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After another pause, Roden continued, "I went to Gelyn with forty of Jaron’s finest ht I was there to teach them how to follow me, but that wasn’t the plan at all Instead, they were there to teach me how to lead them, to make e or the wit ofBut yes, if necessary, I could win this war for Carthya"

They took a few quiet sips of their drinks, then the Bymarian commander said, "I know little about Jaron, other than the stories Carthyans tell about hi I needed was for hih; I didn’t need to fight my own history as well

But when Roden asked what stories, Orison replied, "I heard that the people of Carthya would follow your king to the devils’ lair and back again Is it true?"

"Yes, and I would be first ast theoes, and trust with all my heart that he in this war"

"How can you be sure?"

Roden’s focus turned to the fire and he lowered his voice "Soo, Jaronis on his right forearm He tries to keep it covered, but soliht near me" Orison licked his lips, and then said, "I noticed you have the same mark too, by the way There are ru"

"He won’t talk about it," Roden said, "but it’s true Do you kno he gained that title?"

Orison shrugged "According to the story I heard, he fought the pirate king and won, though the battle ended with his broken leg"

"He lets people believe that, but that’s not the real story" Now Roden faced his co And the battle didn’t end with Jaron’s broken leg That’s how it began Jaron escaped from a secure room, climbed the face of a cliff, and defeated ive up his life one day, but it will never be taken from him"

Orison let out a lohistle "Why doesn’t he tell the story? The people should know"

"Jaron thinks it’ll turn his arht, unfortunately" Orison was silent for a o from his enemy in battle to his captain?"

"Jaron never saw us as enemies He risked his life to make me see that too" Roden shifted his position, as if suddenly uncomfortable with the turn of the conversation "I owe hi still, but I look forward to watching you grow as their captain I believe the day will coreatest leaders in all the lands"

"Only as long as I’s" Roden pondered that aearlier tonight I’d better go find him"

He left the fire and ca Only noas leaning against the tree, with rin on my face that I kneould irritate him

Roden licked his lips as he stared at reatest kings?" My sreatest?"

"This will only ance worse, I’m sure"

"Really? Do you think that’s possible?"

He chuckled "You can alwaysmyself"