Read Darkin: The Prophecy of the Key (The Darkin Saga Book 2) for Free Online Page B

you Swordhand, don’t they Flaer?” Erguile asked, quickly getting an idea in response to Krem’s comment.
    “Ironhand; Swordhand; Slayer; I have many last names.”
    “Well then, I will be Erguile Swordmaster, henceforth.” At once, the table burst into laughter, and everyone looked at Erguile with amusement—Erguile looked befuddled, and he couldn’t understand why they misinterpreted his seriousness.
    “Laugh if you want! Captain Erguile Swordmaster takes not lightly to mockery,” Erguile said, half-serious, and he withdrew his sword. “Many know the Brigun Autilus, but see now the ultimate blade of Darkin!” Erguile lifted up his blade from underneath his seat and held it high, mimicking pulsating noises like the Brigun Autilus emanated.
    “Ah, dear boy, you are good for a laugh,” Krem rejoiced, watching Erguile’s inspired theatrics. Suddenly a bell rang throughout the long kitchen hall, signifying that council was to start in fifteen minutes.
    “Looks like you’d better give your sword mastery a rest boy, and finish your meal,” Flaer smiled, motioning for Erguile to sit down.
    “Start thinking about the legion that will soon be at your command, and how to lead them to war,” Slowin advised.
    “Won’t be much trouble—especially with the help of a steed such as Weakhoof!” Erguile admitted with a grin still wrapping his face.
    “Still plan on riding that old thing?” Slowin asked in disbelief.
    “There was no thought required in the decision. I would ride no other into battle against those foul beasts!”
    “Well, perhaps I can see to it that Weakhoof receives some attention before you two set off in the sun together,” Krem said. Erguile thought that Krem meant to cast some kind of Vapoury on his horse, and he did not object.
    “But the star—” Erguile remembered all of the sudden. “Why would a star suddenly appear in the sky, and grow larger every night. It still makes no sense to me. I would have thought one of you would have a clear explanation for it.” No one responded to Erguile’s remark, and he knew it wasn’t out of secrecy; no one had an answer to give for the mysterious star. All anyone knew was that it was getting bigger, night by night, and many of the more primitive tribes throughout the land were becoming increasingly hostile, fearing some evil forming in the firmament.
    “I just hope Remtall and Ulpo don’t run into any natives in Aaurlind. I’ve heard the creatures there are savage, and given the star, I wouldn’t want to think…” Slowin thought aloud.
    “Gaigas is with them, with as much of her good spirit as she can spare,” Krem replied. Another bell rang out, and their conversation stopped. They hurried to finish their meals before the council began. Finally finishing, they dumped their bowls into a wooden crate filled with soapy water on their way out of the kitchen hall. At the door, Krem said goodbye:
    “Falen will be waiting for me outside, and so will Adacon back in Carbal Jungle,” Krem said. “Take care, all of you, and I will see you very soon.”
    “It’s quite remarkable that Falen can fly you back across the Kalm in a single night,” Erguile said.
    “Lad, it is I who will get Falen across the Kalm in one night’s time!” Krem winked. “But I must go—can’t keep the boy waiting.”
    “Not very likely he’ll want to leave Calan—but, take care of yourself, old man. I don’t want to see you disappearing again,” Erguile replied. They each gave Krem a warm embrace, and left for the council chamber. Krem sped away in the other direction, quickening his pace to reach Falen.
     
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    The council chamber was directly down the hall from the great kitchen, and both were housed in the grandest building of Wallstrong. The structure was the center for all political matters concerning the city, and in the past several days it had become the center for all matters concerning Hemlin;