To Whatever End (Echoes of Imara Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

northern city were doing their best to outdo each other with their craftsmanship,” Daro said.
    As they drew closer to the city proper, the natural banks of the river gave way to docks, piers and buildings that lined the water on the south side. The riverbank sloped down to the water in front of the city wall, housing a crowded mass of warehouses and docks, busy with ships and vessels of all sizes. The northern city was surrounded by a thick stone wall that plunged directly into the river, with towers at regular intervals.
    “The wall was built after the Attalonian Empire attacked,” Cecily said to Edson. “It’s hard to imagine, looking at the defenses as they stand now, but Attalon nearly crushed Halthas. After the attempted invasion, the next few kings poured enormous resources into building the wall and the towers. Fire Wielders still patrol the wall, although we’ve been at peace with Attalon for as long as anyone can remember.”
    “Attalon seems like it must belong to another world,” Edson said. “Hard to believe anything exists across the sea. Is it true that they enslave Wielders and Shapers?”
    “Some of them,” Cecily said. “One of my classmates at the Lyceum was from Attalon. His family fled to Halthas so they wouldn’t have to hide his abilities.”
    “I’ve been all over the continent,” Daro said, “but never to Attalon. Can’t say I ever wanted to.”
    As they came in sight of the first of the three spans, Cecily pointed to the huge bridges. “The spans are the only way to get between northern and southern Halthas. The older part of the city is on the north side of the river. After the invasion, as they were rebuilding, people started settling the south side. Without the skill of Shapers and some specially trailed Wielders, it wouldn’t have been possible to build those bridges. The river is half a mile wide here.”
    Edson’s mouth opened as his head turned to follow the line of the first span. It soared across the river in a gentle arc.
    “Only in Halthas, or so people say,” Daro said. “There isn’t another city quite like it.”
    “What do you think?” Cecily asked Edson with a smile.
    “It’s so big,” he said, his voice soft.
    Cecily just nodded. It was big. Although she’d been born and raised in the city, the size of it still impressed her each time she visited. Towering buildings, sprawling streets, enormous gardens. So much of the city defied reason.
    Daro looked unimpressed, as usual. He raised an eyebrow and shrugged. “Too many people.”
    Cecily laughed. “For you, certainly, mountain man.”
    He made no move to argue. “The city is not my place. But don’t worry, Edson, I won’t let you get lost. Let’s go.” With a clap on the back and a smile, he turned from the railing to go collect their things.
    Cecily paused and leaned into the railing to look up at the city beyond. Halthas always brought mixed feelings, reminders of the complications she had left behind. From her vantage point she could still see the palace, the tips of its towers glinting in the sunlight. The Lyceum was hidden behind the wall. It seemed like a lifetime ago that she had lived in that world.
    However, most of her tasks in the city were pleasant ones, so she tried not to let her thoughts drift too far into the past. She set off to find her husband and help him with the unloading of their cargo.
    If the docks in East Haven were a bustle of activity, the docks in southern Halthas were absolute chaos. Yet it was a controlled chaos, with dockworkers and sailors, merchants and passengers all intent on gathering their belongings and cargo and dispersing into the city. The wagon and horses were led off the riverboat under Daro’s watchful eye. Edson stood to the side, doing his best to keep out of the way, with minimal success. Cecily felt a momentary pang of pity for the poor kid as another dockworker barked at him. She didn’t have time for more than a quick consoling glance in his