Death Mages Ascent: Revised Edition (Death Mage Series Book 1) by Jon Bender Page B

cells.
                  “Cribble?” Corin sounded as surprised as Jaxom felt by his own choice. “You’re sure?”
                  As Jaxom thought about his decision, it became more of the logical choice. He didn’t like Cribble anyway. If he was going to risk someone else’s life, why not his? That was a horrible way to think of it, but there it was. He then remembered that two other men he did not know would also be taking the same risks.
                  “Yes, have Cribble look for volunteers,” Jaxom said.
                  Corin began laughing loudly. “Oh, Captain Cribble is just going to love this. He has no choice, but he has to ask for volunteers. You, my friend, have a mean sense of humor.”
                  Jaxom had not considered the implications, but found that he enjoyed the idea of it. “Do you think he’ll have a hard time?”
                  “Dozens of men will jump at the chance,” Corin replied.
                  “What do you mean?”
                  “You truly have no idea what goes on in this palace, do you?” Corin’s laughter resumed. “You’ve become quite the hero among the men. Even those who were not there last night know what you did. They know that you saved many lives, possibly even mine. So no, I don’t think he will have any problem finding volunteers.”
                  Jaxom considered. That explained why the Guard had been saluting him. “We’ll need horses, supplies, and money.”
                  “Anything else?” Corin said.
                  “How strong are your ties to Sarinsha’s temple?” Jaxom asked. “Strong enough. They will provide a priest if I require one. The clergy have as much a vested interest in Ale’adaria winning as we do. The citizens of Dradon and Azuria do not have the choice of worshipping what gods they choose. If we are conquered, all the people will be commanded to worship Trell.”
                  “Good, will you send word that we require the services of Da’san?”
                  “I’ll have a messenger sent to the temple, and I’ll inform Cribble myself that you requested him.” He began laughing again. “I assume that you’ll only need four horses for the journey as you’ll be riding that creature that has been frightening my stable staff?”
                  In truth, Jaxom had forgotten his risen mare. Looking inward, he could still feel the small trickle of magic reanimating the horse.
                  “Four will do,” Jaxom said.
                  “See the Quarter Master, and tell him what you need. He will see to it that everything is waiting in the stables when you’re ready. I will also have Cribble inform you when he has his volunteers,” another small chuckle. Jaxom nodded to his friend, who gave him a pat on the shoulder before moving down the hall. His two guards shadowing every footsteps.
                  After visiting the Quarter Master, Jaxom found Celia in her rooms with Nelix going over battle plans. They, with other lords and officers, were to take a small force to the south in an attempt to harass the invaders while the king assembled the main army. This would buy the people time to flee north out of harm’s way. Jaxom explained what had transpired, and what he was to do.  At first, Celia demanded to send twenty of her own soldiers with him. He eventually got her to see that so many men would not be able to move freely. Nelix, in his usual stoic manner, shook his hand and wished him good luck.             
                  Back in his room, Jaxom loaded a pack with spare clothing. He grabbed a dagger from the stand near his bed and secured it to his belt next to a money pouch. The treasurer had given him a hefty sum totaling twenty gold and forty silver pieces.
    With nothing