The Outcast by Louise Cooper

Author:Louise Cooper [Cooper, Louise]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fantasy, Science Fiction
ISBN: 9781594264153
Google: p64rAAAACAAJ
Amazon: 1594261024
Goodreads: 172220
Publisher: Mundania Press LLC
Published: 1986-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Keridil Toln stared at Drachea and Cyllan, stunned by the sudden and violent interruption of the Circle ritual.

To him, it seemed that he had but a moment ago been standing before the execution block, ceremonial sword raised high above Tarod’s head as he called down the White Flame of Aeoris to consume and finally damn the creature of Chaos. Then with no warning a colossal crash of thunder had split his mind, shattering the power he had built - and, reeling with the shock, he had opened his eyes to find his victim gone and two complete strangers fighting like wildcats on the floor of the Marble Hall. A combination of fury and fear of something beyond his comprehension filled him, and he snapped at Drachea, ‘Who are you? And how in the name of all the gods did you get here?’

Drachea swallowed. ‘Sir, there’s no time for explanations now! Your enemy - the creature called Tarod - is at large, and must be found before he can wreak more havoc!’

Keridil’s head snapped quickly round to look at the empty block. Tarod is behind this … ?’

Before Drachea could answer, Cyllan twisted in his grasp and cried out, ‘No! He’s lying, it isn’t true! Listen to me - ‘

Drachea’s bunched fist hit her hard on the side of the head and she collapsed to the floor. ‘Quiet, you harlot!’

Drachea spat. ‘One more word from you and I’ll kill you!’

Keridil’s face darkened with anger, and he said furiously, ‘I’ll have no such behaviour here!’

Drachea stared down at Cyllan and said harshly, ‘Even towards a woman in league with Chaos? This treacherous bitch is Tarod’s paramour - and she has his soul-stone!’

‘What?’ The beginnings of comprehension dawned in Keridil’s eyes and he moved to stand over Cyllan. ‘Is this true, girl?’

Cyllan stared back with mute defiance, wishing that her mouth wasn’t too dry to spit.

‘She holds it in her left hand,’ Drachea said, giving her a vicious shake. ‘And there’s only one way to make her give it up.’ He touched the tip of the knife blade to Cyllan’s neck.

‘No.’ Keridil raised a hand, forestalling him. ‘I’ll have no violence against her until I’ve heard the whole story.’

His eyes met Drachea’s again. ‘You say Tarod is at large. Where is he?’

‘I’m here, Keridil.’

Everyone turned, save for Cyllan who was held rigid with Drachea’s blade still at her throat. Tarod walked slowly and unsteadily into the Marble Hall, barely able to stay on his feet. His sweat-soaked hair hung lank and his eyes were glazed with exhaustion; he had used the very last of his strength to call back Time, and its final draining had left him an empty husk.

Four men moved forward, weapons drawn, then hesitated, remembering how the sorcerer had dealt with such assaults before. Tarod smiled thinly and with an effort. ‘Tell your friends they’ve nothing to fear, High Initiate.’

Keridil stared at him for a moment as though weighing his words. Then he said curtly, ‘Bind him.’

One of the

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