The Alchemist made for the largest, and most occupied table in the room where several black robes sat, conversing in heated tones. All conversation grew quiet in the vast room as the Alchemist claimed the topmost, most ornate seat. Keeping his face stone smooth to cover his surprise, Garn settled into a standing position behind the Hooded Man, very much aware how exposed they both were. How could he keep them both alive if things got out of hand with this many people in the room?
Garn counted eleven black robes seated around the main table, hoods pulled deep over their heads. The Alchemist made twelve, though he didn’t wear a robe. His dark hood trimmed below the shoulders left his prominent gold-banded biceps bare for all to view, but it also singled his charge out, making him an unmistakable target. Garn wanted to grind his teeth in frustration, the one time he’d brought it up, the man had tersely informed him to do his job and never speak of it again. The Hooded Man was too arrogant for his own good, daring to conduct a meeting with hundreds of Users in the room.
Every hooded head faced the Hooded Man in silence.
A dozen heartbeats passed before the Alchemist spoke. “I ask your indulgence for this…unexpected hearing,” the Alchemist said. His soft silky voice somehow carried to the farthest table in the room. No one in the crowded space asked him to speak up. “I think you will all agree it has much merit once the details are known. Events have unfolded faster than my portents revealed, faster than the oracle could have seen, and faster than the scrolls or the tapestry foretold, yet the symbolic one and the anomaly have…” He paused, the hood looking to those around the table. “Where is the Spear?”
At first, no one in the vast room full of robes spoke. Then the black robe to the Alchemist’s right, stirred. “The Spear’s location is unknown. My...associates and my Creations are scouring the Citadel. One progress report I’ve received is…disconcerting. Heavy wards prevent access to the Spear’s quarters, still. Betrayal is looking more likely.”
“Surely the Warding isn’t so strong you cannot dispel it,” the Alchemist said.
“All of my strongest were called to this unexpected hearing,” the black robe said, her pleasant, feminine voice slightly on edge.
“Your highest concern should be the Spear’s wards. Yet, I detect discontent in your tone, possibly even a challenge. Have you decided to challenge this day?”
“I have not,” the black robe replied immediately.
“Perhaps there is some wisdom residing somewhere inside you, Kara Laurel,” the Alchemist said. I shall see if that holds true. This hearing is postponed until I have a report on the Spear within the hour.”
Several hundred black robes stood and filed from the room in an orderly fashion. Some were women, Garn noted from the quick flashes of smooth faces, or the way they moved. Most revealed a masculine gait as they filed out. In seconds, the room was clear except for the two of them. The Alchemist remained sitting, facing the long room as if he expected an answer to his most pressing concerns to come gusting in at any moment. Perhaps it would.
Gazing up at the darkened alcoves one by one, Garn pondered. He had no idea what the Hooded Man had just allowed him to overhear, but it sounded as if the promised cataclysmic events had been set in motion for this world. Like it or not, he was part of it, and so were his daughters. For now they were, until he found them and brought them safely home.
R.V. Johnson lives in the beautiful mountains of Utah with his wife Savidtri. His inspirational father lives with him. He enjoys hiking, camping, and outdoor activities. Spending time with his mechanically inclined son and his son’s family while staying involved with his oldest daughter’s prominent nursing and acting career amidst supporting his youngest daughter with her cosmetology, keeps him content.
He strives to be the gem the dragon hoards.
Join his great readers group at http://www.authorrvjohnson.com and get the first two chapters of the next book in ‘The Flow of Power’ series.
Coming soon free to those who join: “Beyond Terra,” a novella set in the same two worlds.
Beyond the Sapphire Gate: Epic Fantasy-Some Magic Should Remain Untouched (The Flow of Power Book 1) Page 52
