The Pegasus's Lament by Martin F. Hengst

Author:Martin F. Hengst [Hengst, Martin F.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Fiction
Published: 2013-09-26T05:00:00+00:00

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The common room of the Dirty Magpie was abuzz with activity, a hive of agitated bees. City guards were marshaling civilians into squads. Faxon had a map of the city spread out over one of the tables, the corners weighed down with half-filled tankards and ale mugs.

As they entered, Faxon glanced up. The look of naked relief on his face was enough to start Tiadaria's heart pounding. Even with his considerable knowledge and experience, it was clear that Faxon was floundering.

“Oh thank the Gods!” Faxon dropped a sheaf of papers on the table and rushed to Wynn and Tiadaria. “There's something loose in the city.”

“We noticed,” Tiadaria shot back drily.

That brought up Faxon short on his heels. “You saw it? What was it?”

“That's why we are here,” Wynn said with a sigh. “We were hoping you could tell us what it is and how to kill it.”

The elder quintessentialist shook his head slowly. He gestured over his shoulder to the other people in the room.

“I daresay we know less than you do. Maybe if you could give us some details, you'd help in our search and he can destroy whatever it is faster.”

Wynn nodded. “Of course. We'll offer whatever details we can.”

“No need.” A new voice came from near the door and the trio turned to see Adamon standing in the doorway. He hooked a thumb over his shoulder, indicating the city beyond. “It's a blood wraith.”

“A what?” Tiadaria, Wynn, and Faxon all asked the question in unison.

A flicker of something that might have been a smile tugged at Adamon's lips, then it was gone. Tia wondered if his good humor was always so fleeting. Every time she had seen the man, he had seemed to be in a dour mood. Although, to be fair, every time she had seen him, they had been in the middle of a bloodbath or cleaning up after it.

“A blood wraith. A malevolent spirit crafted from the living blood of an innocent.”

“Lemmy,” Faxon said, his voice harsh. Adamon nodded.

“Yes. Now we know why the youngster was a target when there were so many others of equal or greater opportunity. We also know that whoever summoned the wraith has considerable skill and power. Blood magic is volatile, and this particular rite is exceptionally difficult.”

“Alright,” Tia said, planting her hands on her hips. “So how do we kill it? We killed its first victim and it just jumped into another.”

Adamon peered at her for a moment, as if he was decided whether or not he believed her, or whether or not he trusted her. Maybe it was a bit of both. After a moment's pause, he answered.

“Kill the host and destroy it before it jumps into a new one. You'll be on guard against it now. I'm sure your blade will make short work of the host. Wynn, your particular specialty will serve to kill the wraith before it can find a new host.”

“Great,” Wynn said with an edge of sarcasm. “Now we get to go hunt it down.

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