The Chalice by Latham Paul

Author:Latham, Paul [Latham, Paul]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2018-07-09T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

"If you're so certain Gelai isn't following," Shilandra asked, her voice riddled with irritation, "then why can't we return to the road?"

"The situation warrants caution," Velar stated. "Besides we are out of the forest and close to Tymox."

"We are?"

Velar turned in the saddle to catch her in the corner of his eye "How can someone who lives to study maps and journals to locate a cup not know-"

"It's not a cup!" she barked and Velar winced. Riding behind him as she did put her mouth intolerably close to his ear. "It's the Chalice."

"Fine."

"Have you even thought once what it's like?"

"I'll know it when I see it."

"I simply can't believe your attitude."

"It's not an attitude," Velar snapped then sighed. "It's a viewpoint."

"What's the difference?"

"My attitude is positive. My viewpoint is neutral."

"So, you're saying you have intentions of success and no thoughts on the ramifications of success."

He thought for a moment. "Precisely."

"Rather irresponsible of you, isn't it?"

Velar threw up his hands and shook his head. "Fine, woman-"

"Do not address me as such."

Velar opened his mouth, closed it again, then slowly lifted a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose hoping to ward off the ache developing in his head. "As I was saying-"

"Am I exasperating you?"

"To say the least."

"I'm sorry," she said with an affected tone of meekness. "I do get carried away." She shifted behind him. "I mean, really, you save my life not once but . . ."

"And the thanks I get. " Velar muttered.

"Why you . . . you . . . brute! What would you have me do? Fling myself into your arms promising my favors to your valiant attentions? Really, Velar, you do seem to linger in stories told to children about brave knights and fierce dragons."

Velar scanned the sparse, yellow countryside, tongue poking idly into his cheek. He could deem that a problem. Never a maiden devouring dragon around when you needed one.

Irked by his silence, Shilandra rapped her knuckles on his breast plate. "Are you listening to me?"

"Oh, yes," Velar said with a sigh. "Constantly."

* * *

Tymox appeared before them as they crested a low rise in the landscape. Gaunt, windblown buildings clung to the road with few signs of occupation. Velar would have thought the place deserted but for the occasional dark speck moving from one structure to the next. Perhaps the heat, which had become more and more intense over the past days forced people inside to escape the noonday sun.

"Not much to see," Shilandra commented.

Velar nodded in agreement.

They started down the rise.

"You said I would stay with Bockril's sister?" Shilandra said.

"Ina," Velar replied. "She owns a tavern."

"Why can't I accompany you into the desert?"

Velar looked to the horizon and saw the black line that marked the edge of the sands. "It could be dangerous."

"And being harassed by revenants isn't?"

"I'll have enough to worry about."

"I can take care of myself."

Velar gave a short laugh. "Obviously."

They entered the hamlet and Velar paused to get his bearings. Nothing marked the buildings and the streets were vacant.

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