Stones of Power 02 - Last Sword of Power Read Online Free PDF Page B

everything.
    But was he frightened?
    'Perhaps I am,' he said. 'But then such is the law that they are allowed to strike me, but it is death if I defend myself.'
    'That's the price you pay for having a demon for a father. Cormac. Can you work magic?'
    'No.'
    'Not even a little, to please me?'
    'Not even a little.'
    'Would you like some berries?'
    'No, thank you. I must be heading back; I have work to do.'
    .'Do I frighten you, Cormac Daemonsson?' He stopped in mid-turn, his throat tight.
    'I am not . . . comfortable. No one speaks to me but I am used to that. I thank you for your courtesy.'
    'Do you think I am pretty?'
    'I think you are beautiful. Especially here, in the summer sunlight, with the breeze moving your hair. But I do not wish to cause you trouble.'
    She rose smoothly and moved towards him and he backed away instinctively, but the oak barred his retreat. He felt her body press against his and his arms moved around her back, drawing her to him.
    'Get away from my sister!' roared Agwaine and Alftruda leapt back with fear in her eyes.
    'He cast a spell on me!' she shouted, running to Agwaine. The tall blond youth hurled her aside and drew a dagger from its sheath.
    'You will die for this obscenity,' he hissed, advancing on Cormac.
    Cormac's eyes flickered from the blade to Agwaine's angry face, reading the intent and seeing the blood-lust rising. He leapt to his right - to cannon into the huge figure of Lennox, whose brawny arms closed around him. Triumph blazed in Agwaine's eyes, but Cormac hammered his elbow into Lennox's belly and then up in a second strike, smashing the boy's nose. Lennox staggered back, almost blinded. Then Barta ran from the bushes, holding a thick branch above his head like a club.
    Cormac leapt feet first, his heel landing with sickening force against Barta's chin, and hurling him unconscious to the ground.
    Cormac rolled to his feet, swinging to face Agwaine, his arm blocking the dagger blow aimed at his heart. His fist slammed against Agwaine's cheek, then his left foot powered into his enemy's groin.
    Agwaine screamed once and fell to his knees, dropping the dagger. Cormac swept it up, grabbed Agwaine's long blond hair and hauled back his head, exposing the throat.
    'No!' screamed Alftruda. Cormac blinked and took a deep, calming breath. Then he stood and hurled the dagger far out over the cliff-top.
    'You lying slut!' he said, advancing on Alftruda. She sank to her knees, her eyes wide and terror-filled.
    'Don't hurt me!'
    Suddenly he laughed. 'Hurt you? I would not touch you if my life depended on it. A few moments ago you were beautiful. Now you are ugly, and will always be so.'
    Her hands fled to her face, her fingers touching the skin - questing, seeking her beauty. Cormac shook his head. 'I am not talking of a spell,' he whispered. 'I have no spells.'
    Turning, he looked upon his enemies. Lennox was sitting by the oak with blood streaming from his smashed nose, Barta was still unconscious and Agwaine was gone.
    There was no sense of triumph, no joy in the victory.
    For in defeating these boys. Cormac had sentenced himself to death.
*
    Agwaine returned to the village and reported Corm-ac's attack to his father Calder, who summoned the village elders, demanding justice. Only Grysstha spoke up for Cormac.
    'You ask for justice. For years your sons have tormented Cormac and he has had no aid. But he has borne it like a man. Now, when set upon by three bullies, he defends himself and faces execution?
    Every man here who votes for such a course should be ashamed.'
    'He assaulted my daughter,' said Calder. 'Or are you forgetting that?'
    'If he did,' said Grysstha, rising, 'he followed in the tracks of every other able-bodied youth within a day's riding distance!'
    'How dare you?' stormed Calder.
    'Dare? Do not speak to me of dares, you fat-bellied pig! I have followed you for thirty years, living only on your promises. But now I see you for what you are - a weak, greedy, fawning boot-licker.