Free The Ascent (Book 2) by Shawn E. Crapo Page B

streaked past the lead man, striking the guard behind him and dropping him into the muck. Brynn gritted his teeth at the splash, but fired as well, hitting the lead guard. Daryth fired again, taking down the next man in line. The fourth man did not make an appearance.
    “I don’t see the last one,” Brynn whispered.
    Daryth peered into the darkness. “I don’t either,” he said. “Where the Hell did he go?”
    Brynn waded slowly in the direction of the platform, Daryth following close. They both scanned the walkways, looking for any sign of the missing guard. He was nowhere in sight. Daryth looked at Brynn, shrugging.
    “I’d think he would have sounded the alarm,” Brynn said, “or at least called for help.”
    Daryth was about to respond, but suddenly his eyes widened and he pointed into the shadows. Brynn turned quickly, seeing the outline of something horned and reptilian stalking the walkway. As the men watched, the mysterious shadow leaped into the air, spreading its wings, and carrying the missing guard off into the sky.
    “Was that a dragon?” Brynn asked, amazed.
    “I think it was,” Daryth replied. “But I don’t know of any dragons other than Erenoth.”
    “We should tell Eamon.”
    Brynn agreed, and the two made their way back toward the building, trudging quickly through the swamp.
    Inside, Angen found a large scroll case, decorated in odd symbols, and sealed with golden caps. He handed it to Eamon, who eyed it curiously. The rest of the knights gathered around to watch.
    “It could be a map,” Azim suggested. “The end caps come off easily, just push them in and turn them.”
    Eamon followed Azim’s direction, smiling as the caps came off in his hands. He turned the scroll case up vertically and let its contents fall into his palm. It was a large parchment, tied closed with a red velvet cord that was interlaced with golden threads. The Prince untied the cord and spread the scroll out onto the table, being careful to avoid the blood that covered it.
    It was a map of Eirenoch, with key strategic points highlighted with stars, including every major city and port. Along the sides of the map were writings, connected to the highlighted cities by arrows. They were obviously annotations.
    “Translate these, Azim,” Eamon said.
    Azim leaned into the map, reading silently to himself. He then translated for the others.
    “This town has been marked as a meeting place for their fleets,” he began. “They have also marked the typical routes of the pirates, warning the Jindala ships to stay clear. Apparently they fear the pirates.”
    “They should,” Angen growled.
    “They have also indicated that Faerbane will be the landing place for any major troop transports,” Azim continued. “And that the Enkhatar will land there. The other annotations tell how many troops are stationed in each town. There is also a note pointing to these ruins in the mountains, and the mines nearby.”
    “The ruins are Tel Drakkar,” Eamon said. “The Dragon temple in the south. What do the notes near the mine say?”
    “It says that there are twenty four men and a Defiler there, all led by Sultan Massoud.”
    “Another Sultan?” Eamon exclaimed. “Like Tyrus?”
    “No,” Azim assured him. “Tyrus was a sorcerer. Massoud is simply a gold monger. That is probably why he is there.”
    “The miners there are few,” Eamon said. “Though they are skilled with weapons, I doubt they could stand up against such a force. They may be dead already.”
    “We are too far away to help them now,” Angen lamented. “But if Erenoth is at Tel Drakkar, he may be aware of the Jindala’s presence.”
    Eamon nodded, staring at the map. “This is a valuable map,” he said. “We will keep it and consult it when needed.”
    Wrothgaar suddenly looked up toward the door, causing the other knights to turn. Brynn and Daryth appeared on the walkway, quickly heading into the building. The knights gathered around them as they