Free Raging Sea and Trembling Earth: Disciples of the Horned One Volume Two (Soul Force Saga Book 2) by James Wisher Page A

said.
    Connor nodded, equally surprised and relieved to be having a conversation and not fighting for his life. “That’s right. Do you?”
    Bony lips peeled back, revealing three rows of razor-sharp teeth. “Focalor serves no master. I smelled the Horned One’s stench in your soul force.”
    “Forgive my misunderstanding. I assume you want something since we’re having this pleasant conversation instead of killing each other.”
    “As if you could harm Focalor. Focalor wishes to know what brings a puny mortal to this place.”
    “I’m looking for something.”
    “Focalor is looking for something as well. Focalor cannot gain access to the pyramids so his search has been frustrating. Perhaps Focalor and the warlock can help each other.”
    A demon that wished to work with someone rather than kill them on the spot. Of all the wonders Connor had seen this one surprised him the most. Having a demon to help deal with guardians and traps would make his task much easier. Of course once the demon found what it wanted Connor’s lifespan would be measured in seconds. But if he didn’t agree to work with Focalor his life wouldn’t last much longer.
    “That sounds like an excellent suggestion. I’m Connor, pleased to meet you. What, exactly, are we looking for?”
    “Focalor seeks a way back to hell. He has wandered this world in search of a gate, but has found nothing. The pyramids are Focalor’s last hope of finding one.”
    “If you wish to return to hell fly west until you find a great stone citadel. The holy warriors inside will be happy to kill you.”
    The demon flexed its wings and tensed. For an instant Connor feared he’d made a horrible mistake, but Focalor didn’t spring and rend him limb from limb. It shook like a wet dog and sighed.
    “Focalor does not wish to return in defeat, but to stride through a gate like a returning hero. The other demons will see how great Focalor is and fear and obey him.”
    Even by demonic standards this creature was insane. It also seemed to be searching for the same thing as Connor. If the demon helped him find the crystal gate key Connor would be more than happy to let it pass through the portal.
    “I’m seeking a gate key as well. It seems our interests are aligned. We work together to find the crystal and when the portal opens you go through and leave me in one piece to use it as I wish. Agreed?”
    “This arrangement suits Focalor. Has the warlock found the key inside?”
    “No, but I found a clue. I believe what we seek is in the Palace of Alexious.”
    “Focalor has seen the palace, but a barrier prevents him from entering.”
    Connor frowned. What sort of barrier would be strong enough to keep a demon as strong as Focalor out? And more importantly, would it also keep Connor out?
    “Let’s go take a look.”

Chapter 21
    T he ship creaked as the sailors rushed to tie it up to the docks of Port Valcane. The flotilla had been within sight of Lookout Island when the archmage returned and told Velco the king approved of him docking in the kingdom and buying supplies. The captain had grinned and adjusted course away from the island. They had plenty of water and just enough food to make it. At his master’s order Damien had spent another ten days on the whalers’ ship eating dry meat, moldy bread, and sucking withered limes, but at last they’d reached the city.
    Down on the dock his master and Lane stood patiently, waiting for the sailors to finish their work. Damien grinned and flew down to join them. Lane hugged him and kissed his stubbly cheek.
    “This is a pleasant surprise,” Damien said when Lane stepped back.
    “I asked Lane to serve as Captain Velco’s guide around the city,” the archmage said.
    “I guess that fits within the area of diplomacy, though going from negotiating with barons to tour guide seems a bit of a demotion.”
    “Yes, well, I wanted someone I trust keeping an eye on Velco. I’ve conscripted the city guard to help as