The Rise of the Wyrm Lord by Wayne Thomas Batson

Author:Wayne Thomas Batson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2013-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

YEWLAND

The twelve trudged along the meandering path of the enemy through the night. Drained emotionally and near total exhaustion, they pressed on, fueled by loyalty to King Eliam and the urgency of their mission. By dawn the trail had led them to the Forest Road.

“Alas, it is as I feared!” Sir Tobias called to the group. “While we were delayed in the Blackwood, the enemy’s convoy has passed us by!”

“How long ago?” asked Antoinette.

“Several hours, at least,” answered Nock. He sighed and seemed relieved. “Well, at least they did not stop to conquer my homeland!”

“Yes, then where are they going?” Mallik asked.

“From the Forest Road?” Kaliam replied. “Acacia is possible, though I think Baen-Edge is most likely their destination. The Glimpses there are no friend to Alleble. And some claim that slave trade thrives there. Who can say? After that there is Clarion and a whole host of small provinces to the far east. Alas, that we may never know.”

“What do you mean?” asked Antoinette.

“Our path now is to Yewland, young Antoinette,” Kaliam said.

“But shouldn’t we follow the enemy? You said yourself that he is up to something wicked, and that we must discover his plans.”

“No one wishes to know more than I,” Kaliam said. “But our charge is to travel to Yewland. There is still the matter of the false ambassador who is poisoning Queen Illaria’s mind with contempt for Alleble. No, as much as I would like to know what else the enemy is doing, we must first see that his plans fail in Yewland.”

There was nothing more to be said. Kaliam commanded their team, and he was not to be questioned a second time.

As they neared Yewland, Tobias asked Nock to lead. The twelve made their way several miles west along the Forest Road and then due south to the borders of Yewland. As they traveled the well-trodden path, the foliage around them became much more lush and green again. And now, far from the constricting roots of the Blackwood, a great variety of trees sprang up and thrived. Birds sang from the treetops. Squirrels, chipmunks, and other small woodland creatures chattered at each other and played under the wide ferns and among the tangled roots. The demeanor of the twelve had improved mightily. Only Kaliam was pensive.

“We must be wary,” Kaliam said. “Of all the provinces of The Realm, Yewland of old has been our friend. But now we cannot be certain of a hospitable welcome. Keep your words humble and brandish not your weapons.”

At last the trees funneled them to a place where the path seemed to end and a grove of tall bamboo rose up before them. “We have perfect timing,” said Nock. “To arrive just as the morning sun begins to wax! For through this bamboo curtain is the Hall of Sun and Moon—a sight I have sorely missed!”

Nock led the way, finding a seam in the bamboo and easily parting the tall shoots to reveal a path that had been invisible. The

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