Shadowstorm Read Online Free PDF Page B

Corrinthal. The attack from the sea appears to have been timed with the attack on the Hole. Endren and his rescuers leaped down a mineshaft but no bodies were found. Divinations confirm he is alive, but cannot locate him.”
    Elyril stared at her aunt, absorbing the import of the words, before softly speaking a curse so vile the mute serving girl gasped. Elyril waved the little wretch from the balcony. “You are dismissed. Begone. We are discussing matters of state.”
    When they were alone, Elyril said, “It could not have been Abelar Corrinthal who freed Endren. We have reports of him to the southeast. Who, then?”
    “We have no word,” Mirabeta said, crumbling the missive in her hands. “Damn it all.” She glared with heat across the table. “I should have executed Endren in the public square. It was you who advised placing him in the Hole, Elyril.”
    Elyril kept her false face in place and her anger in check. She adopted a look of contrition.
    “True, aunt. It seemed well advised at the time. I apologize for failing you.”
    Abasement always sated Mirabeta’s anger. Her gaze softened and she made a dismissive gesture. “It was well advised at the time. Had we executed Endren, the civil war would have been fought on Ordulin’s streets rather than in the countryside.” She rocked her wine glass on its stem. “In any event, the Nessarch asks for as much aid as we can spare. Yhaunn’s docks need to be rebuilt.”
    Elyril nodded. Yhaunn was the primary port through which
    Ordulin received its stores of food and supplies. Rebuilding its docks as rapidly as possible would be a priority.
    “Allow me to fly Ordulin’s standard in Yhaunn, aunt. That will assure the Yhauntans that Ordulin supports them fully and will allow me to investigate the details of Endren’s escape. Perhaps there is more to be learned.”
    Mirabeta nodded. “A sound idea. Travel to Yhaunn as my ambassador. I will order the appropriate credentials prepared. Inform the Nessarch that aid is on the way. Then find out what you can about the escape. If there are traitors among the Yhauntans, I want them found out and made into examples. This time, the examples are to be public, Elyril.”
    “Of course, aunt,” Elyril answered.
    “Use magical transport. I want you in Yhaunn quickly.”
    “I will arrange for Rynon to transport me there.” Elyril leaned back in her chair and thought through what she had heard. She said, “The timing of the kraken’s attack and the attack on the Hole were not coincidental. And neither Selgaunt nor Saerb has the service of mages capable of controlling a kraken.”
    “We are of like mind. The affair lends credibility to rumors of an alliance between Sembia and the Shadovar.” Mirabeta put a finger to her lips in thought. “Perhaps it is time to seek an ally of our own?”
    “Aunt?” Elyril asked.
    “Later, Elyril. Let me think more about the costs.”
    Elyril could do nothing but accept the words. Despite her attempts to know all she could about her aunt’s affairs, Mirabeta kept some secrets to herself.
    Elyril tapped her fingers on the table, eyeing the magical ring with which she communicated with the Nightseer.
    “The Shadovar are said to be formidable mages, but few in number.”
    Mirabeta nodded absently. “At the moment, the Shadovar are beside the point. The rebels in Selgaunt and Saerb must be made to pay for the destruction at Yhaunn.”
    Elyril smirked. Selgaunt and Saerb were no more rebels than the day was dark. The rebellion was based on a fiction. But that was the power of a lie. Told often enough, even the liar started to believe it.
    “That is true, aunt. This attack, if unavenged, makes Ordulin look weak.”
    Mirabeta frowned.
    Elyril hurriedly added, “My apologies for saying so, Aunt, but…”
    Mirabeta shook her head. “No. You are correct. We must respond, and quickly.”
    Elyril leaned forward and her shadow whispered Shar’s will in her ear.
    “I see an opportunity here,