The Fifth Magic (Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

day those ferals reproduce and grow is another day closer to war, and what if they are better prepared this time? Better to stomp them out of existence while they're still weak."
    Sensi and Onin nodded in agreement, and Brother Vaughn did not like the direction the conversation was taking.
    "I understand your concerns," Jharmin said, "but I can commit no resources to attacking Allette without leaving us open to attack from the Godfist."
    "And we would be caught in the middle . . . again," Nat Dersinger said.
    Ahem.
    Brother Vaughn wasn't certain he had heard something at first, but then he heard it again.
    Ahem.
    This time everyone heard, and all those seated at the council table craned their necks. Nestled high in the rocks, sat Trinda Hollis, the child queen. She'd been there the entire time. Trinda waited for silence. "Any act of aggression against my ally, Allette, the one the people call the Black Queen of the Jaga, will be considered an act of war against the Godfist and against me, personally. My friend thought perhaps we should solve all of our problems today. She said if all the snakes put their heads in one place, draw your blade."
    Outrage shone on faces around the table, and Kendra Volker stood ready for a fight.
    "I told her snakes could be beautiful and have their purposes. Good snakes keep the rats away. Only those who dare enter the master's house need lose their heads. So be good snakes and keep your heads. Make a move toward myself or Allette, and feel our sting."
    Jharmin Kyte stood with clenched fists on the table. Gold-tipped, green flames crept over his hands.
    "Mind your manners, Greatlander," Trinda said. "Your people couldn't take the Godfist when you had the ferals on your side. How do you think you'll fare with them at your backs?"
    "This is a violation of the council charter!" Lord Bercheron said.
    "Actually it isn't," Trinda said. "I've read the charter. And while the fact that you did not previously note my presence is not a violation of the charter, those are." She said, pointing out to sea.
    An angry roar built among those gathered as they saw the fleet of warships gathered on the horizon. Blades left sheaths and Kendra stood ready to defend Sinjin. Lord Bercheron's eyes narrowed as he regarded Trinda. Jharmin Kyte appeared ready to blast them all, and yet Trinda exuded cold calm.
    Distant cries reached out across the water, and Brother Vaughn could soon make out the familiar curses. Bursting from the clouds, the Serpent left them roiling in her wake. Moments later, the clouds burst apart; three massive verdant dragons emerging in pursuit.
    "Ambush!" Jharmin Kyte shouted.
    Those on the shoreline moved away from the council table. Trinda alone remained where she was, smiling like the cat that caught the bird.

Chapter 3
    Within the deepest darkness, the light shines most brightly.
    --Gemino, sorcerer and artist
     
    * * *
     
     
    Sinjin took two steps backward, running into Kendra, who held her ground. It felt good knowing she was there, protecting him and allowing him to protect her. He wished he had violated the charter and brought the Staff of Life or Koe with him, but he was not defenseless. The staff and Koe had helped him gain access to his power, but he did not need them to glean at least a small amount from the air around him. Comets in abundance helped in that regard, though they made his powerful enemies even more powerful. This was among the best arguments he'd heard and had even repeated with regard to attacking Allette while she and the ferals were still weak. Now that would mean war with the Godfist, and he could think of nothing he'd like less.
    When Jharmin turned to him, flames still dancing along his aging but still muscular form, Sinjin offered up his open palms. "Prepare to defend yourself, Nephew," Jharmin said. "My boat will be here soon. You should be away from here."
    "Yes," Trinda said from above them. "You should be away. Fly back to your rock. You don't want to be