Free Book of One 04: A Child of Fire by Jordan Baker Page A

me."
    Berant unbuckled his sword belt but he hesitated, not wanting to hand it over.
    "This blade has been in my family for generations. It is of sentimental value to me."
    "Give it to me, now," Cerric told him, his tone turning sharp.
    "Yes, highness." Berant handed him the weapon.
    Cerric held it up in his hand and the scabbard burst into flames as he called forth his power. The leather burned away quickly and the steel began to melt, running in rivulets over his skin and dropping into small silvery pools on the ground.
    "There is no room in my army for sentimental values," Cerric told him. "As easily as I turn this weapon to nothing, this might also be your fate if you continue to challenge my commands."
    "Yes, my lord."
    "That does not mean that I do not value your counsel, but I demand your respect and obedience in all things." Cerric glared at the man as the last droplets of metal fell to the ground and the bits of ash fell from his hand, burned away clean by his power. "Have I made myself clear?"
    "Yes, my lord," Berant said, knowing how close he was to experiencing the wrath of an angered god.
    "Now choose a blade from those on the table. You will carry it with you at all times and into the field of battle. I will not force you to kill one of these lowly prisoners if such a thing is beneath you, but you will kill if you wish to maintain your position as many others will become your challengers over the days to come."
    "As you command, my lord," Berant said then he walked over to the table and picked up one of the few remaining blades that had not yet been bloodied. He barely gave it a glance, for he did not care for what Cerric was planning with these weapons, but the warrior in him noticed that the sword was well balanced and less ornate than the others. Its crosspiece was encrusted with clear stones that matched a large, clear diamond embedded in its pommel. He shoved the blade into his belt and looked at Mirdel, who stared at him with his lifeless eyes then he looked at Cerric. "If that is all, may I take my leave?"
    "Yes, Berant," Cerric said. "You may go. Leave a proper force for Mirdel to maintain Kandara, and the rest of the army will return with us to Maramyr."
    "Yes, my lord," Berant said then he bowed his head and walked away toward the stone staircase.
    "Mirdel, I have been informed that duke Kaledra and his family have been brought to the city."
    "Yes, they have."
    "Good," Cerric said. "Once I have left Kandara, your first order of business will be to execute Kaledra. Do it publicly as an example of what happens to traitors."
    "Did he not side with us, my lord?"
    "Yes, but he betrayed his lord and king, and the people must learn that no matter what they do, if they provoke our anger, they shall feel our wrath. Is that clear?"
    "Yes it is. And what of Elric?"
    "I will take him to Maramyr, as a trophy. I have some further use for him, but the time is not yet right."
    "Very good, my lord," Mirdel said, knowing whatever Cerric had planned for the deposed Kandaran king would not be pleasant. "What of Kaledra's wife and daughter?"
    "They are yours to do with as you please, Mirdel. Have the rest of these weapons stored and readied for travel. You may kill the rest of these prisoners. It will give you power, Mirdel, and none shall challenge you."
    "Thank you." Mirdel bowed his head. "You are most generous."
    "That I am," Cerric said with a smile, then his eyes shifted focus and he nodded. "I have other business to attend. I trust that you can finish up here."
    "Consider it done," Mirdel replied and he raised his sword and walked over to the remaining prisoners and began killing them, one by one, as Cerric walked up the stairs to the palace, enjoying the music of the echoing screams of dying enemies.
    *****
     
    Calexis was on her way back to the royal apartments, where she had taken up residence, when she encountered the mage, Dakar, who had been conspicuously absent during the battle for Kandara. While she was not