Elf Lords: 02 - Last of the Elf Lords Read Online Free PDF Page B

slide and turned to face the table, “It is the wizard, Natis.”
    “He’s probably mad that he wasn’t included too, which is probably fortunate for Landis.” Weslocke mumbled.
    “Admit him.” Eric ordered.
    The guard opened the door to allow the black robed wizard into the room. It had been several years since Petra had seen the mage. His dark hair was longer than she remembered it, and was streaked with grey. His thick black beard also showed signs of aging.
    Natis hurried to the table, neglecting to bow to either of the royals. “Has Landis left yet?”
    “Several hours ago.” Weslocke proclaimed with satisfaction.
    Natis cursed; then apologized to Petra. “I have returned from Sedau as quickly as possible. We have a problem.”
    “What kind of problem?” Eric asked, “Are the Elf Lord Pearls missing?”
    “Not only are the pearls missing, but the Gate of the Dragon is gone too.”
    “How can that be possible?” Eric asked in alarm.
    Natis shook his head, “I do not know. The place is not the same as it once was. You cannot tell that a city was ever there. All traces of the ruins are gone. The place is a beautiful valley, surrounded by the forest on three sides and the mountains behind it. It is unnatural, I tell you. I really did not believe that I was in the same place.”
    “Are you certain that you were?” Petra inquired.
    Natis nodded, “Most certainly, although it was not easy. It was as if something was trying to prevent me from finding the location. If I did not have the use of magic, I might have become lost and missed it altogether. Someone has used a powerful magic to hide that valley. But I am certain as to where I was. It took some doing, but I located the area above the tunnels.”
    The mage produced a crystal ball from his pouch, “With this, I was able to see inside Bytoron’s lair, where the Gate of the Dragon was located.”
    “What is that?” Petra asked.
    “Something I found when we were there the last time.” Natis explained.
    Eric was outraged, “You took something from Bytoron’s lair without telling us?”
    “That is in the past,” Natis continued, “the point is that with this I can see into places. Actually, I can get into them, sort of. I am not physically able to be there, but I can project myself into places. I did so there, and discovered that the gate has somehow been taken away.”
    “Could it have been an illusion?” Eric asked, remembering all too well the protective spell that had nearly caused their deaths when he had traveled beneath Sedau with Landis’ party nearly two decades earlier.
    “It was no illusion. The gate—and the pearls—are gone. Someone has taken them. And if I am right, then whoever has them is waiting for Landis to arrive with the Sword of Alexon to complete the set, and have all four keys to open the gate.”
    “We must warn Landis!” Weslocke declared.
    Eric stood and began pacing the floor, “This is not good.”
    “You have to send riders after them.” Petra insisted.
    “They will not catch them in time. The ship will sail the moment they board. I can send word via the Network, but they will not get that until they are in Roole.”
    “I must go after them.” Natis insisted. “Whoever has the pearls must be a powerful wizard. They will have no chance against him without someone with magic.”
    “Are there not wizards in Roole that you can call upon?” Petra asked of both Eric and Natis.
    “There are some that I trust; but will Landis trust them?” Natis answered. “We can send word just in case, but I should still go.”
    “I will draw up papers to secure you passage on the next ship leaving for the Eastland,” Eric agreed, “if you leave soon, then you may arrive no more than a day behind them.”
    Weslocke slammed his meaty fist onto the table, “This time I insist on going.”
    Natis looked down at the dwarf.
    “Do not give me that smirk, mage,” Weslocke spat, “You and I both know that I have never