Free By Blood Betrayed (The Kingsblood Chronicles) by David Houpt Page A

as a trap in case the wrong person found this place. Perhaps he assumed that you would have enough wisdom not to touch it,” she said warningly.
    “No,” Lian disagreed. “He wouldn’t presume that I’d be in a suitable frame of mind for caution. If it’s an ambush, I’m certain that I won’t activate it.” He continued, however, to study the figurine for a moment.
    Finally shrugging, he stepped forward to pick up the cat. It instantly animated and bit him through the glove, drawing blood, before dissolving into greenish mist. He cried out and jumped back, far too late to avoid the pitfall.
    “I knew it,” Gem began viciously, but abruptly ceased her tirade as the mist gathered and thickened into a likeness of Elowyn. The apparition began to speak.
    “My apologies to you Lian, and to you also, Gem, for the surprise, but it was imperative that I confirm your identity. This was but one reason for the cat’s little nip; I’ll explain the others shortly.
    “This room is the hub and heart of Firavon’s Tower. You know from my teachings that he constructed it so that he could spy on both guests and residents of the Tower. The assortment of lenses on the western table, that aspect of the chamber closest to the Waterhall, will permit you to visually survey the majority of the rooms in the Tower. Firavon’s system also will allow you to audibly observe many of those same rooms. At this end, the lenses are enchanted to penetrate most invisibility spells as well as to pierce nearly any illusion. At the other end, however, they are not enchanted at all, which makes them difficult if not impossible to detect magically.
    “Be warned, Lian: Do not stay here too long. Although Firavon concealed its existence, it is not unreasonable to assume that others know of this chamber, in which case it will be a primary objective for invaders. There are two articles in this room you should take with you when you leave,” the small image said, turning to face the northern table.
    “That skull is one. It belonged to a great mage from the distant past, a human who was reputedly one of the masters of magic. His identity has been lost to antiquity, and he refused to reveal it to me. He asked to be called Lord Grey, and I believe he will provide you with valuable assistance in the difficult days ahead,” the image said.
    Elowyn smiled cynically. “I regret that I can’t assure you that he’s trustworthy. Indeed, he tried to take control of my body the first time I visited him. Therefore I suggest that Gem employ precautions against possession before you touch him bare-handed. Nevertheless, I feel it is imperative that you bring him with you.”
    The small form of the elf shook his head, continuing, “The second item you need to take with you is the great crystal ball in the center of the room. That is the second reason I had my little cat totem bite you. When this illusion is complete, a portion of magical power will pass into you. It should provide you with enough power to command the sphere for a very short time.
    “Unlike the skull of Lord Grey,” he explained wryly, “the crystal ball is an amicable enchanted item. It will readily grant you complete access to its capabilities, but I warn you not to experiment with its powers. You aren’t a mage, and I cannot predict how long my totem’s spell will be effective. My suggestion to you, my boy, is to command the sphere to reduce in size. It will immediately obey, and you should collect it and the skull without any hesitation.”
    The figure of Elowyn appeared to sit down on something, but whatever he had chosen for support was outside of Lian’s field of view. “The sphere is Firavon’s Key, Lian. Even at this late date, there is advantage in concealing from you how I gathered this knowledge. Once it is diminished, you may use the Key to command all of the portals of the Tower to close, lock, and seal. I strongly suggest that you do so. With the Tower sealed, it will be very