Heir to the Sundered Crown by Matthew Olney Page B

took cover behind another pillar.
    Stood at the top of the stairs was a young man clad in steel plate armour, a red bird was emblazoned on his mantle.
    “Accadus...” Luxon whispered savagely as he recognised him. The youngest son of the Baron of Retbit was barking angry orders to a half dozen of his soldiers.
    “Might explain how they knew how to get inside the walls.” Welsly muttered.
    The Nightblade drew the hilt of his Tourmaline blade. The special swords were only used by Nightblades as they were the only ones skilled enough to wield them. Comprised of magical energy the blade was pure magic harnessed through the Nightblades own reserves.
    “He’s just an arrogant stupid boy,” Welsly said angrily. ‘Who knows how much blood has been spilt on his account this night?”
    Luxon knew what the Nightblade was intending as he saw the man’s shoulders tense. He desperately wanted to stop him but Welsly shrugged off his hand as he tried to hold him back. Luxon grabbed Alira’s hand and pulled her further behind the pillar he was hidden behind. The girl resisted at first but relented as she saw the look in his eyes.
    “Accadus!” Welsly shouted as he stepped out into the open. He pointed his sword threateningly towards the boy.
    “Well, well, well if isn’t the high and mighty Welsly.” Accadus sneered. The group of soldiers gathered behind their leader swords and spears at the ready. Each wore a tunic with the red bird of Retbit upon the jupon and a suit of chainmail underneath.
    “I can take your goons Accadus.’ Welsly said confidently as he stepped closer to the base of the stairs. “Why are you here? What do you want?”
    Accadus laughed.
    “I want payback for the shame bestowed upon me, I want Luxon and his fat friend hanging from hooks, and oh yes I want the power of the mages so I can give it to my father so he can end the war and claim the Sundered crown and become King!” he shouted, a tinge of madness evident in his rage ravaged voice.
    “Kill him!” he screamed.
    The Retbit soldiers charged down the staircase, it was six against one but Welsly did not turn to flee. Instead, he readied his blade and waited. As the first soldier got within striking distance the Nightblade raised his left hand and unleashed a bolt of lightning from his fingertips. The blast sputtered out of existence. Welsly’s eyes went wide in surprise.
    The soldier smiled wickedly.
    “Ok, so no magic...” the Nightblade muttered. With a flick of his wrist his sword struck like a flash to strike the chuckling guard in the throat.
    With a gurgled cry the soldier collapsed to the ground his hands feebly trying to close the wound which pumped crimson onto the shiny floor.
    The other troops hesitated, a fatal mistake. Like a blur Welsly fell upon them. His bright yellow Tourmaline blade flicked and slashed in all directions as he carved his way through limbs and armour. He parried a spear thrust and lashed out with a blast of flame which blinded his attacker allowing him to bury his sword deep into his chest.
    Within moments all six of the Retbit soldiers lay dead at the Nightblades feet. Not a single sword or spear had even come close to wounding him.
    “Well done...” Accadus laughed sarcastically, his slow claps echoing up the staircase. “How about you take on someone a bit more akin to your own skills?”
    Welsly raised his arms as if to challenge the arrogant boy.
    “Comparing yourself to a Nightblade just shows how stupid you are little man. Come and pay for what you’ve done here.” Welsly challenged.
    Accadus simply smirked. He clicked his fingers.
    Luxon held his breath in anticipation. The sight of the Nightblade in combat had been incredible; Welsly confirmed all of the tales about their legendary feats. He narrowed his eyes at Accadus. The boy had always been a bully, but never had he seen him so cocky, so sure of himself, not even the sight of his men being slain had fazed him. Something was terribly wrong he