"Terence West - Wraiths 1 - Darkness" - читать интересную книгу автора (West Terence)

what would become the nightтАЩs 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 EsgobaethтАФthe High CouncilтАФyet
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 empireтАЩs
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 armorтАФa trophy from the previous nightтАЩs
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 MajestyтАЩs Service, while others had weathered far too many
winters. Yet, each was willing to fight and die at ColeтАЩs side, no questions asked.
A proud smile flickered across ColeтАЩs face as he pulled on his horseтАЩs reins and
turned the beast toward the men. тАЬYou men should all be commended on your
courage,тАЭ he boomed. тАЬYou are not fighting for the queen or England, but rather, for
the lives of our children, and our childrenтАЩs children.тАЭ He began to pace back and
forth in front of his regiment. тАЬI do not know what the future holds for us,тАЭ he
admitted, giving the men a brief glimpse of the same fear that ran cold through their
veins, тАЬbut tonight, mankind takes back the night!тАЭ
The men cheered loudly.