The Skull Trees by Jonathan Moeller

Author:Jonathan Moeller [Moeller, Jonathan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-01-07T05:00:00+00:00

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The barge bumped against the eastern bank, and Ridmark stepped off, giving the river a wary look. During the entire trip across the river, the serpents had bounced against the underside of the barge, though Mhralask had seemed undisturbed, his undead rowers keeping their steady pace.

“As promised,” announced Mhralask, Vhalqask standing at his side. “The other side of the river. Let it not be said that I do not keep my word.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” said Ridmark, taking a further step up the bank.

Mhralask considered him for a moment. “You truly mean to speak to the Elder Shamans?”

“I do,” said Ridmark.

“Why?” said Mhralask, baffled. “Why would you take such a risk?”

Ridmark decided to tell the truth. “The Frostborn are returning.”

Vhalqask laughed. “Your High King and Swordbearers killed all the Frostborn long ago.”

“Nevertheless,” said Ridmark. “The Frostborn are returning. I don’t know how or when, but they are. Perhaps the Elder Shamans will have the answers to my questions.”

“There have been…strange omens of late,” said Mhralask. He tapped his staff against the deck, the skull at its top rattling. “Dire omens, warning of some terrible catastrophe in the years to come. Nations falling and thrones shattering, and every kingdom warring against every other.”

“Perhaps the omens are true,” said Ridmark.

“Mmm,” said Mhralask. “Some advice, exiled knight. Go home. You are a young man. Find some woman of your kindred and sire a pack of brats upon her. That will give your restless heart a reason to put aside your quest. If you continue on this path, if you seek out the Elder Shamans, you will regret it. No one who goes to speak with them ever returns.”

“I cannot turn back,” said Ridmark.

“Ah,” said Mhralask. “I thought not. Very well. Continue traveling to the east. The city of the Elder Shamans is in the Lion Mountains, deep within the peaks.” He snapped his fingers, and his undead stirred around him. “May your God watch over you, human, for Qazalask surely will not, and the Elder Shamans shall gladly kill you in his name.”

The undead rowers went to work, turning the barge and rowing it back to the western side of the river.

Ridmark watched them go and then headed into the forest to the east.

The Frostborn were returning. He would either find the answer or die in his quest.

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