The Zulani Empire: The New Chronicles of Elemental Magic Read Online Free PDF

and thank the lucky stars I'm not having you charged for treasonous acts." Private Amson nodded and quickly shuffled out of the doorway.
    In the mess hall, Hope used a piece of bread to mop up the last of her stew. "Don't go to mad Hope, or you'll make yourself sick," Arran said having already finished eating. Hope just smiled at him, and then shoved another chunk of bread in her mouth. The two looked up to see Jak Corley walking towards them. Behind him was a younger man whose face Hope also knew. "Levin," she shouted jumping to her feet excitedly.
    Hope and Levin quickly closed the gap between them, and with arms held open, embraced each other with the biggest of hugs. The two chuckled as they parted, "Thank the gods you are safe. I barely believed it when Jak came and told me you were here. Look how you've grown...Listen to me prattling on..." Levin took a step back, and looked at the young lady before him. Now in his thirties, married with children of his own, he had always thought of Taylor, Hope and Luca as family. Although when he and Jak had moved to take over at Lanber, it had meant not seeing them so often.
    After Hope introduced Arran, all four of them left the garrison and headed for a large walled house in the centre of town. The guards on the gate saluted Jak as the group passed through. The large brick house was home to Levin, who was Governor of Lanber. "You will of course stay with me," Levin said opening the front door for them to enter. Once inside, he asked one of the maids to bring drinks to the lounge. "Come," he said still clearly excited by having visitors.
    The maid bought in a tray of tea and cakes, and placed it down on a small mahogany table in the centre of the room. Levin listened as Hope told him the entire story of her capture and escape, right up to the point of her meeting him just a little earlier. Arran sat quietly beside her, looking a little more forlorn than usual. It was only after Hope had finished the story of their adventure that she turned to notice him.
    Both Levin and Jak apologised for being such poor hosts, as they both excused themselves. Levin had a meeting to attend, but would return in time for their evening meal. Levin's wife was with their children, and was out of town, visiting her Parents. Jak also apologised, and as much as he would like to have stayed and chatted, he had duties at the garrison that needed his attention.
    Left on their own, Hope turned to Arran and asked what the matter was. "I am happy you are home now Hope," he said. "I shall head back to Darekia tomorrow maybe." Hope froze; did Arran mean to leave her now? The young Darekian had done as he had promised, and gotten her back safely. "Please stay Arran. After all I am not home yet," she added hoping to sway his train of thought. Although the thought of being back amongst friendly faces was something she had longed for, she realised the idea of not having Arran with her was not something she liked.
    Hope knew it was probably selfish of her to ask. Arran after all, had a family of his own to get back too. The young man had already gone far beyond anything she could have expected in getting her this far. "Come with me to Forwich and meet my family," she asked placing her hand on his. Arran took her hand, his face hard to read. Hope could feel her heart pounding loudly as she watched his lips move, about to speak. "Of course I will stay Hope. I thought now you were back, I would not be needed." She squeezed his hand, and smiled, and mouthed the words thank you, before planting the smallest of kisses on his cheek.

Chapter 5.
     
     
     
    Dalia waited patiently as she watched one of her men return from the town of Sarus. The soldier in question had carried an offer of a peaceful solution to the commander in charge of the defending force. It was clear even to her that many of the people had deserted the place anticipating a fight to take place. Whether that happened or not, would depend on the reply her