Free The Orb And The Spectre (Book 2) by Martin Ash

bread. They gathered now eagerly around the fire as the stew bubbled and seethed. A small amount of ale and spirits had also been discovered in the storehut; the men were anticipating a fine celebration of liberty. Ombo, seated upon an upturned pale, lifted his cup as Issul and Shenwolf joined them.
       "Lads, raise your cups! Let ’s drink to Jace, who has saved us. Jace, a woman of exceptional courage and rare skills. The scourge of our enemies. And to her companion Shenwolf, also; mysterious bowman of the woods, courageous warrior, bedeviller of the bastard Karai!"
       The men joined him in the toast, raucously and ebullient. Issul watched Ombo, wondering what to make of his change of heart. His cheeks were flushed, his movements exaggerated. Plainly much of the ale that had been found already resided in his gut. She stepped into the centre of the circle.
       "Men, we have achieved much, but it is not over. Remember, a Karai squad departed this camp just a few days ago. We should anticipate their return at any time. So eat your fill, but drink sparingly lest they march in to find us all soused and sleeping. We are free – let’s take care that we remain so."
       Shenwolf took the moment to step up beside her and address the company. "Much has been achieved, but many tasks lie ahead, and dangers too. If we are to survive we require organization. An organization requires a leader, and I propose that we elect our leader now. We need a person brave, resourceful, inventive, decisive and resolute, someone with a gift for command, and a flare for combat, and lastly someone who has gained the respect and trust of every member of the organization. There is one here who has already proven herself well-qualified in each and all these areas. I nominate Jace to be our leader."
       "I second the nomination!" roared Ombo.
       Shenwolf looked about him. "Are any against? Speak now."
       None spoke.
       "Raise your hands all those who are in favour, then."
       All raised their hands, and Issul was thus enthusiastically elected to leadership of the little band.
       "A leader must have a second-in-command," said Issul. "My choice is Shenwolf. I ask you to obey him as you would obey me. Now, I need two volunteers immediately upon the gate. You will be replaced within half an hour so that you can eat."
       Kol stood, as did another, a burly fellow named Mondam, and made off for the gate.
       "You others eat and drink - but remember, not to your cups. In due course Shenwolf will assign proper guard duties. Don’t shirk, and remain alert at all times. Tomorrow we’ll take our leave of this place forever."
       The food was ladled into bowls and they ate merrily. Issul, seating herself between Shenwolf and Phisusandra, became suddenly aware of how tired and drained she felt. She had no desire to talk, yet some things could not be left alone.
       "Phis, what did you sense when we were in that chamber?" she asked the  Murinean.
       Phisusandra chewed thoughtfully on his food before replying. "It was as I said. There was something that could not be explained in normal terms. There was magic, if that is an explanation."
       "Was it focused upon the oval?"
       "Aye. That 'thing' was a focus of strange power. And when it took you the power was amplified - my skin tingled."
       "And upon my return?"
       "The same. Do you recall anything of what happened to you?"
       Issul glanced to the ground. Part of her seemed not to want to recall. "I am not sure. It is almost as if I dreamed and only snatches of the dream remain." She turned to Shenwolf. "Tomorrow I want that chamber sealed so that none might enter." She almost added: And also so that none might leave!
       Shenwolf gave a nod. "We must also dispose as best we can of the slooths that roost around the feeding pen."
       "Of course." Issul gave a shudder. "Tonight they will go hungry."
       "Why so?" came Herbin's voice indignantly from the other side of