Free Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor by Chuck Black Page B

away.
    Quinlan looked into Kessler’s eyes and saw the same pain and disappointment that he felt in his own heart. Drake silently turned away, obviously wrestling with his own anger. Quinlan hung his head in utter shame.
    “Can you help us?” a voice called out. A knight approached them, carrying a child. Blood spilled from a gash on his head.
    “The buildings are lost, and we have many wounded. We can take them over there.” He motioned with his head to a clearing away from the burning buildings.
    His appearance jarred the knights from their own grief and anger. “What … happened?” Drake asked slowly.
    The man shook his head. “We knew there was a threat, but this is far beyond anything we expected.” He turned and looked sadly at the remnants of the haven. “I’ve seen Shadow Warriors before,” he said solemnly. “These were something … more. Some of my people will ask where the Prince was in all of this.” He shook his head again, then proceeded on to the clearing where others were gathering.
    For the rest of the day, the four valor knights lost themselves in the duties of giving aid. They transported the wounded to homes in the city and stayed until there was little more they could do. At one point,Quinlan found himself tending a severely wounded young knight in the haven leader’s home.
    “I saw you fight that warrior,” the young man said. “I hope I can be as brave as you one day.”
    Quinlan clenched his teeth. The boy’s comments stung like salt in a fresh wound. “There is only One whose actions you should aspire to duplicate,” he said quietly.
    The young man smiled. “The Prince!” Then he closed his eyes to rest.
    Quinlan exited the house and started down the street, but he stopped when he heard voices around the corner. Drake, Purcell, and Kessler were discussing their options.
    “So you want to just give up and ride away?” That was Kessler. “The Swords of Valor are to be no more?”
    “Taras only spoke to the commander,” Purcell’s voice replied. “We are part of this unit because Baylor recruited us. How are we supposed to continue without him?”
    Silence.
    “Well?”
    “I’m afraid he’s right,” Drake finally said.
    “What of Quinlan?” Kessler asked.
    “What of him?” Purcell’s voice was bitter. “I knew that bringing him into the unit was a mistake. Now Baylor has paid for it with his life!”
    Purcell’s words hit Quinlan square in the chest, and he could take it no more. The muscles convulsed on his burning face as he quietly moved away from the corner, found Kobalt, and silently disappeared into the night.

PATHYON
     
    “Baylor is dead, my lord, and the Swords of Valor have disbanded.” The bald Shadow Warrior bowed low before the dark throne of Lucius as he gave his report. “My paythas are quickly reproducing and making imbeciles out of the Knights of the Prince.”
    A wicked smile crossed the Dark Lord’s face, and he turned to the massive figure beside him. “See, Luskan. Pathyon is exactly who we needed for Burkfield.” His smiled turned to a scowl. “Don’t ever hesitate on my orders again!”
    “Yes, my lord.” The massive Shadow Warrior said. “But may I remind your lordship that it was my Assassin Warriors that executed Baylor, not Pathyon and his furry—”
    “Quit sniveling, Luskan,” Lucius growled. “Your drugged warrior squad may have killed Baylor for us, but I need warriors whose minds aren’t turned to mush when you’re through with them.”
    Luskan shot Pathyon a vengeful glare, but Pathyon ignored it.
    “With the Swords of Valor disbanded and my paythas controlling the haven knights, destroying Burkfield will be rather simple. Shall I proceed?” Pathyon’s dark eyes gleamed in anticipation of the carnage.
    “Not yet. We shall fatten the calf before we kill it and feast.” Lucius brought his hands together and crossed his fingers. “Let the city continue to prosper and the haven slowly die. Then I will make