The Faithful and the Fallen discussion

'Searing heat flashed all about Veradis as he leapt the wall of flames...'

No messing about with chapter twelve! Veradis is determined to defend his lord and hurls a spear at the giant levelling a sword at Nathair.

The giant stands half a man taller than Veradis, is much stronger than Veradis, and if we judge his speed by the way he cut the spear thrown at him down - is faster than Veradis (don't quote me on that last one!) I won't spoil a fantastic fight scene by breaking it down. If you are reading this then I can assume you have read it. If not a short fight between man and giant ensues but ultimately our young man - though he fought valiantly - is overpowered. The fight ends with the giant advancing on a fallen Veradis and Nathair stood over his man ready to defend him. A voice calls 'Hold' and Veradis slips into unconsciousness.

When he wakes he is being looked over by his comrade, Rauca. Rauca fills in all the blanks, explaining what had happened since he passed out. It was the old man who had called the halt and he and Nathair had been inside a tent talking ever since. The giant stood watch.

They made camp in the ridge that evening as Nathair had still not emerged. The following morning Veradis woke stiff and sore. Eventually Nathair emerges from the tent. He has a brief discussion with Veradis, he expresses that he shall never forget that Veradis had jumped through flames for him. Shortly afterwards the warband is mounted and riding for Jerolin.

We find out what Nathair and Lykos' advisor were so long discussing. In short, Lykos wishes there to be peace between Tenebral and the Vin Thalun. Veradis is unsure as hatred for the Vin Thalun runs deep among his kinsmen but Nathair believes it is 'for the greater good.' So he is to talk with his father. What is interesting is we find out the advisor was called Calidus, what's more is Calidus and King Aquilus have met previously and we are to understand it did not go well. Nathair makes his men swear to not utter the advisors name as he wouldn't want this new potential peace to be jeopardised over a name.

When Nathair first takes his news to his father and asks that he follow this path to peace his father agrees to think on it.

The king agrees, and Deinon (the Vin Thalun prisoner) is to take their answer to Lykos. He is accompanied by some of the eagle guard. When asked why the escort? He explains that they are there to make sure Deinon keeps his word. And that Aquilus does not trust him/them.

The chapter ends with Rahim, Tarbesh's king answering the call to council.

'So it begins...'