Free The Ghost Of Eslenda (Book 1) by Jim Greenfield Page B

the sea?"
    "Penarol City," said Darkin Rost. "A free city and a trade hub. I do not like to speculate what happened when Tag Makk arrived."
    "Destroyed?" asked Moria.
    "They left ruins at every town so far. I do not believe they would spare the Penarols."
     
    The storm roared over them and its noise drowned all sound. Blackthorne illuminated the cave with a faint green light. Each of them sat still, lost in their own thoughts. Elberra Turan shifted uncomfortably, her wings folded tightly around her. Moria patted her shoulder and smiled in the green light. Elberra's pointed teeth were bared in an Anethean smile. The storm raged on.
    "Why do Men live in the desert?" asked Elberra. "How can they live?"
    "The people who live in the desert keep moving, they don't settle in one spot," said Darkin Rost. "They trade for their supplies. There are many things in the desert that cannot be found anywhere else, such as unique minerals, plants, animals and so the desert people hunt for those items and bring them out of the desert to the cities."
    "Penarol City is outside the desert?"
    "Yes. It is a port city; very wealthy, much trade. It has been years since I visited and it will be good to see it again, I hope. But I know it is a foolish hope. Tag Makk will bring its pride down and if he was not in a hurry, I will be saddened to see the city now."
    "Much of what we have seen troubles me," said Taina Talos. "Turucks have ever been war-like but seldom did they leave their territory. What is the Menaloch doing?"
    "It has ever hated Daerlan," said Gorm. "I cannot remember the histories, but before you were born the Menaloch fought with Daerlan in Arda and Navir led them across the sea to Amloth."
    "I remember that too," said Taina. "Navir should have told me more, but he was in a fey mood when he brought the contract. I have never seen him so."
    "Nor I," said Kerreth. "I wonder if King Faelir even knows of our contract."
    "You think Navir is acting on his own?" asked Gorm. "No one speaks for the King."
    "Navir was king, once, and for thousands of years," said Kerreth. "Perhaps he thinks his authority still stands. I know King Faelir defers much to him. Navir may be obsessed with the Menaloch."
    "Obsessed or not," said Moria. "The Menaloch is sending the Turucks to invade Amloth. We have more reason to carry out our mission. Masina has a small army. Eslenda has a larger one but would they be ready for such a war?"
    "As soon as the storm ends, we will go directly to Penarol City. We must catch Tag Makk or more cities will be laid waste. It is our responsibility to end this terror. Do we agree?"
    "Aye," said Gorm.
    "Aye," said the others.
    "This will prove to be our most difficult task yet," said Blackthorne.
    "You have a vision?" asked Dvorak Annis.
    "Not a clear vision, a foreboding and its icy grip are upon me. It has never failed to warn me of danger."
    "Yes, we know," murmured Taina. "You often remind us."
    "Then be reminded," said Blackthorne. "Do not denigrate my talent."
    "Gods forbid," said Moria. "When do you let us?"
    "Kerreth, must you allow this attack upon my person?"
    "Blackthorne, if you cannot endure the teasing without anger after all these years, how can I stop them from attacking? Only you can cease the darts they throw at you. Now, if you would all be silent, I will nap before we start out."
    The storm still howled as they quieted.
    "Sleep, I even like the sound of the word," said Loric.
    "A little less words," said Blackthorne.
    "Put a lid on it," said Kerreth.
    "Shall I sing a lullaby?" asked Taina.
    "NO!" came the chorus.

Chapter 6
     
    Quink watched the feast from the high bailey window. He sat alone and forgotten, or perhaps ignored as usual. He knew what he watched to be true, but he still distrusted his eyes. Edward wore the crown, and Henry, dead. He could still see the bloody rushes near Edward's chair where Sir Browner died. Sir Browner had been kind to Quink, never insulted him and smiled at Quink's jokes, most