The Banned and the Banished #04 - Wit'ch Gate by James Clemens

Author:James Clemens [Clemens, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780345442642
Amazon: 0345442644
Publisher: Del Rey
Published: 2001-01-02T00:00:00+00:00

There is an old trail that winds around its flank and into our homeland valleys. It should allow us to approach the region in secret.”

“Why could we not just fly directly into your lands?” Elena asked. She stood by the hearth, warming her hands. Her hair still dripped and clung to her face. “I thought the mines and townships of your people were long abandoned.” i

Wennar glanced to her from under heavy brows. “They were abandoned by d’warves. But they are not uninhabited. I’ve heard tales of the diseased creatures and awful rites that are still performed there, fouling our lands. To explore, we must move swiftly and attract no unwanted attention.” He tapped the map. “This is an old hunting trail. Few should be watching it.” Er’ril nodded. As much as he distrusted this d’warf, he could not fault his plan. It seemed sound. If anything lurked in the mines and valleys of the d’warf homelands, a more cautious approach was warranted. “I think we should consider Wennar’s plan. In fact—” Rrrippp…

Er’ril turned to see the little tamrink, Tikal, snatch up a torn corner of the map and pop it into his mouth.

The furry beast chewed its stolen prize with much gusto. Er’ril swung a backhand at it, but Tikal went hopping away. It dodged around the crouched figure of Tol’chuk and scrambled toward its keeper.

“Tikal! ” Mama Freda scolded with a snort. The old woman, who had been drowsing in the chair, pushed up. She scooped the fiery-furred tamrink and settled it into the crook of her arm. Her sightless face turned to Er’ril. “I’m sorry. He’s unduly agitated right now.” An explosion of thunder rattled through the ship’s bones.

“I’m not surprised,” Elena said, her eyes glinting with worry. “The storm along the coast is piled high and dark.”

Er’ril returned to his study of the map. “Queen Tratal will get us through safely. She said the storm is of no concern.”

Mama Freda cleared her throat as Tikal whined in her arms. “I don’t know.” She cocked her head. Tikal mimicked her. “Something sounds wrong with this storm.”

“What do you mean?” Er’ril grumbled, instantly suspicious.

The old healer simply shook her head.

Tol’chuk stirred, eyes slowly opening. “I should go and check.”

“No need,” Mama Freda said. “Tikal is faster.” She bowed her face toward her pet, and Tikal jumped from her lap. The tiny tamrink scrambled out the door, running on all fours, a flash of fur.

Er’ril straightened from the map table. The others stood silently.

Mama Freda tugged her black shawl tighter about her shoulders. “Tikal has reached the middeck.” Her lips pursed as she concentrated. “The winds are strong. Angry black clouds surround the ship on all sides. The sky is afire with lightning.”

To punctuate her words, a new volley of rumbling thunder echoed through the ship.

“But… but the light is wrong. It’s too bright. Tikal is climbing the rigging to get a better view. I see Queen Tratal. She’s at the stern, full of power and crackling energy. She stretches for the sky, her toes barely touching the planks.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.