"Terence West - Darkness" - читать интересную книгу автора (West Terence)

But the path is yours alone.

It will not be easy.
'

PROLOGUE
White fog laced with heavy black smoke from the numerous campfires drifted over what would become
the night's battlefield. As the last rays of sunlight began to sink in a pink and orange haze behind the
horizon, the far-off sound of inhuman war cries began to waft over the peaceful grassy plain. To the east
sat a dense line of trees that cut like a scar across the pristine green field before them. Darkness, even in
midday, seemed to cling to this place as if it were a mother protecting its young. It swooped in and
around the grizzled branches of the trees and vegetation, providing a soupy blanket that most sane men
would not penetrate.

On this night, they had no choice.

It was the year 1704 of their lord, a day when all must be sacrificed for the good of mankind. The
encroaching darkness had moved too far into the world of man. They vowed to draw the line here and
no farther. These creatures were more like a plague than an invading army. They would attack with sheer
animal ferocity, all the while, harvesting the dead soldiers to their own ranks. To send wave after wave of
soldiers at them did nothing more than bolster their army, yet this was what the Esgobaeth had seen. This
was the way it must be.

Many did not see the wisdom of the Esgobaeth-the High Council-yet Solomon Cole was beginning to.
The upcoming battle, while important to the men here today, held significance for the future, no matter the
outcome. Tonight would be a defining moment for the Gwyliad Wriaeth. Cole was starting to understand
that. Sir Solomon Cole was a knight of the British Empire. He fought for those in the realm who could not
do so. This was his sworn duty and he would die to uphold it. It was this belief in duty and honor that led
him to the White Guard. Swathed in mystery and disinformation, they were fighting a war they went to
great lengths to conceal from all prying eyes. There was greater importance here than the empire's
acquisition of wealth and land. These men were defending the future. Cole could not let this call go
unheeded. He was fighting tonight for the very fate of every man, woman, and child on Earth.

Drawing his broad sword from its sheath, Cole listened to the clink of his plate armor as he gripped the
hilt with both hands. Clad from head to toe in meticulously crafted armor and chain mail, he sat proudly
on the back of his sturdy, powerful steed. A bloody, jagged wound sliced from his left cheek to his
throat, spilling blood on the silver and gold breastplate of his armor-a trophy from the previous night's
engagement. His mocha colored hair fell down from his head in curly waves and terminated just above
the imperial purple collar of his shirt. His dark brown eyes scanned the empty battlefield ahead as the
sounds of war once again met his ears.

The armored segments on his gloves scraped together as he moved the sword into one hand and lifted it
high above his head. Turning to look behind him, he surveyed his men. Each clad in various bits of armor
and common clothing, they held their weapons at the ready. Hands shook and lips trembled as they faced
what they knew would probably be their final moonrise. Some were extremely young, having just entered
Her Majesty's Service, while others had weathered far too many winters. Yet, each was willing to fight
and die at Cole's side, no questions asked.

A proud smile flickered across Cole's face as he pulled on his horse's reins and turned the beast toward
the men. "You men should all be commended on your courage," he boomed. "You are not fighting for the