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

“I love this land, Glasyin. I love what we have become. But unless we receive fresh blood
and new leadership, all that we have worked for and all that our forefathers achieved will be lost
to time. I am not yet willing to let that go. Are you?”
on himself.”
“You’re asking me to choose between my oldest friend and the land I love.”
“Yes, I am. I am aware of what I’m asking, and I realize that it is a horrible choice.”
“The betrayal of my friendship or the betrayal of my duty.”
“Yes. But keep in mind that your friend has betrayed you, sacrificing you to ease strain
“A betrayal you engineered.”
“It was a test for him as well, Glasyin. Had he stood fast, you and I would not be having
this discussion. I do not think I have misjudged you. I think that you recognize the necessity of
sacrifice. Your entire career has hinged around the understanding of this most difficult reality.”
We sat in silence for a while. The sky began to brighten with the predawn, roseate tinges
breaking the relentless grip of night.
I said at last, “You have done me a great disservice. You have treated the king unjustly.”
Athedon snorted. “Loyalty and justice are opposites. Surely you realized this! You cannot
serve a man and serve an ideal at the same time. Men die. But a civilization can last many years
longer. You are at the linchpin of the Empire’s history right now, General, and you must make
your decision. I must insist on it.”
“Answer this one question for me, then.”
“Absolutely. Whatever I can tell you.”
“Who will rule in Fannon’s place? And what shall become of him and his children?”
“You’re not asking where your place is in this?” he asked.
“I already know. I too have studied history, Athedon. Let me outline exactly how this
falls out: when my… my former staff comes to me to ask my advice and possibly my leadership,
for they will not trust Beremany, I will inform them that I accept you and yours as the new rulers.
I will suggest that they do the same for the good of the Empire. The army then stays out of the
coming battles. And then, for me, an honorable exile.”
“That is what I anticipated,” he replied equably.
“You won’t be able to trust me if I agree to this.” I held up a hand as he began to protest.
“If I take a position against my old friend, that shows that I can be leveraged with a threat to our
nation. If I do not take that position, I am giving up the oath I swore to protect the Empire. Either
way, I break faith. As I said, you have done me a grave disservice. I know what happens to
oathbreakers and traitors.”
Colin McComb Oathbreaker, Book 1: The Knight's Tale
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