Ever Shade Read Online Free PDF Page B

breaks with the death that reeks onto our precious earth. I am forced to ask of you the most dangerous of requests. We must obtain the magic of the Santiran fountains once more. Our ancestors used this when the earth was once out of balance and evil lurked around every corner. We have attempted to fight the Lonare’s, but have failed to hold them back with terrible losses. I fear our only savior and chance against the vast Unseelie armies is this magic; but we must now take a perilous journey to get it.”
    She paused and sighed, seemingly upset by what she was saying. “Unfortunately, I cannot go myself because being near the fountain would prove fatal for me. The magic of the Santiran Fountains can only be bequeathed unto a halfling, one of both worlds, human and faery. We have finally found her, thankfully, on this night of all nights. I am most pleased to introduce our most precious treasure, Shade.” Her hand outstretched toward Shade and the crowd cheered thunderously.
    Shade was sweating with anxiety, how much longer could she stand here? She felt lightheaded and the room was shrinking in her vision.
    “She will take this journey, for it is her destiny. I must request though, an entourage to help her get there safely. I must ask for volunteers for this most dangerous task. Can anyone selflessly swear loyalty to her? Can anyone be such a guide and guard for our precious jewel?”
    Silence seemed to engulf the room. Whispers echoed in the great room, as everyone shuffled and shifted about. The excitement was electric and it reminded her of Jack’s unglamoured figure. Speaking of Jack, where did he go? Shade thought to herself.
    “I’ll go, I found her, and she is my responsibility.” Jack bowed to the queen and then stepped back. The queen nodded and smiled at him and approval was evident in her eyes.
    Another man, tall and muscular stepped from behind Jack, his long brown hair tied back loosely with some loose wisps framing his face. He wore form fitting armor and leather, with a sword strapped to his back. He seemed younger than Jack but older than Shade. He also bowed before the Queen. “Your Majesty, Soap, at your service. It would be my duty to serve you. I swear loyalty to this young lady and take on the dangers of her quest as my own.” He stepped back and received the same approving look and a nod from the queen.
    Another figure stood out in the crowd lifting his arm into the air. “Your majesty, Ewan here, I will also swear my loyalty and take on this perilous journey for you, my queen. I have experience traveling to the Santiran land. I hope I can be of use.” He also bowed.
    Another and another and another stepped out from the crowd. The band of noblemen, were named: Than, a specialist in the oriental knife throwing arts, a lady warrior named Sary and another man named Stephen. The queen approved all these volunteers swiftly.
    “Now, only magic can fight magic. I also need one brave volunteer who is practiced in sorcery to join the others. Is there anyone of such skill that would accept such a feat?” The room was once again quiet. Shade was definitely feeling lightheaded now. Her stomach lurched and soon the room began to spin, Ilarial stepped over to her and smiled, placing her hand on Shade’s arm, she seemed to sense she needed some aide and steadied her with one hand; her other hand retrieved a small stone from her gown.
    “Shade, suck on this stone, it will make you feel better.” She reached over and placed it into Shade’s mouth. It tasted sweet as honey. The spinning ceased and her stomach calmed and felt better, instantly. . Wow.
    “I, Braelynn, will take this task at hand,” the voice echoed across the crowd. A woman stepped forward, shoving the throng of people around her to part. She wore a light brown dress and had honey colored hair, it was draped about her shoulders. She also had freckles sprayed across her nose and cheeks. Her bright hazel eyes glowed with fire and