Mistworld (Deathstalker Prelude) Read Online Free PDF Page B

Mistport alone,” said du Wolfe sharply. “And another fifteen hundred scattered among the outlying farms.”
    “There are now,” said Darkstrom. “But only half of them are experienced enough for shield duty. And can we be sure there’ll always be that many? Esp doesn’t always breed true.”
    “Right,” said Steel. “Finding the wreck of the Darkwind has been a stroke of immense good fortune, and we’d be fools not to make the most of it. In case you’ve all forgotten, it’s getting harder all the time for smugglers to break through the Empire blockade. We’re running out of high tech, and it’s getting damn near impossible to maintain what technology we have. Even the best-tended machinery will break down in time, and we’re nowhere near being able to build our own high tech. The Darkwind has provided enough systems and spares to maintain us for a few more years, but the disrupter cannon are the main jewels in the treasure chest. For the first time, we have a chance to make Mistworld completely safe from Imperial attack.
    “Now with respect, fellow Councillors, I must insist on a decision. I’ve been away from the command centre too long as it is. The technicians are standing by, ready to install the disrupters. I must insist on an answer.”
    “For once it seems we are in agreement, Director.” The Bloodhawk’s quiet voice was cold but impartial. “I see no point in further discussion. Since the disrupters are intended to work with the esper shield, rather than replace it, I see no reason why they shouldn’t be installed. The future of the psionic shield can be discussed at a later date. Now, since we all have other duties compelling our attention, I call for a vote. I vote Aye.”
    “I vote Nay,” said Suzanne du Wolfe quickly.
    “Aye,” said Eileen Darkstrom.
    “Aye,” said Gideon Steel.
    Everyone looked to Donald Royal, who sat up a little straighter in his chair, blinking vaguely.
    “We are voting on the installation of disrupter cannon at the command centre,” said Count Stefan Bloodhawk.
    “I know,” snapped Donald. “I’m not senile yet, Bloodhawk. Now we’ve got cannon, it’s only sensible we make use of them. I vote Aye.”
    “Well,” said Steel, rising ponderously to his feet. “If there’s no further business… “
    “Sit down, Gideon,” said Donald Royal, smiling slightly. “Your precious command centre can manage without you for a little while longer yet.”
    Steel sank wearily back into his chair, which complained loudly on receiving his weight again. “All right, Donald,” he said patiently. “What is it this time? If it’s about the sewers again, we can’t afford the time or the technology or the engineers. I know we need sewers—I had to walk through the same streets to get here—but for the time being we’ll just have to go on managing without them.”
    “Mind you, the smell is getting worse,” said Darkstrom.
    “How can you tell?” asked du Wolfe.
    “It takes longer to scrape off my boots.”
    “Desperate though our need for sewers is,” said Donald Royal heavily, “we have something more important to discuss. Hob hounds have appeared at the city boundaries. The beasts are at our gate once again.”
    For a moment, nobody said anything. Steel frowned, and found himself reaching automatically for the gun on his hip.
    “Have there been any actual sightings?” asked Eileen Darkstrom.
    “Several,” said Donald grimly. “And three deaths, all in the Merchants Quarter. One of the victims was a little girl. She was only five years old.”
    Steel shook his head disgustedly. The winter had barely begun, and already the cold was worse than at any time since Mistport records began. As the temperatures fell lower and lower, and game became increasingly scarce, it was only to be expected that the Hob hounds would leave their bleak mountain passes and open tundras, and come sweeping down to raid the outlying farms and settlements, and then the city. The