Read Gathering of the Titans: The Tol Chronicles Book 2 for Free Online

containing bona-fide remains interred in a facility or area dedicated to that purpose shall be the sole property of the extant race who occupied it formerly, at such time sufficient claim shall be laid.’”
    “So, you are formally claiming this entire site as an Ancestors’ Graveyard?” asked Bosk.
    “Not exactly. We are petitioning that no excavations or removals take place until it has been established precisely where the interments lie, so that no defilement of our ancestors occurs. Once that petition has been granted we will make a decision as to the extent of our occupation claims.”
    “The RSCA does not feel this to be necessary. We have scholars who specialize in removing artifacts carefully and with great respect. If and when those scholars encounter any remains or ritual artifacts used in the interment process, we will notify a representative of the titans so that they may take possession after cataloguing has been completed.”
    “Your idea of ‘great respect’ and ours differ significantly,” said Tartag, with some visible agitation, “You would notify us only after our ancestors had been defiled, at which point the damage is done and irreversible. This we cannot accept.”
    Bosk stood and seemed about to pound the table with his hand. Tol decided this had gone far enough and was about to intervene when a swirling, shimmering manifestation appeared directly in front of him. It resolved into an odd-looking smooth-skinned biped with longish fur all over its head. Tol rolled his eyes. The others stared in frank amazement.
    “Greetings, Plåk,” said Tol,“What brings you to the middle of an important negotiation? Did you want to try another earthquake spell to liven things up?”
    “Nice to see you, too, Tol. Bite me. I just dropped by to tell you that I’ve poked around in that huge hole and I think the answers to your questions are all down there.”
    “So, you think we should mount an expedition?”
    “If you want to get all fancy-schmancy. I’d just go poke around.”
    “Yes, well, you aren’t subject to being pummeled, asphyxiated, or lost, so ‘poking around’ is a bit more practical for you.”
    “As you like. Gotta split.” He sparkled into oblivion. Tol turned back to the table as though nothing had happened.
    “Thank you both for your input, gentles. As you may know, the Crown of Tragacanth has sent me here to negotiate a fair and equitable settlement…”
    “Which cannot ignore the enormous cultural value of this site!” Belbomit shouted, having completely forgotten about Plåk in his agitation.
    Tol put on his best edict enforcement scowl and glared at the RSCA representative until he sat down again meekly. When he was once again firmly in charge, Tol continued.
    “Now, as I said, I am here to negotiate a settlement that is satisfactory to both sides. I won’t be ignoring anyone or anything germane to the issues.” Tol reviewed what he had just said and marveled at how unexpectedly lucid it was.
    “I propose to begin by forming an exploratory party whose purpose it is to establish whether there are titan remains to be discovered and, if so, where precisely they are located.”
    “Wait,” said Koxo, “You’re taking the advice whatever that thing was?” Tol glared at him and continued. “This party shall consist of myself, a representative of the RSCA, a representative of the titans, and a representative of the Royal Engineering Corps as they have jurisdiction here until such time as the further disposition of the site has been determined.”
    “And who is to make that determination?” demanded Belbomit.
    “These lands belong to the King of Tragacanth; I am His personal representative here. As a Knight of the Crimson and a member of the Tragacanthan Royal Family, I will decide that matter, subject of course to review and confirmation by His Majesty and CoME. Is that clear to everyone?”
    Tol seemed to have grown almost to titan size during his speech. Everyone,