First Comes The One Who Wanders Read Online Free PDF Page B

adorned in the gray and green of the School of Land. Their insignia, a Yew tree, was outlined on their gray tunics in dark green. "Remember his face. Don't let his looks deceive you. He is very experienced, very powerful and quite evil. All of these crafters are evil. Don't hesitate if you come face to face with one and remember, your power is stronger than theirs because it’s purer."
    "But I am not a master, I won’t be much of a match for any master crafter," began Leilas.
    "You are a master in every way that counts. You have power and you can use it. I'll be here to help you. With luck, and it usually comes to my rescue, we'll live.

CHAPTER 2
     
    The tower bells began to toll ominously as the guards in the watchtowers caught sight of the army marching toward them. Soon, footfalls could be heard running up and down the hall outside the door. Leilas knew that the barred door would not keep out the magiks, but it would deter the soldiers. It seemed to her, she was the only one in this room anxious about what was to come.
    Her mother was calm, resigned to her fate. A wave of anger washed over Leilas toward her mother, for giving up the battle before it had even begun. Brenth was an enigma. He seemed resigned, as her mother was, about the battle to come. Maybe he was under an enchantment as the people had claimed. But right now, Leilas wished she had some of his composure.
    She wasn't afraid. She'd faced enemies before and knew what to expect. But her instincts were telling her she should leave this place, now. The noise her inner voices were making was deafening and almost irresistible. Only sheer willpower was keeping her in this room.
    Joshuas had taken up his position by the door. For the last few minutes, he'd been chanting an incantation of binding. If he was strong enough, it would keep most of the soldiers and magiks out. If they were lucky, Jayram would take his strongest, most experienced magiks to fight the school and they would be safe for a while. They couldn’t stay in here forever and if Darryl overtook the Manor, they would eventually be taken prisoner and killed. Moving to the door, Leilas joined in with Joshuas chanting the words of binding. Every voice made the spell stronger. She could feel his power and sense his thoughts as she worked with him to bind the room closed. She followed his thoughts as he probed the walls of binding looking for flaws. Wherever she felt a weakness, she spoke the words to strengthen them.
    Panting with the exertion, Joshuas fell silent. Leilas let her mind probe the walls once more before she fell silent, too.
    "That should protect us from most of the haunts out there," said Joshuas, sinking into one of the chairs.
    "But not from the worst of them." Leilas took up a position by the door. She was going to make every soldier who crossed the threshold pay dearly for their indiscretion. "There is still time to find a way out of Dirth." She appealed to her mother once more. "I know all the passages out of Dirthstone Manor."
    "What do you think Joshuas? Should I leave?" Queen Daina turned to face the tired, scruffy magik with deference.
    Joshuas smiled at the queen's question. "It's not my place to say. You must do what is right for you."
    "As always, you give the proper answer for a crafter, never interfere, never guide destiny." The queen fingered the short sword in her hand. "I'm amazed that you would even use your magic to protect us lowly mortals in this room. But then, you didn't do it to protect the mortals here, did you? You did it to protect Leilas." She nodded her head in agreement with her own conclusion. "I've known for some time that she was special, that she was one of the Chosen. The Menas have their own special gifts," she said haughtily, "even if the crafters don't think they're worthy of notice."
    "Not all crafters are so callous, my lady. You know I've often called on the Menas for help." Joshuas paused before he added, "Brenth would have a good home among