Oathbreaker, Book 1: The Knight's Tale - Colin McComb

He looked me in the eye, then, and I saw some of his old fire. “General, your time is
through. You are an excellent leader of men, but you are not well loved in the court. I need a
commander who is equally adept at the tactics of the court as the strategy of the battlefield. To
that end, I have appointed Count-General Beremany as the new leader of our forces, effective
immediately.”
“Your Majesty, he is a capable leader and brilliant strategist, but I do not believe he has
the necessary understanding of the common soldier to—”
“What does the common soldier matter?”
“A great deal, your Majesty,” I replied hotly, “if you hope to win battles!”
“Then I’m sure Beremany will learn to understand them better.”
“I’m sure he’ll be another butcher like Hawkins.”
“Are you questioning my order, General?”
“Of course not, your Majesty, but—”
“Then I suggest you shut your mouth.”
I did. An attendant came and whispered in the king’s ear.
He closed his eyes. “I respect you a great deal, Glasyin, more than you imagine. I have
relied on you for years to guide me true. I do not do this lightly. There are political matters at
stake as well. None of our enemies can mount a credible threat to us at this point. If I thought
otherwise, this would be a much harder decision. As it is, our greatest threats come from within
the Empire. Do not imagine I have not felt the strain of keeping it together. The appointment of
Beremany will appease a certain faction, and when the tension has eased, I will allow you to
name his successor. Five to ten years should be enough.”
land, Glasyin.”
I swallowed. “Your Majesty, may I address my troops?”
“You may. Naturally, I expect you to present this in a positive light. I know you love this
“Thank you, your Majesty.”
“I’ll let you make the announcement to the court tomorrow.”
“Thank you.” I rose.
“As you leave, please send Beremany in.”
I bowed slightly, turned, and left the pavilion. Black-haired, black-hearted Jason
Beremany stood outside, his handsome face wreathed with satisfaction. He bowed his head, and it
was good that he did, for had I seen a smile on his face, I would have slit his throat from ear to
ear.
Colin McComb Oathbreaker, Book 1: The Knight's Tale
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