Free City of Blaze (The Fireblade Array) by H.O. Charles Page A

state. Go and I’ll see you in a few days.” Morghiad took the papers from Silar’s hand. “I’ll look after your men.”
    Silar nodded with a pout and withdrew to the rear of the hall. He sat on one of the tables for a moment, apparently examining the ceiling, and then staggered out of the room.
    Rahake, Beetan, Hunsar and Beodrin circled Morghiad to inform him of their counts before breaking away to their men. After a short wait, Tortrix, Pavon, Baculo, and Eupith handed their numbers to Morghiad too. Five-thousand, seven-hundred and forty-six men had made it in. Another seven-hundred and three made up Luna’s battalion, which was defending the city today. Only two were suspected of taking time off to recover from a hangover, which wasn’t too bad a start. Exactly a third suffering nalka , as Silar had predicted. That man did have a knack of divining useful information from complicated situations.
    Morghiad placed the rolls at the back of the platform for later filing and called his army to attention.
    “I am honoured that so many of you have chosen to devote yourselves fully to defending Calidell. As your absent colleagues will be currently aware, becoming a world-renowned army does not come easily. It will be a tough haul to become what we must, but every one of you knows that the payoff will be worth it. I intend to work you hard today. Be strong, this country depends upon your strength.” Morghiad always felt slightly ridiculous doing these speeches. He was never quite sure if he had been overdramatic.
    “We’ll begin with one-on-two duelling. I will lead Lord Forllan’s battalion.”
    Morghiad jumped down from the platform and strode purposefully to Silar’s men. He slid his sword from the scabbard and motioned to the two soldiers closest to him. They approached steadily and unsheathed their weapons as well. The rest of the battalion organised themselves into groups of three, taking it in turns to be the outnumbered fighter. 
    “You will be our enemy.” Morghiad nodded to the taller man. He had a narrow face and beady eyes that would look shifty in most situations. The smaller man had something of a paunch but looked to be well-muscled in his arms, even so. To add to the roundedness of his appearance, he had also shaved his head. Morghiad threw his sword into his left hand as the smaller man took up position on his right.
    “Begin.”
    Narrow-face came forward at Morghiad with a diagonal cut. The kahr parried with ease but did not attack, leaving his new ally to do so. Bald head made a bold strike across the neck of his opponent’s blade. Narrow face easily re-directed it and began a bout of counter attacks, leaving Morghiad to interrupt them with a half feint and a series of down slices. The three men whirled about each other, swords whipping through the air. Morghiad was fast discovering that he would have to hold back and fight a greater battle with his frustration. At least he was beginning to work up a good sweat; that was something.
     
     

     
    Artemi watched the drips falling from the light well in her chamber as they made a dull ‘flup’ sound upon hitting the floor below. They looked rather pretty as they fell. She had never seen a real gemstone up close but she had been told that they glittered as rain would in the sun. She caught one before it hit the ground and examined it in her hand. The water was actually quite dirty, having fallen several leagues from the surface to the cellars below. Rain was probably the only thing that ever cleaned these wells. She shook the water from her hand and proceeded to ready herself for the next round of duty. Another day of scrubbing the sheets of ungrateful nobles! She could hardly wait.
    Artemi tightened the laces of her bodice and tied them off at the base of her spine. Just as she had entangled her fingers for the second time, Caala came bustling in.
    “Artemi, lass. I need you to cover for me. Don’t worry yourself about your usual duties today.