The Pinnacle Of Empire (Book 6) Read Online Free PDF

slope ahead of him. Crashing headlong through the underbrush, the deer startled a small creature that barely jumped out of the way of the flying hooves. A lessor griffin, poised to pounce on the creature, leapt up in reaction. Zirkin lowered his bow, watching the spectacle play out. Smaller than the smallest dwarf, the intended victim dove back down into the thick bracken ferns covering the timbered slope. Focused on its prey, the frustrated griffin snapped its intimidating beak. Anticipating its prey, it leapt up, thrusting its wings out to direct its descent down on the intended meal.
    Zirkin had seen enough. The king’s arrow found its mark in the griffin’s massive thigh. The bird-beast screeched. Its great head jerked, focusing a menacing stare at the king. The massive beak reared back in a blood-curdling shriek. Zirkin’s horse whinnied and began backing up, throwing Zirkin off balance. Flapping its wings, the griffin hovered for an instant, snatched the arrow from its thigh, and flung it aside. It then flew away. The king shuttered at the sight of so evil a glare from the fantastic monster half again larger than himself.
    Thrashing within the underbrush brought the king’s attention back to the lower slope. The little targeted being scrambled to hide under dark green rhododendron and mountain laurel leaves, but Zirkin had seen it and raced across the slope to find it before it disappeared.
    “Where are you?” Zirkin called out, “I know you’re here. Can you not spare me a moment? I saved your life.”
    There was a rustling among the leaves then the small creature materialized before Zirkin. The king’s horse, startled by the sudden appearance so close, reared up at the perceived menace. The little person jumped back and started to scramble away, but Zirkin’s bow tip pinned his foot to the ground.
    “Hold still, you. We shan’t harm you.”
    “Well, perhaps you have good intentions, sir, but that beast you ride is displaying a different intent.” The little man still wiggled to get free.
    Surprised at the response, Zirkin studied the previously unknown creature barely two feet tall. His short, squat body appeared pudgy. When released, he showed an unexpected dexterity and quick movement.
    His short legs and oversized feet move much faster than one should think possible, Zirkin noted. This creature’s head is large with a short neck. Flushed, plump cheeks of late middle age protrude above its red beard. The whole is dressed meticulously in a forest green and brown outfit, close cut, simple but elegant suggesting a vanity in the creature.
    Zirkin withdrew his bow. The creature shook off the leaf litter and stood facing the king, legs apart and hands on his hips.
    “Are you hurt?” Zirkin asked.
    The creature jerked his head up, staring. “I can defend myself, if that’s what you mean.”
    The king laughed, but the creature shuffled on his feet, confirming his stance. “Well, that griffin might have been a challenge even for one as tough as yourself, little man.”
    The creature looked to where the griffin had flown off then relaxed his deportment. He stroked his beard and cast a glance at Zirkin. An impish grin lit up his face. “Mean beasts, those griffins.”
    “Indeed, I’ve hunted these forests since my youth, yet I’ve never seen a griffin or such as you before. That bird-beast was frightening even for me.” Zirkin patted his horse’s neck that was again trampling the bracken ferns.
    “There aren’t many of us left,” the creature said, his voice trailing off.
    “I should like to know you better, little man.”
    “Stop calling me little man. I can hold my own with a giant such as you.”
    “I’m sure you can. I meant no offense.”
    “I’m neither little nor man.”
    “My apologies, what are you, then?”
    “I’m a tittletot and a well grown one at that.”
    “I’ve heard tales of such creatures in these mountains, but I’ve never known anyone that’s actually seen a