Book 3, Chapter 116 - No Longer Alone (1/2)

Governor Arcturus’ cool gaze never left Hammont. “Do you have proof of the things you say?”

Hammont was speaking off the cuff, so when the governor’s gaze fell upon him he felt like a mountain had landed on his shoulders.

As a run-of-the-mill soldier, he was deferential to even novice demonhunters. He was ready to pledge his life to a general if he came across one. How, then, should he react when coming face to face with the greatest demonhunter to grace the earth?

Arcturus Cloude was universally accepted as the ultimate demonhunter, as well as the political head of the entire domain. He was a man of civil and military achievements that were utterly unparalleled. Compared to Arcturus, Hammont was like the dirt beneath his feet.

The governor’s shrewd eyes pinned him in place. Hammont had begun to sweat, and his mind could focus on nothing but that crushing presence.

Although his presentation had been exaggerated, nothing Hammont had said was untruthful. Arcturus’ piercing eyes felt like it held him fast for an age, but really it only lasted half a moment. Once again he knelt, donning his dramatic facade.

Without Cloudhawk he would still just be a lowly squad leader. Without Cloudhawk he would have died on the Blisterpeaks. Without Cloudhawk he wouldn’t be standing here, speaking with these great men.

He was a simple man from a simple family, who rose from the humblest of beginning to where he stood today. His mother had always said their sort were to first be worthy of the grace of gods, second to be worthy of others, and last to be worthy of themselves.

His fat face grew stern, his movements solemn. “Before the eyes of the gods I, Hammont Secrest, pledge on my honor – now and forever – that if Cloudhawk is a traitor then I will accept any punishment. I am so certain than I willingly barter my life on it.”

Cloudhawk was floored. “Hammy, you...”

Drake followed suite, dropping to one knee. “I also swear it, on my life and honor.”

In reality Drake had questions, a suspicion that Cloudhawk was holding back secrets, but he believed to his core that Cloudhawk was no demon sympathizer. He had saved him from the demon during the battle for the Blisterpeaks.

If he had truly been blinded by Cloudhawk’s lies, he’d just pay for his mistake with his life.He was a true man, through and through, and there was no way a man could shrink back at times like this.

“And me! I swear as well!” Dawn refused to be silenced and ignored Phain’s attempt to hold her down. She shot up, strode to the center of the platform then went down on one knee. “I, Dawn Polaris, before the eyes of the gods and the High Priest, swear upon Cloudhawk’s loyalty with my life and honor! Whether now or in the future, if he is found to be a traitor then I will take my own life. I will forfeit my name and reputation, and may the gods condemn my immortal soul.”

The corners of Skye’s eyes tightened. Gods, she cares a lot for the boy. He has her roped in.

Cloudhawk… oh, Cloudhawk. If you ever do anything to harm this realm or my granddaughter, I will hunt you to the ends of the earth and tear you limb from limb! A smoldering, ominous light burned in Skye’s eyes.

As Dawn’s words still hung in the air, someone from the Court of Shadows delegation stepped forward. She was a young woman with a pretty, cherubic face and she took a knee beside the others. “Like them, I attest to brother Cloudhawk’s honor.”

Her pledge shocked the council even further. Cloudhawk was a mere waif! How could he command such respect from so many? Not only did they trust the young man, they swore on their very lives! Theirs was no ordinary friendship.

But of them all, Cloudhawk was the most surprised. He gawked at the small crowd kneeling in the center of the platform. Each of them came from different backgrounds, with different social statuses, but they all were willing to give up everything to prove his innocence.

Cloudhawk felt something he’d never felt before, like a warmth that spread from his chest and penetrated into his soul. All this time he thought he was alone, for he had been born a lowly wastelander. Although he had made friends, he had always believed that fact would forever be a barrier between them.

He never knew what it was like to be recognized as a person. It felt… good.

He’d wandered alone for so long, only to look back now and see that he had these friends with him all along. Real friends, willing to fight and die side by side with him.

How could he live up to their faith and confidence!

In his heart sparked a flame that had been cold for a long time. He was like a lost man once again seeing the beacon that marked the way forward. At the very least, the next time he fought he would know what he was fighting for. Three years he’d lived in the Elysian lands, and for the first time he felt a sense of camaraderie and belonging.

“And I!”

This voice was one no one expected, but was heard all the same.

Atlas Umbra!

Cloudhawk had Hammont’s appreciation for the help he’d given. Drake stood for Cloudhawk because he’d saved his life. Dawn was an old friend, and he’d served with Felina for three years in the valley. These people had clear reasons and a history with him. But Atlas? What was his angle?

The two men were far from friendly with one another. On the contrary, you could say there was an old score they had yet to address. But instead of kicking him while he was down, Atlas was offering a hand to help him up. It was an act no one could explain.

But whatever the case, Atlas words bore weight. Lending it to Cloudhawk’s defense would help him greatly.

The briefest glint of an intrigued smile appeared on the governor’s face, but passed an instant later.

It was a potent display of Cloudhawk’s charm. Were it Frost de Winter in his place now… Arcturus wondered if anyone would kneel in Frost’s defense. Cloudhawk was born with the soul of a leader, which made him the heart of that group whether he intended it or not. He just never realized it.