Summoner: Origins The Prequel Read Online Free PDF Page A

whorls and symbols of a summoner. She kneeled at his feet and secured it to his left boot, for it came with two leather belts attached. Arcturus heard the scrape of metal as Elizabeth grinned at him and withdrew the blade. It was too long to be a dagger and too small to be a sword, but it felt good in his grip when she handed it to him. He gave it a practice swing, feeling the balance of the weapon.
    â€˜This is a dirk. When you battle with an orc shaman’s demon in the sky, you need a blade long enough to do some damage, but with enough speed and manoeuvrability to defend yourself from all sides; an attack can come from any angle. This is the perfect compromise. For a young boy like you, it will do just fine.’
    She mounted Hubertus as he gazed at his weapon. It was an expensive piece, beautiful in its design and sharp enough to shave with.
    He only realised she was leaving when he felt the breeze from Hubertus’s wingbeats against his face.
    â€˜There is greatness in you, Arcturus,’ Elizabeth called, her voice almost snatched away by the wind, ‘Remember what I told you!’
    Arcturus watched until she faded into the darkness of the sky, wishing he had thanked her. Then he set his jaw and turned to the double doors.
    â€˜Well,’ he said, laying his hand on the box beside him. ‘Let’s get started.’

5
    Arcturus stabbed his dirk into the crack on the edge of the box and heaved. The wood creaked under the strain, then the nails gave way and the lid crashed to the ground.
    There was a low growl from inside, before Sacharissa bounded out. Her fur stood on end and she snarled, spinning in a circle to scope out her surroundings. It was only when she saw Arcturus that she calmed, snuffling at his feet before lapping his hand with a rough, wet tongue.
    â€˜It’s OK, girl. The Favershams won’t hurt us here. Not if I can help it,’ Arcturus brandished his dirk so she could see the blade, then slipped it back into the scabbard on his boot.
    A cloud drifted across the moon, casting the courtyard in a shroud of darkness. Arcturus could barely make out the doors, but he stumbled up the stairs regardless, his hands outstretched in front of him. Sacharissa followed behind, bumping against his shins in her attempts to keep close by.
    Before he could knock on the doors, they swung open unexpectedly. The inside was brightly lit and he shielded his eyes as a figure stepped out brandishing a torch. Arcturus gaped when his eyes adjusted to the glare. It was a dwarf!
    Of course, Arcturus had heard of the dwarves, though they were rarely seen in the north of Hominum, where he had grown up. This one appeared almost exactly as he had imagined, standing as tall as his midriff. The dwarf was stockily built, as all his people were, with long, red hair kept in a ponytail and a braided moustache and beard. He wore a simple servant’s uniform, plain green with a red sash around the middle.
    â€˜Welcome to Vocans, my lord,’ the dwarf said in a deep, respectful voice. ‘Please, come in out of the cold.’
    Arcturus did as he asked, speechless. Sacharissa gave the dwarf a suspicious sniff before entering, then sat protectively beside Arcturus.
    â€˜I see you already have a Canid. A fine specimen, if you don’t mind me saying so.’ The dwarf held out a thick, callused finger for the demon to sniff. Sacharissa snorted disdainfully and flicked her tail, then walked further into the castle.
    The room they were in was an enormous hall, with identical winding staircases on either side. They stopped at intervals on five levels, each one complete with a long balcony bordered by gilded metal railings. The ceiling was supported by giant oak beams, and Arcturus could see a dome of glass in the very centre that would allow natural light to illuminate the room in the daytime. All around, the walls were ensconced torches, casting pools of flickering light that made the marble floor