7
Tarkyn stood just within the woods watching their return. He waited until their eyes had adjusted to the gloom and they were standing before him in the small clearing.
“And so, Captain Harkell, now that darkness has fallen, we must leave. What is your decision?”
The captain dropped to one knee and placed his hand over his heart. “Sire, would you do me the honour of accepting me into your service?”
“What of your loyalty to my brother?”
Without raising his head, he replied, “Sire, I have been back to the place of my punishment. It is clear that Prince Jarand has completely forsaken me and so, with a clear conscience I can forsake him. He did not expect me to live to serve him further. And so my life is my own to do with as I wish.”
“And would you throw away your newly found freedom s
