Foster, Alan Dean - Spellsinger 01 - Spellsinger by Foster Alan Dean

Author:Foster, Alan Dean [Foster, Alan Dean]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-08-10T22:53:50+00:00

XII

It was silent within the Tree for a while. Finally Talea asked, "What word then has come out of the Greendowns to you, honorable magician?" Clothahump's warning had quieted even her usually irrepressible bravado.

"From what I have sensed," he began solemnly, "Skrritch the Eighteenth, Supreme Ruler of Cugluch, Cokmetch, Cot-a-Kruln, and of all the far reaches and lands of the Greendowns, Commander of all Plated Folk and heir to their allegiance, has called upon that allegiance. They have been building their armies for years. That and this new evil magic they have acquired has convinced them that this time they cannot fail to conquer. That self-confidence, that terrible feeling of surety, is what came through to my mind more powerfully than anything else."

"And you learned nothing more about this new magic," said Jon-Tom.

"Only one thing, my boy. That Eejakrat, master sorcerer among the Plated Ones, is behind it. That is something we could have naturally guessed, for he has been behind most of the exceptional awfulness that rumor occasionally carries to us from out of the Greendowns.

"Do not underestimate these opponents set before us, Jon-Tom." He gestured at the indifferent Talea and Mudge. "Your friends talk like cubs, through no fault of their own." He moved closer to the two tall humans.

"Let me tell you, the Plated Folk are not like us. They would as soon cut up one of us to see what's inside as we would a tree. No, I modify that. We would have more concern and respect for the tree."

"You don't have to go into details," Jon-Tom told him. "I believe you. But what can we do from here?" He flicked casual fingers across the duar. "This magic that seems to be in my music is new to me, and I can't control it very well. I don't know what my limits may be. If you can't do anything, I don't see how an ignorant novice like myself could."

"Tut, my boy, your approach is different from mine, the magic words you employ are new and unique. You may be of some use when least you expect it. Both you and your companion," he indicated the attentive Flor, "are impressive specimens. There will be times when I may be required to impress the reluctant or the doubtful."

"We can fight, too," she said readily, eyes sparkling with uncharacteristic bloodthirstiness in that sensual but childlike face.

"Restrain yourself, my dear," the wizard advised her with a fatherly smile. "There will likely be ample opportunity for slaughter. But first... you are quite right, Jon-Tom, in saying that there is little we can do here. We must begin to mobilize the warmlanders, to assuage their doubts and disbelief. They must prepare for the coming attack. A letter or two will not convince. Therefore we must carry the alarm in person."

"The 'ell you say," Mudge sputtered. "I'm not trippin' off t' the ends o' the earth on some 'alf-cocked crusade."

"Nor am I." Talea rose and let her left hand drop casually to the dagger at her hip.

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