Dawn of the Dreamsmith (The Raven's Tale Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

lines, Elder Tobias regarded him silently, his fingers steepled and held against his lips. Cole fidgeted, unsure as to why his presence had been requested.
    Presently, Merryl looked up from the parchment. “The Archon is to come here, to the college?”
    “Indeed. He will be here one week from today, it seems.”
    Cole’s brow wrinkled in puzzlement. “Is that unusual?”
    “You have been with us your whole life, boy, eighteen years if I am not mistaken. In all that time, do you recall such an occasion ever before taking place?” Elder Tobias spoke as if lecturing a dim-witted child.
    “Forgive me, Elder, but my memory of the first few years is somewhat hazy.”
    Brother Merryl shook his head in dismay. Elder Tobias gave Cole a cool look. “Mark this, boy,” he said sternly. “The Archon has not left Ehrenburg in fourteen years. He has not returned to Stelys since he graduated from these halls some quarter century past.”
    “Do we know the reason for this unprecedented visit?” Merryl interjected, before the boy could open his mouth again and further incense the elder.
    The elder held Cole’s gaze for a second longer, before his eyes flicked back to Merryl’s. “We do.” He held up another letter. “It seems the Archon has taken a particular interest in your... studies.” He gestured towards Cole. “One student in particular.”
    Brother Merryl bowed his head low. “It will of course be an honour to demonstrate our progress to the Archon in pers-”
    The elder cut him off with a swipe of his hand. “Yes, yes, I am quite sure. My main concern is that this... this... rapscallion,” he glared at Cole, “does not embarrass us all. His past conduct is not becoming of the Order and our tolerance of his misdemeanours is at an end. Your task, Brother Merryl, will be to curb his behaviour and see that he is kept under control for the duration of the Archon’s stay. Is that understood?”
    “Most assuredly, elder.”
    “Good.” Slightly mollified, the elder picked up another paper from his desk, and curtly waved them away. “You may go.”
    As they made their way back across the bridge, Brother Merryl’s staff clacking loudly over the flagstones, the boy muttered, “I don’t believe the elder cares for me overmuch.”
    Merryl glanced at him from the corner of his eye. “Elder Tobias has never been fond of rogue elements. He wants his world to run in an orderly fashion, and you remind him that not everything can be controlled.”
    Cole considered this for a time. Eventually, he said “Is it true?”
    “Hmm?”
    “About the Archon, I mean. Has he really not left the Ehrenburg in all that time?”
    They passed beneath the gateway. Two servants in grey tunics stood nearby, ready to winch down the small portcullis as soon as the elder returned to his chambers. “As I understand it, no,” Merryl replied. “He has become a trusted advisor to the emperor, and His Excellency is loath to be without his sage counsel. Then, of course, he has been heavily involved in overseeing construction of the Spire.”
    Cole perked up at the mention of the Order’s new tower, being built in the heart of the imperial city. “It sounds like an impressive sight,” he said. “I would love to see it one day for myself.”
    Merryl chuckled softly. “You may get your wish, my son. After its completion, many Brothers currently without a position elsewhere will be called to the Spire. The Archon feels that the Order is better served by having its college in the capital.”
    “So what will happen to the Crag?”
    Merryl sensed the concern in the boy’s voice. Of course, he thought, this is the only home he has ever known. “I’m not party to the Archon’s intentions,” he replied gently. “It’s possible that these halls will soon stand empty, just as they did until the late emperor granted it to the Faith in his wisdom. All things pass,” he added, wanting to reassure but not willing to lie just to ease the boy’s