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

I found Hargrave and told him to call a general muster of his troops in the morning. He opened
his mouth to ask why, saw my face, and left half-running. In my turn, I retreated to a marble
bench in the back of the garden. I couldn’t leave the party now, but at the same time, I had no
desire to be the object of everyone’s gossip. I was certain Beremany had spread news of his good
fortune and my ill before he even entered the pavilion. That scheming little bastard.
I sat in the dark, listening to the party, plotting, plotting. The revel was winding down
when the Count of Ithan threw himself noisily to the marble bench beside me. I knew this pudgy
man fairly well, and had even counted myself among the outer reaches of his circle of friends at
one point. He was a vivacious, jovial man, but I knew a calculating, cunning mind lay beneath his
kindness. Still and all, he was not a bad man. I liked him better than most in the court.
“What a night, Glasyin, what a night!” he exclaimed, wiping the sweat from his brow.
“I’ve been dancing all night with anyone who’d have me.”
I forced a laugh. “But for my leg, I’d have joined you myself.”
“What happened?” he asked.
“A stupid accident,” I replied. “While I was cleaning my dress sword, I dropped it. My
reflexes are slowing. It’s a good thing my mind remains as sharp as ever, because it appears that I
can’t be trusted to carry my own blades.”
He laughed with me, but I thought his laughter had a forced quality. Perhaps I was
imagining it. He leaned back, stretching, and said, “Ah, but fighting in the wars personally is no
longer your duty, is it?”
“That task has fallen to more able citizens,” I replied curtly.
“For the many battles you’ve fought, I suppose, it’s only just that you can now retire
safely behind the lines.” He paused. “Of course, I have heard the news, and you have my
condolences.”
“My thanks.”
“I know that the warriors of Ithan County felt safe with your steady hand guiding them in
the wars. Many of the other counties’ men feel the same. You are a valuable resource to this land,
Glasyin. In fact, I’d say that your leadership might be all that keeps the army in line right now.
Who knows what might happen with Beremany in charge?”
I turned my head to him again. He was gazing at me blandly, but I could practically hear
his thoughts. I looked back at a few revelers staggering through the gardens. I turned my eyes out
Colin McComb Oathbreaker, Book 1: The Knight's Tale
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