A Sellsword's Mercy

by Jacob Peppers

  What’s that? You hear the sounds of fighting? Yes, come to it, so do I. Soon, I fear, things will be decided one way or the other, never mind our presence. But still we will be there to see it. That much, at least, we will do. Just another moment and…

  I’m sorry? You believe I hesitate? Now, at the brink?

  Fine—yes, I know, truth and truth only between us. Very well, I hesitate. But do you not feel it? Do you not know that we have reached the very edge of things? The very end?

  Whatever Aaron and his companions face on the other side, whatever fate seeks them even now, there will be no second chances. What waits for us there, on the other side, is truth and that only. Perhaps, it will be the death of Aaron and his companions—perhaps they will win through. But no matter how things fall we will bear witness to the death of hope, for what comes is final, as all true endings are, as all true endings must be.

  I see that you are impatient to cross, to lend what support we may to Aaron, to Adina and the others. Very well—I will lead you, for a poor guide I would be should I let you make the journey alone. But, please, just another moment.

  Just one more moment…to catch my breath…

  About the Author

  Jacob Peppers lives in Georgia with his wife, his son, Gabriel, and their three dogs. He is an avid reader and writer and when he’s not exploring the worlds of others, he’s creating his own. His short fiction has been published in various markets, and his short story, “The Lies of Autumn,” was a finalist for the 2013 Eric Hoffer Award for Short Prose. He is the author of the bestselling series, The Seven Virtues, as well as The Nightfall Wars, and The Essence Chronicles.