“Take her and go,” said Ridmark to Marcomer, and then he straightened up from his crouch, walking to the stairs leading down the courtyard.
The Jeweler remained motionless, still leaning on his staff. As he drew closer, Ridmark saw the corruption spreading through the Jeweler’s flesh, accompanied by a foul smell rising from the bejeweled robe.
“Jeweler!” thundered Ridmark, stopping at the base of the stairs.
The Jeweler stirred, and the black eyes shifted to Ridmark.
“A human.” Surprise entered the deep voice. “I did not think any of your kindred had come this far east.”
“The Frostborn are returning,” said Ridmark.
The Jeweler inclined his head. “The alignment shall soon be correct.”
Alignment? What did that mean?
“Tell me how they shall return,” said Ridmark.
The Jeweler stared at him, the soulstones worked into his staff glimmering. “Why?”
“Once before the Frostborn nearly conquered our world,” said Ridmark. “I seek to stop them. Tell me how they shall return, and I shall depart.”
The Jeweler said nothing for a moment. It was impossible to read that alien face, but Ridmark had the overwhelming impression that the dark elven sorcerer was baffled.
“What madness drives you?” said the Jeweler. “My citadel is far from any human lands. The journey should have killed you a thousand times over, but you are standing here before me. That should not be possible.” He laughed. “What a fool you are, human. You have piqued my curiosity…and that is to your woe. Your death shall take a thousand times longer than it would have otherwise.”
The Jeweler cast a spell, and his will hammered into Ridmark’s mind.
Ridmark screamed in pain, stumbling back as he felt the Jeweler’s thoughts digging into his skull, sorting through his memories. Visions of his past flashed before his eyes. He saw again his childhood at Castra Taliand, his time as a page and a squire in Dux Gareth’s court at Castra Marcaine. He saw himself become a Swordbearer, his desperate battle with Gothalinzur, his quest to Urd Morlemoch and escape from the Warden.
“You.” The Jeweler’s voice thundered inside his skull, filling him with agony. “The Warden has marked you. Fool! You are his puppet, and you know it not!”
Ridmark saw again the terrible battle at Dun Licinia, saw the dead Mhalekites carpeting the valley.
And once more he saw Aelia’s blood spreading across the black and white tiles of Castra Marcaine’s great hall. He had failed her. He deserved death, he…
“Fear not,” said the Jeweler. “That shall come for you soon enough. Let us see the shadows of your future.”
The pain in his skull redoubled, again and again, until it seemed as if the entire world had been built of pain. His sight blurred, and he saw his past spread out before him like a series of pages upon a table.
The Jeweler’s vision turned towards the pages of his future, and Ridmark’s sight went with him.
Visions flashed through his mind, blurry and distorted.
He saw blue fire filling the sky.
An orcish warrior in blue armor, and a dwarf in a brown robe.
A soulblade burning in the hands of a terrified boy, urvaalgs racing towards him.
A gate of made of fire crackling between two menhirs of black stone.
A terrible war that ripped the world apart, warriors in icy armor smashing through the ranks of Andomhaim…
“No,” said the Jeweler. “No! It is not possible!”
The vision strained forward, and Ridmark felt blood trickling from his nose. He tried to move, tried to fight, tried to move, but he could barely stay on his feet.
Then he saw the women in the shadows of his future.
There were two of them, one with golden hair, and one with black hair. Ridmark felt as if he knew both of them, knew both of them so very well, yet he had seen neither woman before.
“You are the one,” rasped the Jeweler. “It is your path that will decide the destiny of the world! And you have delivered yourself into my power!” Blue fire twisted and snarled around his free hand. “When I strike you down, the Frostborn will return, and the world shall perish. A just revenge for my torment! Let all the world perish!”
The Jeweler pointed his hand at Ridmark, and he saw his death in the blue fire.
Perhaps it was just as well. He had failed Aelia, and he could tell her how sorry he was, how very sorry…
“Hai!”
The deep voice boomed over the courtyard.
The Jeweler looked up in surprise, and then a javelin buried itself in his chest. The dark elven wizard staggered with a grunt, and the javelin exploded in fire. The Jeweler’s robes went up in flame, and the dark elf stumbled with a scream of agony. A half-second later a brilliant flash of lightning struck the Jeweler and threw him into the white wall of the tower, the thunderclap filling Ridmark’s ears and the gale of hot wind throwing him back a step.
