Spirit Past (Book 8) Read Online Free PDF

Uton."
     
     

Chapter 3
     
    "You came to see me?" Ryson asked, thrilled to see the cliff behemoth but his curiosity rapidly expanding.
    "In truth, I have come to retrieve you," Dzeb answered, his smile somewhat diminished by the pain of his knowledge. He did not come out of the Colad Mountains for a pleasant visit. He came to save the delver's life.
    "Retrieve?" Ryson replied, not understanding Dzeb's meaning but unable to dismiss the hint of sorrow in the giant's simple expression.
    "You are in danger," the cliff behemoth admitted, "and I have to take you to a safer place."
    The delver's curiosity jumped in magnitude.
    "Danger?"
    Linda stepped up to her husband's side. She was also initially overjoyed to see Dzeb. The cliff behemoth served as both a guardian and friend to them both, but the warning brought a wave of anxiety to her heart.
    "What kind of danger, Dzeb?"
    They stood at the front door to Ryson and Linda's home. Dzeb declined to enter as the space within was too constricting and he worried about damaging the structure and its contents. The cliff behemoth looked about to ensure no one else had been listening. It was an impossible hope. His appearance caught the attention of hundreds, and the citizens of Burbon could not simply dismiss the arrival of such a giant. As they gawked with their own curious nature, Dzeb decided not to discuss such a sensitive topic before so many ears.
    "It is best we not talk about it here."
    Ryson understood, and though it pained him to wait for answers, he agreed with Dzeb's concerns. As if he was searching for a path through the dense forest, his mind raced with alternatives to solve the dilemma. He considered where they could go for both safety and privacy and an immediate solution became apparent.
    "There's an armory a few blocks to the north," the delver offered. "There's plenty of room for you. We can go there. Would that work?"
    "If you believe it would offer us sanctuary, then it would indeed."
    Before they could turn to leave, Stomps raced across the threshold of the front door and leapt into the arms of the cliff behemoth. The dog wagged his tail furiously as he licked Dzeb's wide and smiling face.
    "And who is this fine fellow?" Dzeb asked, happily stroking the dog's back with one hand as he held the animal gently in his other arm.
    "This is Stomps," Ryson replied. "We got him from Enin."
    "A fine dog. He fits you well," but the behemoth once again lost a bit of his warm grin. "Another reason why you must leave here. Nothing must ever endanger such a loyal friend."
    "Let's get to the armory and we can talk about this." Ryson then looked to his wife." Are you coming?"
    "Of course I am," Linda responded with a bluntness that made it clear even the cliff behemoth would not be able to restrain her.
    "I will carry Stomps," Dzeb replied, considering it more of an honor than a chore. "Lead us, Ryson Acumen. The sooner we get there the better. Time is not an overwhelming concern, but we should not delay. I also know you are probably very curious."
    Aching to know more about the giant's sudden appearance, the delver wasted no time in guiding the cliff behemoth up the street and closer to the center of town. He ignored the growing number of residents that came out to witness the spectacle. His mind raced with wonder, and though he knew many answers would have to wait, there were certain questions he could ask freely as they walked.
    "Did the guards give you any trouble at the gate?"
    "They asked me to stop, but I insisted I had to speak with you."
    Ryson imagined the scene and wondered if any of the guards made a foolish attempt to block the giant's path.
    "Did they try to stop you?"
    "They said I should wait," Dzeb revealed, "that they would bring you to me, but my path is the will of Godson, not the will of men."
    "You didn't hurt anyone, did you?" Ryson wondered out loud before catching himself.
    "Of course not. I simply walked past. They seemed confused by my response. They sent