Free To Be A Maestro (The Maestro Chronicles) by John Buttrick Page A

described by the Accomplisheds of the Stone Guild who claimed responsibility. One of our associates lying within the circle near the south side of the wall has been smashed flat and a pair of branches on a nearby honeylocust is covered in blood and other bodily fluids, thus leading me to believe it was the lethal weapon. Some of the bodies outside the wall have been shot with what looks like needle sharp stone nails. I see nothing here to confirm the presence of Benhannon,” Nettle answered with a sense of bafflement coming through the link.
    Vance has been a member of the Eagle Guild for slightly over a century and a half and could not recall when a strike team included members of the Stone or Willow Guilds. Sun Guild yes, because of their advanced fire and lightning spells, and sometimes members of the Aqua. “It seems the gardeners and stone masons of the Aakacarn world have some thorns and spikes in their repertoires; what a clever and unique use of spells and resources,” he sent and began pondering the ramifications. “The Supreme Maestro seemed certain Daniel Benhannon was involved but it is possible the Ducaunan Accomplished is elsewhere, had nothing to do with the raid, and is not in possession of the flute? I am assigning you the task of locating him. What is General Kall doing now?”
    A sense of abject terror flowed through the link, “Do you want me to confront him?” and there was no question about which person Nettle was referring to.
    “If he can be caught in a vulnerable moment, kill him, although I am not requiring this of you. Your primary responsibility is to locate Benhannon, not fight him,” Vance replied.
    The storm of emotion was replaced by a vast sense of relief. “Kall is making a permanent military installation within these walls, a structure that will take up the entire inner circumference with two levels up to the height of the walls, a third extending up above, and a watch tower on the roof extending an additional thirty-five cubits.”
    It sounded like the general was planning on staying awhile; that will never do. “Tell him it is nearly time to send one of his legions to the Taltin Sea to prepare for an amphibious assault,” Vance instructed.
    “It will be as you say, Maestro,” Nettle promptly replied.
    “What has become of Rex?” Vance wanted to know.
    “I found him lying unconscious beyond some hills to the north among the legion of regulars out of Los Collins. Only six of his team survived, one of the dead I believe is the smashed fellow lying about twenty strides from me. What would you have me do?”
    “Your nine associates can go with the General, you stay with Rex and the surviving members of his team; I will have use for them later. After they awaken, you and the ten Condemneds under your command are to locate Daniel Benhannon, and see if he or the Accomplisheds who participated in the assault on Serin Gell’s Nest are in possession of the flute and the Great Maestro’s trumpet,” Vance decided. He needed to know who has the powerful crescendos. “Tarin Conn is going to teach you a spell that will help you infiltrate Fort Casum and any other installations in the area without being detected visually or by find-spells,” he added and then set down the amulet, ending the communication.
     
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    Daniel smiled while thinking about the last image viewed through the eyes of his feline watcher. Samuel had seen Dusk in the tree and was no doubt clever enough to recognize the panther as a scout. The team of Accomplisheds seemed to be successful and the elite Sutton Guard moving off. Even so, Daniel’s owls would keep a watch on the Pentrosan army at night while his ospreys and several others of his forest creatures took over the duty during the day. There was still Silvia’s threat looming on the horizon and so his smile did not last long.
    He was back in his office, having excused himself briefly, and the noble guests were in the common room enjoying