Read The Ancient Ones (The Legacy Trilogy Book 3) for Free Online

them.’
    ‘More?’ Edmond said with disbelief. ‘Why would you do that?’
    ‘I have grown adept at containing them. And I use their strength when I must—in limited amounts. It has saved me many times already. I no longer have the power I once did; it disappeared with the birth of my son. My houseguests offer me their dark flavour of magic, in hope to overcome me, and in turn I live to continue my quest. Thus far, this mutual understanding has benefitted us both, and they have not succeeded in winning me over—not yet.’
    ‘That can never happen, Samuel,’ Edmond stated worriedly.
    ‘That’s right. If my darkness succeeds in overcoming me I would become the same evil I seek to destroy. Each time I falter their hold on me increases. I nearly succumbed to them whilst fighting with Rei, but narrowly prevailed. I challenged her long ago when she first came to power in Cintar, but she was too strong for me. She has a cunning defence that I cannot counter with brute strength alone.’
    Edmond nodded. ‘Then I know now why you have come, Samuel. You need more power—untainted power. You absorbed the ring and I feel many other such relics within you, yet it is still not enough to defeat Rei. You need my strength for when you next face her—and presumably Poltamir would be next.’
    The magician waited silently for Leopold’s father to go on. He did not, and it was Samuel who was forced to speak up. ‘So what will you do?’
    Edmond’s eyes passed from the worried visage of his wife, to the unsure face of his son; he regarded the magician squarely. ‘I will help you, but you must make me a promise—a solemn oath.’
    Now it was the magician’s turn to draw out the silence. He did not nod or make any indication he understood or agreed. He waited for Edmond to divulge his demands.
    ‘The Ancient Ones must be purged from the world,’ Edmond insisted.
    ‘Of course. Your offer is one step towards that.’
    Edmond accepted the response levelly. ‘And one other; you must take Leopold with you.’ The youth jumped out of his seat to protest, but his father’s patient voice and placating gestures had him settling back into his seat. ‘You’re right, Samuel. Trouble will find these isles. Rei’s Order or the malevolent Truthseekers will eventually discover us. I have done my best to fend off her men and her beasts until now. Recently they have been coming this way in greater numbers. Leopold is my son, and that alone will attract them or others of their ilk. Rei’s thirst for revenge upon me is only second to what she feels for you, Samuel. She blames you for everything—for turning me against her, even though it was my choosing. You are right. I cannot stay here any longer, hoping for trouble to pass by. I will grant you the strength you need. I will help you and you will keep Leopold safe by your side, until either you find victory, or the world is ended.’
    Samuel eyed the man, scouring for deeper meaning in his words. ‘And what of his mother?’ he asked, looking to the brave-faced woman.
    ‘We have long talked of this moment,’ Lillith said surely. ‘I will remain here. The Truthseekers have no reason to pester me alone and if you can defeat the forces of Cintar I will have little to fear. I would only burden you with my presence. If your task is successful, bring my son back to me, safe and well. If you fail, it will not matter. You saved him once from certain death, Samuel, and I charge you once more with keeping Leopold safe.’
    ‘I cannot allow this!’ Leopold declared, affronted by such talk.
    ‘Calm yourself and be quiet,’ his father told him with a warning glance, and Leopold was forced to sit and wait.
    ‘Very well, madam,’ the magician said with a subtle nod. ‘I accept your charge.’
    ‘What is all this about?’ Leopold asked. ‘I will not stand for it! You can’t send me away with him.’
    ‘What will be will be, Leopold,’ his father asserted sternly. ‘You have no say in