The Gate of The Cat by Andre Norton

Author:Andre Norton [Norton, Andre]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-03-22T18:37:58.305000+00:00

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html

"Will… will they come here?"

"I think not," Yonan returned. "This is a blessed place, remember. Curses and blessings grow thin through the years but that which was set here answered to us. That we may be able to go forth again—that is another matter." His expression was set and grim and Kelsie shivered. To be pent in this place, no matter how safe it might be at its core was no way to stay. She watched Yonan, on his feet once more, sword out digging point into the tough rooted turf.

Soil and clods of grass flew. Was he trying to dig his way out? Kelsie shrank back and away, having no thought of landing below ground once again. Then she heard the sword point grate on a surface below and Yonan's efforts to clear what lay there speeded up. He was so intent that Kelsie thought he would not even hear her if she asked what he was doing.

He hacked and dug and then dropped on his knees, putting aside his sword and using his knife and his hands to continue. What he uncovered so was a star of white stone, large enough for a person to stand upon. Now Yonan was working more cautiously, shifting the soil away by handfuls, using knife point to dig out some stubborn clay which clung to depressions and cracks in the artifact.

"What is it?" Kelsie could contain her curiosity no longer. Why her companion thought it necessary to do this while the forces of the Dark gathered beyond the trees, and already evening shadows grew thicker and thicker, she did not understand.

There was a hole in the center of the star which he was clearing with care. Now he picked up his sword and dropped its point into that aperture. It was as if he had whirled a smoldering torch into life. From the Quan in the hilt streamed light which filled half the clearing with the brightness of day.

From overhead came a rasping sound and the rush of wings through the air. But nothing she could see cut the light of the sword. If the enemy had forces aloft they were not tempted to strike now.

"What was that?" Kelsie's question was now a demand.

Yonan looked at her across the flare of light. It seemed to her that his eyes blazed as had the hounds'

when she had taken refuge in that other place of power—yet the sight did not revolt her as it had before.

"I have seen one other like this," he answered somewhat obliquely. "It is a gathering place for power. If we had the old knowledge we could take that," he waved toward the now blazing sword where up and down the blade ran runnels of light, "and win through any force which has been set against us here. But,"

he pounded his fist against his knee in open bafflement, "we know so little!"

It had brought his sword to life, what would it do for the

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