The Sorcerer's Bane Read Online Free PDF Page B

There were rich carpets as well, under each piece of furniture. He dared not walk upon the carpets. He knew that the shadow creature that dwelt in his master’s apartments preferred the carpets and liked to slip under them.
    “You’d best come away from there,” Gruum told the priestess.
    She stood and took several steps toward him. “Why? How do you dare to order me about? You are no more than one of these rugs to him—did you know that?”
    Gruum smiled. “It is the rugs themselves that I’m worried about. They get jealous, you see.”
    The priestess stared at him uncomprehendingly. He looked into her veiled face. He thought perhaps he recognized her.
    “Are you the one that led me to the mausoleum? Gawina—is that not your name? Tell me your tale. Why are you here, fair lady?”
    The priestess appeared surprised. “You recognize me? Through my veil?”
    “It does not hide your eyes. Nor does it mask your voice and demeanor.”
    “I am no fair lady, I’m the handmaiden of Anduin. Only she is fair amongst my Order.”
    “Ah!” said Gruum, letting the tip of his sword drop so he could rest the point on the floor. “I understand now. Anduin does not let you show yourselves out of jealousy. Only she can attract the eye of a male, is that it? Well, in your case, she has failed to obscure you sufficiently.”
    Gawina looked angry. “You mock me.”
    “Far from it. I mock your jealous god.”
    “That is worse. Far worse. How dare you?”
    Gruum shrugged. “I’ve had personal dealing with Anduin. She is not a forgiving creature. There is no love lost between us.”
    Gawina stepped closer. “You do fascinate me. I have heard this—that you have dared dream with the Lady herself. I can scarcely believe she would choose you rather than one of our own Order who spend every night trying to beseech her.”
    Gruum looked the girl up and down, wondering what charms she hid under her robes. He smiled. “Do you want to know more? Do you want to know how to meet her in your shared dreams?”
    Gawina’s eyes were hungry and shameless. “Yes.”
    “Take off your veil then, that I may see who I’m speaking with.”
    She hesitated. “You mock me still.”
    “How so?”
    “I cannot remove my veil for fear of violating my vows.”
    “Come now, I have met your god in the flesh. Don’t you think I know what might insult her?”
    Finally, the priestess reached up and removed her veil. Gruum drank in her beauty. It was intense and unspoiled. He wondered what might have made this lovely woman give up her life to serve the callous Black Dragon.
    “I feel as if you violate me with your eyes,” she said, staring back at him.
    “Sorry. A man can’t help but notice a beautiful maiden.”
    “That is exactly why we wear veils. Now, tell me of my Lady, as you promised.”
    Gruum nodded. “There are two methods I’ve learned to visit her. First, you can find a place of power, a spot such as an ancient altar where many sacrifices have been performed. If you dream there, and the Dragon dreams too, you may meet her.”
    “And the second?”
    “You must follow her breath, and notice its movement. When the breath is slow and deep, she slumbers. If you can find her breath as she sleeps and dream in that spot, you can meet her.”
    She stared at him. “There must be more to it than that.”
    Gruum shrugged. “Possibly. Perhaps the Dragons must be interested in the person doing the dreaming as well.”
    “Then the question becomes, why are the Dragons so interested in you, Gruum?”
    Gruum frowned. “I can’t say.”
    The priestess took a few steps closer, studying his face. He in turn studied hers. He liked what he saw. She seemed to have forgotten about replacing her veil, and Gruum didn’t bother to remind her. She now stood within arm’s reach, and Gruum’s arms ached to reach for her.
    Gruum sheathed his sword and lowered his voice as he spoke to her further. “I would ask you a question now. Why are you here, fair