A Throne of Skulls and Blood

A Throne of Skulls and Blood is the sixth chapter of Tales of Sheol'gotha:  Shadow of the Abaddon.

Synopsis
The following morning is met with Valon being marched to the throne room by an armed escort, stepping into a filled-out stadium-like room. The severity of the situation is made clear as Abaddon actually stands and speaks to him directly, charging him with the task Palus had described the previous night. Abaddon also makes note that he is aware of Valon's 'friends' and hints that he may be suspecting the prince's deception, though Valon is more aware of the abaddon's state of being and the way he looks to be injured. As he debates the act of challenging Abaddon to a fight and taking advantage, Sharess arrives and dissuades him.

Abaddon continues to relay the importance of Valon taking on the task, as well as taking the scribe, Gadden with them. Appalled by the yoke being attached to their group, Valon further debates the chances he'd have of going after the shifter and taking the throne for his own. A single step forward, however, is met with both Donovan's appearance as well as his mother standing to very clearly stand between Valon and Abaddon. Unwilling to put his family at risk, Valon recedes and accepts the charge with no further aggression and leaves in a rage.

Outside he is met first by Gadden, who he ignores, and then Palus. He enjoys the sight of his gita terrorizing the stablehands and Palus mentions that he's not happy with the legion. As Valon puts on his armour he's made aware of the state of their soldiers and demands Gadden approach and explain what the situation was. Unapologetic, Gadden explains that things are not likely to change and that Valon has to make do with what he has, meaning that a half-strength legion is set to march against lords and baals who have dozens if not hundreds of times their own strength. Reluctant but unable to change anything, Valon dismisses him after lashing out. The slaves finish applying his armour just as his mother arrives, offering him sound advice. She does not refrain from chastising his attitude and his demanding behaviour, but reminds him that she believes him a great warrior and expects him to return victorious.

Emboldened by this, and struggling with the imminent departure, he refuses her offer of a last feeding before he left and allows her to go without saying anything else.

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