Read The Exodus Sagas: Book II - Of Dragons And Crowns for Free Online Page A

to speak of. Gwenne, we are beyond the mere arcane here, this is a powerful matter of religious, historical, and holy importance. I dare not go further with the incantations. They glow a strong blue already since we read them, I do not wish to be ill prepared or on the wrong side of the church with this.” Kalzarius was stern, staring at the slightest variation in the blue mist of light that shone above certain letters and symbols on the strange parchment.
    There was a long pause, the old wiza rd stroking his long gray beard and the young woman pacing, her thoughts on what would happen if . They looked at each other for an eternity, broken finally by the opening of the heavy wooden doors to the study. The rush of air fluttered Gwenne’s black robes with golden trim, and loosed her hair once again. Thankfully, it also put out the candles before her hair was singed for the tenth time.
    Saberrak walked in, much as he always did, little concern for pleasantries. His metal scale armor form fitting and shining and his intimidating minotaur prowess from behind the horns and tattoos thereof under his eyes radiated through the chamber. The dwarven priest stomped behind him in his heavy steel plate adorned with his hammer and moons etchings, his black beard trim and head shaved as always. James followed them in, dressed in his chainmail, white tabard with the red feathered cross, and blue sash of knighthood draped from shoulder guards of steel adorned with black falconheads . They each gave their respectful bows to Kalzarius and Gwenneth as they passed the entrance.
    “Vundren be praised, are you done?” Azenairk’s blue eyes lit up, hoping to be able to leave soon. He cared not where, but even his friends noticed his anxiety this last week. He knew he had to find his way west for his father eventually , yet there was something about this scroll that made him nervous. A feeling in his daily prayers, a sense of divine inspiration in the air, something overwhelming that had him wanting to leave. The scroll has nothing to do with dwarven religion, nothing at all , he thought. He knew that he held a key, his heirloom, to a great place far from here and wished to c ommence that direction at least instead of waiting to be trapped by the multitude of cutthroats here in Harlaheim. He, Saberrak, and James had been waiting, eavesdraopping at the door for some time now. It was hard to decide who was more impatient.
    “Not quite Zen, but today or tomorrow for certain. James, how did your meeting with Lord Savanno fare us? Do we have his backing and that of the Order of Saint Tarumin?” the old arcane professor watched the silent minotaur while conversing with the others. He saw the bovine glare to the scroll, like they were speaking, the scroll and the minotaur.
    “The Lord Knight Errant of Harlaheim is most definitely on our side, excited and anxious at the findings, yes. The Order is a bit more complex, but he and I feel that their suppor t of secrecy is ours as well.” t he Knight of Chazzrynn bowed again, very content and at peace with all of his meetings and diplomatic endeavors as of late , save for those of the knights loyal to the king that had not given him even a hint of notice . “In fact, Sir Savanno Lisar io is planning on arriving this morn , he wishes to see the scroll for himself.”
    “I am sure he does. Probably wants it for himself like every other human we meet. No offense to old wizards.” Saberrak snorted, looking at the blue mist of light that rose from the pages unrolled across the table. He had been having trouble staying away from the scroll the last week, checking in several times per day. Something was drawing him to it, and whatever it was, he did not care for it.
    “No offense taken Saberrak, none at all. I am quite aware of what you have been through to keep this relic and deliver it here. I am sure your trust in men is diminished.” Kalzarius lifted the smooth mottled stone cylinder that the parchment