The Pool And The Pedestal (Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

struggled with the water in the other. If we spilled the water, we were to return to the well and procure another bucket.”
    Manfir looked toward the far corner of the yard where a steep stone staircase loomed. A smile crept across his face as he remembered his training.
    “Even you?” asked Kael.
    “Of course! In your father’s eyes I was nothing more than a recruit. Someone whose life he worked to save.” stated Manfir. “Yanwin came down to the yard and called your father over. She complained that his orders defeated the purpose of her visits. It added more hardship to the recruit’s lives. Brelg disagreed.This chore was exactly the type of thing he searched for to train the troops in mountainous assault. She didn’t understand, so he calmly explained. That was the first time they spoke. After that encounter, if Yanwin or one of her ladies had a question concerning training, Yanwin went straight to Brelg.”
    “.... now carry on. Remember, Ulrog don’t rest so neither should you.”
    Brelg turned from the training exercises and returned to the group.
    “Your pardons, my prince.” said Brelg bowing. “This group is particularly obstinate and must have it spelled out. If not , we could lose the lot of them.”
    “The safety of the realm comes first.” returned Manfir. “My father can wait a few moments.”
    Manfir turned and led the group to the north door. It mirrored that in the south. Several recruits stood guard and runners hid in the recessed alcove. They briskly saluted Brelg and Manfir, then swung the gate open. Kael turned and watched the muscles on their necks tighten as Granu lumbered past them in close quarters. The streets had emptied considerably since they entered the Hold. Zodra settled into slumber.
    “Manfir, I suggest we get off these streets as quickly as possible.” said Ader. “Anything can happen on the streets of Zodra after nightfall.”
    Manfir nodded his head and made a hard line toward the first street traveling north. The group walked at a brisk pace and saw few people on their journey. The size of Zodra astounded Kael. They kept their quick pace for fifteen minutes then finally stepped into another massive open square like that which contained the Hold. This time however, the moonlit visage of the Palace of Zodra, the center of the world, greeted the group.
    Kael concluded that towers were the theme here as well. Several dozen stretched up into the darkening sky from all about the grounds of the castle. The ornate architecture startled when contrasted to the Hold.
    “Again, the Zodrians outdo themselves in self-aggrandizement.” smirked Teeg and he glanced at Kael. “Each one of those towers represents some former monarch’s ode to himself or a loved one. Half of them go unused, and the remainder are storage areas.”
    “You are blessed with a knack for sucking the wonder out of the extraordinary.” said Kael.
    “Sorry, dear boy.” smirked Teeg.
    “Actually, my quarters are there.” commented Manfir pointing to a low tower near the front of the compound. “I did not mind the climb and cherished the solitude.”
    “As I said.” returned Teeg frowning at Manfir. “Many go unused.”
    The group marched forward and approached another massive, iron gateway. Kael noted quite a few guards milling about. They looked unorganized and undisciplined. A shout rang out as one of the guards noticed Manfir’s approach. Twelve men hustled from the shadows of the gateway and blocked its entry. Each held a hand tightly locked on the hilt of his weapon. Manfir marched to within three yards of the gate with Brelg at his side. Kael noticed supply staff insignia emblazoned on the men’s tunics.
    “Who ordered a tripling of the guard at the palace gate?” demanded Brelg.
    The group looked to one another and did not reply.
    “I asked who ordered so many men to cover this gate?!” barked Brelg exasperated. “Who is in charge here?!”
    Kael discerned movement behind the line of men