Richard A. Knaak - Dragonrealm 04 by Shadow Steed

Author:Shadow Steed
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2012-02-18T20:37:21+00:00

“It may not be lifted. Even if it has been, where would that leave him? Friend Bedlam, if Shade sought immortality long ago, why would he not seek it again?”

The warlock’s mate, who had remained silent during this part of the exchange, turned to Darkhorse. “I worry about Talak. It sounds like a volatile situation. Do we dare let it continue that way?” Darkhorse saw what she feared. Now would be a perfect time for the drakes to strike at Talak. “I would go back there now, since I owe the Princess Erini for my freedom, but I lack the strength and will to form a proper portal.”

“Let me see.” Gwen reached out with her hands, standing as if she were trying to ward off the stallion.

Darkhorse could feel her probe as it danced over his essence, stopping here and there as she sought the cause of his weakness. When she was through with her examination, the Lady Bedlam lowered her arms and nodded to herself.

“There is a thin link between you and… someone else.”

Incredulous, he searched for himself. His own probe was less efficient than hers, suffering as it did the way all of his abilities suffered, but he eventually found what she had located. Darkhorse laughed at the thin, magical strand, invisible and insubstantial, but virtually impossible to sever.

“Drayfitt’s link! That’s twice! Curse the mage! Am I never to be free of him?”

“Is it the same?” Lady Gwen asked. “Most links are forged in the same manner, but not this one.” Darkhorse inspected it again. ‘Wo… and it explains my weakness. I have become—a source—of strength for Drayfitt. The link is draining me slowly, but… this is too haphazard. I think the Princess Erini did this to me unintentionally.”

“Sever it now,” Cabe suggested.

“He cannot. If he does, he loses what Drayfitt has already.” Gwen made a face. “You might say that the old sorcerer is stealing Darkhorse’s essence, his being.”

“I am being devoured-alive, is what you’re saying!”

“Essentially.”

Cabe looked disgusted. “How can we stop it?”

“Killing Drayfitt is one way. With the link, all that he stole will return to its original place. Darkhorse might even gain something.”

“I want nothing of Drayfitt’s! I am not a ghoul—or a murderer!” Lady Bedlam paced. “Nathan never taught me anything like this; I think he was as disgusted with the concept as you are, Cabe.Yet…”

“Yet what?” Darkhorse grew anxious. He enjoyed existence and planned to continue to enjoy it, despite the increasing odds against doing so.

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