Free The Rock of Ivanore by Laurisa White Reyes Page B

leather book, which he laid carefully upon the table. Brushing the dust from it with his shirtsleeve, he read its title aloud: “ The Recent History of the Isle of Imaness, compiled by Enarin Blotch and Cloret Snidely,” he said proudly, as though the work had been his own. “You’ll find what you need here. When you are finished, leave it on the table. I’ll re-shelve it after you have left, which,” he added, “I expect you’ll do before noon!”
    The librarian wandered away down yet another aisle, leaving the boys alone with the massive volume. At first they all just stared at it. Kelvin flipped through several pages but found nothing of interest.
    â€œTry the index,” Zody suggested.
    â€œGood thinking,” said Kelvin, turning to the last page and drawing a finger along the list of names and locations. “Here it is,” he said at last. “Ivanore of Dokur, page 572.” He turned to the correct page. The faces of the others hovered over his shoulder as he read:
    IVANORE OF DOKUR – Daughter of Lord Fredric Isley, ruler of the province of Dokur, having dwelt in the Fortress of Dokur until her sixteenth year, at which time she was kidnapped and forced to marry an Agoran half-breed. For one year, her whereabouts were unknown, but upon the capture and exile of the culprit, Ivanore returned home. Within days of her return, however, she disappeared again. It has been suspected that the Agoran’s supporterstook her to avenge him, but such claims have gone largely unsubstantiated. From the day of her disappearance, there have been no reports of her. While some claim she is being held captive in the kingdom of Hestoria on the mainland, others believe she died a tragic death long ago.
    Kelvin closed the book.
    â€œSo where does this leave us?” asked Zody.
    â€œNowhere,” said Clovis, his shoulders drooping with disappointment.
    â€œOne measly paragraph,” complained Tristan. “So Ivanore is some dead woman. I knew Zyll was crazy sending us on this quest.”
    Discouragement permeated the air around the table. Marcus felt a twinge of guilt that he had pledged to keep Jayson’s true identity secret when his friends so desperately wanted to succeed. He thought of what the book had said, that Ivanore had been kidnapped, possibly murdered. Had Jayson lied to him? And if so, would it hurt to tell the other boys of his plan? No, Marcus reassured himself. I gave my word.
    â€œWe know one thing,” Marcus said aloud. All eyes turned to him. “We know she came from Dokur.”
    â€œSo?” said Tristan.
    â€œSo,” Kelvin said, “we go to Dokur.”

Twenty-one
    arcus stepped out of the library and shielded his eyes from the bright afternoon sun. It was a brisk day despite the clear skies, and he felt inclined to trade his cape for a heavy blanket and a bowl of hot soup. He and the other boys made their way toward the inn. There was a commotion outside as they approached. The Noamish innkeeper was in a heated conversation with a redheaded man. Six other men stood beside him. They were much taller than the first, however, and twice as broad. No, not men, thought Marcus. A second look and he knew immediately what they were: Mardoks!
    â€œI’ve told you all I know!” the innkeeper shouted impatiently. “He is not here! Now be gone with you!”
    Tristan leaned close to Marcus and whispered. “Who are those fellows? I’ve never seen men so big and hairy before.”
    â€œMardoks,” said Marcus. “They’re Hestorian assassins—inhumans.”
    â€œHow do you know about assassins?”
    â€œZyll has told me stories about them. We should be careful.”
    Tristan’s voice grew even softer. “Hestoria is on the mainland. What are they doing here?”
    Marcus did not know, but he wanted to find out.
    â€œI hope they haven’t spoiled our lunch,” said Jerrid, pushing