The City of Towers: The Dreaming Dark - Book I Read Online Free PDF Page A

hand, and after a long moment, she took it. “I’m sorry,” she said. “Can you at least stay the night at Round Wind? A hot meal, a nice bed … and in the morning, I’m sure Hadran will be willing to give you a good breakfast and enough gold to get you started on whatever path you choose.”
    He took a deep breath, then nodded and looked away. “Yes. Thanks. Though I think I might prefer a last bowl of your gruel. I think I’m going to miss it.”
    “Not me!” Jode broke in. “No offense, my lady, but I’d just as soon never see that goo again.”
    Lei smiled faintly. “I’m looking forward to real food myself. How about you? Will you be finding a place in one of the houses of healing?”
    Daine had wondered this himself. If the war was truly over, it was the obvious role for a man with Jode’s talents, but healing was the domain of House Jorasco. Jode’s dragonmark hinted at a tie to the house, yet he’d never spoken of it …
    “Oh, I’m not ready to settle down yet. Pierce and I thought we’d stay with the captain and see where fortune took us. Right, Pierce?”
    “You won’t be coming with me, Pierce?” Lei said, surprised.
    The warforged soldier glanced over at them. “I’m sorry, Lei.” His voice was deep and resonant, slow water running across stone. “I would not have survived the war without your aid. But I wish to remain with Captain Daine. The war may be over, but he is still my commander. House Cannith sold me to Cyre. The house does not own me now.”
    This time, tears finally began to flow. “I knew we’d be going our separate ways, but Pierce—” Lei looked up at the armoredwarrior. “I thought … I just thought that you’d …” While she was casting about for words the boat dropped sharply, stealing her breath.
    “Round Wind!” shouted the driver.
    Lei dried her eyes and nodded. “We’ll discuss this later tonight,” she said, her voice tight. “I’m going to have a lot to explain to Hadran.”

    As impressive as the lower streets of Sharn had been, Dalan’s Refuge was on an entirely different level—literally and figuratively. The district was built on a massive ring encircling one of the largest towers of Tavick’s Landing, and they were thousands of feet above the waters of the Dagger. Despite the altitude, the breezes were warm and light, and Daine had no trouble with the air.
    They were surrounded by the ostentatious display of wealth. Statues surrounded the streets, prominent citizens of Sharn captured for eternity in bronze and marble. At the edge of the ring, a fountain of illusions threw shimmering columns of rainbow light into the air, dropping off the edge to fall towards the lower districts. Night had fallen, and there were far fewer people on the streets than there had been below. Dalan’s Refuge was a residential district, and most of its inhabitants had either retired for the evening or were off seeking entertainment in more exotic regions.
    Round Wind proved to be true to its name—at least partially. The manor was formed from large spheres of different stones, merged together to create an unusual aesthetic effect.
    “Hadran’s grandfather was an architect,” Lei explained.
    “And insane?” Daine muttered.
    Two men in Cannith livery stood at the front gate, but they allowed the group to pass once Lei displayed her Cannith signet. They walked down a long corridor with rounded walls. Statues of Hadran’s ancestors watched from either side—proud artificers and wizards bearing the symbols of the house.
    Eventually the hall opened into a large atrium, but a bulky warforged that dwarfed even Pierce blocked the path. WherePierce was designed for battle, this guardian seemed to have been built to impress. He was armored with plates of silver, and gemstones adorned his torso and faceplate. Lei seemed to recognize the ’forged and stepped out in front of Daine.
    “Domo, I have returned, and I have three guests. I apologize for arriving