Bloodstone Read Online Free

seldom seen by others of my race. Once in studying these unhallowed manuscripts, I seem to recall, I found reference to a bloodstone ring... rather, a gem that resembled bloodstone. I've ridden several days to trace down that memory--although I've been planning for a long time to work my way around to visit you once again."
    Jhaniikest tossed her head and laughed ruefully. "I see your ambitions are as boundless as ever, Kane. Well, I've kept all your things stuffed away somewhere. Those books are on the top level where you last saw them, probably, and you can page through them later. But before you turn scholar, you first shall entertain me. It's been a long while since I've had a visitor from the world outside my own, and my companions here have little to say that's of sparkling novelty."
    Later that night, Kane followed Jhaniikest to the upper levels of the tower and into one of the chambers where she had gathered together many of the items she used in her own unfathomable pursuits. Finding the collection of scrolls and strangely bound volumes he sought, Kane seated himself at a lamp-lit table and began to examine the material, mumbling under breath as he read.
    Jhaniikest swung open the wide tower window. A gust of cold mountain wind stole through the gap and fanned, the torchlight to a crackling slant of yellow. Twisting onto the ledge, she leaned outward over the abyss, fearless in her precarious perch. Moonlight glistened silver over her mane, glowed through the half-spread gossamer wings that curtained the aperture. Softly she sang a chant of high, tinkling syllables, watching with head atilt to see if Kane would wander in attention. But his brow remained set in an anxious frown as he concentrated over the crumbling pages of arcane glyphs penned by ancient and curious hands--although twice he gazed unseeingly toward her face as he distractedly reached for another volume. Suddenly his concentration deepened over the yellowed tome he was examining. Carefully he set aside Alorri-Zrokros's Book of the Elders and removed the bloodstone ring ' the pouch about his neck.
    Laughter rose from his throat. Laughter reckless, triumphant in its rising tone. Laughter that unsettled the dust of silent years in the tower.
    Startled at his outburst, Jhaniikest slipped to Kane's peering over his broad shoulder to discover the source of the jest.
    "It's here--all here--as I remembered!" Kane pointed toward the time-stained page. "My memory has not dulled through the years... although Alorri-Zrokros's prose clings to any mind! Can you read this hand? It's an inferior transcription. See--there lies the history this ring--a tale of an Earth centuries forgotten and of those who dwelt under stars unknown to man! There... the history of Bloodstone! Shall I read to you? Would you hear of the unimaginable power that waits to be unlocked by this ring?"
    Harsh voice broken in eagerness, Kane translated the scrawled writing. Once Jhaniikest interrupted with a sharp exclamation of understanding. "Kane! Don't attempt this! I see only death for you in this madness! Let this ancient power lie buried!"
    But Kane rushed on.
    The bloodstone gleamed... glowed under the intensity of inhuman gaze. Deep within the green depths glinted subdued evil with the sullen promise of dawn.
III: Statecraft in Selonari
    The knocking broke cadence with the throb of his skul1, then seemed to drift apart, a persistent drumming now accompanied by strident chant. Then the lingering webs of sleep dissolved, and Dribeck recognized the summons at his chamber door.
    "Milord! Milord Dribeck! It's well past the hour you told me to awaken you!" It was his chamberlain who tormented him. "Milord! It's close to noon! You said you must be aroused before noon! Milord, are you awake? Say something so I can be sure--"
    "Go to hell, Asbraln!" Dribeck croaked. "I've been up..." He tossed back the fur robes as the knocking subsided. Unsteadily he sat up and swung his legs onto the floor. Dozens