Revenge Read Online Free PDF Page B

sparring with the guards and I’ll be damned if I didn’t see him learning how to balance on Saxon’s shoulders and walk blindfolded along a rope stretched above the ground.’
    Alyssa laughed. ‘Saxon says it will make him the most balanced swordsman in the land.’
    Nyria shared the moment of mirth. ‘You should have plans for Gyl. He is Prime material if ever I’ve seen it.’
    ‘Do you think so?’
    ‘The Light strike you, girl! Don’t you?’
    ‘I dare not wish too much for him. We are both so indebted to your majesty for her generosity.’
    ‘Oh, really? Then repay it!’
    Alyssa looked sharply at the Queen and then relaxed; she knew exactly what the other woman meant.
    ‘ Will you repay me?’ Nyria asked, softly this time.
    The Queen’s heart leapt at the single word she heard in response. It was everything she had hoped Alyssa would say.
    Tor had spent the past several moons stewing over the contents of Nanak’s books. Everything had been quiet in the Great Forest. No further disruptions to the life force of the Land. The Heartwood was in harmony once again. But Tor’s emotions were not.
    It had been a chilling reminder to read the story of Orlac. Cloot recognised this and, finally, had begun encouraging Tor to talk about all that he knew of the tale from Lys. They had never discussed it during their reclusive years since the execution, for Cloot had devoted himself to helping his companion remain optimistic and had deliberately avoided talk of Orlac and the Trinity or the hard times which may lie ahead. For himself, Tor had focused on the peace and solitude of the Heartwood and was glad to avoid all discussion of the Trinity. And Cloot was patient; he was of the Rork’yel, after all, and that heritage ran strongly through his blood, despite his transformation from man to falcon. But now the time to talk was upon them.
    So the Paladin were selected by the Custodian of the portals, he prompted.
    Yes. Lys is the only member of the Host who can safely roam between worlds.
    Go on, Cloot urged.
    On rare occasion worlds can touch, and at such times passage between them is possible via a phenomenon known as The Glade. That’s how Orlac was stolen from the Host.
    Tor put the books carefully back into the sack.
    Tell me what you’re thinking, said the falcon, swooping down to the forest floor to glare with one beady yellow eye at his friend, who was sitting leaning against a tree.
    All right. What we suspected about Merkhud and Sorrel being Orlac’s mortal parents is confirmed in Nanak’s writings. After Orlac wreaked havoc at Goldstone, now known as Caremboche, he was Quelled by the mighty power of the Host, wielded through Merkhud. Nanak, one of the Masters still alive, was nominated as Keeper of the Paladin, who were chosen from the ten major races alive in the Five Kingdoms at the time. They were empowered by the gods with magical talents which might stand them in good stead for their undertaking.
    Cloot clicked his approval in bird-speak.
    Tor continued. We know the Host transported Orlac to a secret place, which is not named and, I presume, not of this Land. He has remained there ever since, guarded by the complex and combined magical strength of the ten Paladin, whom he has gradually overwhelmed one by one over the centuries.
    How do you imagine the books came back into Tallinor? Cloot asked, switching thoughts as his mind raced.
    Tor was used to this habit. Yes, that’s a mystery. Perhaps via Lys, though I have no idea whether she can physically enter into Tallinor. Companions, like Yargo, are not of the flesh so they could not carry objects between worlds. I don’t know. He shrugged.
    So that’s all the ancient history. Right now, we know the Paladin are re-emerging.
    Yes, Tor replied . So far we have yourself, Solyana, Arabella, Saxon, Cyrus and Sallementro accounted for. Nanak names the other four…people…creatures—I’m not sure—Juno, Themesius, Figgis, Adongo.
    Cloot hopped closer.