Read SpellBreaker: First Ordinance, Book 4 for Free Online Page B

excited about a new subject and the research it entailed. Gurnil was seldom bored; there was always something new to learn.
    "I wish to help," Ordin offered. "I wish to study the records concerning the effects of this drug on its recipients."
    "Prepare to be shocked," Zaria warned. "Records of its use may seem benign and even helpful at first, until it reveals its true self, which is terrifying. Worlds have died because of it. If you don't believe me, ask the Larentii."
    "Ah, another resource to tap," Gurnil smiled.
    "Whatever you do, though, don't approach the Lyristolyi about it," she added. "They'll do anything, up to and including murder, just to destroy a single grain of it. I hope the ASD handles this without bringing them into it."
    * * *
    Ilya
    I made a mental note to research the Lyristolyi drug for myself. Drakus seed was dangerous enough. I couldn't imagine something worse. After all, drakus seed had come and gone, then come again during my lifetime.
    I doubted there were many normal Alliance citizens, Reth or Campiaan, who knew anything about this one. That spelled centuries since this one had last been seen. The fact that the Arden twins apparently had both drugs troubled me greatly. What could—or would—they do with them?
    "We'll cover the necessary information on-board the ship," Caylon announced. "Both drugs are in the possession of our enemy, and they've employed them for their own gain. I hope we can answer all the questions that will surely come after this discussion."
    After dinner, the rest of us made our final preparations for boarding the ship while Quin had a glass of wine with Justis in private. Bel Erland found me in the Library, cleaning and polishing my blades—it was something to do to fill the time.
    "I can't find Zaria by Looking or scrying—Dad says it's a talent belonging to the Q'elindi," he settled on a chair across from mine.
    "You have a wondrous gift if you can Look for others," I said, holding up a blade and checking the edge.
    "I get it from my grandmother," he shrugged. "But I still can't locate Zaria. I was hoping you'd know where she was."
    "Outside, taking over for the guards at the terrace doors so they can get a bite to eat," I said. "I think she likes the solitude of it."
    "I'm wondering how she knew so much about that drug," Bel said, looking down at his hands and sighing. "I asked Gran about it in mindspeech. She says it's just as terrible as Zaria claims it is. Gran's of an age and in a position to know that. Zaria," he lifted his eyes and shook his head at me.
    "She is Q'elindi. I'm not sure any of us might predict what she knows."
    "I'm surprised you're defending her. When I introduced her to you, I could almost hear you saying that I hired her for her looks. I wanted to tell you then that Quin is all I see. I'm telling you that, now."
    "I've seen it for myself," I muttered, setting down one blade and lifting the other.
    "I'm merely hoping—that you and Zaria come to some sort of truce where Quin and I are concerned. I hope you can work together without belittling her—well, you know what I mean."
    "Zaria doesn't know much at all of a warrior's skills," I said.
    "But," he began.
    "My Prince, allow me to finish. Zaria hasn't been trained as a warrior. Her skills as a witch are formidable. Combine that with a Q'elindi's talent and ability, and you have a weapon in your hand that will do whatever it takes to defend you and your intended. The other—is merely training. I ask that you approach either Caylon or Sal, to give her basic instruction in hand-to-hand, as it could prove useful when a spell might be unwise."
    "You don't want that duty?"
    "I think she'd kill me," I stated flatly. "One of the others—she would take instruction better from them, I think."
    "You don't think you'll get along, is that what you're saying?" the Prince asked.
    "No, I think we can work together just fine. I know to rein in my—lack of humility, let's say—and things will likely work out.