Divine Hammer by Chris Pierson

Author:Chris Pierson [Pierson, Chris]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9780786928071
Amazon: 0786928077
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Published: 2002-10-02T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 16

The Black Robe collapsed. Wrenching Ebonbane from Cathan’s hand, the sorcerer fell onto his side and lay still. The pool of blood beneath him seeped in runnels through the cracks in the stone. It eddied against Cathan’s boots, but still he didn’t move. He could only stare at the body in shock. Down below in the courtyard, the knights were also silent, save for a few whispered prayers. There were few sins worse, in the eyes of the holy church, than taking one’s own life.

“Damn!” Leciane cried, rushing forward. She knelt beside Cathan, heedless of the blood soaking into her robes. “We were supposed to capture him alive!”

Cathan shook his head. “He just … jumped onto my sword.” He furrowed his brow.

“I’ve been hunting evil for twenty years, and I’ve never seen anyone do that.”

Leaning over the Black Robe, Leciane studied his burned face. “Everyone knows what the church does to those they capture. Sweet Lunitari!” Gasping, she drew back from the body.

“What?” Cathan reached to his scabbard, then realized Ebonbane was still lodged in the sorcerer’s body. He drew his dagger instead.

She held up a hand, silencing him. For a moment, all was quiet, except for the moan of the wind, then she looked up, her eyes wide.

“He’s still alive,” she murmured.

Staring at the Black Robe, Cathan signed the triangle, then bent down beside her.

Yanking off his glove, he pressed his fingertips against the man’s throat. The lifebeat was weak, but it was there. The bubbles of blood on the Black Robe’s lips trembled as he drew a faltering breath.

Cathan probed the sorcerer’s flesh, then sighed. “It makes no difference. He’s as good as dead, anyway—it’s only a matter of time.”

“Not if someone heals him.”

Cathan shook his head. “No healer could do anything about this. Only the Lightbringer could—and it’s a three-day ride back to Lattakay.” He raised his dagger, setting it against the man’s breast. He would strike true and deep this time.

Leciane’s hand clamped around his wrist. “I know a spell,” she said.

Cathan groaned. “Of course you do.”

“A teleporting spell. He’d be back in Lattakay before you can blink,” she insisted, her grip on his arm tightening. “Cathan, trust me.”

This is wrong, he told himself. He knew if he asked any of the other knights, they would tell him the same. The man was evil. Lord Tavarre and hundreds of others were dead because of him. But the Kingpriest’s instructions had been clear: Bring the sorcerer back alive, if possible. It was possible, but only with sorcery.

The tip of his dagger dimpled the wizard’s blood-drenched robes. It would only take one quick shove.

“Cathan, he chose to die this way,” Leciane murmured. “If you kill him, you help him steal your victory.”

He stopped, looking at her for a long moment. Her lips were close to his, showing a sliver of teeth between them. The look in her eyes—a little afraid, a little hopeful—made his blood burn. The urge to kiss her again nearly overwhelmed him.

Blinking, he returned to his senses.

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