Read Brothers to the Death (The Saga of Larten Crepsley) for Free Online Page B

desperate. That desperation struck Larten hard and he said nothing as Wester continued. “Without you, I’m lost. All the years I’ve devoted to this… the arguments, the winning of influential friends, the sacrifices… it will have all been for nothing. I’ve always believed the clan would rally and take the fight to the craven, purple traitors before they came looking for us. That belief keeps me going and defines who I am. Without it I’m nobody, a nothing.”
    Wester’s eyes were brimming with tears and he had to pause. Larten wanted to say something, but he could think of nothing that would be of any help.
    “I’m finding it hard to sustain that belief,” Wester sobbed. “Friends and allies are deserting the movement. Generals scowl when I speak ill of the vampaneze. I’ve been told to guard my tongue, that this isn’t the time for such sentiments. We were so close—closer than you can imagine—to winning over the clan. Now our dreams are unraveling. A golden opportunity is passing us by, and in a few more years the chance to strike will have been lost.”
    “That is for the best,” Larten said. “If the clan does not desire war, why push for one?”
    “Because it’s going to come whether we want it or not!” Wester shouted. “The vampaneze have been promised ultimate victory over us. They’re simply waiting for their fabled Lord to arise. Once he does, all will be lost. Our only chance is to stamp them out
now
, before the prediction of Mr. Tiny’s comes to pass.”
    “Mr. Tiny…” Larten growled. “Have you not thought that this might be part of his plan? He predicted war between the clans, but there has been no sign that either side yearns for battle. Maybe he is using you to start the war that he longs for. The vampaneze hate the idea of leadership. They believe in true equality, no Generals or Princes. If we threatenthem, perhaps their opinion will change, and maybe
that
will lead to the emergence of the Lord of the Vampaneze whom you so fear.”
    “Even if it does, he’ll only be a Lord of corpses,” Wester sneered. “If we act swiftly and brutally, we can kill them all. It will be an ugly war. Our losses will be severe. But if we can secure the future of the clan, won’t it be worthwhile?”
    Larten sighed. “I can never agree with you on this. We view the issue from opposing sides. Do not ask me to meet you in the middle, for on this there is no point at which we can find common ground.”
    “But you can change sides,” Wester pressed. “If I could only convince you that you’re wrong…”
    “You cannot,” Larten said.
    “You won’t even let me try?” Wester cried.
    “No.” Larten was firm.
    Wester started to spit a retort. Then he caught himself and grimaced. “So be it,” he said hoarsely. “I won’t threaten our friendship over this. It’s important to me, but nothing matters more than our relationship. You’re my brother, and I won’t risk driving a wedge between us.”
    “Those are the wisest words I ever heard pass between your lips,” Larten said, smiling with relief.
    Wester laughed sickly and cocked an eyebrow. “I’ll accept your position, but you’re wrong, you know. We
should
go to war with the vampaneze. Time will prove me right.”
    “Perhaps it will,” Larten said. “But for now, let us have no more talk of dark matters. Rustle us up some food, Gavner, the finest game you can find.”
    “On a mountain like this?” Gavner groaned. “In such foul weather?”
    “A first-rate assistant always provides for his master,” Larten said stiffly.
    “But only a second-rate master sends his assistant out to hunt in the rain,” Gavner grumbled. Nevertheless he shuffled towards the mouth of the tiny cave to do Larten’s bidding.
    “Don’t bother,” Wester stopped him. “I can’t stay.”
    Larten made a rumbling noise. “I hope you are not leaving because of what I said.”
    “No.” Wester smiled wryly. “I guessed you would respond