Forge of the Mindslayers: Blade of the Flame Book 2

Read Forge of the Mindslayers: Blade of the Flame Book 2 for Free Online

Book: Read Forge of the Mindslayers: Blade of the Flame Book 2 for Free Online
Authors: Tim Waggoner
together tight as if he were fighting to hold back words. Only Ghaji looked directly at him, and the half-orc was scowling. Of course, a scowl was Ghaji’s most common facial expression, but even for him, this was an especially angry one.
    Ghaji rose to his feet. “Before we decide one way or the other, we should check the area to make certain it’s a suitable campsite, and by
we
, I mean you and I, Diran.”
    Without waiting for Diran to respond, Ghaji turned and walked away from the fire.
    Diran waited a moment before standing. He looked at Tresslar and Hinto and said, “We’ll be back soon.”
    Neither of them responded, and they still pointedly avoided meeting the priest’s gaze. Something was obviously wrong, but Diran had no idea what it might be. He followed after Ghaji, who by now was only a silhouette in the darkness. Diran caught up with his friend, but Ghaji continued apace, saying nothing. He just kept walking. Diran fell into step beside the half-orc, knowing that his friend would speak when he was ready and not before.
    When they had walked far enough that the campfire seemed but a candle flame on the horizon, Ghaji stopped and turned to Diran.
    “You’re driving them too hard, Diran. Tresslar and Hinto … especially Hinto.”
    Diran frowned. “What do you mean? We took periodic rest breaks throughout the day, and when Tresslar grew too weary, I restored his strength.”
    “I’m not talking about today, at least, not just about it. You’ve always been dedicated to combating evil, but ever since Grimwall, you’ve become almost obsessed with it. In these last few months, I think we’ve slain more undead creatures and fought more than in all the time I traveled with you before we battled Erdis Cai. I’m not complaining, mind you. Who likes a good fight more than me? But the constant traveling and ceaseless slaying have taken a toll on Tresslar and Hinto. It’s affected the halfling even more than the artificer. At least Tresslar was an adventurer in his youth, but as you’ve pointed out to me on more than one occasion, Hinto was mentally scarred by his time shipwrecked in the Mire, and he’s traveled with us ever since. He’s had no time to rest and recover from his ordeal—how can he when we’re always racing to kill one monster after another?”
    Diran felt anger rising within him, and he struggled to keep an even tone as he replied. “Neither Tresslar nor Hinto has been forced to accompany us. They’ve done so of their own free will.”
    “They’ve done so because they believe in you, Diran … in what you do. Hinto most of all.” Ghaji’s voice softened. “He practically worships you. He’d follow you anywhere, do whatever you ask of him, regardless of the price to his mind and soul.”
    Diran thought about the way the halfling had fallen to the floor in the lich’s chamber, how he’d lain there shivering, unable to fight, unable even to defend himself. If Diran and the others hadn’t been able to draw the attention of both the barghest and the lich, Hinto would’ve been easy pickings for either of the foul creatures. This hadn’t been the first time that Hinto’s fear had gotten the better of him at a dangerous moment. Far from it.
    Diran’s anger faded to be replaced by guilt. As if sensing his friend’s change of emotion, Ghaji put a hand on Diran’s shoulder.
    “You’re not to blame for what happened to Makala,” the half-orc said. “You did everything you could to save her.”
    “My
everything
wasn’t enough, was it?” Diran said. He wanted to pull away from Ghaji and stalk off into the night. But instead he took a deep breath, centered himself, and let the air out slowly. When he spoke again, his voice was calm and more than a touch weary. “Are you suggesting I’m driving us all so hard because I’m trying to make up for failing her?”
    Ghaji smiled. “I’m just a dumb half-orc, remember?”
    Diran laughed. “Very well. We shall leave it up to Tresslar

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