Free Champion by Jon Kiln

task was an easy one.
    General Jeon stared at Ganry, and he too felt the swell of hatred. When the commander of the raiding party told him that he had the person he hated most upon this world, in his dungeon, his instant thoughts were to have him killed immediately. Yet, that would be too easy. He would love nothing more than to torture this man, over days and weeks, but he did not have the time to stay and enjoy such a pleasure. Not when he was readying for an invasion into Palara.
    “The great and gallant Ganry, finally shows his face,” Jeon said with a deep, sardonic tone. “Oh, I have longed to see you again, my old friend. Probably just as much as our Emperor here, but for different reasons. Nestor would welcome you as a returning hero, but I know you for the coward you are. Because of you my son is dead, and I will have my revenge.”
    Jeon’s voice was getting louder with every word, until at the end he was shouting out in his rage.
    Ganry did not flinch at his words. He had no fear of this man. He was only fearful for the Emperor and his uncle.
    “I hear you have a following of witches these days.” Ganry broke the silence of the two men as their eyes locked into one another.
    “You know nothing, you upstart. I have the power to kill every man in this room,” Jeon threatened. “But I am merciful and will only be killing you, today.” Still, Ganry did not shift his stance. “It’s a pity I don’t have the time to do it myself,” Jeon continued. “Then again, I have a pretty young Queen to conquer. Already, I have broken the borders of Palara. Oh yes, I hear you have a fondness for the beautiful Myriam. If I remember rightly, she will be about the age of your own daughter, if she was still alive. It hurts to lose a child, don’t you agree?”
    “The Queen of Palara has a strong army and strong allies to call upon. She will be ready to deal with any trespassers who attempt to cross her borders.” Ganry’s response was calm and measured, although his blood boiled with rage.
    “Ah, but I have a trick or two up my sleeve, Ganry. Once my special forces are deployed, the Palaran army will flee before them, quaking with fear.”
    “I have seen your special forces, and it is not you who commands them, Jeon. You allow the witches too much power. Once they have what they want from you, then you too will march in the ranks of the undead.”
    General Jeon was momentarily speechless. How could Ganry know of his army of the undead? Perhaps he was bluffing, but he certainly seemed confident in his words.
    “Besides, Myriam has someone who is easily a match for your witches, should they dare to cross into Palara. He will send them straight back to the dark hole they were spawned from.”
    In truth, Ganry was talking up Hendon’s ability. He was not sure he could deal with the witches, but he wanted to cast doubt in Jeon’s mind, try and delay the invasion.
    General Jeon was furious, but Ganry’s words had concerned him. He had heard of the wizard who was loyal to the Queen. Rumor was that she had powerful magics at her disposal, but surely he was only one man. He said nothing, not allowing his enemy any pleasure in knowing he had struck a nerve. He needed to collect his thoughts. He would love nothing better than to give this murderous traitor a long and slow death, but right now, other more important matters required his attention. The boy must be found. Only his blood would suffice for the ritual.
    “Your time will come, Ganry. You will pay for the death of my son, of this I promise,” Jeon threatened. “First, I will destroy everything you hold dear, and then I will personally kill you.” With those words the General turned and left, leaving Ganry shaking with rage.

15
    Ganry returned to the Emperor who was still awake.
    “He’s in Palara with the white wolves,” the Emperor whispered into his ear.
    Ganry acted as if the Emperor had said nothing, but now, he knew the child’s whereabouts.
    “Rest,