The Winterstone Plague (The Carrion Cycle) Read Online Free PDF Page A

I do have a mystic of sorts. Perhaps he could be of assistance. I am afraid that the limited ability men like him have are all that is left of magic in the world.”
    “Thank you, my lord. I would like to meet him tonight, at the chapel, if possible.”
    “I shall make the arrangements. It is done! Now, I am sure you are tired and would like a chance to rest. I will have a few of my finest escort you to your lodgings. I will also see to it that they inform the town that you are a guest under my protection. I must admit that I am most curious about this proof of which you speak. How long until you will provide it?”
    “In the morning. It is best not to venture into the woods at night.”
    “Why is that?” Philip asked.
    “Because there are Vel’Haen out there!” Abytheos laughed. “Ready your men by morning and we shall go see them!”

Chapter 3
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    V ALTHIAN MADE it to the kitchen just in time to help set the table. He was tired, but he was also thankful for a chance to put something in his rumbling stomach. Tomas was so enthralled by his own bad jokes that he somehow managed to stay out of the way. Fine, golden-rimmed porcelain bowls rested on top of the ornate table planted in the center of the dining room. The table’s gilded legs were carved to look like thick, twisted vines sprouting from the wooden floor below, ending in a wide loop that hugged the surface of the piece. The warm stew filling each of the bowls steamed with a ferocity that made his mouth water. He had not eaten a hot meal all day, and his stomach growled in protest. Valthian tried to ignore the pangs of hunger, concentrating instead on the work before him.
    “Did you have another of those dreams last night?”
    Valthian blinked, trying to clear the fog from his mind. He glanced at his mother and nodded. “Yes. Three times in as many nights it has happened. I may have to pay a visit to Olivar Bastrik’s shop for something to help me sleep I keep having them.”
    Merriam glanced at her son, an eyebrow raised. “Perhaps you should stop reading those dreadful stories that you love so much.”
    Valthian sighed. “You too? Tomas said the very same thing!”
    Merriam laughed. “He’ll get an extra helping of pudding tonight, then.”
    She reached over and patted Valthian’s head softly, and then her smile faded as suddenly as it had appeared.
    “Who is this man in your father’s study, Valthian? I do not take kindly to anyone who makes him late for his supper. He works too hard to go without food for as long as he does.”
    “We caught him making trouble amongst the villagers,” Tomas said. “He had half the village frightened out of their boots before we stepped in!”
    Merriam’s brow furrowed. “I see. And now this troublemaker is in our home?”
    “She was speaking to me,” Valthian said. “Must you always interrupt?”
    “I’m sorry, but I never get to say anything!”
    Valthian tried not to chuckle. Tomas was quite skilled at putting his foot in his mouth, and this case was no different. He wasn’t the sort of person who could think about his words before they left his lips.
    “Mother, please do not worry about it. He was merely talking nonsense. We quickly disbursed the small gathering and brought him to father. He has a loud mouth, but he does not seem a dangerous man.”
    “I hope not,” Merriam replied. “But I am sure your father will deal with the situation. I just wish he would hurry it up.”
    “Hurry what up?”
    Merriam placed her hands on her hips. “There you are, Philip. I was beginning to think you were going to take another meal in that cramped study of yours. And what of the man with whom you were speaking? I hear he stirred up some trouble—”
    “The old man?” Philip waved dismissively. “He is nothing to think on. And why would I eat in that drab study when I have such a beautiful family waiting for me?”
    “You can spare us the flattery and take a seat. Tomas? Will you