Crypt of the Shadowking Read Online Free PDF Page B

which end to blow in,” Caledan said, lying smoothly.
    “I didn’t think so,” Mari said, sighing. “Caledan Caldorien was supposed to have been the finest piper in the Realms and one of the bravest men as well. We could use his help in dealing with the … the city’s new ruler.”
    Harpers, Caledan thought derisively. They send one agent on what was probably her first mission to counter a city crawling with Zhentarim. That was just like them. They were idealists almost to the point of idiocy Mari Al’maren no doubt thought that a few old, tired ballads and a few lofty, outdated ideals were somehow enough to end all the suffering and darkness in the world. Caledan knew better. He, of all people, knew that music—and the Harpers— would never be enough.
    “Well, I’m sorry to have caused you trouble, friend scoundrel,” Mari continued, “though you seem to have paid me back for it.” She rubbed her shoulder. “I’ve got to keep searching. This city is supposed to have been Caldorien’s last known home, though gods know why anyone would live here.” She looked distastefully around the dingy street.
    “It wasn’t always so bad,” Caledan said, taking a step toward her. “It was beautiful once. You know, legendary Iriaebor of the Thousand Spires.”
    She smiled crookedly. Mari was not a woman who would ever be accused of being pretty, Caledan thought, but there was a warmth to her smile that made him grin back. “I’ll let you know if I run into this ‘Caldorien’ character.”
    “Don’t bother,” she replied wryly. “It’s going to take me a while to heal my bruises from our first encounter. So do me a favor, friend scoundrel. Let’s say farewell.”
    Caledan performed a stiff mock bow. “As you wish.” He straightened up—and his eyes widened in shock.
    Mari frowned at him in puzzlement. “What is it, scoundrel?”
    “Don’t look now,” he whispered, “but I don’t think you were the only one who has been doing a little following.”
    Mari spun swiftly on her heels, and the blood drained from her face. Not a hundred paces away three black dogs were loping down the alley. Each was as large as a pony, and all of them were covered with flickering crimson flames. Their eyes glowed with a deadly golden light, and their huge maws hung open, baring their fangs.
    Caledan gave a low whistle. “It looks like you should have said good-bye when you had the chance, Harper.”
     

Three
     
    Caledan drew his dagger from his boot as the three magical mastiffs howled, an eerie sound of fury and bloodlust.
    “Please don’t tell me that pig-sticker is all you’ve got, scoundrel,” the Harper said caustically. Her movements were fluid as she unsheathed the curved, gleaming sabre belted at her hip and assumed a battle-ready stance. “As you wish.” Caledan gritted his teeth. Mari shot him a hard look, but there was no time for a reply. The hounds were rapidly closing the distance between them. Caledan could hear the crackling of the fiery auras that surrounded the beasts. The air was charged with an acrid, sulfuric odor. He let his dagger fly in a precise arc. It struck the lead hound directly between the eyes—and then bounced harmlessly off the creature’s skull.
    Caledan and Mari traded desperate looks.
    “These are enchanted beasts,” he shouted. “I don’t think mundane weapons can harm them.”
    “Now you tell me,” Man said disgustedly, thrusting her sabre back into its sheath. “May I be so bold as to suggest we turn tail and run?” “We’ll never be able to outrun them.” “Well, maybe we can outclimb them.” Caledan nodded. He made a running leap onto the alley’s wall and began scrambling up the crumbling, uneven stone surface. The Harper did likewise on the opposite wall. Just as Caledan was heaving himself over the top, the flaming mastiffs were upon them. One of the beasts let out a feral snarl as it leaped upward, its jaws snapping. Caledan felt its hot, scorching breath