Read Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One) Page 85
Errollan opened his eyes and clutched his chest. He felt a gentle hand rest on his cheek and found Luss staring down at him with her enchanting eyes. He felt himself relax slightly at her sight. "Can you sit up?" she asked him softly. Errollan used his other hand to slowly prop himself up and saw that Ludvic was sitting next to him with his hands supporting his throbbing head.
"What happened?" asked Errollan.
"You and Ludvic were struck by one of Novokai's attacks," replied Luss. "It damaged you, but Fliethu and I managed to stop all of the bleeding."
"Thank you," said Errollan, slowly remembering the details. He took in his surroundings and noticed that the survivors had begun to gather the bodies of their fallen comrades. "How many have begun the journey?" he asked in a sombre tone.
Luss's eyes saddened at the question. "Eighteen of our companions have passed to the Third Plane. Kilthies and Mandigal are missing as well."
Errollan suddenly felt great apprehension. "Missing! Where did they go?"
Before Luss could answer Mandigal and Kilthies appeared in centre of the camp carrying the unconscious Queen Triel. Luss quickly ran towards them and examined her, whilst Kilthies dropped to the ground from exhaustion. Mandigal walked over to Errollan and sat down heavily. Guard Captain Harrinus, who was nursing the long cut on his side walked over and handed Mandigal a water skin.
After a long gulp, Mandigal moved closer to Errollan and said, "Novokai got away."
Errollan and Ludvic both uttered curses under their breath, for this meant that the entire Dargonian nation would now be looking for them.
"You need to get out of here and back to Precedin as quickly as possible. I suggest you move now," said Mandigal.
"I think you are right. It will be hard on those that are injured, but we need to get a head start on anyone who might be coming after us," replied Errollan.
"What of Novokai, can we expect another assault from him?" asked Ludvic.
"There is no doubt that he will try to find you once he has regained his strength," answered Mandigal. "Kilthies and his men will have to mask your presence constantly using their powers."
"Your magical powers must surely be superior to Kilthies's," stated Ludvic. "Why don't you create some kind of barrier for us."
Mandigal lowered his voice and moved in closely so that the others could not overhear. "Because I am not going with you."
Errollan and Ludvic both cast confused looks at Mandigal. "What do you mean?" asked Errollan.
"The confidence that I saw in Novokai's eyes when he spoke of Dargon's invasion shocked me. I believe that he may have been correct when he claimed that the Alliance will not be able to stop Dargon this time."
"So you are going to abandon us!" blurted Ludvic, angrily.
Mandigal shot an angry glare at his friend. "No I am not going to abandon you. I will return to Feldom soon, but first I must travel to Vladistov to see an old friend. There are too many unanswered questions for which we can find no answer."
Errollan did not agree with Mandigal's choice, but could not to challenge his decision. "When do you leave?"
"Now," replied Mandigal. "Make sure that you get everyone moving within the next couple of minutes. Triel must make it back to Feldom. She is a crucial factor in our survival." Errollan and Ludvic showed their agreement on the matter. "One more thing, my friends, know that it has been an honour fighting by your sides," added Mandigal.
Ludvic and Errollan were both surprised at Mandigal's use of words. He had never been one to openly share his emotions. "What is it?" asked Errollan, sensing that Mandigal had no told them everything.
"If I do not return to Feldom within two months you must contact Aldan Hermagoras and attempt what I have failed."
"The Duke of Vladistov, why would we want to speak with that fiend?" asked Ludvic.
"Because he is my step brother," replied Mandigal softly.