The Eynan 2: Garileon Read Online Free PDF Page B

the feeling this is going to be dangerous?" Gallia queried.
    "Because you worry about your dear friend," Ninian responded, and Gallia met his glance with a nod, aware he knew of her past association with Jhond.
    To change the subject, Jhond said, "I wanted to give you each a little something before we leave. A short time ago, I had a difficult experience when I sensed something was wrong with one of you, but I couldn't tell which one, and it took far too long for me to discover the problem." He gave a sheepish grin. "So long that, when I did discover the problem, I was greatly relieved to discover it had already been solved. But I decided there and then I had to find a method of emergency contact between us.
    "It took me a while to work out how I could do it"--Jhond slipped a hand into his pocket as he spoke--"but I finally solved the problem in what I think is a rather clever way." He grinned as he produced three small jewel boxes, passing one to Patinus, one to Gallia and the third one to Girau.
    Patinus opened his, Gallia looking over his shoulder. Inside was a silver ring with a small blue gemstone inset in the center. Girau opened his box to find a ring set with a brilliant green gem.
    "You'll note that each one has a different gemstone," Jhond explained. "The magistry I used to create them will inform me which of you is calling me."
    "These are meant for emergencies only, yes?" Gallia asked, as she slid her own ring with its pink gem onto her finger, not surprised to discover it fit perfectly.
    "Hopefully, you'll never need to use them," Jhond said. "But if ever you do, just press a finger over the gemstone, think of me, and I will know you need me. I'll come at once."
    "Just press the gem?" asked Girau, as he stared at the green gem set in his ring.
    "The ring will only respond to your touch and only those to whom I present the rings will know that. I'll know which one of you is calling me. Wear them at all times."
    Girau and Patinus slipped on their rings, also finding the fits perfect.
    "You said those to whom you presented the rings," Patinus said. "It sounds as if that may include more than just the three of us?"
    "Ah, yes," Jhond agreed, with a glance at Ninian. "I've given one to Ninian and another to Amired." He lifted his right hand as he spoke, and there on his index finger was a silver ring, topped with a horizontal bar divided into five tiny sections, each one filled with a different colored gem: blue, pink and green for Patinus, Gallia and Girau. The last two were opalescent, which Ninian showed was his gemstone, and black for Amired. "Each of the gems is magically linked to my ring, hence the constant contact."
    "Thank you. I feel much safer already," Gallia said.
    "Good."
    "Thank you, son," Girau said, adding, "When are you leaving?"
    "On the evening tide. Amired has the ship ready and waiting for us to board," Ninian said.
    "Sorry for the short visit," Jhond added, "but we really feel the need to pursue this quest as soon as possible, and the journey will take some time."
    "Even with the Eynan and his magnificent control of the wind?" Patinus was smiling, and Jhond remembered only too well the excitement with which he had brought the Horologue back to Timendra by harnessing the wind to his control. The ship had made the journey in a fraction of the usual time.
    "I don't think Amired would appreciate my repeating that action too often," Jhond confessed. "He complained afterward that many of his ropes and some of his sails needed replacing, and he was nervous of the stress caused to the main mast. And that's not even mentioning his crew's reaction."
    "I can imagine," Patinus said.
    "Perhaps for short bursts," Ninian commented, with a grin.
    "Keep your power for when it's really necessary," Girau said, grasping his son to him in a farewell embrace. "Come back home safe to us," he murmured.
    "I will, Father, and pass on my love to the rest of the family, especially Mother."
    Ninian shook hands with everyone,