Hawkmoon (The Hawkmoon Chronicles) Read Online Free PDF Page B

is protected. That person can read it as many times as they wish and not draw the attention of Sorcery. It seems that he was not only an Arcanist but a competent magician.”
    “I repeat, take it to the Elves.”
    “I must go to Elfhome.  I will tell them of the supplement. I will not hand it over”.
    “You said that they are the only ones who might be able to translate it”.
    “They are, but it seems for all his friendship with the noble elves, al Jiddah  did not trust them.  I will read part of the foreword. You can take notes if you wish. After that no one must see it. It must remain hidden. There is a section describing his quest. I have copied the full paper so that you can study it later “ Kerris shook her head. “The Elves are friends and allies. It goes hard to treat them with so little respect.”
    “They are a noble race but the stronger the light the greater the darkness.”  al  Jiddah  understood that. …” Kerris gazed at the younger woman.  At times it was easy to forget that here stood the  Princess Royal and future Queen...
    “If your family had survived the assassins would you be taking on this quest?”
    Mira turned, gazing through a narrow embrasure …“Honestly? I don’t know. It would be nice to think that in some other world I am sitting across from him holding my child,, laughing at his jokes.  Your sisters have made vows. They have dedicated themselves to obedience and stability. I have struggled with both all my life. The only thing  I have ever loved as much as those I have lost is the Land . I love every river and mountain of it. Every rock and pebble.  If there is a way of saving it I will try or die trying”.
    What a Matriarch she would have been . Kerris thought.
    “There is a caravan in from the South. We will talk after breakfast. Taking the notes she had  made Mira began to read…

 
     
     
     
     
                                                           Leavetaking.
     
    The Old Forest would take six weeks. Four to the Inland Sea. A week to cross, depending on winds. It could be skirted but there were things in the Outlands best avoided, The Pass of the Winds two weeks  later… The Royal City in a week and depending on how long it took to get through she would reach the Choke in fifteen days. Beyond that she had no plans. The worms were moving in great numbers. No one had  suspected there were that many in the deep desert. She had word that some caravans were getting through.
    Kerris returned an hour before lunch. She peered over Mira’s shoulder …“Those figures are optimistic. Cavalry might  do it. A woman alone in the wilderness with Winter approaching?”
    “An armed escort would attract notice” 
    “At least you would be alive…When you get to the city ask Leona about crossing the Choke. Some caravans have gone out. Most of them have not returned. If she says it can’t be done, listen to her”
    “It will mean a year’s journey around the Continent”
    “Better that than being digested by a worm…I have some items  for you.”.She  handed Mira a  silver disc. “Give this one to Per Lindstrom at Havalfjord..”
    “And if Lindstrom is away?”
    “He won’t, unless he’s dead.  If you have to buy passage don’t show the gold. I will convert some of it before you leave. The travel papers from your father will be useful. Kerris lifted a grey cape.  .”This is a cloak of concealment. It will not protect you from anyone using magic. But no  one else will see you while you are wrapped in it.. And this”. Kerris was holding a miniature crossbow. It had grooves for two bolts. It was unloaded Kerris pointed it at the door. Something  flew, burying itself in the oak. Mira opened the door . A slim metal bolt had punched its way  through to  the other side. Kerris  looked at Mira.” It is a favourite of our assassins. Have you ever killed anyone?”
    “No”
    “Do you think you