Blood of the Earth Read Online Free PDF Page B

world.
    “At least we made the right choice in retrieving the Sovereign Stone,” Alexander whispered as he closed his eyes.
    Once again he was facing a threat sent against him by the Reishi Prince, and Phane was probably dining in comfort and safety inside the walls of the palace on Karth. Alexander felt like he was being forced to react to Phane’s threats without ever having the chance to choose his next move. He remembered another of his father’s many lessons on strategy: He who controls the initiative controls the game. From the day Phane woke, Alexander had been reacting, scrambling to stay alive. He’d made gains, more than he would have thought possible, but he was coming to see that he couldn’t match Phane on his terms. He needed to change the rules of the game. But how?
    He took a deep breath and let it out slowly before drawing himself up and facing the scrutiny of those arrayed before him. The people at this table needed him to be strong, even if he didn’t feel up to the challenges that lay before him.
    “All right, one thing at a time,” he said. “First, Phane has created a new kind of enemy called a wraithkin, a man blended with a creature from the netherworld. They have the power to teleport short distances and heal nearly any injury they’ve sustained each time they disappear and reappear. They’re armed with daggers that taint the wounds they cause with dark magic, preventing our healing magic from having any effect.” Alexander gestured to the bandage on his left arm. The gash still hurt but he’d learned how to deal with pain. Just six short months ago, this wound would have had him mewling in agony—now it was just a minor distraction.
    “Phane sent nine wraithkin to Ruatha to kill everyone close to me,” Alexander said. “I’m afraid I made it personal for him when I killed his familiar. He wants revenge and he knows the surest way to hurt me is to hurt those I love.”
    “I’ll order bodyguards for Bella and me as well as Hanlon and Emily,” Duncan said. “Lucky, Anatoly, and Abigail are probably safe inside the Keep, but I’ll send word to Erik just in case.”
    “Good, I’d also like to assemble several teams of hunters,” Alexander said. “I think Captain Sava’s new unit, augmented by a few wizards, might be the best-suited for the job.”
    Duncan nodded thoughtfully. “We can field four platoon-strength units from his company,” he said, turning to Kelvin. “Can you spare four wizards, one for each platoon?”
    “Yes, in fact I already have a very short list of the best candidates for the job,” Kelvin said. “Once we return to the Keep, I’ll make the arrangements.”
    “I would recommend a Ranger or two be attached to each platoon,” Lieutenant Wyatt said. “They can serve as trackers and scouts.”
    “I agree,” Duncan said. “General Markos, I’d like you to oversee the formation of these units and coordinate their operations. Captain Sava will report directly to you.”
    “Understood, General Valentine,” General Markos said.
    “So now to the shade,” Alexander said. “From the nature of the attacks, it’s clear that the intent is to undermine morale and create fear within the ranks. As damaging as that might be, I don’t for a second believe that’s its only mission. If Phane has bound it to his will, then he sent it here for something. Other than the Sovereign Stone and my head on a platter, what might Phane be after?”
    The table fell silent. After a long moment, Kelvin ventured a guess.
    “Perhaps Phane knows of something within the Keep that we are unaware of. He fought at his father’s side against Mage Cedric for many years. He may be after some relic of that struggle.”
    “That’s unsettling,” Jack said. “There’s no telling what’s in there.”
    “Maybe it’s time to do some more exploring,” Alexander mused. “Mage Cedric said there were things of power and danger locked away under the Keep. Unfortunately, he