A Second Excerpt from The Talisman of Delucha
“Do you believe the gods knew our paths would lead here?” Jal’den asked quietly after a time. “I can’t help but think I was destined to be here, to experience this black despair. There is no other reason Blademon would have chosen me.”
“Jal’den—”
“Throughout my life, circumstance has always found a means to drive us apart, Commander. I will not forfeit my life to the gods-damned Soulless, and I won’t see yours taken, either. I mean to make a life with Sal’zar one day, in spite of Blademon’s designs, and in spite of this fucking war.” Jal’den drew himself upright and gazed skyward. “Blademon trained me at arms, sir, but he did not see fit to teach me strategy. Without you, our people are lost. So long as I draw breath, the Soulless will not touch you.”
Aran’daj closed his eyes briefly. Jal’den’s loyalty was admirable but foolish. If the Arms Master attempted to interfere when the Soulless decided to exact their punishment, he would fall as readily as Aran’daj. The Murkor people were defenseless against the Soulless’ foul brand of sorcery.
“Jal’den, one of us must live through our next encounter with Kama. If we both fall, there will be no one within the army to carry out the Kal’s plan.”
“I won’t fail, Commander,” Jal’den replied stubbornly.
“Gods, Jal’den, you are not invincible, and you have no means to counteract their magic!”
“They won’t see me coming, sir.” Jal’den chuckled mirthlessly beneath his hood. “Sal’zar gave me something, a gift from the alchemists that he’d been working on before…Before he was taken. When I saw him last, he gave it to me.”
“Secrets, Jal’den? I believed we were done with that business.”
“I may have spoken of ujar’havel, but I did not divulge everything. I was angry with you. A part of me remains so.” Jal’den shook his head in irritation.
Aran’daj sighed. He understood Jal’den’s position; he’d pressed for details he had no business inquiring after. Under Murkor law, Jal’den could have taken his life without repercussion or informed the Kal and have Aran’daj stripped of both title and caste. The Arms Master had done neither, but Aran’daj believed it unwise to prod him into action.
“I have apologized several times, Jal’den. I know it is not enough, but without your confession, I could not trust Sal’zar. I will forever be in your debt for keeping my indiscretions secret.”
Jal’den was silent for a time and Aran’daj sensed he was brooding. Finally, he said, “Sal’zar gave me a salve that when applied to my person and my armor, renders me almost invisible. I tested only a small amount, but it works as he claimed. He could not spare more than a single bottle.”
“Such a thing could prove very useful.” Aran’daj considered the possibilities that presented themselves, unbidden, to his mind. “Do not waste your gift on the Soulless’ return, Jal’den. Save it for a better time. We may need it in order to enact the Kal’s plans.”
“Fucking gods, Commander! What better time will there be?”
Aran’daj clung to the sudden hope that blossomed in his heart. “I believe an opportunity will present itself. Keep your salve, but prepare yourself for the eventuality of tomorrow’s events.”
He glanced over his shoulder to take in the ranks of soldiers marching through the rocky terrain, obedient and loyal to their commander and Kal. Did they share his dour outlook on the Soulless’ next appearance? Would they remain to serve Jal’den once he was named commander? Would they defect and disappear into the wilds of the human lands if forced to bear witness to his own execution?
“If you are named commander, Jal’den, do all in your power to protect the others.”
“I won’t be, sir. You’re our commander, and we will follow your lead.”
Aran’daj sighed; Jal’den would not be swayed. He prayed Kama would see reason, would understand retreat had been their only option as the battle of Pine unfolded. If he failed to convince the Soulless, he feared both he and the young Arms Master would lie dead at their feet.
The Talisman of Delucha will release July 19, 2022 and is currently available for preorder. You can preorder your copy today by clicking here: The Talisman of Delucha