A Spell of Swords by Robert Ryan

Author:Robert Ryan [Ryan, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Trotting Fox Press
Published: 2013-11-19T05:00:00+00:00

Trial of Fear

“We’re trapped!” yelled the little man.

“No need to worry,” Rhaslin said. “We’re sure to find a way to open it, and in the meantime the treasure is ours.”

Brand’s stomach churned. For what purpose had Felargin locked them in? He must know that eventually they would find, or force, a way out. Unless he did not think there would be time to do so…

He noticed now that scattered amongst the treasure were bones. Were they the remains of others that Felargin had led here? He glimpsed withered flesh and the moth-eaten remnants of clothing and shuddered.

“The smell is getting worse,” Shorty said, and Brand knew that he was right. The air, which should have been still, was moving in slow eddies.

“The lantern is going out!” yelled Durnlak.

A chill gust blew across their faces, and grotesque shadows writhed over the treasure-strewn floor. With a hiss the light failed and darkness clutched them. They felt the primeval fear that had shadowed mankind since its rising from savagery to build fire and shelter against the night.

“We’re in a tomb,” whispered Durnlak.

Brand heard Rhaslin fumble to light the lantern but nothing worked. Then he sensed something in the chamber with them.

He felt a surge of panic as it whispered past him in the dark.

“Ahhhh,” a cold and remote voice sighed. “I sense the warmth of flesh.”

“Who speaks!” demanded Rhaslin.

The voice laughed, but there was no humor in the sound. It reminded Brand of Felargin’s smile.

“Such arrogance. What meaning do names have? And yet once, when I walked the world of flesh, I had one.”

“Shurilgar the Sorcerer,” guessed Brand.

A moment later he cursed his rash words. It was foolish to draw attention to himself, for now he felt the weight of a vast intellect, steeped in arcane power, bear upon him.

“That was me. Now, I am a haunter of men’s minds. Do you fear me?”

Brand clenched his teeth and did not answer.

The spirit’s attention moved elsewhere. “Once I was a sorcerer and Felargin my apprentice. He serves me still. It’s not easy for the dead to have power over the living, but there are ways. He brings me offerings, and in return I teach him secrets that would burn other minds. After your deaths, I’ll reveal to him yet more. He awaits outside.”

“How do you intend to kill us? You’re only a spirit,” scoffed Rhaslin. “What power do you have over the living?”

“What power? Shall I show you powers undreamed of? Shall I show you the truth even as death rends the flesh from your bones?”

Brand’s heart skipped a beat as he heard the slow pad of feet. He tried to step back but could not move a muscle. Desperately he struggled to reach for his sword, but his body would not respond.

The padding moved on and a growl, slow and menacing, filled the chamber.

Durnlak screamed. Slavering jaws and moans of agony rent the air. The stench of an opened abdomen filled the chamber. Durnlak’s moaning grew low and pitiful before ceasing. The warrior was dead, but the ghost-beast had not finished.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.