The Eynan 2: Garileon Read Online Free PDF

crystals pointed to the far north, near the icy wastes."
    "Are you going to use your powers to reach there or were you wanting a more mundane form of travel?" Amired asked.
    Ninian glanced at Jhond with a raised eyebrow.
    "You've not thought that far ahead yet?" Amired queried.
    "I've been thinking about that and don't feel I can trust the...the pull I received via the crystal. It was cracked, but I think the damage went beyond just what was obvious. I'm not prepared to put myself or Ninian at risk."
    "You said the crystal was cracked? I've never heard of such a thing."
    "Neither had we, so hence my caution." Jhond met Ninian's gaze for an instant before transferring his attention back to Amired. "So, my dear Captain, if you have nothing better to do, would you like to take us as far north as you consider safe in the Horologue? "
    "I'd be honored, but you understand I have to pay my crew." He left the rest unsaid.
    "Of course, your fee will be no problem," Ninian replied.
    Amired laughed. "Of course not."
    "With one little detour," Jhond added. "We need to return to the Iroban port of Buchern so we can visit with Patinus, Gallia and my father in the capital city of Robat before we start out on our new adventure."
    "I'm sure my crew will be delighted to hear the Horologue will be honored with your presence for some time to come." Amired's expression gave the lie to his words.
    "Are you suggesting we're not popular with your crew?" Ninian asked, sounding perfectly serious.
    Amired grinned as he began the climb down the cliff path.
    * * * *
    Jhond strode along the corridor of the Iroban palace, Ninian at his shoulder, and as they approached the entrance to the throne room, the steward stepped forward to announce their arrival to Prince Patinus and his lovely wife, the Princess Gallia. Patinus was on his feet immediately, striding to greet them through the large room filled with courtiers, cheerful and self-satisfied men and women in their best attire. Gallia remained seated with a broad smile on her face.
    "You were successful, I trust," Patinus said, as Jhond and Ninian each gave him a graceful bow.
    "Indeed." Jhond patted his pocket. "All safe and sound, but we have come to say farewell as we must be leaving soon."
    Patinus frowned, but obviously recognized Jhond didn't wish to say anything else in front of the courtiers watching closely. Patinus turned and nodded at his seneschal, and the man tapped his rod on the floor.
    "The audience is at an end. Please clear the room. You may return on the morrow for the next audience."
    There was some grumbling among the attendees, but the room quickly emptied. The seneschal glanced at Patinus, who signaled the man to leave...which he did smartly.
    Jhond stepped closer and asked Patinus, "Is my father still here or has he--"
    "Here, son."
    Jhond turned around to see his father approaching, the door to the throne room closing behind him. Lord Girau grasped his son's hand and pulled Jhond into his embrace.
    "I'm glad to see you back. I'm due to leave in the morning for Timendra. King Corianus has summoned me for a full report of our success and information on the plans to finally end the war against the imperial forces. I wanted so much to see you before I left." Girau gazed into his son's eyes, as he continued, "I had the uncomfortable feeling if I didn't see you before you left I'd regret it." He frowned. "What is it, son? What's happening?"
    "Let's get comfortable, and we'll explain everything."
    "Come," Patinus said, letting Gallia lead the way through a narrow door in the wall behind his throne into a small drawing room.
    When everyone was settled, Ninian described their visit to the Isle of Truth and the visions he and Jhond had both experienced. Those listening had many questions to ask, but it was soon clear that neither mage could do more than describe what had happened and the need they felt to follow through without knowing the depth of their reasoning behind it.
    "Why do I have