Hemlock And The Dread Sorceress (Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

final chance and he’s betrayed us again.”
    “It’s not like I expected anything else from him, but I’d hoped we’d be more prepared for it when he moved against us.  Hemlock, what have you been doing all these months?  We’ve missed your presence in the Tower.”
    “Really?  I’m shocked.  You all seemed qu ite tired of me bossing you around.”
    “But that doesn’t mean we wanted you gone altogether.  Yours is a valued and absent voice in our affairs.  All of the wizards have said as much.  We’d like you to sit on our council as an honorary member.”
    Hemlock bowed her head and kicked some debris off the edge of the Tower.  She sighed and replied, “Alright.  I suppose Jalis’ actions will force us to act in response.  I need to be a part of it.”
    “Yes.”
    There is more news from the mountains.
    “Yes?  Please tell us,” said Gwineval.
    I’ve seen DuLoc with the wizards.  I sense his hand directing their efforts,  and I feel a great power gathering.  He will return soon.  The wizards have built dark rocks throughout the valleys.  Their magical law projects through these.  It is all part of DuLoc’s plan.  He appeared and asked me to join him.  He believes he will become a great emperor and can create perfect laws.  He intends to enslave us all.
    “Those sound like the obelisks that Merit read about in Julius’ journal.  DuLoc must have taught Jalis how to make them.  And the minerals in the mountains afforded him the perfect opportunity to build them.  Curse Jalis and his machinations!” said Gwineval.
    Hemlock tried to give Gwineval a reassuring look, but the wizard’s eyes were downcast.  Hemlock knew him well enough to recognize the outward signs of an internal process of self-flagellation.  She figured it would be best to redirect the stubborn wizard’s thoughts before he sank into melancholy.
    “How do we fight DuLoc?” asked Hemlock, directing the question loudly toward the Griffin.
    I don’t know.  He wove with the Red Mage at the dawn of time.  He will be a terrible foe.  And he can’t be reasoned with.  But if anyone can resist him, it will be you.
    “Not very reassuring.  My father must have had a plan for me but it’s all so confusing.  That’s why I needed more time to think it through.  But now there’s no more time.”
    Gwineval seemed to refocus on the conversation .  “Time is running short, but DuLoc hasn’t returned yet.   There is still time to consider our options.  Come to the council meeting tomorrow and let’s talk it over.”
    “I will, but I want to see what they’re up to .  Penelope could take me there now.  Just to fly over and see it for myself,” Hemlock replied.
    “No, it’s too dangerous.”
    “Flying over?”
    “Yes.  You don’t know what Jalis and DuLoc have prepared for.  And it’s just what I’d expect you to do if I were Jalis.”
    The final point made sense to Hemlock.  She exhaled forcefully.
    “Fine.  I’ll wait and join your council meeting tomorrow.   But let’s figure out a plan that involves some action and not just wizardly debates.”
    Gwineval didn’t acknowledge her critical comment.
    She thought about returning to the Warrens, but the labored breath of the Griffin beside her reminded her of the unresolved issue at hand.  They needed to determine Penelope’s fate now that she had been driven out of the mountains.
    “And what of Penelope?” she asked Gwineval.
    The small scales on Gwineval’s brow furrowed.  “Well…” he stammered, clearly not anticipating the question.
    “She has to stay here for a while, right?  It’s kind of like a mountain top up here on the Tower.  Penelope, would you like to stay here?”
    Yes.
    Gwineval shot Hemlock a strong look, but his features softened.  “Yes, it makes sense.  And, Penelope, lest you think it’s charity, we’ll surely call upon you in the upcoming struggle.”
    I thought my role w ould be otherwise.  But I will help