Dragon Soul - The Ancestor Gods Saga Book 1

26. The Memory of Honour

I dived to my right, hoping that somehow a bare brick wall with no shelter would protect me from the fire about to pound down on me. My options were limited, and it was better to do something than nothing. I saw the knight's arm going back as if he had slowed down. My brain had starting filtering things into increments of time, as if to torment me. My shoulder bounced hard into the brick wall to my right. It hurt, but not as much as being pierced by a burning lance was going to hurt.

He was beginning to throw, I was watching the swing, knowing I was doomed.

Which was when a voice called out and the Dragon Knight stopped suddenly. I had not heard what the voice had said, but whatever it was had caused the monster to hesitate. I held my breath, every instinct telling me I should run now, while I had my chance. Instead, I stepped forward. I wanted to see who it was who had caused this impossible man to come to a halt.

Perhaps it was also a case I recognised the voice, at least on a subconscious level, because my thinking mind had pretty much given up in the face of catastrophe.

The Dragon Knight was turning away from me, presenting his back to me. For what good that would do. We had shot arrows and lances into him, and he had not even seemed to weaken. I lowered my bow and walked around until I could see past the knight and towards whoever had spoken.

That was when I saw Lexon.

He had managed to stumble out of the medico's shop. I cursed him for being so foolish to risk himself after what had happened the last time he left his bed, but I had to admit I was secretly glad he had done so.

He had wrapped a sheet about his lower torso before stumbling out into the road. He stood bare foot on the cobbles, his long hair turning almost white in the sun as it flowed down his shoulders and back. I was reminded of how handsome he was and how physically attracted to him I was. It was a strange moment, especially as I suddenly became deeply concerned about his safety. Lexon could not run away swiftly. He had no weapons, and he was stood before a man who, as far as I could tell, had lost all rational sense and along with it, his morality.

So why had the Dragon Knight stopped when Lexon had spoken?

"That's right. I know you," Lexon said. "It took me a while, but when I paused to really consider the matter, I realised it made perfect sense. It is good to meet you Dragon Knight Hartnor. I grew up listening to the stories of your exploits. How you led an army in the Metal Wars. How you rescued the Western maidens who were stolen by the servants of the god Ballen-Re. How you protected Queen Mena when she went on her perilous sea crossing to save her lands. You were described as a knight of great honour and courage. I wanted to be exactly like you."

I was listening to Lexon but watching the Dragon Knight. I was trying to see if any of this was registering with him. I thought I saw a flicker on his face. Was it recognition? Was something breaking through?

I was so intently focused on the man that I jumped out of my skin when a hand touched my arm. I jerked away only to realise it was Tylesin at my side. He was unscathed, though I noted some of his robes were burned.

"What do we do now?" he asked me. "While he is distracted."

"Cut off his head?" I suggested as a joke.

Tylesin glanced at the Dragon Knight, then around him.

"We will need an axe."
"I did not mean it," I hastened to add. "We would not survive the endeavour. I have no idea how to stop this man. You are sure you have no dangerous godly powers? The ability to throw lightning bolts or melt the cobbles beneath his feet?"
Tylesin shook his head.

"Just the influencing people's mind trick," he said. "Also, I am a natural survivor."
He brushed at his scorched robes as he spoke. He did seem to have a talent for just avoiding death.