Runestane by Fergal F. Nally

Author:Fergal F. Nally [Nally, Fergal F.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2013-11-22T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

They spent the next day in preparation. Time was used sharpening weapons, resting and eating. Food, supplies and a few surprise items were deposited outside their chamber. Four light giving crystals, some healing kits and lengths of serpent rope were left for of them. Rialas received an intricately carved flute.

They packed and prepared as best they could. The maps they had found and others that had been provided gave useful information on the surrounding snow lands and the area surrounding the Gods’ fortress. They showed the fortress alongside a river of fire surrounded by mountains spewing smoke and flame. The nightmare looked set to continue. They prepared themselves for the worst, dread heavy in their hearts

The hours passed slowly, D’janyl could not sleep. He rose from his bed and quietly left the slain minstrel’s quarters. He walked the icy corridor back to the cavern entrance. He expected to see or hear the Snow Dragons, but all was quiet. He reached the opening in the ice and passed onto the rock slabs outside, which led back to the tall crystal tower.

It felt good to have the open sky above once more. He could see stars glittering through the high cloud that rushed overhead. Cold crept into his bones. He felt he was in a dream; all that had happened over the last days and weeks was not real. He expected to wake up at any moment, transported back to his former life. He reached out and touched the chill stone; it was real and unyielding.

Wind rushed down off the steep mountain cliffs and cut through his shirt, stabbing his skin with a thousand icy knives. He shuddered involuntarily; the cold was intense, painful and numbing. He looked back and saw the frozen river looming above him. From deep within its heart he heard groaning sounds of ice, scouring the rocky valley floor below. The sound was deep and distant. The glacier seemed alive with terrible power, mocking his existence.

I am falling. They wait for me. They know I am coming.

D’janyl’s thoughts were in turmoil. He felt like a piece in some giant game; manipulated by a higher force. He had no sense of control over his destiny, feeling powerless and puny. He wondered if he was deluded to think he could play a useful role in defeating the Gods.

Self-doubt assailed him, beads of sweat trickled down his back despite the chill. Should they go with the dragon war party, or should they abandon the quest now, while they still had their lives?

They had come far and there was so much at stake. The others would follow him to the bitter end, but was he leading them on a suicide mission? Would they lose their lives for nothing? The Gods’ star fire was a savage and powerful weapon, what chance did they stand against such a force?

D’janyl heard footsteps behind and turned around. Genyphyr stood in the mouth of the ice cave. She looked at him. Her eyes spoke of the moment.

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