Page 53 of Blood Fist
Behind the crates was something tall, leaning against the wall and wrapped in furs. Pushing past the crates, he blew dust off the black fur, brushing it aside to see a corner of…something. He recognized rivets embedded in leather. Intrigued, he hefted the thing from where it had been stored.
The length of his torso it was heavy. His injured arm protested as he lifted it, muscles shaking from exertion, but he was determined. Setting the bundle by his feet, he pushed the furs off. They fell in a heavy heap, age billowing off it in a swirl of dust.
Flat on top with a pointed bottom, the shield was edged in tough black leather held in place by brass rivets. While the shape, size, and leatherwork wereimpressive, it was the center of the shield that caught his eye.
Made of a deep burgundy, the face of the shield shimmered in the low light. Even covered in dust, it seemed to luster. Brune’s fingertips skimmed across the surface, bumping over the small ridges fixed into the face. It was so beautiful he found himself scarcely able to breathe for fear he would somehow damage it.
“The Maladon’s Aegis,” Restrina said quietly, her voice hushed and reverent.
It took a moment for it to click, but suddenly Brune was gasping as he realized just what it was he was looking at—dragon scales! The shield was covered in red dragon scales.
Even the children of Kaledonea knew the story of Maladon Steel Scaled—one of the few dragons who stayed beside Artrax and fought with, and for, humanity. He was said to have scales so thick, they could not be pierced by magic nor claw. So heavily armored, the earth shook as the dragon walked, and when he lifted in flight, the gusts of wind from his wings could crack granite.
In the final battle with Sinestrus, Maladon Steel Scaled shielded the Clansmen, and Artrax as they fought. He stood strong. Even when Sinestrus’s magic stripped him of his wings, he dug his massive claws into the rock and refused to budge.
“After Artrax fell, Maladon Steel Scaled ripped off some of his own scales to give to the remaining humans. To be our shield when he could not,” Restrina explained. “My ancestors had them forged into the Maladon’s Aegis.”
Brune’s mouth was dry as he stared down at the shield. It was plain, no filigree needed when the shield itselfglowed with an inner fire. When it shifted and the light caught on the scales, red cascaded across its surface in a wave of shades he’d never seen.
“Can you lift it?”
He truly didn’t know. Pulling it from where it had been stored was a far cry from wielding it. Running his arm through the thick leather loops affixed on the back of the shield, he braced his legs and lifted.
Locking the shield in close to his chest, his entire body trembled with the effort. The shield was heavy—in a mortal sense and in that it radiated an awesome kind of power, a responsibility that bellowed through time as if the scales themselves were holding onto the prowess of the dragon they’d been ripped from.
Brune could almost feel it. The strength it took Maladon Steel Scaled to hold, to stand fast when his wings were torn from him, blood pouring down his back as he screamed in pain. His heart proved stronger. Fortifying him with every beat, knowing that if he fell—all would be lost. And even after he’d given more than enough, he still gave more, plucking his own scales to leave behind.
Restrina’s breath was ragged, her eyes bright as she watched him hold the shield aloft. “No one has ever been able to…” she trailed off, breathlessly. “They said only a man as immovable as Maladon himself could wield it.”
He almost didn’t hear her, so entranced by the shield. But her words filtered through, and he set the shield down, sweat prickling the back of his neck as he stared at her.
“Be their shield, Brune.”
“I’m not—” he shook his head, feeling at a loss. “I’m not worthy of such a gift.”
“Then become worthy,” she said. “Let the weight of that shield be your compass on your path to becoming the man who protects the Stone Blade with his warrior’s heart.”
Swallowing thickly, he didn’t know what to say. How could he accept this responsibility disguised as a gift?
But…how could he not?
When the shield was still firmly clasped in his shaking hands, when the weight had already become familiar to him, when the thought of laying the shield down and walking away felt like peeling his skin off. As he ran his fingers over the smooth edges of the scales, it all ceased to matter. His birth, his upbringing, his indecisions—all of it brought him here. To these people, to this shield.
Divine intervention.
Lifting his chin, he met Chief Restrina’s eye. There were no words shared. Maybe if Brune felt like he could speak, he’d thank her. He’d tell her that she was an alpha among alphas. That she had changed his life. But he didn’t.
Understanding dawned between them, and she nodded once, that same brightness glinting in her eyes.
Hefting the shield, Brune stepped back out into the sunshine. A crowd had gathered—no doubt Derry had spread the word of his summons. When they saw the shield, a hush fell over the clan. Whispers rushed around him like buzzing bees. Looking up, Brune caught sight of Ridan.
He was standing with a shocked Jonen and Corric. Unlike the others, Ridan wasn’t staring at the shield. He was looking at Brune.
In that moment, Brune knew he’d been wrong.Ridan’s eyes were nothing like Restrina’s. They were unlike anything he’d ever seen before, and somehow, even more beautiful than the shield weighing down his arm.
Chief Restrina’s words rung in his ear.
I will be worthy. Of this shield, and so much more.