Free The Sword that Binds (Book of Worlds 1) by David Taran Page A

I’ll even throw in a bonus that will solve all your problems, and you both get to keep your lives. How does that sound?”
    “What is it you need us to do?” Sarena asked cautiously, not fully trusting the dragon, but not having much choice in the matter either.
    Ankaros smiled, his upper lip exposing a mouth full of fangs as thick as Sarena’s legs. “Nothing too difficult. I just need you to find a book for me.”
    *****
    U ckey Ecklofostrum IX, Exalted Chairman of the High Academy of Magic, Chief Emissary of the Kingdom of Stewrix, and the widely renowned Professor of Mana, lay comfortably in his bed. He was running out of time, and even with his gnomish longevity he hadn’t been able to finish his research. It had taken centuries to accumulate. So many had called him insane when he had begun - and had continued to throughout his life - yet he had still persevered, but for the past hundred years it had become obvious that he wouldn’t be able to finish it in his lifetime. For decades he had searched for an apprentice, but in all his travels - which had been quite extensive since he had been an emissary to almost every country in the world during his lifetime - he had never found a pupil that met his admittedly lofty standards. Now he was left with only one option, after being sent as an emissary - technically banished, his detractors might say, but Uckey would never admit that - to the Godwoods for the past twenty two years.
    His eyes were closed as he formed a complex matrix of blue lines within his mind, using pure mana to force it into existence. Sweat formed on his brow, and he unconsciously pulled at his long grey beard to keep his thoughts focused. For the past six years he had been devising this spell as his final attempt to see his life’s work continue. The thought of failure never entered his mind - Uckey Ecklofostrum IX never suffered failure, only minor set-backs. After waiting so long that his bladder began to feel like it was bursting again - roughly ten minutes - the matrix began to show a reaction.
    “Great being within the forest, I, Uckey Ecklofostrum IX, Exalted Chairman of the High Academy of Magic, Chief Emissary of the Kingdom of Stewrix, and widely renowned Professor of Mana, call upon you. My research has led me to believe that you might actually be more powerful than me, although that sounds very unlikely," Uckey spoke out loud to the matrix, his eyes still closed. “I am willing to offer a trade of favors. You will grant me an apprentice and the time to train and teach them everything I know, and I will grant you one favor of your own choosing.”
    A faint and deep laughter rattled the small wooden cabin that Uckey called home. Uckey gave a small jump in surprise, or most likely excitement as he thought of it, and his eyes popped open.
    “Done," The deep voice said. The world turned black around Uckey Ecklofostrum IX.
    *****
    “A book?” Sarena asked. She glanced at the massive claws on his feet, before looking back up at his head. “I didn’t realize that dragons were interested in reading.”
    “A grimoire to be exact. It was stolen from me long ago. I have no interest in reading it, I merely want it back in my possession, but unfortunately I cannot leave my home unattended for long enough to retrieve it. Who knows what havoc the children of my forest would wreak while I was gone? You need not worry about bringing it back to me, once you have touched it your task will be complete.” Ankaros replied. “You two young ones are more than suited for this, and I’ll even give you a guide to help you find it.”
    Sarena pursed her lips while she thought. Nothing the dragon had said so far made her want to trust him, but at the same time she knew he could kill both of them with a thought. Accepting his request might be her only way out of this.
    “We should do it Sarena," Tyrus’ voice intruded on her thoughts. “We’re dead if we don’t, even if he lets us go. He might be wrong