Cathexis: Necromancer's Dagger Read Online Free Page A

you
heard?”
    “I haven’t heard anything specific, just
rumors that you are ‘controlling’ me with your ‘dark’ powers. He
infers that I am a puppet on the throne enthralled by an evil
Sorceress. He hasn’t said it to anyone we could use as a reliable
witness, he’s too careful about that; but if he ever makes that mistake in my presence
I’ll call him out,” Jatar finished, gripping his sword hilt until
his knuckles showed white.
    “Jatar, you must not put yourself in danger
on account of my honor. You are too important to the negotiations.
If we are ever to have peace in the lands and stop this constant
destructive warfare someone must take the lead and show an ability
to understand and compromise with his neighbors. You’ve worked so
hard over these last few years and we’re finally starting to see
real progress. If we were to lose you now, besides breaking my
heart, it would undo everything we have accomplished,” his
beautiful wife pleaded.
    “Well not everything, we have ‘accomplished’
a beautiful son named Michael, and after our tryst this afternoon
perhaps we’ve ‘accomplished’ even more! Besides, it’s Michael’s first-year birth celebration, so I
refuse to be unhappy, no matter who is here,” Jatar said to try and
lighten the mood. He was tired of discussing the depressing
machinations of Lord Tysol.
    Picking up the flow of his thoughts
Elizabeth put on a sly smile and said, “Well it’s hard to argue
with that kind of statement.” She winked at him and added, “Did
milord want to ruffle my clothes again, or may I be excused to don
my dinner apparel?”
    Jatar stood rubbing his chin with one hand
and appraised her slim rounded form with one eyebrow raised. “Hm,
given that choice...”
    “To dinner, before the guests tear each
other apart, besides,” she added with a teasing smile and tilt of
her head, “there’s always later tonight. For now, why don’t you wait for me in the south hall
alcove while I throw on some clothes? It won’t take too long.”
     
    Lord Trask was a large man; he stood two
full hand spans over six feet. His large face was nearly covered
with a thick red beard that went down and nearly touched his chest.
On his way to the banquet hall, he
found the slim athletic form of Jatar standing behind a chair in an
alcove where he was waiting for Elizabeth. Jatar was looking out
the window at a palace garden while thinking about his son and the
future. Two chairs and a small table were before him facing the
window.
    “ Berelle ,
it’s good to see you again,” Jatar said and greeted his foster brother with a huge grin that
proved he really meant it.
    “And you Jatar, it has been too long,” Lord
Trask replied with an equally large grin, his voice a deep baritone
that sounded like it had the power of the north winds of his
homelands.
    Jatar stood back and took a good look at his
big friend and he had to look upwards to do so. The large man was
dressed for dinner in an understated long jacket of thick coarse
material and matching pants of dark blue. The shirt was high
collared, buttoned at the neck and lacked the ruffles that were the
style of the time. Berelle reached
up with his right hand and pulled at the stiff collar,
uncomfortable in the dress clothing.
    Jatar grinned at his huge friend as he said,
“How can a man who ventures around the cold north in a rusty chain
mail shirt that outweighs a small horse, look so uncomfortable in
simple cloth?”
    “I’m used to good steel, but this… why is
this collar so tight?” he growled, pulling forcefully at the
confining material around his neck.
    Jatar slapped his friend on the back to no
effect and said, “Thank G’lan you never change, Berelle. How are
Pricilla and the children?”
    “She’s doing well, but she has reached the
sixth month of her term making the journey here too strenuous. That
is the reason I must depart immediately after Michael’s investment.
Jerome and Calt are growing strong
and