The Shining Blade by Madeleine Roux

Author:Madeleine Roux
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Published: 2019-03-15T16:00:00+00:00

A broad ring of Sentinels aimed their bows to the sky, a less than warm welcome for the Horde zeppelin lowering through the clouds, its propellers blasting the trees that bended and swayed as the balloon landed at Thal’darah Overlook.

“I appreciate your understanding.” Makasa watched the Sentinels carefully. Not a single shot was fired, but they remained vigilant, keeping their promise to her not to engage with the Horde vessel, even if it went against their direct order from Darnassus.

“We will understand,” Master Thal’darah told her solemnly, “so long as they prove friendly.”

“They will,” Makasa assured him. She couldn’t believe how swiftly they had come, and it was hard to contain her relief. Finally, some good luck. Aiyell’s owl had returned, making the trip to the coast and back in less than a day. The reply from Gazlowe lifted all their spirits, even Galena, who now gasped in wonder at the sight of the Cloudkicker idling in the glade.

“How does it work?” she breathed.

“I rode on the thing and I still have no idea,” Makasa muttered. “But it flies, and that’s all that matters. Gazlowe!”

The green-skinned, yellow-eyed goblin slid down the ladder that unrolled from the deck. He landed smoothly, with a flourish, casting a wary eye at the armed Sentinels before strolling over to Makasa. The wind from the Cloudkicker mussed her hair, and only she, Murky, and Hackle were brave enough to approach.

Above them, hanging over the embellished wooden railing, Sprocket and Charnas appeared, waving.

“Well, we’re here!” Gazlowe stuck out his hand for Makasa to shake, and she did, warmly. “Sorry to hear about the kid. Kids. That’s a real kick in the teeth. And I hear you lost some kind of legendary artifact?”

“Yes, the Diamond Blade,” Galena interjected. Makasa elbowed her in the ribs.

“Diamonds?” The goblin’s eyes lit up. “Man, that’s gotta feel real bad. We’re gonna get that back, though. And your friends.”

Makasa nodded, but squared her shoulders, steeling herself. There would be time to tell the goblin the full story, but for now they had no time to waste. They needed to be on their way to Lakeshire, and fast. “Aram’s compass was telling us to go to Lakeshire; can you take us? We don’t … we don’t have any money.”

“Nk! Flggrlm mur slrrrgl blem!” Murky hauled up one of his nets, fishing out a handful of scrubbed seashells and a bundle of bruiseweed. He thrust them toward Gazlowe expectantly, smiling.

“Keep that stuff away from me,” Makasa muttered. “Bruiseweed gives me hives.”

She heard a soft grunt from the pack on Galena’s back. Valdread. He was probably already plotting ways to use the weed against her.

“Uh, thanks?” Gazlowe took the shells, spilling a few, which Murky immediately picked up and placed back in the goblin’s arms. “Listen, kid, I know you’re not exactly flush with gold at the moment. Think of this as a favor. This ride? It’s on the house.”

Makasa stared, mouth agape. “Are you sure?”

“Hey, hey, hey. What do you take me for? Of course I’m sure.

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