Mother of Wolves (Evalyce Worldshaper Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

two are quite done now… perhaps we might discuss business?” Kalla growled, earning more muted laughter.
    “How long do you think it will take to get permission for us to travel to Argoth, Ventaal. We need to go to the Deep Forest,” Kalla asked.
    The Admiral shuddered. “Why on earth would you want to go there, Kalla?”
    “Argoth was not the only skycity assaulted, Admiral. We seek answers as to the 'why' and I believe I may find some with the Keeper of the Forest.”
    “It shouldn't take too long, not with the request coming from a mage, though we will likely have to escort you in, especially with the company you keep. Why do you have one of those beasts with you?”
    Kalla sank into one of the plush chairs and told her friend of the events at Sevfahl and her healing of Amaterasu. While the Admiral was pondering over what they had told him, the intercom came to life.
    “
Admiral? The
Phoenix
has granted our request. We are to send a quarti-talon of fighters with them in escort.”
    “Very well. Advise the pilots to make ready.” Ventaal turned to Kalla. “I assume you'll want to leave right away?”
    “Yes, Admiral, that would be nice. The sooner, the better. I want answers.”
    “Just so. I hope you find them.” Vetaal wrapped her in another hug. “Take care, Kally.”
    The Admiral turned to shake Aleister's hand again. “It's been a pleasure to meet you, Aleister.” His look turned serious. “Take good care of her, magister.”
    The Admiral himself led them back to the hanger. He gave their ship a once-over as they crossed the bay to the
Stymphalian
.
    “
Kruetzet-
class. Good ships. I'm not even going to ask how you managed to get your hands on one.” Ventaal slapped the side of the ship affectionately. He started to walk away, then turned back, an odd look on his face. “I could swear I've seen this ship before.” He waved the thought away and bid the pair farewell. “Good journey and good luck, Lady Kalla!”
    Kalla returned a wave and a nostalgic smile, before climbing the
Stymphalian'
s stairs. Ventaal had been one of her father's dearest friends. He had been as close as family before Kalla had gone to the Kanlon and seeing the Admiral again brought back painful memories and the guilt that she had never gotten to say 'good-bye'. The mage sank down into the gunner's chair without a word, lost in thought.
    Aleister powered the ship back up and smoothly lined up to follow their escort out the doors, casting a worried glance at his broody companion. Kalla kept to her thoughts as they traveled the final distance to Argoth. Aleister's soft, lilting voice drug her from her reverie as they approached the skycity.
    “We are here, milady.”
    The mage looked up to see the skycity loomed ahead of them. Though called 'skycity', Argoth was in fact a sky continent, an Empire ruled by House Sykes. It was strange to be back home. Kalla had not set foot on Argoth since she had left to become a mage. She had not even returned after she had become a full maester and was free to leave the Kanlon on her own. Her father had been missing and declared dead many years by that time and returning was too painful for her. It still was, but now it was necessary.
    Kalla became more watchful as the great guns of the Outer Wall tracked them, ready to take them down if they proved hostile. The Trinity Claw banners of House Sykes snapped and fluttered all along the length of the great Wall. In the distance she could just make out another of the great flagships, with its attendant swarm of fighters. By the shape, it looked to be the
Fenrir.
    Aleister followed the escort into one of the military paddocks lining the Outer Wall, bringing the
Stymphalian
into line with the others. Amaterasu landed, coiling protectively around the ship. A large, official procession was already at the paddocks, waiting to receive them. The lead dignitary bowed to them and Kalla gave a half-bow back. Though Kanlon magi were above royalty, it never