Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One)

by Julian Saheed

Christill sat up and drank from the cup. The much needed water soothed his dry throat. The assassin took the cup away and threw a small bit of bread onto the ground next to him. He picked it up and ate it quickly, despite its rotten state.

  Novokai, who was watching from behind, walked up and stood next to Christill. "How are you faring?" he asked.

  Christill could tell from his tone that there was no hint of concern in the question, merely curiosity. "I am fine, thank you," replied Christill mockingly.

  Novokai gave out a frightening laugh that Christill had come to hate so strongly. "I have been thinking, Christill...," he said in a lighter tone.

  "That must have been difficult," returned Christill, only causing Novokai's smile to widen.

  "You have the potential to become something great. That wretch Dievu saw it in you, but he was going to try to use you for his own purposes. The Karmanians have a history of doing that."

  Christill remained silent, an angry gaze fixed on Novokai.

  "There is no doubting that I am the most gifted disciple to ever grace this world," continued Novokai, merely stating his belief. "I could teach you wondrous things."

  Christill realized that what he had overheard hours before was indeed true. Novokai was trying to manipulate him to further his own cause. But why? "Why would you wish to teach me anything? What could you possibly gain from this?" Christill asked.

  "I have learnt from what I saw in your mind that you are not so different than I was at your age. Mind you that was a long, long time ago," said Novokai with a grin. "You have the same craving for power and strength as I once did. It would be a shame to let a Valiant such as you go to waste."

  "After what you have done to the Queen, you think that I would join with you," said Christill harshly.

  "Forget the Queen. What has Feldom ever done for you, Christill? You owe them no more loyalty than you do the Miirvkin. Remain loyal to me and you will have power. You will rise to greatness."

  Christill had heard enough. He would no longer let Novokai think that he had him under his spell. "Don't try to fill my head with lies you swine," he yelled. "I know what you seek to do with me. You would use me as an instrument to claim Dargon for yourself. Your hateful backstabbing race is no greater than the barbaric Miirvkin themselves."

  Novokai's eyes opened wide at this retaliation. "Well, well. It looks like you have been eavesdropping in on our conversations."

  Christill sneered. "You thought you had it all planned out. Thought that you could lull me into your trap and manipulate me. You forget that I swore an oath to stay true to myself. I will never allow anyone like you to take me from where my loyalties lie. I was born in Feldom and there my heart will remain for the rest of my life."

  Novokai laughed once more. "A brave speech. You truly are something unique, Christill. You could have become a god amongst men if you had taken my advice. But alas, it is now too late. I will use you as my pawn whether you like it or not. Once I have erased the Queen's mind, you will be next. When I am through with you, you will be a shell of a man, fully loyal to Dargon and fully obedient to me. My own personal slave."

  Christill's gaze lowered and his heart sank. He knew he was powerless to stop Novokai. The more he thought on it, the more he realized that a fate worse than death awaited him.