Fallen Embers (The Alterra Histories) Read Online Free PDF Page A

knowledge. She could hardly wait to find out. The columns and archways were perfect, though plain, for she had been told that the Sanctuary had not been built to impress visitors with its outer appearance. The real treasures lay inside—the most extensive library of learning and lore known to remain in Alterra. The only obvious ornament, a great eagle cast in pure silver, perched above the main doorway with wings spread as though about to take flight. Gaelen smiled to herself. Shandor obviously couldn’t resist one small display of vanity.
    The King and his personal retinue were taken immediately to lavish quarters reserved for visiting royalty, but Gaelen wouldn’t complain about the comfort of her own relatively austere accommodations. She would not remain in them, anyway. Tall trees were more to her liking, and she soon found one, perching high in the branches, observing the goings-on below. She would find many activities of interest here, and would want for nothing. The kitchens, staffed by dedicated and talented folk of various races, were open day and night.

    There followed many days of debate, discussion, and kingly counsel, to which Gaelen was not privy—humble hunter-scouts were forbidden to listen in on matters of such importance. That suited her at first, as she was free to wander and amuse herself, but as the days wore on and the delights of Mountain-home became more familiar, she began to look for diversions. Gaelen had never liked being forbidden to do things, and since she had always enjoyed the challenge of disobedience, she decided to hone her skills in stealthy approaches to the secret council areas, catching glimpses of the great folk assembled there.
    She beheld Magra the Mighty, a powerful, golden-haired Èolarin Elf, second-in-command of Ri-Elathan’s army. Beside him sat Alduinar, King of the Northmen, and Lord Airan of Tal-sithian, accompanied by their trusted advisors and battle tacticians. King Osgar of the Greatwood was there as well, but he had been seated as far away from the High King as would have been possible without deliberate insult. I’m sure it’s not intentional, thought Gaelen. I’m sure they realize how important the Greatwood is to their efforts. Still, it made her scowl on behalf of Wood-elves everywhere.
    At the head of the council-table stood a beautiful, dark-haired lady of regal bearing. Ah! That must be Lady Ordath, thought Gaelen, as the Lady took her seat beside an immense, powerful Elf—undoubtedly the High King. Stern and keen-eyed, he attracted Gaelen’s attention from first sight. Untold years of strife and heavy responsibility were graven into his strong, grim face. He spoke rarely, preferring to listen to the debate around him with little change of expression. When he did speak, there were no arguments.
    Only once did his expression change to any great extent, and that occurred the second time Gaelen observed him. A heated tactical discussion had occupied his attention as he sat, brooding and taking in all he heard. The first indication of any distraction came as his eyes flickered up and to the left, toward Gaelen, but only for a moment. His dark eyebrows lowered, and he closed his eyes as though concentrating. Then he lifted his chin from his right hand and drew himself to his full height, eyes searching in her direction. She held her breath, praying that he would not detect her concealment. How could it be so? She had been so careful to place herself where it would be extremely difficult to observe her, yet his eyes searched for her even now. They did not find her, but a slight smile softened them as he paused before returning his attention to the council. After that, Gaelen made no more such intrusions.

    She did learn a few things from the Elves of Mountain-home. Apparently, this great meeting had been going on for quite some time already, as the participants forged weapons, discussed tactics, and made ready for war. They did not know when the armies would