The Guardian Chronicles: Book 03 - The Dark Tide Read Online Free PDF Page A

secret…then again, that kind of knowledge would cause them undue stress and we all have plenty to deal with right now.
    “Really…” began King Angus.  His face masked any feelings or thoughts he was thinking.  He did not say anything else as everyone waited politely for the general to finish what he was saying.  I wonder if the druids could help our home land.
    “Do the others know of your secret?” asked General Lang.  He was referencing the other druids, who he did not care for all that much.  They are just as meddlesome as the guardians.  At least Yukio is different than the rest of them…he will help a great deal more than those mystical philosophers.
    “No…they do not know yet.  I appreciate your sentiments General Lang…I will most certainly use my considerable talents and abilities to help us win this war.”  He smiled grimly at the giant general and briefly winked to indicate his sincerity.
    “Yukio, I must report this information to the guardian council and to the druid council” replied Khalida simply.  She did not really look like she cared if Yukio replied.  She was going regardless of what he says.  I hope he really does intend to use his considerable talents for good.
    “You must do as you see fit…tell the druids that I will help them bring back Sali Castle when they are ready.  For now…I must return to my duties in the north.”  It was clear that he did not want to dwell overly long on the topic.
    “I will pass along your message.  I will leave you now so that you all can discuss tactics and other battle plans.”  Khalida disappeared with a loud pop and left the giants sitting there with the newly revealed seventh druid.  The blue mist seemed to linger a while longer this time and then vanished just as completely the elder guardian.
    “Well, that explains a great deal…I bet you Lord Marcello guessed your secret too.  He always said to not judge you too harshly and that you were vital to our success.  I guess he was right” General Lang said definitively.  He liked it when things made sense and could be easily categorized.  For him, everything seemed to fall neatly into place now.
    “Yukio…you and General Lang will need to keep the level of intensity high as General Tomo and his orcs join Kishi’s high elves” said the king distractedly.  His focus was clearly still elsewhere and everyone there sensed it.
    “Do not worry…I have some ideas that will make life difficult for the orcs trek to Mount Lamont” Yukio said with a devilish grin.  His eyes seemed to dance a little as though there was a flame in them.  I wonder if those brutes are dim enough to travel close to the eaves of western Renshaw.
    “Generals…you have matters to attend to…off with the both of you.  I will explain to Gerodi what we need him and Boaz to do.  Good luck” said King Angus with more sincerity and interest than he had displayed thus far.
    “Luck has nothing to do with it…”replied Yukio with a wide grin.  It will be the orcs who need luck!

The Quest
     
    Khalida arrived at Zëgé Castle shortly after her meeting with Yukio and the giants.  One of the main features of this castle was the incredibly tall central tower.  The harried guardian felt that it was important to recall the rest of guardians from the war effort long enough to discuss what had taken place thus far and to reveal the secret she had just learned.  I wonder if my master will come to this meeting.  He has been gone for an awfully long time now.  I fear that he may know things that will make this situation even more complex.   As if in response to her thoughts, the guardian himself entered the meeting hall.  The room had ivy growing every which direction as it climbed toward the glass dome.  There were all sorts of fine craftsmanship, jewels, gems, silver, and gold found in the vast room.  As he approached the center of the room, a table with seven chairs appeared out of thin air.
    “Welcome