The Crimson Gods by Chris M. Christian

Author:Chris M. Christian [Christian, Chris M]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lochmoor Productions
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

Theodor

THEODOR STARED AT THE stacks of paper in front of him.

“Theo, what is going on with you?” Ridley asked.

“He should have been here by now. Father, I mean.”

“I’m sure your father is fine,” Ridley responded as she sat on the edge of Theodor’s desk. She lit the lantern from a small candle. Dusk had come, and the tin roof made the pitter-patter of rain sound heavier than it was.

“Yes, I suppose you are right. It’s just that by sea it’s only a few days’ journey.”

“He probably hasn’t even left yet. He’s a master of the order, and Wolfpine is likely the toughest assignment one could have. Big place to manage.”

“I suppose,” Theodor sighed and lay back on his straw bed, cupping his hands behind his head. He glanced over his nose at Ridley, making eye contact for just a moment. He quickly went back to studying the ceiling. His lips tightened to hide his faint smile.

“Hey, so we figured out the old language on paper, but I still want to know what it sounds like. We can’t exactly speak it.” Ridley walked over and reached for him. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?”

“Where do you think?”

“We are going to get caught. We have been back half a dozen times.”

“There are too many old books and scrolls in that dungeon. There has to be something in them.”

“It’s too early, don’t you think? The overlord may still be in his chambers.”

“Maybe, but it’s dark and raining. Most of these old men are likely already in their beds.”

“Fine.” Theo took her hand and stood. He held on longer than he should have, and she looked back and grinned. She tugged him toward the door before taking her hand back.

They made their way down to the gardens. Ridley had been right—the rain had driven away anyone who may have still been outside. The rain grew heavier, and its song filled the air, covering any noise they made.

By the time they reached the waterfall, they were already soaked. Theodor went through the usual routine and immediately found the stone latch. They entered and lit the candles after Ridley had dried her small silver blade to strike the flint. They stood still for a moment, listening for footsteps above.

Ridley wiped away the curly black hair that stuck to her face. “I think it’s clear.” She took a candle with her as she started to search a bookshelf.

“What could we possibly find? We’ve at least glanced at almost every book in this room.”

A voice rang out from the dark in the back of the room. “Not every book.”

Ridley and Theodor turned in unison. A slight scream escaped Ridley’s throat.

“Who’s there?” Theodor held the candle out in front of him toward the darkness. Blue eyes stared back at him, glistening in the light.

“What are you hoping to find here?” the woman said in a raspy voice.

“Stay back! We don’t want any trouble! Come on, Ridley.” Theodor reached for her, holding the candle out toward the woman. Ridley hurried toward him, her eyes wide and fixed on the woman.

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.