Forest Fire (#2 The Legends of Regia) Read Online Free PDF Page B

said.
     
      "We shall complete our contract in the ancient way, with an exchange of tokens."  
     
      A frown creased Christiana’s brow. "What token have you brought me?"
     
      Rahaxeris reached into his robes and removed the red-jeweled necklace. He dangled it from his fingers for her to see. A broad smile broke over her face.
     
      "It is not merely a piece of jewelry, my lady. It grants protection and power to the wearer. Having this around your neck, no underlings will ever be able to argue with you."
     
      Her eyes fixed on it greedily. Rahaxeris moved closer, bringing the necklace just beyond her reach. She held out her hand.
     
      "Not so fast."
     
      "What do you want in return?" She asked not taking her eyes off the necklace.
     
      "In order to receive this token you must give me your son."
     
      Christiana blinked and looked back at Rahaxeris, a false puzzlement on her face. "My son? My son is dead."
     
      "You may be skilled in deception, my lady, but do you really think you can lie to me ?"
     
      "It’s the truth! I know you know that he survived that assassination attempt five years ago, but he just recently died on a mission to regain his sight."
     
      Rahaxeris sighed and slowly began to put the necklace back into his robes.
     
      "No! Wait! What do you want with Syrus? He’s not well. His mind has been bewitched."
     
      "If that is true, why not trust me to heal him?"
     
      "I thought you meant to dispatch him along with his father."
     
      "I mean him no harm," Rahaxeris said easily, dangling the necklace again.
     
      Christiana hesitated a moment. "The ogre, Merhl, is the only one who can open the portal to Syrus. Shall I summon him?"
     
      "No. That won’t be necessary. Allow me to fasten this around your neck, my lady. Then our contract will be struck."
     
      Christiana pulled her dark hair up off her shoulders and bowed her head a little. As soon as Rahaxeris brought the two ends of the chain together, the reaction began. He took a step back, enjoying the frozen look of shock and fear in her eyes. The red jewel glowed bright and encased her in a glassy cocoon of energy. She began to blur around the edges. The power held her immobile, staring.
     
      "No doubt you are wondering what you could have done to deserve this kind of double crossing. Your son’s mate, Forest, is my daughter. I am allowing you to live out your life, confined in another world, with the knowledge that Forest shall sit on your throne."
     
      Rahaxeris took a few more steps back and watched as Christiana faded into nothing. He waited a few silent moments before beginning the task of taking control of the castle and everyone within. He pulled his power inside and held it there like inhaling. It gathered, compacted, vibrated. Eyes closed, exhaling slowly, his power radiated out from him like a shockwave, filling the walls and the hearts of every inhabitant.
     
      He strolled out from the throne room; everyone he passed bowed in submission.
     
      "I seek the ogre, Merhl," he said loudly.
     
      Merhl walked demurely and bowed before Rahaxeris. He was younger and smaller than most of the ogres lining the walls, but power emanated from him. Rahaxeris’ power recognized and analyzed Merhl’s. He was the most gifted ogre Rahaxeris had ever met. His skin was a mottled bronze and grey. His dark hair was shortly cropped and matched the color of his eyes. Merhl’s gifts resided predominantly in his hands, and had the same effects of genius; it caused him as much pain as it did pleasure. His massive hands were elongated and twisted, and anyone could see they ached fiercely. Rahaxeris liked Merhl instantly.
     
      "Give me your hands."
     
      Merhl flinched in fear but obeyed.
     
      Rahaxeris gripped both of Merhl’s disfigured hands. The power throbbed just under the ogre’s skin. Rahaxeris syphoned off the excess magic. Merhl’s eyes snapped wide and a smile flashed across his