Dragonlance - Preludes 3 - Brothers Majere by Kevin Stein

Author:Kevin Stein [Stein, Kevin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Action & Adventure, Dragons, Monsters, Magic, Heroes
ISBN: 9780786929719
Publisher: TSR, Inc.
Published: 1989-01-15T08:00:00+00:00

183 DRACJONLANCE PneluOes

them off guard. Caramon could see, however, that Lord Alvin and Lord Cal remained unconvinced, even as the other ministers were slowly changing their opinions.

"How do you intend to begin the investigation?" Lady Masak asked.

Raistlin bowed slightly. "Forgive me, my lady, but my methods are not open to discussion."

This caused an outburst, the ministers all talking—or shouting—at once. Caramon, groaning slightly from having to sit in one place too long, shifted his position restlessly.

Earwig scratched his hand; the area around the ring was turning red and raw from his constant rubbing.

Shavas beckoned to Lord Cal. "This is impossible! Go findManion!"

The captain left the room.

Lord Manion threw his dress cloak over his black cloak of office, locking the clasps held at the throat, a gold chain braided like rope. Turning back to regard the front hall once more, satisfied that everything was in order, he extinguished the lamp, closed the door, and locked it with a large bronze key.

Manion's dwelling was similar to the other houses owned by the officials of Mereklar—a large rectangular building of white stone with panes of glass in every wall. It had, however, a run-down look. The Minister of Internal Affairs was not a wealthy man. Some said he squandered his money on women and in the taverns. He didn't own his own carriage, but Lord Brunswick's estate was close enough for him to walk to.

Lord Manion set off down the street toward the middle of the city. The way led him through part of the town, then into a park. As he walked, he peered up into the sky

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to observe the stars and moons, smiling at the nearly full circles of Solinari and Lunitari.

Soon, he thought. Very soon.

Manion's heavy black boots clicked along the white stone sidewalks. The night was silent. The city's inhabitants had shut themselves in, barring their doors against a vague and unknown terror.

The lord was smiling, shaking his head at their folly when, turning a corner, he suddenly heard a throaty growl.

Manion looked back up the street. The sidewalk was brightly lit by the magical lights. He saw nothing and continued on his way, peering back over his shoulder from time to time.

Lord Manion heard the growl again, closer, and now a soft padding of footsteps. Instead of turning around and stopping to see what it was, the lord increased his pace. His boots sounded loudly on the pavement until he reached the park. He breathed easier. The soft ground muffled his steps, the tall trees hid his form. He couldn't hear his pursuer anymore.

And then it was there again, following him, undeterred by darkness. The growl sounded closer and more menacing.

The lord began to sweat, drawing his breath in shallow, short gasps. Ducking behind a tree, pressing his back into the hard bark, he pulled a dagger from a sheath — a long jeweled blade, curved near the narrow tip — and held it, point-down, in his hand. He waited, as still as the night, for as many

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