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Chapter 14 "Assessing the Situation"
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The Anointment Chapter 15 "Following the Enemy"
The road to Mano was rough for both young travelers. They followed the enemy, but guards or slow-moving creatures often were on the trail, cutting them off or making them work as a team to keep hidden. While Termâs could fight the large creatures quite well, their unpredictable nature of them was mentally fatiguing. The Beras pass was desolate and cold. Termâs and Cai were often buried in thick mists and light rain. Finding food was not such a problem. Because of the confusion created by the marching army, animals were easy prey. Sometimes appearing right in their path or already dead when they came upon them. After a long hard climb, they saw the vale that led to Mano. The sky had cleared some and the sun was a welcome warm relief on their aching legs and bodies. Evidence of the marching band ahead was all around them with footprints, bloody dead animals, and a kind of putrid smell like a dead skunk or a week-old slain deer festering in the sun. Termâs remembered the smell
The Anointment Chapter 16 "Quick, Quick, away..."
Termâs and Cai finally arrive in Tarpor after two long hard days of walking. They were both exhausted and sore. Termâs led them to an inn to rest. “Cai, you have to rest. I can get all we need, and you can get some sleep. I will look for supplies and some fresh food and better clothes.” “But I don’t want to be left alone.” “You have Sasha.” “But I want you to stay.” “Enough of this…you rest.” He was serious and helped her with her boots. “Maybe you can clean up a little.” “All right…” Termâs helped draw a warm bath for her by lighting a fire and getting a kettle of water. Then he left. He was gone for a long time. When he returned, he found her lying in her bed with Sasha. She was sound asleep. He did not light a lamp but settled down in his own bed to rest. They awoke with the sun shining brightly in their faces. Cai rolled over, but Termâs sat up. “Time to get up, sleepy.” “No!” She muttered from under her covers. Sasha was no
The Anointment Chapter 17 "The Imperial City"
Careath was a most welcome sight to the young guard. The flags still flew high and were stretched out firm in the afternoon ocean wind. Tall elms twisted in the stiff breeze and wind-sculpted pine trees blew wildly on the sandy banks. The docks were busy with commercial sea-ships. Gulls flocked above the ships looking for any morsel of food they might find. Pelicans stood on large wooden posts and watched the Silver Hawk pull into its spot. The crew scrambled to get the ship tied down. Men on the dock grabbed ropes and pulled them hard to slow the warship and settle it into the wharf. Erwaith called to the passengers announcing that they had arrived. Termâs came up loaded with his bags while Cai and Lyora followed with Sasha. Another crewman carried the ladies’ bags. “Erwaith?” Yes, Termâs?” “You will need to stay here in the dock. I have a feeling we are going to need as much help as possible.” Erwaith ran his hands through his long gray locks of hair. “
The Anointment Chapter 18 "The Gathering"
A familiar glow of sunrise began to creep into the eastern windows of the hall. From his bed Termâs found himself looking toward the ocean listening to the ebb and flow of the relentless waves. Suddenly he began to realize why Yvayn so often sat by the sea. The soothing effect of the Plenar’s waves relaxed his troubled mind. While Careath slept, the ocean was easy to hear, as was the rush of wind over the waves. The view out of the south windows of the palace was impressive, but he had never before taken time to notice. The marble floor of the great hall was damp from the evening’s heavy dew. Servants had not yet awakened to wipe it clean for the day’s events. Stars were fading from sight. One remained clear over the open waters. Morning birds began to sing loudly as they searched for morsels of food. Hundreds of them flocked into the courtyard behind the palace. Morning glories were still blooming in the chilled air. The first frost had not yet come to Careath, but the cool
The Anointment Chapter 19 "At the North Gate"
Mia was seated quietly in her chamber praying to herself. She found it was the one thing that brought comfort to her aching mind. She was interrupted by a knock at her door. “Who is it?” “Sorry to disturb you, my lady, but I have brought someone you should meet.” “Well, come in, my dear Enor.” Enor presented himself and then motioned for Lyora to enter the chamber. Mia turned around and stood up. Her black cloak hid her face. “Good morning to you, Enor. I should not be so rude.” “Good morning to you, my lady.” “Who is this young girl you have brought here today?” “You know I am not one for long introductions.” “Yes…” “Let me present to you, your daughter-in-law, Lyora.” The grieving widow froze in her steps. Enor stepped back as Lyora walked slowly forward. The young empress bowed deep and confident. She too was dressed in black. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mia, of the house of Ivlar.” Mia looked at the young girl, then a
The Anointment Chapter 20 "The Holy City"
The cold of night settled over Careath, and the air was especially frigid. A strong northwest wind blew leaves in the empty streets. A fire was crackling and popping in the great hall. Servants were bringing food to the tables of weary men who showed the face of battle. “Where are Termâs and Cai?” Saron sat down and looked at their empty spots. “They will be here soon.” Mia grinned. “Sorry, we’re late.” The two young ones came scampering in and sat down at the table out of breath. “Good to see you in one piece.” “Oh, hello, Erwaith. How are you?” “Good, and you?” He looked at Cai and grinned. “Fine…just fine.” As they talked, food and drink were served. Termâs stood up and rolled out several old maps. “We must go by land and sea.” “How?” Sacio was still dipping his bread in his wine. “We discussed this earlier…remember? You and I must follow the beasts and Erwaith can lead the others by sea to Ver Nooy. “I know, but what if t
The Anointment Chapter 21 “Battle of the Fire Würm”
On the ninth day of the siege of Ver Nooy, a messenger approached Termâs with some hopeful news. The message came from Gerdar, the capital of Lodor. “Termâs, sir.” “Yes?” “My name is Pyllar.” “Go ahead and speak, Pyllar.” Termâs was seated near a low fire, as were many others, wondering what to do. “Julla and Hélarion are on their way north with an army gathered from the far reaches of southern Menia. They will arrive here tomorrow.” Pyllar stood waiting for some kind of response from the young guard. There was none at first, just a blank stare. “That is good news.” Sacio nearly shouted. “Don’t you think so, Termâs?” Termâs was staring at the charred city. Evidently, the mountain trolls were standing guard on the South wall. “Look, Termâs,” Sacio continued, “we’ve stopped them here in Ver Nooy.” “Have we?” “It seems so.” “I am not convinced yet.” “Don’t they usually keep moving on?” “Yes…but Ver Nooy is a large city. The
The Anointment Chapter 22 "Burying the Dead"
By sunset, Termâs had searched most of the battlefield and had found no survivors. He started lining up bodies in rows for burial. He still did not know how he would bury all the dead as he stopped a moment and took a long look around. Twilight was settling in and the shadows were long on the field. His heart sank. His moment of reflection was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Termâs fell to the ground and got next to a corpse. The footsteps got louder and came over the hill. They seemed to stop just behind him. It sounded like several people, but he could not tell if they were friends or foes. He turned his head slightly and opened one eye. He could not see who it was or what it was. His heart was racing when he heard a voice. “Who laid out the bodies?” “I don’t know. I see no one alive.” Termâs thought he recognized one of the voices, but he could not be certain with his heart thumping so loudly. The two people moved again and were closer to him, but dark
Latest chapter
- The Anointment Appendix 1 and Appendix 2
- The Anointment Chapter 22 "Burying the Dead"
- The Anointment Chapter 21 “Battle of the Fire Würm”
- The Anointment Chapter 20 "The Holy City"
- The Anointment Chapter 19 "At the North Gate"
- The Anointment Chapter 18 "The Gathering"
- The Anointment Chapter 17 "The Imperial City"
- The Anointment Chapter 16 "Quick, Quick, away..."
- The Anointment Chapter 15 "Following the Enemy"
