Free The Lodestone Trilogy (Limited Edition) (The Lodestone Series) by Mark Whiteway Page A

little more than a child, Lyall. Besides, where we’re going isn’t safe.”
    “Safer than here in a little while, I think. You were right not to tell her about the situation at her home. There’s nothing she could do.”
    Alondo had a faraway look as he stared out of the window. “I know she suspects something. She asked why I was being so quiet on the way back from Lind.” He smiled. “You know I’ve never been very good at hiding my feelings.”
    “She probably thinks you’re just worried about our mission.” He rose from his stool, walked over to Alondo, and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Shann is tougher than she looks. Besides, I can teach her to defend herself. We will both look after her. She will be fine.”
    Sure. Just like those poor devils at Persillan.
    Lyall went to the door and called out, “Shann.”
    A moment later, she stood at the doorway dressed in farm worker’s coveralls. Her face was flushed. She had been helping Moina feed and water the animals. “Yes Lyall?”
    Lyall smiled. “We’re headed for Gort.”
      “When?” She asked.
    “Right now.”
    She wiped her hands down her front and headed for the stairs. “I’ll get my things.”
    ~
    Shann sat with her arms wrapped around her knees, staring into the fire as it tapered and danced, sparks flying upwards to merge with Ail-Mazzoth`s ember glow. The flames made a pleasant crackling sound.
    Only a few hours before, they had said their goodbyes at the farmhouse. The little party assembled in the yard as clouds were gathering, partially obscuring the late afternoon suns. The morgren were stamping their feet as if they were impatient to be underway. Hedda and Moina kissed the two men and the girl. Shann was surprised to see Hedda hug Alondo as if she would not let go.
    Moina was fussing as usual. Lyall received the lecture patiently. “Mind you take care of that bandage now. I won’t be there to patch you up. And take good care of the girl. I expect to see all of you back here safe.”
    Lyall forced himself to smile at his aunt. “Don’t worry, we’ll be back soon enough.”
    Shann addressed Hedda. “Please as soon as you can, could you get word to the Wayfarer in Corte? Tell Gallar and Poltann that I am all right, and that they should not worry.”
    Hedda stroked Shann’s cheek. “Don’t worry child; I have not forgotten.”
    They said final farewells. Then, with Lyall and Alondo leading the two beasts of burden, the little procession headed for the road that would take them south.
    Shann took a last look back over her shoulder at the two women who were watching them depart in silence. Will I ever see them again?
    A log within the fire made a snapping sound. Lyall was standing next to her, poking the fire with a stick, provoking it. The firelight cast a long shadow from his tall form.
    A shape appeared at the edge of the firelight and moved towards them. Alondo dropped lightly to the ground next to Shann and grinned at her, firelight and shadow lending his visage a ghoulish appearance.
    “No signs of pursuit,” he declared.
    “All right.” Lyall retrieved his stick and began drawing in the sandy soil as the other two watched. “Two days to the edge of the Southern Desert.” He drew a line. “Then five more days across the desert to Gort.” He placed a stone to indicate the position of the fortress. “There are outposts here.” He pointed. “And here, where there are water holes and supplies. However, I think it best that we skirt around them.”
    Alondo pursed his lips. “No point in taking on the Prophet’s soldiers before we have to.”
    “Actually, I’m more concerned about them raising the alarm. The powers in Chalimar will no doubt have Ringed every town, village and outpost from here to the Aronak Sea.”
    “Ringed?” Shann broke in.
    “Yes.” Lyall turned to her. “You remember that I mentioned that there were different kinds of lodestone? There is a kind that allows two people to communicate at