “I wouldn’t go that far, but I understand.” Mirza took a