Free The Veredor Chronicles: Book 03 - The Gate and Beyond by E J Gilmour Page A

and began to recite. ‘In the west far from home, high he walked through ice and snow. The Star King searched for a way, across valley deep through night and day. In a place where few have stood, he reached for life as he thought he could, but fall he did into the night, without the hand he sacrificed. For the oracle knew of all his plans, and traded the Chalai for his right hand. For his home he sought above the winds, far away from anything.’
    Eben nodded and pondered the words of the old song. He knew that the Star King was the one who Casimir had referred to as “the person with one hand.”
    ‘We must seek out the Star King. If he could open a gateway into Zarkanor we could rescue Princess Apherah and face the Prince of Shadows without having to fight his army. I believe I can defeat the Prince of Shadows. I also believe the Star King will help us.’
    Mostyn shook his head. ‘You cannot be so sure, Ecorian. Many people have been victims of the Star King throughout the ages. He is unpredictable and very powerful.’
    ‘Mostyn, you must trust me. I know this is the way onward.’
    ‘I believe Eben is right,’ said Baftel. ‘The path to the Star King may yield fruit, but know this, Eben: those who choose to follow you on this path may never return. The journey will be very dangerous. I see a glimmer of hope, like a faint star in a world of darkness. You must also be aware: do not underestimate the power of the dragon that serves the Prince of Shadows. It is a beast of utter darkness. This dragon possesses power far beyond any other creature in Veredor. From a forgotten pit at the edge of the cosmos it came, risen from the darkness, a beast evil beyond measure. It was for this reason the unicorn was sent to Veredor, to contest the evil shadow of the dragon.’
    ‘You know I will go with you, Eben,’ said Red. Eben smiled across at Red. He knew well that his best friend’s sense of loyalty and courage was unending.
    ‘And I shall go with you too,’ said Stella.
    ‘I’ll be glad to have you both with me. You were there in the beginning; I’m sure you will be there in the end.’
    ‘Eben, you must assemble a company,’ said Meara. ‘I would also like to go with you, but I believe you should carefully choose your companions. The fate of mankind may depend on your success.’
    ‘Surely I will go,’ said King Ignis.
    ‘And I would like to go,’ said Cassiel.

CHAPTER NINE

    Eben, in consultation with the council, assembled a brave group to accompany him on the mission to seek out the Star King, rescue Princess Apherah, infiltrate the Fortress of Zarkanor, and face the Prince of Shadows. Those chosen for the mission were: King Ignis, Meara, Red, Stella, Cassiel, Mostyn, the Desert Knights Arthur and Dillon, Duke Egil, and Quade. It was agreed that Prince Armida would stay behind and take control of the united army of men. Baftel declared that he was too old and frail to make the journey into the Great Mountains. It was decided that Mostyn would go in Baftel’s place and act as the guide and seer of the company as he also knew the way to the secluded cave. Meara also decided that Arlen should be sent to assist the Irilians in the west, and the Fiorians Clare and Winfred decided that it was best to go with Arlen.
    Eben sat in the royal guest chamber that was situated just below the Ecorian Hall. The chambers were beautifully adorned with woven carpets, enchanting paintings, and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Red and Stella were sitting at a small oak table, and Red had poured cups of ale for the three of them. Eben stood at the window and looked toward the north. The setting sun was casting long red beams across the sky through slight gaps in the clouds. His mind was concerned only for Apherah.
    ‘Come and have a mug of ale, Eben,’ said Red. ‘It may be your last one for a long time’
    Eben glanced back at Red. He knew that he could not enjoy such things as ale whilst Apherah was