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

there are arms of renown among the lords and champions of the Southlands, enchanted blades that carry more power in every blow than just muscle and sharpened steel. These are the means by which we shall challenge and destroy the Juggernaut itself. And as you have observed, my lord, I am not weaponless.”
    With one swift gesture he pulled Sarinian from its scabbard.
    “
Inglorion et Fele
!” he cried, the creed of the paladin, the words echoing through the chamber, through the very halls of the castle, and the sword burst into light, surrounding Darius with a silvery brilliance.
    “What say you, Lords of the Southlands?” he demanded. “Who shall stride forth to meet the invader before he reaches the walls of the Drift?”
    Boltran pulled his sword in answer. “Maganhall shall go to war!”
    “Norealm marches with you!” roared Thrandar
    “And Warhaven!”
    “And Gemsbrook!”
    Four votes, the Council already declared. A moment of hesitation and Duke Georg-Mahl said, “And Hathage.”
    “And Palmany,” said Feldon, keeping his eyes on the Paladin.
    A long moment of silence followed, and finally, from the Iron Throne, came the reluctant voice of Argus. “And Corland.”
    *
    As the Council formally closed, little groups formed around the Chamber to discuss what had occurred and what was yet to come. Around the Iron Throne, Argus was joined by Ursulan and General Kaltron, Commander of the Black Watch.
    “This paladin grows troublesome,” said Argus darkly.
    “He’s but a single man,” answered Kaltron, a thick-set man with a savage scar beneath his left eye. “A single man can easily be disposed of.”
    “He is paladin,” countered Ursulan. “I know of no one who would wish to face that gleaming sword.”
    “Not all killing blows come from the front,” Kaltron said softly, and both men glanced at Argus.
    “No,” replied the Duke. “This problem is not to be solved so easily.” He paused, studying the groups in the hall before continuing, “As a stranger to the Southlands, Lord Darius should have a guide, I think. Someone who can explain our customs and warn him of potential problems. What think you, Chancellor?”
    Ursulan smiled, knowing the way his master’s mind worked. “A sensible and considerate idea, my lord. Have you a candidate in mind?”
    “I thought Father Rathman might be appropriate.”
    “Rathman?” growled Kaltron in surprise. “That prudish, self-righteous fanatic?”
    But Ursulan’s smile widened immediately. “A superb choice, Your Grace! Father Rathman has constantly showed his knowledge of such areas as cultural tradition and local law. And of course, he is very well versed in the Church’s Immaculate Code.”
    Kaltron’s face suddenly lit up in understanding. “Put the heretic in the keeping of the heretic-hunter! And get the sniveling little cur out of our hair as well! Excellent!”
    “See to it, Chancellor,” Argus said softly. But his eyes were now on the group of men gathered around Boltran of Maganhall and Mandrik of Warhaven. “Still, I must commend you for your insight, Lord General. It is very true that a killing blow need not be delivered to the front.”
    *
    Many people had gathered around Darius at the end of the Council, drawn to the man who had swayed the Lords to fight, and it was many minutes before Joshua had the chance for a quiet moment alone with him.
    “It is good to see you, Joshua,” Darius said, shaking the young Priest’s hand warmly.
    Joshua smiled in answer and softly muttered. “It is good to see you safe as well, My Lord. You must have passed through many trials since last we met.”
    “And you,” Darius replied. “Standing up to the Arch-Bishop of Maganhall in front of the Council of Lords takes more sand than most have. They say that old man eats acolytes for lunch and young priests for dinner.”
    “Then I shall make him a fine meal one day,” Joshua said lightly. He added with sudden earnest, “Did your daughter reach you,