Sovereign Stone Read Online Free PDF

those doing the exploring and the areas being explored. Alexander didn’t know enough about magic to make sense out of what he was likely to find in those places.
    He clasped Kelvin’s hand. “I’m happy to see you alive and well. I feared the worst when the north wing of the palace collapsed.”
    “I took precautions to protect myself and the men who stood with me. Unfortunately, Commander P’Tal also survived,” Kelvin said as he shook Alexander’s hand with a firm grip.
    Alexander nodded. “P’Tal was here until a few days ago. He left just after Phane sent the scourgling to take his place.”
    Alexander sent the bridge away before he turned to address the other wizards.
    “Welcome to Blackstone Keep. We’ve taken up residence in the barracks on the north side of the paddock. Captain Alaric’s Second will see to your quarters. We’ve done some preliminary exploration of the Keep’s interior, but I’ve restricted access to the areas once used for the study of magic. I’m hoping to enlist your assistance in the exploration of those areas,” Alexander said with a smile.
    The wizards all nodded eagerly. This was a place of legend and they were excited by the prospect of discovering its secrets.
    “This is a place of wonder,” Alexander said. “But before we can begin exploring, I need your counsel and assistance on a number of important matters. First, of course, is the scourgling. It seems immune to blunt force—Abigail’s arrow shattered on its chest without effect.
    “Fortunately, it isn’t very smart. Twice I’ve lured it onto the bridge and let it fall. The first time, it returned to its post within the hour, and I expect it’ll be back on the bridge abutment within a few minutes. I’ve considered facing it with the Thinblade, but I’d rather exhaust all other options before I take that risk.”
    All eyes snapped to the sword on his belt at the mention of the Thinblade.
    Kelvin spoke excitedly, “You’ve recovered the Sword of Kings? This is the best of news. Lord Alexander, may we see the blade?”
    The wizards looked on like a group of children seeing a new toy for the first time. Alexander drew the blade and held it up for their inspection. All seven leaned in and looked closely, moving their heads to see the edge and murmuring to one another about the magic of it.
    “We must get word of the Thinblade out as soon as possible. More than anything else, it will rally the territories of Ruatha to your cause,” Kelvin said.
    “I agree, but there’s much more to discuss before we take any action,” Alexander said as he led them to a big table set up in the middle of the paddock for an impromptu King’s Council.

 
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 4
     
     
     
     
     
    All were present, including Erik and Chase. Many of the Rangers looked on as they went about their duties. Decisions of importance would be made at this table, decisions that could well determine the fate of Ruatha.
    “There are many important items we must discuss, so I’ll lay them all out for us to consider and then I hope we can make plans to deal with each in turn.”
    Alexander spoke at length. He talked about the scourgling and the little demon that had brought it to Blackstone Keep. He discussed the need to explore the Keep and look for anything of power that could be used in the coming war. He spoke of Headwater and the army Jataan P’Tal would raise.
    He told them about his clairvoyant experience with Phane and recounted every word the Reishi Prince had uttered. He told them about Karth, Tyr, and Andalia. He told them how Phane claimed that he could train Alexander; told of his offer to let Alexander rule Ruatha if he surrendered; and told them how Phane had scattered Alexander’s awareness into the firmament.
    He saved the most important news for last, revealing that Phane was heading to the Reishi Isle to retrieve the Sovereign Stone and that the Reishi Gates may come into play if the Prince was successful. When