The Ascent (Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

was a high ranking member of the enemy force, but he seemed like a good man.”
    Eamon turned to Brynn in question. “Khalid is the man who led the assault on Taryn?” he asked.
    “Yes,” Brynn said. “It has to be.”
    He looked to the man. “What did he look like?”
    The man thought for a moment, recalling the man’s appearance. “He was rather short,” he said. “Somewhat heavy. Gray hair and beard. Strange looking nose.”
    Brynn laughed. “That’s him,” he said. “I smashed his nose in Taryn before I let him go. But I don’t understand. What would prompt him to release the children?”
    “I don’t know, my Lord,” the man answered, “but he seemed determined to do so. We helped him kill the guards, the Thieves’ Guild and I.”
    “What’s your name, sir?” Eamon asked.
    “Angus,” he answered. “I am the town smith.”
    “Well, Angus,” Eamon began, “your bravery is commendable. You are an honorable man, and you have my respect. But, tell me, did this Khalid say where he was going?”
    Angus shook his head. “Not exactly,” he said. “Only that he was going south. I got the impression he may have been traveling to the ruins in the mountains along the Southern Shore.”
    “Tel Drakkar?” Eamon asked.
    “I think that’s what they’re called,” Angus answered. “I don’t remember.”
    Eamon turned to his Knights, his eyes lighting up with curiosity. “Erenoth went there, as well,” he said. “The Dragon called to him and told him to go there. I wonder if these events are related.”
    “It is possible,” Azim said. “I know Khalid. If he has somehow lost the will to follow The Lifegiver, then he would likely seek a way to undo his wrongs. If the Dragon is Imbra’s brother, than he would go to him.”
    “He murdered the Mordumarc!” Brynn insisted.
    “The Defiler murdered them,” Azim corrected. “Khalid, like my brother and I, was under The Lifegiver’s spell. If I know him as well as I think, his actions here at Gaellos were an attempt to redeem himself.”
    “I agree with Azim, Brynn,” Wrothgaar said. “Men can change, especially those under the spell of one such as The Lifegiver. If this Khalid is attempting to redeem himself and is seeking the Dragon, then we must accept that. The fact that he knows where the Dragon lies tells me that he was called there. Called by the Dragon himself, perhaps.”
    Eamon nodded. “He would have no idea where to go, otherwise,” he said. “And the fact that Erenoth is going there as well means that the Dragon sees Khalid as a man who needs guidance. He may want Erenoth to welcome him.”
    “Khalid was a thief in his younger years,” Azim said. “He stole gold and jewels from rich, selfish merchants and pawned them for coin to give to the people who needed it. He risked his life and his freedom to fight against the Sultans who oppressed and stole from their people. I absolutely believe that kind man is still inside him.”
    Angus looked up at Brynn. “Sir,” he said. “I know nothing of Khalid’s past. But what I saw that night was not the action of an evil man. He freed the children and helped me to kill the guards; his own people. If he was an enemy, then he has definitely had a change of heart.”
    “I accept that,” Brynn stated. “If we meet him again, and I see a different man than what I saw at Taryn, then I will forgive him.”
    Azim touched Brynn’s shoulder in friendship. “Then you, too, show your honor, my friend,” he said.
    “We should get to Bray as soon as possible,” Angen interrupted. “We need their ships, and the scoundrels who sail them.”
    “Right,” Eamon agreed. “Angus, once again, I thank you. You will be rewarded for your bravery.”
    “The only reward I wish is to open my forge again,” Angus replied. “These people need weapons, but I am shorthanded.”
    “There are seventeen strong men here to help you,” Eamon said, pointing to the captive Jindala. “They seem to have lost