Read Tales of the Lorekeepers 01 - Rise of the Red Dragon for Free Online Page A

envision absurd and unlikely scenarios.”
    Morghan was lying, of course, and it pained him terribly to do so, but his friend needed to regain his composure and his imperious attitude if they were to win this war.
    “Your army still follows you, don’t they?” he continued. “They will keep obeying your command for as long as you give them some hope. Now is not the time to sink into bitterness.”
    “They follow me because they have nowhere else to go! For the past year, the Saxon army has been rampaging over our lands and destroying every village in its path. Our homes have been burned to the ground, our women assaulted and left for dead by a terrible enemy. An enemy we are powerless against so far, Morghan! No, they do not follow me because of my leadership. They follow me because there is no other alternative.”
    Again, Morghan remained silent. He knew Vortigern was right and did not want to offend his king by treating him like a child and pretending everything was fine.
    “I fear my enemies will take this opportunity to rise against me,” said the king suddenly.
    “You have successfully kept the Picts and the Scots away from your lands, my lord, even with the Saxons pushing us toward the Western Sea. There is no reason to think they will organize themselves any better and succeed in overthrowing your defenses stationed behind the wall.”
    “It’s not the northern tribes I am referring to, but much older and more cunning enemies. I’m talking about brothers seeking to avenge the murder of one of their own. I’m talking about the two surviving sons of Constantine II.”
    “My king, there have been no signs of the brothers in over two decades.”
    “Exactly. I wish we had heard something. I had hoped that, by now, words would have reached our ears of their demise or at least their departure from the island. If I knew they were plotting to overthrow me, at least it would give me some indication of their whereabouts. Alas, they have successfully avoided all of my spies, remaining hidden from me, ready to strike from the shadows. I’ve killed their younger brother, Morghan, so I could take his place on the throne. They won’t ever forgive me, nor forget what I did.”
    Morghan considered his answer for a second.
    “They will have to find us first,” he said finally. “And if they decide to embark on this quest, they will also have to fight the Saxons, just like we do. The barbarians won’t make any exceptions in their conquest of the island. Any Briton who would be unfortunate enough to fall within their grasp, even the mighty Ambrosius, would be beheaded swiftly.”
    “Don’t underestimate Ambrosius and his brother. They are tricky and clever.”
    “In that case, we’ll make a stand and stop the Saxon invasion. If we can fight them back, it will strengthen your authority over your men and make you a hero for having saved the island and their lands. If you can deal the Saxons a lethal blow, the two brothers won’t have any hopes of turning your people against you. It would be impossible for them to recruit anyone to their cause. The plan we have set forth to reach Dinas Ffaraon and build a fortress there will give us this victory we so desperately seek, my lord. Have faith and, I promise you, we will win this war.”
    Vortigern looked at his advisor. He could be right. If he could win at least one battle—an impressive one—he could turn the tide of this war and change the outcome. His position as king would then be untouchable.
    “Morghan,” he said, putting a hand on the shoulder of his friend. “As usual, your words are like a veil of peace over this troubled mind. You have always been a loyal subject and a good friend. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, and pray you will be at my side for many more years. If you believe that we can succeed with your plan, then so do I.”
    “I do, Vortigern, with all my heart.”
    Morghan stood up and went to the table.
    “My king, as I explained to