Meta Gods War 3, B. Miles [best english books to read for beginners .txt] 📗

and I love Miuri and Felin and Key. I love what you’ve built together. I love what we might do in the future.”

“I love you too, Galla,” he said. “You’re a part of our life now. All of our lives.”

She stood on her toes and Cam kissed her, letting it linger.

“I’ll watch over the Mansion while you’re gone,” she said.

“I know you will.” He touched her cheek. “I’m worried, though.”

“Why?”

“I’m taking most of the warriors. I’m afraid something might happen. Warden Dore…”

“Dore won’t be a problem,” Galla said. “He was loyal to my father, but my father’s gone now. His loyalties aren’t that strong.”

“Still, there are those within this Mansion that are very angry about how you ended up the Lord.”

“I know.” She smiled and Cam saw a deep pit of sadness there. “But don’t worry about me. I have some plans for the Wardens. I think they’ll be a fine royal guard and secret police.”

Cam laughed and kissed her cheek. “Can’t help yourself, can you?”

“Always thinking ten moves ahead.”

“I wish I could have you out on campaign.”

“I do too. But we both know I’m needed here.”

“I know.” He kissed her again. “I’m going to miss you. But I’ll come back to you.”

“You better come back.” Her smile melted away as she took his right hand. She nuzzled against this palm, breathing deep. “I need you to come back, Cam.”

He tilted his head. “I promise. I won’t leave you.”

“Just hurry back,” she said.

He pulled her into a tight embrace. He held her, then pulled her back and kissed her.

“Don’t get lost out there. Do what you need to do, then come home.”

“I will. I swear it.”

“Good.” She stood on her toes and kissed him.

Cam kissed her one last time then let her go. She strode off through the sea of men, leaving him alone by the cart, his heart racing in his chest.

The world suddenly seemed so much smaller. It was like the universe contracted and there was only his family now.

“Sir,” a voice barked.

Cam turned as Arter and his sons pushed through the marching men. They stood with their backs straight in glorious new heavy leather armor and saluted him, shields hooked over their right arms, swords at their side.

“Well, look at you,” Cam said. “You look like a true personal guard.”

A smile broke across Arter’s lips. “I hope so, sir.”

“What do you have to report, soldier?”

“We found the wolves during our training mission,” Arter said. “They’re in an encampment not far from here.”

“How many?”

“As far as I can tell, they haven’t gained in number.”

“That’s good. I need you to assemble my family. Miuri, Key, and Felin. Find them, bring them to me.”

“Yes, sir.” Arter saluted.

“And Arter? Send word to the general staff. I want the army down the switchbacks and camping at the base of the mountain by tonight.”

“I’ll have it done, sir.”

“You’re dismissed.”

Arter turned on his heel and marched off, followed by his sons.

Cam watched him go then climbed back on top of the cart.

The Mansion’s walls stood tall and thick with millions of years of rock and history. His army swarmed toward the plateau and toward the confrontation that would decide all their fates.

But for Cam, his entire world was now in this place, in these rock walls, and in the people that lived there.

He gripped his father’s sword and swore he’d return.

16

The war council convened under flickering lamplight.

Cam sat at the head of a long wooden table. Camp Wardens moved through the dim tent, offering the general staff drinks, moving maps, unfurling documents, and taking away empty mugs. He watched Brice and Theus argue over the proper placement of the heavy infantry, listened to Key needle at a few of her Captains for letting the men pitch their tents too close together, and felt Felin’s eyes rake across the assembled men and women.

Most of the faces were familiar. He’d picked them himself, chosen from his family and friends. Gwedi and Miuri sat at the opposite end of the table, speaking in low tones to a bearded man named Lagon. Arter loomed over it all, his eyes watchful, his hand resting on the pommel of his Mansion-steel sword.

Cam brought the gathering to order by standing. He felt all eyes move toward him as he stared back at them. He felt the weight of the moment and the uncertainty of the future hang heavy over his shoulders, but he refused to let it bend him down.

“Thank you all for coming,” he said.

“You’re the Head General,” Brice said. “When you order a council, we show up.”

Cam gave her a half smile. “Thanks all the same.”

“We need to talk about supplies,” Lagon called out. “These Elves here think we don’t have much grain to last the march.”

“We’ll worry about that later,” Cam said. “And I’m sure Gwedi and Miuri are right in their assessment.”

Lagon grunted and leaned back in his chair, crossing his big arms over his burly chest. Miuri winked at him and Gwedi rolled her eyes.

“We need to discuss troop deployments,” Theus said. “If we hold the heavy infantry on the right flank—”

Cam raised a hand. “We’ll speak of that later as well, Theus.”

Theus closed his jaw shut and leaned back in his chair.

“What are we discussing right now, then, General?” Theus asked.

Cam took a breath and steadied himself.

“The wolves are camped nearby, at the base of this ravine.” He reached out and placed a finger on a large map of the area. The others leaned forward to get a better view. “My scouts inform me that their numbers are swelling as more and more wolves move down from the north. For now, though, I believe we’re evenly matched in number, although we aren’t matched in experience.”

“The heavy infantry can break their backs,” Brice said, pounding a fist on the table.

“And the light infantry will sweep them aside,” Key said.

Cam held up a hand again. “I have no doubt,” he said. “But half our army is made up of fresh conscripts, and the other half is