The Vast Army; An Allegory

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1847 edition. Excerpt: ...come what will, till the King or his messengers bid me leave. An arrow hissed through the air, and struck the shield by Albyn's side. The blunted point struck the ground. The boy started round. Take that, cried a voice which Albyn knew, as with the glance of lightning a sword-blade came down on Albyn's head. But, quick as light, an arm was stretched out between his head and the weapon, and received the blow. It is all I have to fight with for you, Albyn, cried Erza, and I gladly give it you, as his shattered arm fell dead and powerless on Albyn's helmet. It's all I have, continued he, panting for breath, and exhausted with the speed with which he had hastened to help Albyn before the dark, stealthy figure. And now, at least, you can bear witness to the King that I was at my post, can't you, dear Albyn? cried he, his eye sparkling with a hope and joy it had long lost, and which seemed to make him forget all his pain in the thought of the King's approach. He conies, and his reward is with Him! said a Voice passing by. Albyn had scarcely recovered his surprise, so quickly had all happened, before the youth who had levelled the blow had fallen at his feet, and thrown his arm round his knee. Forgive me, forgive me, Albyn! Erza, forgive me! Oh, beg for me to the King! cried the bitter voice of Ulric. Wretched boy! said Albyn, who was trying to bind up Erza's bleeding arm, I forgive you, and Erza does, I know, said he, looking kindly into the pale face of the anxious boy. But Erza was too much taken up with watching the glow, to heed any thing which was going on. The light was growing so rapidly higher, ...