Free Sword Destiny by Robert Leader Page A

brandished his eagle-headed staff in the direction of the city as he named them. “Prince Sanjay, who rides the war elephant, is taking a terrible toll of our best warriors. His javelins never miss and none of us dares to go within the range of his throw. Prince Devan is proving himself a mighty swordsman and so far no man has been able to stand against him. But the key is Jahan. Their Warmaster holds the army of Karakhor together. Jahan is the brain, the military genius who unites them all. We must kill them all if we can—but we must kill Jahan.”
    â€œI will kill Jahan.” Kamar and Tuluq growled the words together, and then exchanged angry glares.
    Sardar chuckled and threw his empty glass over his shoulder. He tore a mouthful from the leg of roast pheasant he held in his other hand and spoke as he chewed. “I have watched this battle for five days now. I can see as clearly as Nazik what needs to be done, and I know how to do it. For a start, we will topple Prince Sanjay. He believes he is lord of the battlefield on top of his great elephant, but I have a way to bring him down.”
    â€œOur best archers have tried and failed,” Bharat pointed out. “It is as though he is blessed by the Gods. No arrow can find its mark.”
    â€œI have a better way than arrows.” Sardar grinned. “Tomorrow, the javelin-throwing prince will be brought down. This I promise you. When he falls, Jahan will be drawn to the scene. Jahan or Devan, but I hope Jahan. Then I shall be on hand to challenge him to single combat. One of them will die on my sword. Two of their champions will not live to see another day.”
    â€œLet me take Jahan,” Kamar begged. “I have yet to fully avenge my son.”
    â€œI need you to watch the battlefield while I fight. With Durga gone, you are my first general now. And believe me, while I kill Jahan there will be much to watch.” He turned to Tuluq. “I have other plans for you, my son. And for you—” He nodded to Bharat. “While Jahan and Devan are distracted, you will strike at the very heart of Karakhor. I do not intend for this war to drag on forever.”
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    On the morning of the sixth day, the two armies lined up to face each other as before. Despite all the bloodshed, the great host of Maghalla seemed almost as numerous as on the first day. They were being reinforced by late arrivals who had not kept up with the main march. However, the smaller forces of Karakhor were inevitably shrinking. The sun touched the white walls and towers of the city, gleaming from the golden domes of the palaces, lighting up the carved red towers of the temples. As the light brightened and the shadows fled, the spear tips and drawn sword blades also began to flash and glitter. The drums beat, the trumpets and the conch shells sounded and again the battle was joined. Like the hurricane forces of two great waves, the ranks of chariots, elephants and men hurled themselves upon each other.
    It was four days since young Prince Rajar had made his angry outburst in the audience hall. His clash with Ramesh still rankled and his claim to the throne was not forgotten, but he had recognized his own impetuosity and bided his time. For four days he had acquitted himself well. He had chosen as his main weapon the bow, which he could shoot from a safer distance. He had risen in the eyes of his peers almost as high as Kasim, whom he secretly cursed and envied. However, Kasim was still called unequaled and was not afraid to draw his sword.
    Today Rajar had decided to make his move and had casually positioned his chariot in the second rank beside that of Ramesh. He hoped that his elders would have forgotten their differences, but there was one man who was still watchful and suspicious. Ramesh glanced curiously at his half-brother and rival, but had no real awareness that anything was amiss. Gujar, however, was not deceived, and he too fell back a rank