Lord of Ashes

THIRTY-EIGHT

They had burned the bodies of Kazul and Akkula, the pyre lit bright against the ominous black clouds overhead. Regulus had said the words as best he could but how he missed Leandran and his wisdom now. How he yearned to have the words said right for the men he had brought north and who had died for him. Regulus knew he could not lament too long on that. They had known what they were fighting for. Yes, they had followed him out of loyalty, but they had also fought for their own glory.

Their pyre had been built high, but there were other pyres alongside. Pyres for the corpses of the enemy, pyres for the dead Coldlanders who had fought beside the Zatani and died in their hundreds. The stench wafted across the city, covering Steelhaven in the stink of burning meat. Regulus felt the sting of shame as his stomach rumbled at the smell. He took solace in the fact there would be time to gorge himself aplenty, either when these Khurtas had been defeated or when he was dead and returned to the earth as a warrior reborn.

For now he had to think about avenging his fallen. By rights there needed to be a sacrifice for both Kazul and Akkula. Regulus vowed there would be blood spilled in rivers for their loss. He could hardly wait for the next attack.

Night was already falling. It would not be long. He could see the enemy mustering to the north and the sense of unease washed across the wall, the Coldlanders girding themselves for what might be the final battle. Regulus felt no unease, only anticipation. This would be where he died or where his name would be remembered throughout the Coldlands and beyond. They would talk of his deeds amongst the Clawless Tribes for centuries. He could only hope word of it carried far enough south for Faro to hear. For Faro to know Regulus Gor yet lived. For Faro to fear him and his reputation before he travelled back to Equ’un to reclaim his birthright.

Janto sat some feet away, running a whetstone along the edge of one of his axes. The sound of it ringing out rhythmically was the only thing that broke the uneasy silence. It was ironic that of all the warriors he had brought north, Janto Sho would be the last to stand by his side. Of all the Zatani he had fought with, this was the only one who might turn against him. And now more than ever since his life debt was paid. Janto had saved Regulus from the golden-eyed warrior woman — they owed one another nothing now. They were equals once more, and from rival tribes no less. There was no telling what Janto might do next.

Regulus walked forward to stand beside him, listening for a moment to the ringing of whetstone on steel.

‘There is nothing to keep you here,’ he said when it was clear Janto was not about to stop. ‘There is no need for you to risk yourself further.’

Janto remained silent, carrying on with sharpening his axe. Regulus waited until the ringing finally ceased and Janto stared out at the city thoughtfully, considering his answer.

‘You think you are the only one with something to prove, Gor’tana? You think you are the only one searching for glory?’

‘There may be little glory to be had. There may only be death.’

Janto barked a laugh. ‘There is no glory without death. By risking our lives for this city, by destroying its enemies by the score, we will become legend. I think I’m in just the right place for that. There’ll be enemies aplenty to build my reputation upon. A pile of skulls for me to stand atop and howl my name across the continents.’

‘And when there are no more enemies to fight? Will you turn those axes on me?’ Regulus took a step back, his hand not far from his own black blade.

Janto merely smiled, regarding Regulus with those blue eyes. ‘Taking your head would be glorious indeed; I won’t pretend I haven’t thought about it. But look around you. These Coldlanders have tried to kill us once, and we came north to fight at their side. When we’ve defeated their enemies you’ll be the only one left watching my back. I’d be a fool to kill you now.’

Regulus stared back at him. ‘You’d be a fool to try,’ he said.

Janto smiled, holding his gaze, not showing any sign of weakness.

‘It may not matter anyway. Who knows, perhaps there is a warrior coming who can defeat us both. Then we’ll never know which of us is the greater.’

‘Perhaps there is such a warrior,’ Regulus replied, looking out to the north. He drew his sword, and Janto quickly raised his own axes at the ready. ‘If there is I think we’re about to find out.’

He pointed to the north and Janto turned to see.

The Khurtas were on the move again.