by C. Greenwood
Once alone in the dark, except for the distant noise of the others’ footsteps moving away, he pressed his forehead into the cool earthen wall and tried to gather his scattered emotions. It had been such an overwhelming experience, commanding the storm over the seclusionary. Did Eydis guess it was no force of nature but his own manipulations that had sent those shards of lightning falling from the sky to strike the invading enemy? How could she, when he hardly believed it himself? A week ago he could barely summon a fine mist over the grass. Yet tonight he had created a storm so violent its winds overturned small trees and its lightning incinerated dozens of enemy soldiers.
Eydis had once predicted he would find this power. But now it was awakened, he wasn’t sure he could handle it. His stomach roiled at memory of the destruction he had wrought. Using his magic in this way had been like a rejection of the peaceful teachings he had always followed. But what choice had there been?
He rubbed a trembling hand over his face and realized he wasn’t only drained emotionally but physically. Using so much magic had sapped his strength to the point where it was an effort to shove away from the wall again and follow after the others. Remembering the manner of Mentor Kesava’s death, he wondered with a chill just how far he could safely push himself without meeting the same fate. One thing was certain. He couldn’t let anything like this happen again. Until he learned his limits, he was a risk to himself and everyone around him.
IN THE COURTYARD
Varian tried not to show his unease as he paced the seclusionary courtyard in the gray light of early dawn. It wasn’t the heaps of dead scattering the ground that troubled him or the damage from last night’s unnatural storm. One didn’t expect to win a battle without casualties. He suspected the master was unconcerned with the number of followers he lost or the damage to the seclusionary, as long as Varian achieved the expected results. But had he?
Shuddering at the question of failure, he tried to appear confident. He instructed the undead messenger at his side, “Tell the master victory has been won and the seclusionary is now under our control. Our soldiers are tearing the place apart even now in search of the artifact he desires. It is only a matter of time before the scepter is found.”
The undead creature drew back its lips, revealing blackened gums. “And the survivors?” it asked. “What do I tell the master about their escape?”
Varian’s cheek twitched, and his throat went suddenly dry. “Tell him… tell him there was a minor setback, but all will soon be in hand.”
THE GRANITE TOWER
The silver-haired wizard straightened from the gazing ball he had been peering into and started upon finding he was not alone. “You?” he snapped, stepping away from the pedestal. “How did you get in here?”
The White Lady smirked. “Surely you do not imagine yourself the only one possessed of magical means to travel and observe?”
“You’re supposed to be bound to your cursed island,” he pointed out, following her casual circuit of his viewing chamber.
Her ethereal form passed through a column, undeterred by the solid granite. “My corpse may be bound there, but of late my spirit is prone to wander.”
“Then in future kindly let it travel somewhere else,” he warned. “When I want you, I’ll send for you, the same as all the others.”
“I am not one of your fire scorpions to be summoned and sent away when you’ve no further use for me,” she said. “You were less imperious at our last meeting. Then you were eager to obtain my help. And grateful.”
“So I remain,” he said, modifying his tone slightly. “You have done your part adequately.”
“Only adequately?” she asked. “I protected your precious mistress of masks as you instructed. I kept the catalysts alive on my island and shepherded them on their way. If not for me, they would not have survived as far as Asincourt.”
She glanced sidelong at the gazing ball on its pedestal, thinking of the things she could accomplish in just a few minutes alone with such a powerful instrument. But it was clear from the way her reluctant host positioned himself to block her access that she would not get that chance today. A pity.
“You will be rewarded as promised,” he said, pulling her attention back to the conversation.
She curled a lip. “And your favorite assassin? How will he be rewarded?”
“That is not your concern. He and the Kroadian barbarian ensured the girl survived the seclusionary battle before herding her in the necessary direction. They have proven themselves of use.”
“Then she comes this way? To the tower?”
He allowed himself to show a glimmer of satisfaction. “All is proceeding as the stars and signs predicted. Every step she takes brings Eydis Ironmonger and the treasure she carries closer to me.”
THE TEMPLE AT SILVERWOOD GROVE
Wincing, Parthenia looked away from the rows of spikes over which the oracle reclined. “The battle is over, Your Wisdom,” she informed the oracle.
“Is it?” The oracle’s head didn’t turn at her entrance. Eyes closed, breathing deep and even, she seemed unaware of the sharp nails that must be piercing her skin in dozens of places. The only hint of her discomfort was in the sweat coating her violet skin and the slow drops of blood pooling around her.
Parthenia said, “Yes, Your Wisdom. I’ve just received word Rathnakar’s forces prevailed and the few remaining survivors have fled through a tunnel to the mountains.”
“Is she among them?”
“You mean the mistress of masks? Yes, I’m told she lives.”
A sigh eased from the oracle. “Then it is not over at all,” she said. “It is just beginning.”
Continue the adventure in Book 2, Betrayer of Blood
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA TODAY bestselling author C. Greenwood started writing stories shortly after learning her ABCs and hasn't put down her pen since. After falling in love with the fantasy genre more than a decade ago, she began writing sword and sorcery novels. The result was the birth of her best known works, the Legends of Dimmingwood series. In addition to her writing, Ms. Greenwood is a wife, mom and graphic designer.
Want to learn more about C. Greenwood or her books? Check out her website or “like” her on Facebook.
Legends of Dimmingwood Series
Magic of Thieves ~ Book I
Betrayal of Thieves ~ Book II
Circle of Thieves ~ Book III
Redemption of Thieves ~ Book IV
Journey of Thieves ~ Book V
Rule of Thieves ~ Book VI
Catalysts of Chaos Series
Mistress of Masks ~ Book I
Betrayer of Blood ~ Book II
Summoner of Storms ~ Book III
