The Warlords of Nin Read Online Free PDF

two curious pilgrims?”
    The startled priests turned around quickly and beheld the figures of two young men descending toward them.
    The priest in the center of the huddle stepped forward and replied, “Pilgrims are always welcome to the shrine of Ariel, though most choose to make oblations in the light of day.”
    â€œWe do not come to make oblations, or to inquire of the god Ariel, but of a priest instead.”
    â€œPriests are but the servants of their god; it is he who declares his will.”
    â€œNeither do we ask for the god’s interest in any affairs of ours,” said Quentin, approaching the priest. He could see the man’s face full in the moonlight now and knew that he addressed his old tutor. “We would speak to you man-to-man.”
    Quentin smiled as a faint glimmer of recognition lit the priest’s visage.
    â€œMy heart tells me that I should know you, sir,” said the high priest slowly. The old eyes searched the young man’s features for a clue that might tell him who it was that addressed him. “But a name does not come to my lips. Have we met, then?”
    Quentin moved closer and placed his hands on the priest’s rounded shoulders. “Is the life of a priest so busy that he has no time for memories?”
    â€œMemories do not walk the temple yards by night, nor do they confront their bearers face-to-face.”
    â€œThen perhaps you will remember this.” Quentin dug into his pouch at his belt and produced a silver coin. He handed it to the priest.
    â€œThis is a temple coin. Then you must be . . .”
    â€œYou gave me that coin yourself, Biorkis, many years ago.”
    â€œQuentin? Is this Quentin the acolyte?” the old man sputtered.
    â€œYes, I have returned to see you, my old friend—for so I always considered you.”
    â€œBut how you have changed. You have grown up a fine man. You are well—as I can see. What brings you here tonight of all nights?”
    The other priests looked upon this reunion in wonder. They gathered close around to see who this returned stranger might be.
    â€œCan we walk a little aside?” asked Quentin. “I have something to ask you.”
    The two moved off, followed closely by Toli. The priests fell to murmuring their amazement and talking among themselves.
    â€œYour name has grown in the land,” said Biorkis as they walked to a rocky outcropping at the edge of the plateau.
    â€œOh? You hear the tales up here, do you?”
    â€œWe hear what we wish to hear. The peasants bring us no end of information. Some of it useful. But you are known as the prince who saved the Dragon King and defeated the monstrous sorcerer, Nimrood.”
    â€œIt was not I who defeated Nimrood, but my friend Toli here.”
    Biorkis bowed to Toli and indicated that they should all seat themselves upon the rocks. “They also say that you are building a city in the Wilderlands which rises by magic from the stones of the earth.”
    â€œAgain, that is not my doing. Dekra is my city only in that the gracious Curatak have allowed me to join in their work of restoring it to its former glory.”
    â€œThis is what the people say, not I. As for myself, I surmise that the truth of the stories is to be found at the heart—like the stone of an apricot. But I know from this that my former acolyte is doing well and has risen in the esteem of his countrymen. But why should you seek me out now? The temple doors have not been closed these many years.”
    â€œWe come to ask your opinion of something we have seen.” Quentin turned toward the east and pointed out across the quiet, moon-filled valley. “That star rising yonder. The Wolf Star. Has it not changed in some way of late? Do the priests detect a waxing of its power?”
    â€œSo you have not forsaken your studies altogether. You still seek signs in the night sky.”
    â€œNo, I must admit that I no longer study the