The agony in his head vanished.
“Ridmark!”
He looked up and saw Ansa standing on the ramparts, the Gemstone of Storms in her hand.
“Run!” she screamed.
Ridmark did not need her to tell him twice.
He turned and raced back up the stairs. Ansa and Marcomer waited for him, and then both halflings took off, running as fast as they could. Ridmark followed them as Marcomer led the way over the ramparts, the Jeweler’s outraged screams ringing in their ears. They raced across the courtyard, through the gate, and came to the wall of mist ringing the fortress.
“Put your hands on my shoulders, and run when I say,” said Ansa, lifting the Gemstone of Mists from her pouch. Both Ridmark and Marcomer obeyed, and the world went gray and hazy once more.
“Run!” shouted Ansa, and they sprinted into the mist. It washed past Ridmark in a cool wave, and then suddenly they were through it and back in the V-shaped valley. The world snapped back into focus as the Gemstone’s power ended, and Ridmark came to a stop, breathing hard.
“The Jeweler might pursue us,” said Marcomer.
But neither the Jeweler nor his undead minions emerged.
###
“I think,” said Ridmark, “that the Jeweler might be bound to Urd Drysaar, just as the Warden is bound to Urd Morlemoch. He might not be able to pursue us.”
Marcomer grunted. “Just as well. Marcomer did not want to fight all the legions of the undead.”
They walked through the valley, heading back to the mountain path. Marcomer and Ansa would continue along the path, taking the high road through the Lion Mountains and to the Range, starting the long journey back to the jungles where the Hidden People made their home.
“Do you remember anything of what he showed you?” said Ansa.
“No,” said Ridmark.
It was frustrating. He could remember nothing from when the Jeweler had cast his spell to when Marcomer’s javelin had struck the dark elf’s chest. He knew the dark elf had shown him something of the future, but he could not remember what.
And Ridmark was not about to go back and ask the Jeweler. He did not care if death found him or not, but he would not throw away his life in futility.
“I am sorry you came all this way for nothing,” said Ansa.
“No,” said Ridmark. “Even the Jeweler thought the Frostborn will return. I just have to keep searching.” He looked at Marcomer. “I am sorry you lost your javelin.”
Marcomer shrugged. “Ha! Do not worry, not-orc Ridmark. Marcomer wounded the Jeweler himself with his javelin. It shall make a fine story to tell at Marcomer’s wedding to betrothed-Ansa.”
“What will you do?” said Ansa.
“I will keep looking,” said Ridmark. “The Frostborn are returning. I need to find the secret.”
Ansa gave him a sad smile. “I hope you find what you are really looking for.”
Ridmark said nothing. He knew what she meant. But he would not find forgiveness for Aelia’s death in the Wilderland.
/> But he might discover the secret of the return of the Frostborn.
THE END
Thank you for reading THE ELDER SHAMANS. If you liked the book, please consider leaving a review at your ebook site of choice. To receive immediate notification of new releases, sign up for my newsletter, or watch for news on my Facebook page.
Follow this link to read the next adventure for Ridmark and his companions in Frostborn: The Gray Knight.
Other books by the author
The Demonsouled Saga
MAZAEL CRAVENLOCK is a wandering knight, fearless in battle and masterful with a sword.
Yet he has a dark secret. He is Demonsouled, the son of the ancient and cruel Old Demon, and his tainted blood grants him superhuman strength and speed. Yet with the power comes terrible, inhuman rage, and Mazael must struggle to keep the fury from devouring him.
But he dare not turn aside from the strength of his blood, for he will need it to face terrible foes.
The priests of the San-keth plot and scheme in the shadows, pulling lords and kingdoms upon their strings. The serpent priests desire to overthrow the realms of men and enslave humanity. Unless Mazael stops them, they shall force all nations to bow before the serpent god.
The Malrag hordes are coming, vast armies of terrible, inhuman beasts, filled with a lust for cruelty and torment. The Malrags care nothing for conquest or treasure, only slaughter. And the human realms are ripe for the harvest. Only a warrior of Mazael’s power can hope to defeat them.
