Sword of Camelot Read Online Free PDF

he gave the impression of being taller. He was not young, nor even middle-aged, for his hair was silver-white, as was the short beard that covered the lower part of his face. He wore a simple garment, a gray outer cloak made of what appeared to be cotton or wool, and around his waist was a belt with a large buckle bearing a strange device. The cowl was thrown back from his head, exposing a pair of intense, pale blue eyes.
    Josh looked into those eyes, and for one moment a thrill of fear shot through him. It was as though the old man had x-ray vision, for Josh could feel himself somehow being searched. It was as if someone were going through his pockets! The gaze of this strange man seemed to inspect his very soul. But then the fear passed, and Josh nodded. “How do you do? What are you being thrown into prison for?”
    A smile touched the lips of the old man, barely visible beneath his mustache. “Oh, I'm not a prisoner. My name is Elendar.”
    Dave stared hard at the elderly man, who had strangely youthful features despite the silver hair and beard. “Are you come from the king?” he asked.
    â€œOh, indirectly, you might say that.” The man who called himself Elendar stood examining each one of them. “May I know your names?” he asked politely.
    He received them quietly, seeming to understand more than the bare syllables. Finally he said quietly, “If I may sit down, perhaps we could have a talk.” He seemed not to be asking for permission, however, but seated himself at the table. “Now, I would like to hear a little more about you than just names.”
    Jake stood up pugnaciously, planted his feet, and stared defiantly at their visitor. “I'm not sure,” he said loudly, “that we're ready to give our life history. We've been in this dungeon for three days begging for a chance to seethe king or one of his representatives, and suddenly you appear. Are you a representative of the king of Camelot?”
    Once again a glint of humor gleamed in the pale blue eyes, but he shook his head. “Not directly.” He paused for one moment, then added, “I am the seer of King Dion's court.”
    â€œA seer?” Wash asked. “Does that mean that you do magic and stuff like that?”
    â€œOh, I am capable of a few things that you might call illusions,” Elendar said, studying the small, young figure. “But I didn't come here to conjure up rabbits out of a hat. And you are right not to trust all strangers.”
    â€œElendar, can you get us to the king?” Jake demanded.
    â€œI think that might be arranged—but it might be better if you tell me your story first.” He settled back in his chair and folded his hands quietly. “If you were brought directly before King Dion, you might find yourself in a great deal of difficulty. His Majesty is very suspicious ofstrangers. If he were not satisfied that you were innocent, he might have you put to the rack in order to make you more talkative.”
    â€œWell, that won't be necessary,” Josh said quickly. He had decided that this man was more than he seemed. “Let me explain …”
    For fifteen minutes Josh sketched the history of the Seven Sleepers. He related also how they had encountered the Sanhedrin and Elmas, the Chief Interrogator, and had been used in the service of Goel since their arrival.
    Elendar nodded. “Yes, Sir Gwin told me that you were the servants of Goel.” He hesitated, then said, “I, too, am one of his servants in a small way.”
    â€œThen you do believe we are innocent of any wrong?” Dave asked quickly.
    â€œOh, yes, I knew that as soon as I looked into your faces.” He laughed aloud, a surprisingly youthful laugh. “I may not do magic, but I have grown quite adept at reading the faces of men and women. I knew at once that you were really not of Nuworld. And now I am certain of it.”
    â€œWhen can we see the