The Buried Symbol (The Ruins of Issalia Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

back against the wall, Tipper begged to those passing by. Brock watched a score of people pass in and out of the temple over the next ten minutes, none offering a single copper.
    Finally noticing Brock, Tipper gathered his things and crossed the street to where Brock stood. A moment later, he had settled on the ground to resume his pose. Without looking at Brock, Tipper spoke.
    “ Samson ’ s inside now. I followed him last night to a house along the West Wall. He seemed nervous and stopped to check if anyone followed, but I was careful to stay out of sight. I bet he goes there again tonight. ”
    Brock listened to Tipper, working on a plan. After a moment, he responded, “ When he leaves, you wait here for a bit. He may have noticed you by now but he won ’ t be looking for me, so I ’ ll follow instead. After he ’ s been gone for fifteen minutes, you head over to that house. Let ’ s meet across the street from it. If you don ’ t see me within an hour, I ’ ll meet you at Sally ’ s. ”
    “ Will do, ” Tipper replied before calling out to someone walking past. “ Please ma ’ am. Can you spare a copper for a homeless Unchosen? ”
    Without pause, the woman continued and entered the temple.
    Brock chuckled as he pulled an apple from his pocket and tossed it to Tipper. He then strolled down the street until he found a spot on a low wall where he could sit and still see the temple entrance.
    A half-hour later, the sky darkened as dusk set in. A junior minister emerged from the temple and grabbed the small glowlamp located near the door. After a few shakes, it came alive with soft blue light. He then placed it into the wall sconce and disappeared back inside.
    Ten minutes later, a man in a dark cloak emerged from the temple, heading directly toward Brock. As the man walked past, Brock stared hard at him. Even in the fading light, the spiked blonde hair made him easy to identify. It was Minister Samson.
    Brock watched the back of the man ’ s cloak as Samson continued westward. After a moment, he stood and followed along.
    Samson turned north at an intersection just short of the West Wall. Brock quickened his pace until he was close to the intersection before slowing to a casual walk. As he crossed the opening, he glanced right and spotted a shadow near a glowlamp two buildings down. Samson had stopped with his back to the light and was watching for anyone following. Brock continued his casual pace until he was clear of the intersection and beyond Samson ’ s vision.
    Brock leapt onto the rim of a full rain barrel. The extra height enabled him to jump and grab the edge of the second-story balcony. He pulled himself up and was soon standing on the balcony railing.
    With practiced balance, he leapt to grab the drainpipe anchored to the wall above the barrel. He scaled the pipe and pulled himself onto the second-story rooftop.
    He hurried across the tiled roof to the neighboring building, slowing once past the glowlamp on the street below. Lying on his stomach, he pulled himself to the edge of the eave. He saw Samson standing near the lamp, still looking toward the street corner.
    Samson turned and hurried down the street, passing directly under Brock ’ s position. Brock stood and followed the man. The buildings on this street were all two stories, making it easy to keep pace.
    Brock came to a gap where a narrow alley crossed the street below. He paused to check if Samson turned, but the man continued on. Backing up two steps, Brock leapt over the span to the next rooftop, hurrying to catch his prey.
    Stopping to peek over the roof edge again, he watched Samson turn left at the next intersection. Brock made his way across the roof until he was directly over that street. Samson passed under him, heading toward the West Wall.
    Brock ran along the roof edge, keeping Samson in sight. The minister turned right onto the last street before the city wall. Brock felt a stab of panic, realizing that there was no way he