Master of Myth (The Antigone's Wrath Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

sight, should they cross our path in the future?”
    A grim smile crossed his mouth. “Quite the contrary. It will be a nice change to have your permission.”
    Rachel’s focus returned to the ring. “Would you have any insight as to why they would want this particular piece?”
    Danton shook his head. “Apologies, but, non . All the documentation I had on anything to do with the Brotherhood was reduced to ash. There is very little I recall about the journals, although…” He trailed off and leaned in a bit more closely to the desk. “I do remember seeing a series of sketches that had particular significance to my father. It was some sort of machine, but the various elements were not identified in the drawings. Could be they were still building the thing or searching for parts.”
    Rachel looked at the first mate, who quietly contemplated the story. “Iris, is there anything you might be able to add? Or perhaps some contact you might know that would be of use?”
    Iris looked pensive. “If you don’t mind, could I examine the ring for a moment? It will help to discover what we’re dealing with.”
    After a brief hesitation, Rachel acquiesced. The first mate did not pick up the bauble, instead letting her hand hover above it as she concentrated, eyes closed. Rachel and Danton waited in silence for her verdict.
    “Very strange,” Iris murmured. “I cannot determine the elemental alignment of this object. However, its power is incomparable to anything I’ve ever felt before. I agree with your assessment that it is dangerous.”
    Rachel frowned. Everything about this ring left her on edge. “And as for anyone who might know more?”
    Iris cocked her head, as though paging through her mental list of possible sources. “There might be one…” She paused. “Yes, I think I know of one person who might have the knowledge we seek. It will require a trip to Tibet, however.”
    “The monastery?” Rachel asked.  
    Iris nodded. “My teacher at Zhuqing should be able to tell us more.”
    “And you feel this is our most viable option?”
    Rachel watched the stubborn look settle onto Iris’s face. “I know it is. And yes, I do realize the risk we face in heading that direction.”
    Rachel looked at Danton, who only shrugged with upturned palms, indicating his lack of a better idea. With a sigh, she decided. “Very well then. We’ll set a course for Singapore after our stop in La Rochelle, and pray Yong Wu doesn’t object to our surprise visit.”

    “What news, my Brother?” the raspy voice hissed from beneath the cloak at the top of the stairs. The dark figure perched on the twisted wooden throne, face shrouded, malice simmering beneath the hood.
    “We determined the identity of the woman to be Captain Rachel Sterling, Highest One. We believe she is in possession of the object, but she eluded us before we could capture her. She killed two of my best men and maimed a third. I only barely managed to escape her myself.” As he spoke, his fingers dug into the brim of the bowler hat.
    “I’ve heard of this woman, but I do not believe you did much to detain her upon your meeting,” the figure said. The cloak shifted as he leaned forward, waiting to hear an explanation.
    “She took us by surprise, Highest One. Had I not escaped with my life, the Brotherhood would never have known of her at all.” He shifted his weight nervously.
    “A weapon is missing,” the cloaked figure said. “Has she taken that, as well as our ring and your dignity?”
    He braced himself for reprimand. “Yes, My Lord. She stole it from one of our dead brothers.”
    “Then at least do something useful. If she has it, you can use it. Get into her head. Find out where she’s going and what she intends to do with our prize.”
    “Yes, Highest One.” The man bowed again and backed out of the hall. “I shall do as you command me.”
    The cloaked figure said nothing more to him, and he scuttled out. After exiting, he wiped the cold sweat