Summoner: Origins The Prequel Read Online Free PDF

look like shifting water.
    â€˜We call it the Atrium. Beautiful isn’t it?’ the dwarf said proudly.
    â€˜It is,’ Arcturus breathed. At the very end of the hall, there was another set of doors, just as large as those behind him. But it was the archway above that took his breath away, for it was intricately carved with the twisting figures of a thousand demons. Their eyes were set with a myriad of glittering jewels, and the shifting shadows of the torchlight made it appear as if the creatures were alive. He tried to spot a Canid like Sacharissa among them, but it was near impossible, given the countless species that danced along the stonework.
    â€˜Well, come on. I have to take you to your quarters. Most of the other nobles are sleeping, but you’ll get a chance to meet them in the morning. Do you have baggage, my lord?’ the dwarf asked.
    â€˜No baggage,’ Arcturus said, spinning to show the dwarf his rucksack. ‘But hang on, I’m not a—’
    â€˜Follow me,’ the dwarf interrupted, before he could finish.
    The dwarf led him up the east staircase, holding the torch aloft to light their way. They continued all the way to the top floor, though Arcturus caught tantalising glimpses of tapestries and paintings as they passed each level. He was disappointed to find the walls relatively bare when they finally left the staircase and made their way down a long corridor, but was fascinated by the suits of armour that lined the way. The occasional crumpled breastplate or crushed helmet revealed that they had once seen battle, and he realised with a gulp that he might someday face the creatures that had broken them. Sacharissa sensed his fear and began to whine, but he settled her with a scratch behind the ears.
    Once or twice he saw orcish javelins and arrowheads, preserved on velvet cushions behind glass cabinets, but the dwarf walked surprisingly fast for one with such short legs, and Arcturus could not pause to examine them further. After what seemed an age, the dwarf stopped by a door and pushed it open.
    â€˜I will let the Provost know you have arrived. Your uniform is on the bed, although I know most of you like to have a tailor make a fresh one. Still, it’s there if you need it. If you need anything else, ask for me, Ulfr. I’ll do my best to assist you.’ Before Arcturus could open his mouth, Ulfr had ushered him inside and closed the door behind him.
    The room was enormous; almost the size of the stable Arcturus had worked in, with high ceilings and a chandelier lit by a ring of thin candles. The walls were lined with awnings of red and gold, and the carpet beneath his feet was a deep, white shag that Sacharissa immediately began to roll around on, rubbing her back against the fabric.
    The bed was a king-sized four poster, with a mattress so thick and plush that it would be difficult to climb into. Arcturus wasted no time in diving across it, revelling in the springy bounce and the silky, satin sheets.
    â€˜Up you come, Sacharissa. There’s room for both of us,’ Arcturus laughed, patting the space beside him. Sacharissa yapped with excitement, bounding on to the bed in one fluid leap. Her feet caught in the uniform at the foot of the bed, and Arcturus untangled it and held it up for them to inspect.
    â€˜Fancy,’ Arcturus murmured. The jacket was double-breasted, made from a deep blue velvet and held in place by shining gold buttons. It looked too showy to be a military uniform, but then Arcturus was no expert and Elizabeth’s clothing had been just as ornate. He let his feet dangle off the side of the bed and undressed, before shrugging on the uniform. He was pleasantly surprised to find that it fit him well and the material was as soft as the bed sheets he sat on.
    â€˜I could get used to this,’ he murmured, rubbing Sacharissa under the chin. Life wasn’t so bad after all.
    The echo of footsteps from outside disturbed his