Shadows of the Realm (The Circle of Talia) Read Online Free PDF Page A

into its destination. Outside, Blayke had reacted by challenging the shadow. From inside the circle Agmunsten raised an eyebrow in Arcon's direction at the sound of Blayke's voice raised in challenge to the invading shape. Arcon shrugged and his cheeks reddened.
    "Stop! Who goes there? Name yourself now or you shall regret it." Blayke's symbol pulsed in what he hoped was a threatening manner. 
    "Well, invisible youngster, of whose symbol I am familiar, I have not regretted anything in many years, except maybe that I did not eat enough humans. Prepare to be ingested." Zim materialised his dragon form and ate Blayke, symbol and all. Zim entered the circle and spat the symbol at Arcon's feet. "What have you been teaching this whelp? A sheep could best him out there." The realmists laughed and welcomed the last of the Five.
    "Always late, my dragon friend. Do you disrespect us still?" There was mirth to Arcon's comment. Zim sat his large body down next to his fellows. 
    "No disrespect intended. I was loathe to face the subject we must address tonight. Sorry to interrupt." The meeting settled down and Agmunsten continued. 
    "Welcome , all. It is indeed heartening to meet with those who remain of The Circle and see two new recruits—though they have a way yet to go." All smiled at the comment. "Children, please continue with your task, however, do not challenge anyone out there. Come to us immediately if you notice anything unusual." Agmunsten turned back to the realmists whilst Blayke and Bronwyn did as they were told.
    Once outside Bronwyn spoke. "Who are you?"
    "I'm not sure I should tell you. Who are you?"
    Bronwyn wondered whether she should answer. Once she did, he would know who her symbol belonged to. Maybe she should speak to her aunt first. 
    "Don't worry. I guess it's not important. Are you Arcon's student?" 
    "Maybe, maybe not." 
    Bronwyn was unimpressed by his answer. "Well, I know you're capable of being eaten by a dragon so you’re obviously not fully trained. I suppose that will have to do for now." Blayke was embarrassed so ignored her taunt and resumed his travels around the circle. Sensing the conversation was over, Bronwyn did the same. 
    Inside the circle the meeting had progressed.  Arcon was recounting his travels with Blayke. "We only made it as far as Klendar." Klendar, a city located in the northern land of Inkra, was inhabited by a dark-skinned, fair-haired race who practiced a strict religion and worshipped a god named Klar. Klar was a cruel god who encouraged the destruction of all other religions. "We were disguised appropriately of course. They tolerate traders from other countries, however some still go missing due to Klar's ongoing encouragement of human sacrifice." The other realmists nodded, and their faces told of their lack of tolerance for such barbaric practices.
    Arcon continued. "Klar's current chosen one is a ruthless fellow by the name of Suklar. He has utmost authority and forbids his people to leave the country unless on a mission for Klar. The normal undercurrent of fear has increased recently, but we couldn't find out why. Incidents of human sacrifice appear to have escalated, but other than that things haven’t changed. Suklar has a tight reign on his people, and it's almost impossible to find anyone who’ll say anything about their leader for fear of reprisals, as Suklar has spies everywhere."
    Zim interjected. "I may be able to shed a little light on the subject, for I made a nocturnal visit into the fringes of Klendar. The village I visited has weakened religious influences due to its nearness to the border and distance from the capital. In fact, many of the villagers fear they will soon be targeted as punishment for their lack of sufficient reverence to Suklar. They reluctantly mentioned that a darker spirit may have joined with Klar. At this stage not too much has been said, but the Dreamer within the village told me of a dream he had recently where a hooded Klar rode