Arnulf the Destroyer

By Robert Cely

A new three story anthology from Robert W Cely
Included in this anthology is "Arnulf the Destroyer", a story of a young man struggling with his identity and his place in the world, and the woman who loves him enough to believe in him. Also included are two award-winning stories, "The Faceless One" and "Reading Wine".

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bard and Book
• Release date: Jan 19, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310726453

Book preview

Arnulf the Destroyer

by Robert Cely

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Copyright Robert Cely 2014. All Rights Reserved

Published by Bard and Book Publishing.

Cover by Julius Broqueza.

Contents

Arnulf the Destroyer

Reading Wine

The Faceless One

1Arnulf the Destroyer

Jenna felt naked without her tiara. Even though she knew how ridiculous she would look with the zirconian gems sparkling in her brow as she walked the busy streets, it was still a source of comfort. Kind of like the way a policeman took confidence from the badge he wore, so Jenna felt strength when she wore her tiara. She remembered who she really was. And when you went to meet Arnulf the Destroyer you needed every bit of confidence you could muster.

For what seemed like the hundredth time, Jenna took a deep breath to still her trembling nerves before walking into the high-rise. She hoped desperately he wouldn’t be angry with her. Despite his insistence she not come see him, that they have no contact outside the Kingdom, Jenna knew, just knew, deep in her heart that this was right.

Love was like that, she thought. It could only be hidden for so long. Like a seedling that yearned to break out into the open sun, so love desired its own revealing, its own growth, its own showing of its glorious petals in the splendor of the day.

Convinced, she walked through the revolving glass doors and into the marbled lobby of the Spencer Building. The touch-screen directory told her that Tritech Industrial, and her destiny, waited on the twenty-second floor. A smile crept across her face as it finally felt real. He was here, just twenty-two floors above her.

The elevator’s mirrored doors slid open to admit Jenna and she stepped in as its only occupant. The smooth, flawless motion of the machine belied the wealth that the building had been invested with. The companies that were housed here must be very successful.

It made sense that Arnulf worked at a place like this. Such a powerful man needed a powerful place to foster his talents. As the elevator speakers played an instrumental version of Eye of the Tiger, Jenna hummed along and thought how appropriate this was too. She giddily wondered what title Arnulf had with the company. Vice-President? Director of Operations?

Those really didn’t fit Arnulf. He was that rare breed of man that demanded respect. Just walking into a room he arrested the eye’s attention, aroused curiosity.

It had been that way from the first with Jenna. The moment she saw him storm the field, she knew he was special.

The battle had raged back and forth for what seemed like hours. Jenna watched with mounting anxiety. For such a small house as hers the outcome was crucial for her security. Little Tyria could ill afford a defeat, or even worse, knights captured that would need expensive ransoms. She turned her head as the forces of the North pushed the Southern host back. This time they didn’t rally. This time they looked to be lost.

Then, as if sent by God himself, a soldier waded into the fray with sword brandished above his head.

I am Arnulf the Destroyer! he cried out to the massing hordes. All tremble ye who look upon my blade!

With that he fell upon the Northmen, hacking, slashing, without heed to his person or safety. Bolstered by this show of courage, the South rallied and pushed back with renewed strength. The opponents faltered, stricken by the entrance of the wild, new warrior. They fell back, further and further, dogged by Arnulf and the South.

Jenna should have been elated at the rout, but she only had eyes for the dashing figure that dominated the field. His long, blond hair, waved free as he danced a dance of war. His sword flew with swift and cunning command. Like a god among men Arnulf strode through the carnage. He owned the battlefield. He was the battlefield.

It was only after the cheers had gone up that Jenna realized the battle was won. She had to unclutch the hands which had been gripping her dress in breathless fascination, watching that one masterful warrior among the enemy. Even then she only half-cheered, keeping her eyes fixed on the savior who was