Saint Camber Read Online Free PDF

translating, Evaine, but it’s far older than that—several hundred years, I suspect. At any rate, our ancient ancestors apparently used a technique like this for what we would call divination. I prefer to think of it as a direct linkage to Ariella—if we can do it.”
    He felt Evaine’s hand on his shoulder and turned his head to kiss her fingers.
    â€œFrightened?” he asked.
    â€œNay, Father, not at all, if you be there.” She laughed gently. “You have but to tell us how we may help, and we are yours to command. I believe I can speak for Rhys and Joram.”
    The two men nodded, and Alister Cullen cleared his throat and sat forward in his chair.
    â€œYou say it’s not dark?”
    Camber nodded mildly, still holding his daughter’s hand, and watched Cullen’s battle of conscience war across his craggy face.
    â€œWell, if you think I’m going to let the four of you go and magick yourselves into danger of eternal damnation, you’ve got another thought coming,” the vicar general finally growled. “Sometimes I’m not certain of your judgment, Camber—and your children take after you. You’ll need a level head among you.”
    Camber smiled and nodded, but said nothing.
    â€œAnd you always manage to talk me into these things against my better judgment,” Cullen concluded, sitting back in his chair with an exasperated sigh. “Well, go ahead. If you’re determined to do this fool thing, just tell me when and where, and I’ll be there.”
    â€œDid I talk him into anything?” Camber asked, glancing at his children with a look of martyred innocence.
    The others laughed, and Camber reached out to clap Cullen reassuringly on the shoulder.
    â€œThank you, my friend. We treasure you all the more for your caution. Now, as to when and where, I think we should move quickly on this—the sooner the better. If no one has any objections, I should like to do it tonight, as soon after Vespers as possible.”
    â€œAre you sure you’re strong enough?” Joram asked.
    Camber glanced at Rhys, and the Healer shrugged.
    â€œIf you promise to eat something substantial and rest a bit, all right. Remember, you lost a lot of blood, and that’s one thing I can’t cure.”
    â€œAgreed. Any other objections?”
    There were none. Joram glanced at the others dubiously, sharing some of his Michaeline superior’s mistrust of what his father might be planning, then turned his attention back to Camber.
    â€œVery well. You’re going to do it anyway, so there’s no use trying to talk you out of it. Where do you want to set up, and do you need assistance?”
    â€œIdeally, I’d like to use consecrated ground, but I don’t suppose that’s feasible here in the keep, for secrecy’s sake, and I don’t think we ought to leave. That being the case, I suggest that we use the dressing chamber adjoining my quarters. I think it can be adequately secured for our purposes.”
    â€œAssistance?” Rhys reminded him.
    Camber shook his head. “I’ll set this one up myself, if you don’t mind. I will need a few things that you can gather for me, though. Evaine, find me a large silver bowl, at least as big around as a man’s head. I don’t care about the outside, but I want the inside plain.”
    â€œJust plain polished silver?”
    â€œThat’s right. Ah, Joram: incense and something to burn it in.”
    Joram nodded.
    â€œAnd, Alister—”
    â€œI’m not sure I really want to know, but go on,” Cullen muttered under his breath.
    Camber chuckled as he stood and gathered the bloodstained folds of his robe around him, putting on a special nonchalance for Cullen’s benefit.
    â€œRelax, my friend. You might even find the entire process interesting. Here’s what I want you to bring …”

C HAPTER T WO
    But continue thou in the things