Tales of the Wolf: Book 01 - The Coming of the Wolf Read Online Free PDF Page A

the Gods are helpless to act, look to the north for the Chosen One; a being of no race and all races, part black, part white, a creature of the balance, a true son of the Dhyana who will lead the Nine against the One in the final battle for the fate of Terreth for only he can unlock the secrets of the past.” 
    Gram scratched his red beard. “We all have heard the prophecy Lalith but you’re asking us to risk our lives based solely upon your faith and your interpretation. There is no guarantee that this corruption has anything to do with that prophecy.”
    Glancing back at the tower entrance, Lalith rolled her eyes. She was close. She could feel it. It had taken her one hundred and twelve years to get this close. Taking a deep breath, she turned back to her companions and once again gently fingered the magical amulet around her neck.  When she next spoke, her words carried with them a slight enchantment making her words seem sweeter, more persuasive and more calming. Each warrior’s mind became filled with visions as she spoke of dark futures.
    “I understand your concerns and I agree with them but for the fate of all the land we must proceed. What if the tales are true and the Great Darkness is about to be reborn?  War will soon come to all of Terreth. Brother will fight brother and father against son as the great darkness sweeps out of the north feasting on all that we hold dear. Should we stand idly by and watch as our homelands are burned to the ground as our friends, families and children are made slaves of the Great Enemy? If we turn back now, what would we say to our children if this comes to pass? And yet, we knew in our hearts that we had a chance to stop it but we turned away in fear? What would we say? And even if I am wrong and this isn’t the source of corruption, what of the treasures buried inside? What good could we do with the gold and jewels that are surely in there waiting to be discovered?”
    Releasing the amulet, Lalith ended her spell and waited. For several minutes each warrior reeled under the visions of the dark times ahead for their families and friends. Of course, the gleam of untold riches reflected in their eyes. Judging from the looks on their faces and the tears in their eyes, Lalith knew she had them even before they spoke. 
    Gram was the first to regain his wits.  Hefting his axe onto his shoulder, he cast a quick glance at his companions. Each nodded his head in turn. “Well Lalith since you put it that way, we’re in.  What’s next?”
    Lalith pointed to her horse. “There is a wineskin in my left saddlebag. We shall need it.”
    Gram raised a bushy eyebrow. “Why? What’s in it?”
    A serious look crossing her face, Lalith looked toward the blocked entrance.  “It contains a magical elixir that will bolster your courage and enhance your vision. At one point, if we get deep enough, we will have to enter the tunnel of darkness. We cannot chance a light once we’re inside it.” 
    Nodding his head, Gram retrieved the wineskin and rejoined the group. Following single file, the party made their way around the lake and across the slippery stones until they were behind the mighty waterfall. The crashing water filled the air with spray and mist until every member was soaked to the bone without ever having set foot in the water. Finding a small pathway chiseled into the rock, the party crept up the rocky slopes to a small cave nestled about a quarter of the way up the cliff but a massive stone door blocked further movement.
    Approaching the great slab of rock, Lalith began to chant something in a language that none in the party knew. As the wind continued to howl and blow, the companions stood solid and resolute as they waited for their fearless leader to open the entrance. Lifting her hands high into the air, the wind began to whip around her, building in fury and intensity. Soon, it resembled a small tornado.
    When the rest of her party was having trouble standing on the