A Strange Place in Time III: The Merry Executioner Returns by Alyx Shaw

Author:Alyx Shaw
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Torquere Press
Published: 2011-10-14T01:50:23.775000+00:00

Chapter Eight

It was the dark of night, and the full moon hung low in the sky, as though the heavens were losing their grip on its heavy, silvered weight. The walls surrounding Two-Fifty-Mile-House were alive with swirling, misty colors, brought out by the moon's glow, and the entire town seemed enveloped in a ghostly shroud as Infamous and Brysis rode up to the town's gate. They made their way down the darkened streets like shadows, taking their horses to the stable behind the Stagger Inn. Shadowed figures stepped out to take the beasts, and Infamous and Brysis entered the Inn, making their way silently to the underground temple.

Infamous had been to this temple many, many times, in this lifetime as well as previous ones. But this time, in the utter dark of his blindness, it seemed misshapen and strange. Things were not quite where he remembered them, and the walls were always slightly longer or shorter than he expected. He finally found a chair and seated himself. He smiled as he felt Simon's wet nose nudge his hand.

"It is going to be difficult,” said Infamous quietly, “making our way through the Narrow Way and up into the mountains. It would be dangerous enough for a large group."

"We do not have to use the Narrow Way,” said Brysis. Infamous heard someone bring them hot tea and supper. He reached out to touch the mug, following the heat with his hand.

"What other way is there?” asked Infamous. “Other than the travel crystals. But it has been so long since I have been there."

"I have been there,” said Brysis quietly. “But I was already blinded. I doubt I would be of much help."

Infamous smiled briefly. “We will try the crystals. At worst, we will end up in the wrong building. But I think I recall enough to get us there."

Brysis smiled. “I was hoping you would say that. I do not fancy taking the Narrow Way again. The road is alive with wild things and bandits. I dare say you and I would make easy prey."

Infamous snorted. “Even blind, I am a match for some mere mangy bandit. We will depart after we have eaten and outfitted ourselves."

Brysis seemed surprised. “So soon?"

"The sooner the better. I have brought a suitable sacrifice for Marakim. I hope he enjoys it."

"No doubt he shall,” said Brysis, “especially as it comes from his descendant."

Infamous smiled. “I wish I could have met him. He was long dead before I was born.” Infamous thought about the pictures of his grandfather in the album Monshikka had shown them. A tall, pretty rake who had been hung by his boots and had his throat slit for daring to want better.

"Master?” asked Brysis softly.

Infamous shook his head, hearing the beads in his hair click. “'Tis nothing, Brysis. Let's finish our dinner and gather a few things. We are likely going to be in the Palaklais Temple for some time, and I, for one, do not care to be moving about during the day.

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.