Hemlock And The Dead God's Legacy (Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

this idea.  Though many of my people fear this vale, the group that has accompanied me has agreed to follow me there, should that be required of them.”
    “I do not fear the curse.  And we must determine whether the Wand is there or not,” said Hemlock.
    “There is other news.”
    “Yes?”
    “Our leader, Pan Taros, who was sick for many months, has finally passed on.”
    “Tored, we are sorry to hear this news.  Is there anything that the City can do to help your people?”
    “No, no help is necessary.  Since the Battle of Tor Varnos, I have been acting as Steward for the crown, as you know.  Soon the elders will decide on a new King from amongst the noble families.  This process may take several months to complete.  During this time I will remain Steward.”
    “Understood.”
    Tored was silent.  Hemlock took this as a signal that his formal presentation was over.  She was about to adjourn the meeting when Gwineval nudged her softly from the adjacent chair.
    I forgot to open the floor for questions.
    “Do any other council members have questions for Tored?”
    Gwineval was the first to speak up: “Tored, can you elaborate on the danger that is said to exist in this Vale?”
    “It is an ancient legend, and many adventurers have doubted the warning and decided to journey there.  To a man, none have returned.  Because none have returned, we do not understand what the danger is.”
    Gwineval grunted in response, giving Hemlock a pointed look.
    “I have a question,” said Jalis from Hemlock’s left.
    Tored nodded to Jalis.
    “Would you agree to allow us to do a temporary Oberon harvest before your land is released from the City?” said Jalis.
    Some senators and business people in the audience cheered in approval of Jalis’ question.
    Hemlock turned and glared at Jalis.  The porcine features of the man were smug and defiant.  He did not recoil from her stare.
    “Tored, please do not answer that question.  Our policy, which this council member has apparently forgotten, is to no longer harvest Ob eron,” said Hemlock.
    Tored nodded again.  “Are we done here?” he asked.
    “Yes, Tored.  Grubbins will lead your group to your chambers.  I will visit with you personally later today.”
    Tored bowed as Grubbins emerged from the audience and approached him.
    Hemlock felt Gwineval’s salty breath in her ear: “Jalis is making a move.  Beware.”
    Hemlock turned toward him and exhaled dismissively as the Tanna Varrans and the audience exited the room.  Hemlock saw Samberlin linger at the door for a moment and look at her.  He winked playfully at her—clearly disappointed that he could not stay for whatever squabble might erupt between Hemlock and Jalis.  After a moment, he closed the chamber door, and was gone.
    “I demand a meeting of the wizard council,” cried Jalis immediately.
    “You should agree, Hemlock,” whispered Gwineval.
    What about Mercuria?
    “ Fine.  We can meet here quickly.  I have other business to attend to as soon as possible,” responded Hemlock, loudly.
    As the wizards again took their seats, Jalis rose and strode into the chamber to stand before them, his arms outstretched theatrically.   Hemlock knew that Jalis was not a great orator, but she also knew that he was riding a wave of discontent amongst the old guard of the wizards.  In fact, all of the council members besides Hemlock, Gwineval and Miara were sympathetic to Jalis in varying degrees.  These included Sychran, the oddly pensive leader of the First Circle; Splintor, who was the finest illusionist in the guild and leader of the fourth circle; and Colberth, the old sixth circle librarian, who just wanted order and stability.
    “ This council exists to determine, through thoughtful discussion and debate, the direction of the wizards,” began Jalis, “but lately we seem to do little except listen to Hemlock and her decisions.  This must change.  And it must change today!”
    Jalis waited for his