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Union of Renegades
The Rys Chronicles Book I

Tracy Falbe
Copyright 2006 Tracy Falbe


To Scott
~


Union of Renegades
Rising to his knees, Shan cried, тАЬI did not know the power would cause
me such wretched temptation!тАЭ
The great old trees looming in the darkness absorbed the sound of his
tortured voice, but they had little interest in his painful discoveries.
The Rys Chronicles
Union of Renegades


1

In the Service of the Empire
The river crossing would be dangerous. The loss of some men and
horses could be expected, but the overwhelming numbers of the
Atrophane Horde would prevail. Dreibrand Veta was glad to lead the first
wave of soldiers across the water even though officers of his rank did not
usually put themselves at the forefront of battle.
But Dreibrand differed from the other lieutenants of the Lord General
Kwan. He needed to try harder. Nothing less than his exploits and bravery
would counteract the disgrace that burdened the Veta name.
The breath of horses and men steamed in the predawn chill of the
spring night. The water would be cold, but Dreibrand knew he would soon
have the heat of battle to keep him warm. He could feel the nervous
agitation around him. Although Atrophane soldiers had complete
confidence in their abilities, each man knew he would be vulnerable while
in the middle of the river.
Their only protection would be the darkness. The blare of trumpets and
thunder of drums that usually heralded the onslaught of the Atrophane
would not be used tonight. Quiet and darkness would usher the
conquerors into the Bosta heartland. The dawn would come, and the
Bostas would see their existence as a free people end.
Calmly, Dreibrand gave the order to advance. Lord Kwan had honored
him by allowing him to coordinate the crossing and decide the correct
moment to start.
The hooves of Starfield, the dappled gray warhorse that Dreibrand rode,
plunged first into the flowing water. Dreibrand liked being first. The
splashing of hundreds of riders and the snorting of displeased horses
warned the Bostas lining the opposite bank that the crossing began.
Dreibrand brought his shield up to his nose because arrows would soon