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.”
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AUTHOR’S NOTE
Dear Reader, I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know the heroes and villains of Earth Realm. The adventures are just beginning, so if you’d like to follow along I invite you to join my Readers List, where you’ll receive special email notifications as new books in this series are released. I also hope you’ll consider dropping a quick review at the retailer of your choice. Thank you and happy reading!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Here’s the rundown on me. I’ve been a writer since I was old enough to pick up a pen, setting my heart and focus on the fantasy genre more than a decade ago. Alongside my fantasy works, I’ve published an assortment of other books under the pen name Dara England. In addition to writing, I’m a graphic designer and a lover of books, animals, and my Kindle. Find out more by visiting my home on the web at www.CGreenwoodAuthor.com — or look me up on Facebook!
BOOKS BY C. GREENWOOD
Catalysts of Chaos Series
Mistress of Masks ~ Book I
Betrayer of Blood ~ Book II
Summoner of Storms ~ Book III
Legends of Dimmingwood Series
Magic of Thieves ~ Book I
Betrayal of Thieves ~ Book II
Redemption of Thieves ~ Book IV
Journey of Thieves ~ Book V
Rule of Thieves ~ Book VI
Table of Contents
Dedication
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
EPILOGUE
AUTHOR’S NOTE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR