David Gemmell. Winter Warriors

‘I believe in doing my duty, sir.’

‘Then go back to the Beast, and prepare to die for him. But do not be deceived, Nayim, you are not following Malikada. Malikada is dead. A Demon Lord has possessed his body.’

‘With respect, sir, you do not expect me to believe that?’

The White Wolf shrugged. Nayim bowed once more and returned to his horse. ‘The army will be here by sun­set, sir. It is my hope that you will reconsider your position.’ Swinging his horse he rode back to his men, then led them north.

The White Wolf watched them go, then gave the order to stand down. The troops broke formation and laid down their spears and shields, removing their helms. On the broken wall Conalin watched them, a sick sense of dread flowing through him.

Old men! They were all old men, grey haired or bald.

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Where moments before had been an invincible force, he now saw them shuffling around on what he perceived to be arthritic limbs, slowly lowering themselves to the ground. Conalin felt betrayed by them. Pharis saw his anger and reached out to him.

‘What is it, Con?’

He did not reply, could not reply. Emotions surged within him. He jumped down from the wall and walked to his horse. Taking it by the bridle he led it further into the ruins. There was only one building mostly intact, a huge structure built from white marble, and it was here that the other horses had been tethered. A flight of cracked steps led to a huge, arched doorway. Conalin stepped inside. There was an enormous chamber within, with a high domed roof, part of which had collapsed. Fallen stones littered the remains of the mosaic which had once decorated the entire floor. There was no furni­ture here, but against the far wall were several broken benches. Light was streaming into the building through high, arched windows. Fragments of coloured glass still clung to some of the frames.

Conalin saw his companions at the far end of the chamber, sitting upon a raised octagonal dais. Kebra saw him and smiled. Conalin strode to where the bowman sat. They are all old men,’ he said, bitterly.

‘They were our comrades,’ said Kebra. ‘Most of them are younger than Bison.’

‘And Bison’s dead,’ snapped Conalin. Instantly he regretted it, for he saw the pain in Kebra’s eyes. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said, swiftly. ‘I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just . . . they looked so strong when we first saw them.’

‘They are strong,’ said Kebra. ‘And they have the White Wolf to lead them. He has never lost a battle.’

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‘We should ride on,’ said the boy. ‘Leave the old men to fight.’

Kebra shook his head. ‘This will be the final battle, Con. Here, in this ruined place. I will not run any further.’

Conalin sat beside the bowman, his shoulders bowed. ‘I wish I had never come with you,’ he said.

‘I am glad that you did. You have taught me a great deal.’

‘I have? What could I teach you?’

Kebra gave a sad smile. ‘I have always wondered what it would be like to have a son, a boy I could be proud of; someone I could watch grow into manhood. You have shown me what it could have been like. And you are quite right, there is no reason for you to stay here. There is nothing you can do. Why not take Pharis and Sufia, and some supplies and head off into the hills. If you head west you will eventually reach the sea. I will give you money. I do not have much, but it will help.’

The thought of leaving touched Conalin like the cool breeze that follows a storm, blowing away his anger and his fear. He and Pharis would be safe. And yet, in that moment, it wasn’t enough. ‘Why can you not come with us? One man won’t make a difference.’

‘These are my friends,’ said Kebra. ‘A true man does not desert his friends in time of need.’

‘You think I am not a man?’ asked Conalin.

‘No, no! I am sorry for the way that sounded. You will be a fine man. But you are young yet, and war is not for …’ He was going to say children, but as he looked into Conalin’s young face he saw the man there, waiting to be born. ‘I do not want to see you hurt, Con,’ he said, lamely.