Shadow Honor - Book 1 of The Trial

Shadow Honor - 24

"Prince Maxthane!" Kirra and Styx looked up to see one of Salidar's men headed their way. He was dressed in the black leather uniform, except that his was of higher quality than the others, marking him as higher rank than the other soldiers. The sword he held was of a quality to match the armor, and from the scars visible on his middle-aged face, to the gait with which he walked, implied that he was a seasoned soldier. Worry was etched into his features as he saw Maxthane lying on the ground, unmoving. He slowed his approach and then stopped as he noted Kirra and Styx's suspicious stares.

"Captain Rega!" Maxthane greeted the soldier groggily, as he propped himself up on one elbow to look at him. It was a struggle for him to even make it that far. "It's good to see you survived. How many soldiers do you have left under your command?"

"Twenty-four, though only six of us are uninjured," Captain Rega replied after a quick salute. "Your father told us that you were staying in The Shade to watch over his affairs, I'm surprised to see you here. Can we be of assistance?"

"Maxthane needs to be taken out of here," Styx answered for Maxthane. "He's too exhausted to keep fighting."

"And who are you to speak for the Prince?" Rega replied dangerously, glowering at Styx.

"Rega, please," Maxthane interjected, and Rega visibly relaxed as he turned his attention back to him. "Styx is a friend, and he is also correct. I'm afraid that I'm not going to be of much more use."

"Why don't we regroup with your father and see what he would have us do?" Rega suggested as he resumed his cautious approach toward the trio. When he noticed Styx and Kirra eyeing his drawn sword he sheathed it before reaching them.

"My father is dead," Maxthane explained with a blank expression as Rega knelt beside him, "He was killed by Fasha."

"No . . . my King," Rega said reverently. Laying a hand on Maxthane's leg he sighed and said, "I suppose you're my King now. What are your orders?"

"I think we should regroup as you suggested," Maxthane said firmly. "Help me up."

Between Rega, Styx, and Kirra it was easy to get Maxthane to his feet, though he started to fall over as soon as he was standing. While they struggled to keep him balanced, the rest of Salidar's soldiers approached, either wounded or supporting those who were. Maxthane addressed them with a steady voice, though it took nearly all of his will to do so.

"People of The Shade," he began formally, "The plan has failed, and my father was killed during the attack." Astonished murmurs traveled amongst the soldiers, but they were quelled quickly by Maxthane's upraised hand. "We need to gather the survivors and return to The Shade. We have been gone too long from our home."

"Yes, my King," Rega said with a salute. Turning to the rest of the troops he barked, "You heard the King. Let's move. Those of you who are able, rendezvous with the other captains and relay Maxthane's orders. The rest of you should head below. We'll meet you at the palace."

The soldiers dispersed and Rega returned his attention to Maxthane, offering his arm to lean on. As Maxthane leaned into him, Rega said appraisingly, "You handled that well, King Maxthane."

"Thank you," Maxthane replied with a forced grin. "Honestly, I'm surprised that the men followed me so readily."

"It's because you spoke like a king," Kirra offered, drawing surprised glances from both Maxthane and Rega. The captain nodded sagely as Kirra went on, "You must have learned well from your father to have such a regal composure. You're a stronger man than you look."

"How observant for a Knight of the Firmament," Rega said with a laugh, clapping Kirra on the shoulder. "You've got a great deal of skill, Knight. I was surprised by how well you managed to do against that demon. I'm even more surprised that you're alive. I lost almost every single man who faced it on the ground."