Upon This World of Stone (The Paladin Trilogy Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

service. Norealm would have been the first to suffer had the Highlanders yielded, and we shall not forget the debt thus owed. To this warrior, we give our blessing and our voice. Speak, then, for Norealm.”
    There was instant silence throughout the chamber, Ursulan dropping his eyes in acquiescence. Thrandar’s words meant Darius was no longer just a messenger or a witness; now he stood with the full support of one of the Dukes and could address the other members of the Council as virtual equals.
    “The attack upon the High Pass holds lessons for us all, My Lords,” Darius began. “The Pass was held, as always, by the courage of the Highlanders. Yet it was almost lost. When I arrived at the High Pass, a spell of fear lay upon the Clans, a spell powerful enough to make even the strongest people forsake their birth-right and broad enough to affect thousands. This is only one of many perils which march with the Silver Horde against you.”
    “Again we hear the words of panic,” Argus rumbled. “Even if this threat be real, the Drift can be adequately manned by its own garrison and a tenth of our power. Let each lord look to his own realm to decide what force he can spare. Jalan’s Drift, as ever, shall be our bulwark.”
    “My lords,” continued Darius, “Corland makes the case of the classic general: take the strongest position, and let the foe break himself upon it. But this is no classic situation, and the Northings have marched with ease through many strong positions. Moreover, a spell of fear that can quench the fire of the Highlanders is nothing to take lightly. We…”
    “You yourself have proven that this fear can be countered,” interrupted Argus. “And we also have access to spells, spells the Highlanders cannot boast. But we still await an answer to the main issue. What good will be served by manning the walls of the Drift with all our power? If Nargost be taken, what chance has the Drift? And if Nargost stands, then the invaders can do nothing against the Five Walls of Jalan.”
    There was another rumble through the room, the point debated until Boltran again called for order.
    “A telling point, and one to which we must attend,” agreed Darius. “It is true that the Drift is made of the same stone as Nargost, and common sense would tell us it will suffer a similar fate.”
    “What are you saying, then, Paladin?” demanded Mandrik of Warhaven. “That we waste our time by manning the walls of the Drift?”
    “No, my lords,” answered Darius. “But in this, I agree with the voice of Corland. I do not think you should gather your power at Jalan’s Drift and simply await the onslaught of the Northing. I say we should march forth from the Drift and strike the enemy before he is within sight of the walls!”
    Gasps from around the room, an uproar begun.
    “What madness is this?” cried Argus. “Forsake the strongest position in all the land to face the enemy upon the open plains! You are either a fool, Paladin, or in the pay of Regnar!”
    “Silence!” Boltran roared, and all noise came to an instant end. “This man speaks with Norealm’s voice, so all ears shall attend!”
    “It is not just the Northings who march against you,” proclaimed Darius, addressing the entire council. “Regnar has gathered an army of Rock Goblins as well, and tens of thousands of the creatures march with the Juggernaut beneath its dark canopy.”
    “This is the message which I, too, was sent to carry to the Council,” interjected Joshua. “A Rock Goblin messenger was slain in the very streets of Alston’s Fey, and the Bishop has confirmed though prayer and commune that the creature was part of the invading force.”
    A rock goblin messenger? A messenger to whom? Frowns on every forehead, but the assurance that the Bishop had invoked the power of commune to receive an answer put all questions at rest. They could be sure that rock goblins did indeed march with the Silver Horde.
    “I need not tell you, my