Brandon Sanderson - Firstborn

Books by Brandon Sanderson

Elantris (Tor, 2005)

Warbreaker (Tor, 2009)

THE MISTBORN SERIES

Mistborn (Tor, 2006)

The Well of Ascension (Tor, 2007)

The Hero of Ages (Tor, 2008)

THE ALCATRAZ SMEDRY SERIES

Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians (Scholastic, 2007)

Alcatraz Versus the Scriveners Bones (Scholastic, 2008)

Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia (Scholastic, 2009)

Alcatraz Versus the Shattered Lens (forthcoming from Scholastic)

THE WHEEL OF TIME

The Gathering Storm (with Robert Jordan) (Tor, 2009)

Towers of Midnight (with Robert Jordan, forthcoming) (Tor)

A Memory of Light (with Robert Jordan, forthcoming) (Tor)

THE STORMLIGHT ARCHIVE

The Way of Kings (forthcoming) (Tor)

While safe aboard his flagship, there were two ways for Dennison to watch the battle.

The obvious method relied on the expansive battle hologram that dominated the bridge. The hologram was on at the moment, and it displayed an array of triangular blue blips representing fighters flying about waist-high. The much larger blue oval of Dennisons command ship hung a moderate distance above and behind the fighters. The massive and powerful but far less agile leviathan probably wouldnt see battle this day. The enemys ships were too weak to damage its hull, but they were also too fast for it to catch. This would be a battle between the smaller fighters.

And Dennison would lead them. He rose from his command chair and walked a few steps to the holograms edge, studying the enemy. Their red ships winked into existence as scanners located them amidst the rolling boulders of the asteroid field. Rebels in name but pirates in action, the group had thrived unhindered for far too long. It had been five years since his brother Varion had re-established His Majestys law in this sector, and the rebellious elements should long since have been crushed.

Dennison stepped into the hologram, walking until he stood directly behind his ships. There were about two dozen of themnot a large force, by Fleet standards, but bigger than he deserved. He glanced to the side. Noncommissioned aides and lesser officers had paused in their duties, eyes turned toward their youthful commander. Though they offered no obvious disrespect, Dennison could see their true feelings in their eyes. They did not expect him to win.

Well, Dennison thought, wouldnt want to disappoint the good folks.

Divide the squadrons, Dennison commanded. His order was transmitted directly to the various captains, and his small fleet broke into four smaller groups. Ahead, the pirates began to form up as wellthough they stayed within their asteroid-cover.

Through the movement of their ships, Dennison could feel their battle strategy taking shape. At his disposal was all the formal military knowledge that came with a high-priced Academy education. Memories of lectures and textbooks mixed in his head, enhancing the practical experience hed gained during a half-dozen years commanding simulations and, eventually, real battles.

Yes, he could see it. He could see what the enemy commanders were doing; he could sense their strategies. And he almost knew how to counter them.

My lord? an aide said, stepping forward. She bore a battle-visor in her hands. Will you be needing this?

The visor was the second way a commander could watch the battle. Each fighter bore a camera just inside its cockpit to relay a direct view. Varion always wore a battle-visor. Dennison, however, was not his brother. He seemed to be the only one who realized that fact.

No, Dennison said, waving the aide away. The action caused a stir amongst the bridge team, and Dennison caught a glare from Brell, his XO.

Send Squadron C to engage, Dennison commanded, ignoring Brell.

A group of four fighters broke off from the main fleet, streaking toward the asteroids. Blue met red, and the battle began in earnest.

Dennison strode through the hologram, watching, giving commands, and analyzingjust as he had been taught. Dogfighting ships zipped around his head; fist-sized asteroids shattered as he walked through their space, then reformed after he had passed. He moved like some ancient god of lore, presiding over a battlefield of miniature mortals who couldnt see him, but certainly felt his almighty hand.

Except, if Dennison was a god, his specialty certainly wasnt war.

His education kept him from making any disastrous mistakes, but before long, the battle had progressed to the point where it was no longer winnable. His complete lack of pride let him order the expected retreat. The Fleet ships limped away, reduced in numbers by more than half. From the statistics glowing into hovering, holographic existence before him, Dennison could see that his ships had barely managed to destroy a dozen enemy fighters.

Dennison stepped from the hologram, leaving the red ships victorious and the blue ships despondent. The hologram disappeared, its images shattering and dribbling to the command centers floor like shimmering dust, the pieces eventually burning away in the light. Crewmembers stood around the perimeter, their eyes showing the sickly shame of defeat.

Only Brell had the courage to speak what they were all thinking. He really is an idiot, he muttered under his breath.

Dennison paused by the doorway. He turned with a raised eyebrow, and found Brell staring back unrepentantly. Another High Officer probably would have sent him to the brig for insubordination. Of course, another commander wouldnt have earned such disrespect in the first place. Dennison leaned back against the side of the doorway, arms folded in an un-militaristic posture. I should probably punish you, Brell. I am a High Officer, after all.

This, at least, made the man look aside. Dennison lounged, letting Brell realize thatincompetent or notDennison had the power to destroy a mans career with a mere comm-call.

Dennison finally sighed, standing up and walking forward. But, you know, Ive never really believed in disciplining men for speaking the truth. Yes, Brell. I, Dennison Crestmarbrother of the Great Varion Crestmar, cousin to kings and commander of fleetsam an idiot. Just like all of you have heard.

Dennison paused, stopping right in front of Brell, then reached out and tapped the mans chest right in the center of his High Imperial Emblem. But think of this, Dennison continued with a light smile. If Im an idiot, then you must be pretty damn incompetent yourself; otherwise they would never have wasted you by sending you to serve under me.

Brells face flared red at the insult, but he showed uncharacteristic restraint by holding his tongue. Dennison turned and strolled from the room. Prepare my speeder for my return to the Point, he commanded. Im due for dinner with my father tomorrow.

* * *

He missed dinner. However, it wasnt his fault, considering he had to travel half the length of the High Empire. Dennisons father, High Duke Sennion Crestmar, was waiting for him in the spaceport when he arrived.

Sennion didnt say a word as Dennison left the airlock and approached. The High Duke was a tall manproud, broad shouldered, with a noble face. He was the epitome of what a High Officer should be. At least Dennison had inherited the height.

The High Duke turned, Dennison fell into step beside him, and the two strode down the Officers Walka pathway with a deep red carpet, trimmed with gold. It was reserved for High Officers, uncluttered by the civilians and lower ranks who bustled against each other on either side. There were no vehicles or moving walkways on the Officers Walk. High Officers carried themselves. There was strength in walkingor so Dennisons father always said. The High Duke was rather fond of self-congratulatory mottoes.