The Dominiar Order and the Justiciar Order were once noble and respected, dedicated to fighting the powers of dark magic. Now they are corrupt and cynical, and scheme only for power and glory. They will kill anyone who stands in their way.
To defeat these foes, Mazael will need all the strength of his Demonsouled blood.
Yet he faces a far more terrible foe.
For centuries the Old Demon has manipulated kings and lords. Now he shall seize the power of the Demonsouled for himself, and become the a god of torment and tyranny.
Unless Mazael can stop him.
Read Demonsouled for free. Mazael's adventures continue in Soul of Tyrants, Soul of Serpents, Soul of Dragons, Soul of Sorcery, Soul of Skulls, and Soul of Swords, along with the short stories The Wandering Knight, The Tournament Knight, and The Dragon's Shadow. Get the first three books bundled together in Demonsouled Omnibus One.
The Ghosts Series
Once CAINA AMALAS was the shy daughter of a minor nobleman, content to spend her days in her father’s library.
Then sorcery and murder and her mother’s treachery tore her life apart.
Now she is a nightfighter of the Ghosts, an elite agent of the spies and assassins of the Emperor of Nighmar. She is a master of disguise and infiltration, of stealth and the shadows.
And she will need all those skills to defend the Empire and stay alive.
Corrupt lords scheme and plot in the shadows, desiring to pull down the Emperor and rule the Empire for their own profit and glory. Slave traders lurk on the fringes of the Empire, ready to seize unwary commoners and sell them into servitude in distant lands. Yet both slave traders and cruel lords must beware the Ghosts.
The Magisterium, the Imperial brotherhood of sorcerers, believe themselves the rightful masters of the Empire. With their arcane sciences, they plan to overthrow the Empire and enslave the commoners, ruling all of mankind for their own benefit. Only the Ghosts stand in the path of their sinister plans.
And the Moroaica, the ancient sorceress of legend and terror, waits in the shadows, preparing to launch a war upon the gods themselves. She will make the gods pay for the suffering of mankind...even if she must destroy the world to do it.
Caina Amalas of the Ghosts opposes these mighty enemies, but the cost might be more than she can bear.
Read Child of the Ghosts for free. Caina's adventures continue in Ghost in the Flames, Ghost in the Blood, Ghost in the Storm, Ghost in the Stone, Ghost in the Forge, Ghost in the Ashes, Ghost in the Mask, and Ghost in the Surge, along with the short stories Ghost Aria, Ghost Claws, Ghost Omens, The Fall of Kyrace, Ghost Thorns, Ghost Undying, Ghost Light, and Ghost Dagger, and the prequel novels Blade of the Ghosts and Champion of the Ghosts. Get the first three books bundled together in The Ghosts Omnibus One.
The Ghost Exile Series
Caina Amalas was a nightfighter of the Ghosts, the spies and assassins of the Emperor of Nighmar, and through her boldness and cunning saved the Empire and the world from sorcerous annihilation.
But the victory cost her everything.
Now she is exiled and alone in the city of Istarinmul, far from her home and friends. Yet a centuries-old darkness now stirs in Istarinmul, eager to devour the city and the world itself.
And Caina is the only one that stands in its way...
Read Ghost in the Cowl, Ghost in the Maze, Ghost in the Hunt, Ghost in the Razor, Ghost in the Inferno, Ghost in the Seal, Ghost in the Throne, Ghost in the Pact, and Ghost in the Winds along with the short stories Ghost Sword, Ghost Price, Ghost Relics, Ghost Keeper, Ghost Nails, Ghost Lock, Ghost Arts, Ghost Vigil, Ghost Mimic, and Ghost Vessel.
The Third Soul
RACHAELIS MORULAN is an Initiate of the Conclave, the powerful order of mighty mages. But to become a full Adept of the Conclave, she must first survive the Testing. Those who survive the Testing never speak of the trials they endured.
Those who fail the Testing are never seen again.
And now the Magisters of the Conclave have come to take Rachaelis to undertake the Testing. And there she shall face perils to both her body and her sanity.
And creatures that yearn to devour her soul.
