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

on the back of what he described as ‘a vision from far beyond the gates of hell. A winged creature with an aura of malevolence and hunger.’ Klar was riding this creature through the blackness of the space between the stars but it was unclear to the dreamer who was controlling whom. That, my friends, makes me rather uneasy, to say the least." The others sat in silence, none daring to say what they feared the dream symbolised.
    Agmunsten spoke. "Dawn approaches and I must call this meeting to an end, however, I will advise you of your tasks. Due to the risks we now take, the less each of us knows about what the others must do, the better." He created a silencing bubble of energy around himself and Avruellen. Everyone outside could see, but not hear them. "The Gods have taken the unusual and worrying step of instructing me directly. You and Bronwyn must travel to Vellonia, and from there, the monastery at The Isle of the Dead Souls." He proceeded to explain what they had to do whilst they were there. When Avruellen emerged from the bubble her lips were pursed; the gods rarely interfered in human affairs. She said goodbye to her friends and left the circle.
    One by one they met in Agmunsten's bubble, until only he and Elphus remained. "Well , old friend, the time is here. Do you think we're up to it?" Agmunsten had a hint of a smile.
    Elphus shrugged his large shoulders. "Everything we've done over the years has been to reach this point. Now we're here, I wonder if it's all been for nothing." He yearned for his wife and considered what he had endured through the long decades without her. "To be blunt, if we had to face our foes today, I think we would lose. There should be seven of us and we’re only five. The strength of our enemy outweighs ours, and we know their allies are even stronger than they are. Klar's balls! How can we hope to defeat them when we don't know anything about who they are and what they're capable of?" 
    It was Agmunsten's turn to shrug. "Don't lose hope yet, old friend.  Our resolve must remain steadfast if we’re to have any chance. Trust me when I say the gods are on our side and may have a chance to intervene. Can I trust you to do what is needed?"
    Elphus sighed. "Of course. I haven't endured the torture of scores of lonely years for nothing. When it's all over I plan to join my beloved. I have a feeling she's waiting for me." With nothing left to say, Elphus departed. Agmunsten remained, having one more person to consult before he could leave.

     
     
     
     
    5
     
    Bronwyn's consciousness returned as dawn light yawned through the trees.  She awoke in a body that was cold; the fire had died some time ago.  Bronwyn was tired—her body may have rested but her mind and inner energies had been working all night. She sat up slowly and shook her numb hands to life. There was pain in her shoulder where she had lain on a stone. Bronwyn looked around to see Flux patiently waiting for them to return. When Avruellen sat up, he padded over and rubbed against her. "You’re nice and warm, Flux. Did anything happen while we were gone?" Flux answered her, mind to mind. Avruellen nodded slowly but said nothing.
    Bronwyn stood, stretched out the kinks in her body and went to collect firewood. She returned with a full armload so her aunt could start the fire, then left to gather more. Two armloads later they were warming themselves whilst enjoying some porridge. "What do we do now , Aunt?" 
    Avruellen blew at the porridge on her spoon. "Well, it will take us about a month to get where we have to go. We'll need more substantial clothes and maybe even horses, so our first stop will be Bayerlon." Bronwyn's eyes widened; she had heard of the largest city in Veresia but had never been there. 
    Her aunt had never taken her more than three days’ ride from their village. She was going to ride a horse! She had only ridden a handful of times. Sometimes at the village fair they would borrow some of the older horses