Friday, June 24, 2016

The King's Challenge #338

TKC 338

We discussed the need to return to Arc on the ship, but I believed it was to confront the Glonu in what they regard as their stronghold on Massin. While I do not think King Linus’ presence is required, I did assume he may provide the inspiration Ilfin soldiers need for a final push to victory. In defence of their king, they will be as hounds from hell.

Enris, however, clearly sees strategy in a whole other light.

“Are we doing this to find a talent?” I hiss at the man in an undertone.

An arm snakes over my shoulder and Enris presents his hand to me. “Delve, General Coltern. Then you will understand.”

I stare at the hand before me. A hand that has many scars from the nicks and cuts acquired in the numerous battles we have seen until this point. A hand of a mature man, with callouses, the kind that grow upon skin after much sword fighting. A few weeks ago this hand belonged to a boy called Horin … and abruptly I realise Enris possesses far more power than a common Ilfin aspires to. The inner soul matured his host body in days in order to be ready for war. That is beyond even the Warrior talent.

To delve deep requires touch; this is why he presents his hand. I thought he would ever shy away from this and thus is the knowledge he seeks to share with me of paramount importance … and no one other than him and me may know of it.

By the stars, I do not like this.

I clasp his hand and my head snaps back to thud against the padded seat. The rush of insight is paralysing thereafter, as is the addiction to alien images. Delvers avoid this; seeing the new and the strange can become an addiction.

Breath leaves me explosively as I shove his hand from me. By all bloody stars! That is what he seeks?



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