If Rachaelis survives the Testing, she will face even more dangerous foes. The demons of the astral world watch the world of mortal men, desiring to rule it for themselves.
And some Adepts of the Conclave are eager to help them.
Read The Testing for free. Rachelis's trials continue in The Assassins, The Blood Shaman, The High Demon, The Burning Child, The Outlaw Adept, The Black Paladin, and The Tomb of Baligant. Read the entire series in The Third Soul Omnibus One and The Third Soul Omnibus Two.
The Frostborn Series
A thousand years ago, the last grandson of Arthur Pendragon led the survivors of Britain through a magical gate to a new world, a world of magic and high elves, of orcs and kobolds and stranger, darker creatures. Now the descendants of the exiles rule a mighty kingdom, peaceful and prosperous under the rule of the High King.
But a shadow threatens to devour the kingdom.
RIDMARK ARBAN was once a Swordbearer, a knight of renown. Now he is a branded outcast, stripped of his sword, and despised as a traitor.
But he alone sees the danger to come. The Frostborn shall return, and unless they are stopped, they will cover all the world in ice and a neverending winter.
CALLIANDE awakens in the darkness, her memories gone, and creatures of terrible power hunting her.
For she alone holds the secret that can save the world…or destroy it utterly.
The secret of the Frostborn.
Read Frostborn: The First Quest, followed by Frostborn: The Gray Knight, Frostborn: The Eightfold Knife, Frostborn: The Undying Wizard, Frostborn: The Master Thief, Frostborn: The Iron Tower, Frostborn: The Dark Warden, Frostborn: The Gorgon Spirit, Frostborn: The Broken Mage, Frostborn: The World Gate, Frostborn: The High Lords, Frostborn: The False King, Frostborn: The Dwarven Prince, Frostborn: Excalibur, Frostborn: The Dragon Knight, and Frostborn: The Shadow Prison, and the prequel novel Frostborn: The Knight Quests along with the short stories The Orc's Tale, The Mage's Tale, The Thief's Tale, The Assassin's Tale, The Paladins's Tale, The Knight's Tale, The Soldier's Tale, and The Soldier's Tale. Read the first three books combined in Frostborn Omnibus One.
Mask of the Demonsouled Trilogy
MAZAEL CRAVENLOCK has prevailed over terrible foes and now rules the Grim Marches with firm justice. Yet ancient evils are stirring in the shadows,
freed at last by Mazael's own hand. Unless Mazael fights with all his strength, the world will fall.
SIGALDRA is the last holdmistress of the Jutai nation, the final defender of her people. Now the darkness comes to devour the final remnant of Sigaldra's home and family. Even Sigaldra's courage may not be enough to turn aside the darkness.
Read Mask of Swords, Mask of Dragons, and Mask of Spells along with the short stories The Ransom Knight, The Bronze Knight, The Serpent Knight, and The Rune Knight.
The Tower of Endless Worlds
THOMAS WYCLIFFE just wants to finish his dissertation in peace and quiet. So when a man in a black robe appears in his closet, claiming to be the last of the Warlocks, Wycliffe figures it is a bad joke.
But he soon realizes the last of the Warlocks can give him power beyond imagining.
And all it will cost is his soul.
SIMON WESTER needs a job. Badly. So when a rich and powerful Senator offers him employment, he jumps at the chance. Sure, Simon expects to find some corruption, some shady deals.
He doesn't expect to find black magic.
LIAM MASTERE is a Knight of the Sacred Blade, defender of the mortal races. But can swords stand against guns? As bullets and bombs destroy his kingdom, Liam must risk everything to save his homeland's one chance of salvation.
By daring the horrors of the Tower of Endless Worlds…
Read The Tower of Endless Worlds for free. The saga of the Tower continues in A Knight of the Sacred Blade, A Wizard of the White Council, and The Destroyer of Worlds.
Cloak Games
In 2013, a gate to another world opened, and Elves used their magic to conquer Earth, crushing all resistance before them.
Three hundred years after the Conquest, the exiled Elven High Queen rules an orderly but stagnant Earth, with humanity forced to fight in the High Queen’s war against the traitors on the Elven homeworld.
The Elder Shamans Page 4
