Delver Magic Book VII: Altered Messages Read Online Free PDF

breeze moved the leaves of the trees, for the small animals had sought refuge elsewhere. Something had raised their alarm.
    He was very near a narrow footpath that led deeper into the forest. It was Staffer's Trail, a pathway that allowed local farmers to collect firewood for the dormant season. It didn't receive a great deal of traffic, but it was used often enough to allow for clear passage. The opening enabled Ryson a clear view somewhat deeper into the forest, and yet he still found nothing to explain the strange conditions within the trees.
    With the mystery deepening, Ryson could no longer contain himself. He needed to find the answer, discover the source of the heavy odor. Even if it meant heightening the risk to himself, he had to enter Dark Spruce.
    He did so with the speed of a purebred delver. He understood it was the safest approach. Slow caution would never serve him as well as rapid motion, and he leapt from the edge of the cornfield like a deer jumping a farmer's fence. In two quick bounds, he crossed the tall grass and reached the trees. He never stopped moving, never allowed himself to become a target for a goblin crossbow. In a relentless blur, he bounded up a wide maple tree and raced across the branches to jump to the center of a tall elm.
    It was the high vantage point that allowed the delver to immediately understand the source of the strange odor. The discovery whisked a cold shadow across his soul as he viewed it from up high. He scanned the grounds below in all directions, but he knew there was no imminent danger, just a message... a ghastly communication of a task completed, and perhaps more treachery to come.
    Dropping to the ground, he surveyed the path. An understanding of the situation seemed to bring a greater darkness to the forest, as if someone had pulled a heavy shade down across a large window. He cursed under his breath, but there was little he could do. He gave one last listen to the forest, one last sniff to the wind, but he knew the perpetrator had left. There would be nothing gained in trying to pick up the trail of the goblin responsible, and so he took the only option left to him. He returned immediately to Burbon's north gate.
    After bounding back over the wall, Ryson found Sy Fenden waiting beside Abby and Stomps. Seeing his dog almost erased the gloom that dampened his spirits... almost. He placed a hand on the dog's head and nodded to Sy.
    The captain noticed the dark expression of his friend and needed to understand the full scope of the threat.
    "What did you find?"
    "A message... for you... maybe for all of us," Ryson responded almost grudgingly.
    "What kind of message?"
    Ryson looked to the guards who waited nearby. He wasn't sure if it was a good idea to share the information in front of others before Sy had a chance to review it. It would lead to rumors, bleak and dangerous rumors, and he didn't want to be the one who started brewing that pot of potential controversy. He thought it was best if Sy decided exactly how much to share with the town guard.
    "It's better if you see it for yourself," Ryson explained. "I don't want to try and describe it on my own."
    Sy sensed Ryson's meaning and he almost thanked him. He knew the delver was allowing him to make the final judgment, deferring to the captain's authority. Still, Sy was operating on limited information. He knew a threat existed outside of Burbon's wall but remained uncertain as to its full extent.
    "Any immediate danger I need to be aware of?"
    "No."
    "Do we need additional support? Or can we go alone... just the two of us?"
    "We're good on our own."
    "Very well." Sy then turned his attention to the guards. "Keep the alert status where it is. No one is to exit the town until I return."
    Ryson made a request of his own to Abby.
    "Please keep watching Stomps, okay?"
    "Not a problem. Should we leave the gate open after you leave?"
    Ryson looked to Sy. He didn't believe he should make the decision, but he was ready to offer