Blood of the Earth Read Online Free PDF Page A

you need to make more?”
    “No,” Kelvin said. “Each requires a very small quantity of Wizard’s Dust and I’ve used all that we had. Incidentally, six of the seven candidates for the mana fast have survived and become novice wizards. The seventh was lost to the firmament.”
    Alexander sighed. He remembered the trials and felt a pang of pity for the one lost. It wasn’t a good way to go—if there was such a thing.
    He opened his pouch and removed his five remaining vials of Wizard’s Dust and placed them on the table before the Mage.
    “We found more in the Reishi Keep,” Alexander said. “Lucky has a small quantity with him as well, but not enough for a mana fast.”
    Kelvin smiled in wonder. “I had not hoped to mentor more than one or two wizards through the mana fast for the rest of my life. Our order is reborn, Alexander.”
    “Use it as you see fit, but I think we might need some more of those weapons,” Alexander said. “I gave enough Wizard’s Dust to the guild on Ithilian for three new wizards, and I gave three vials to the Reishi Coven. Isabel used one and Magda is holding one for Abigail if she wants it. I suspect they’ll use the third to induct another member into their order, if they haven’t already.”
    “Very strategic thinking, I see,” Kelvin said with an approving smile. “Not only have you given priceless gifts to a guild of wizards and a coven of witches, thereby engendering goodwill, but you’ve created the impression that you are the most likely to triumph in this conflict because you alone possess the secret to magic.
    “Alexander, I am reluctant to ask, but it is a question that has plagued me since I learned that you had bonded with the Sovereign Stone.” Kelvin hesitated. “Does it hold the secret?” he whispered intently.
    “It does,” Alexander said, “but I can’t make use of it yet. On the advice of Balthazar Reishi, I’ve decided that the secret should remain a secret for now. I don’t know what it is and I don’t intend to ask until I can put it to use.”
    Kelvin smiled and nodded to himself. “I have often dreamt of the day when the secret of wizardry returned to the world, but I see the wisdom in your caution. Just know that every wizard in my order stands ready to help you make whatever preparations you require.”
    “Thank you, Kelvin,” Alexander said. “I understand how much this must mean to you. Once we return to Blackstone Keep, I’ll set my plan in motion, and hopefully, we’ll have the ability to make Wizard’s Dust for ourselves by year’s end.”
    “All of the threats we face seem to diminish in the face of that knowledge,” Kelvin said.
     
    ***
     
    Several days later they reached the main encampment of the Ruathan army located between the Reishi Gate and Blackstone Keep. It was an imposing sight. Tens of thousands of soldiers spread out across the plain in the shadow of the Keep.
    Horns called out his arrival as he approached the perimeter defenses, and a squad of soldiers rode out to meet him.
    “Lord Reishi,” the squad sergeant said, saluting crisply, “General Valentine posted us to watch for your arrival. He would speak with you.”
    “Very good, Sergeant, lead the way,” Alexander said, then turned to Lieutenant Wyatt. “You’re welcome to join us after you see to your men.”
    Wyatt turned to the commander of the hundred-Ranger honor guard that had accompanied Alexander from Northport.
    “See to the men’s quarters and horses, then find them a hot meal,” Wyatt said before nodding to Alexander.
    They wound through an ordered maze of tents and paddocks. The soldiers were mostly busy with their tasks, some cleaning and repairing equipment, others sharpening weapons. Many turned to look as Alexander rode by—some cheered, while others looked at him as if he had brought war into their lives. Even though the army was comprised of forces from many different territories, they were organized and disciplined, no doubt as a