Prologue

"You're an embarrasment Kane, and you always will be. I can tell now why your parents left you at the chapel. They could see what you were going to become." The speaker sat down at the bar and stared at the man. They were both fairly young, but weathered by circumstance. Kane was tall, dark haired and of tanned complexion, whereas the speaker was blonde, and shorter and stockier than his counterpart. "Drinking ain't gonna solve your problems. My sword might at least put an end to em."

"You've been sent here to kill me, Calicus?" asked Kane, still hunched over his glass, giving no other indication that he had even seen the three men approach him.

"You're a defecter. A coward. Only thing we do with cowards in our King's army, is give em a quick death," said Calicus.

"I'm well aware of the policy."

"Then why'd you do it? You goddamn volunteered for the army!"

"Yeah, well it's not everything they tell you at the rallys. If you'd have seen what I'd seen...well let's just say your little legs would have carried you much furthur than I got."

"Seen what you'd seen? We're in the same damn company! I was there for the slaughter of the Valderians, and I was also there when we stormed that heathen temple. The terrible things that they were doing in there is exactly why we're so important to this country, to the world."

"I have seen the face of our master, and it is far more evil than any heathen temple or Valderian slaughter."

"Yeah, well you're mad. The three of us are taking you in for execution. If you can't live honourably, at least try to die with honour."

Kane stood to face his would-be jailors. Calicus did likewise. Kane recognised the other two men, both also from his company. There was Alexion, short and skinnier than the other men, but he was a survivor, cunning and quick. Then there was also his old friend Balus, a large sharp featured man, who he was frankly surprised to see.

"Et tu, Balus?" he asked.

Balus shrugged. "I asked specially to be in the squad that picked you up. Thought it would be fitting after what you owe me."

Kane forced a smile and drew his sword. His three opponents drew theirs.

"I'm glad it will end this way," said Calicus. "Killing you will certainly make my day."

The three men moved menacingly, poised to strike at any moment. Kane kept on the defensive, warily trying to keep his sword in a position that could block an attack from any of the men.

Suddenly, Balus dropped his sword and picked up Alexion, heaving the flailing man through the tavern window. Kane used the distraction to dart in under Calicus's guard and lethally spear the man through the chest. Kane guided the man to the floor in his arms and looked at him with a grimace. Calicus laughed weakly.

"What is it?" asked Kane. "Why do you laugh while you die?"

"Because," said Calicus. "Because I die now a respected member of the King's army. But when you die...you will still be a coward."

Kane stayed over Calicus, glaring with mixed emotions.

"He's dead," said Balus.

"Thank you, my friend."

"S'no problem. I could tell cause his eyes are all glazy and his arms all floppy."

"What? No, I meant to thank you for helping me out in the battle."

"I told you, you still owe me that drink."

"You're never going to let that go, are you Balus?"

"It was a fifty florin glass of whisky Kane. I've killed men for cheaper drinks than that."

"Well as soon as I come across fifty florins, I'll pay you back, and you won't have to hound me like some kind of unpaid bodyguard."

"Here's hoping you never come across fifty florins," said Balus, grinning. "So what now? We run?"

"Yes Balus, we run," replied Kane. It made sense really. That's all he'd ever been good at. Run, run, run, and leave your troubles far behind.