Exiles From The Sacred Land (Book 2) Read Online Free Page B

prepared them many seasons ago at Morgoran’s request. When you brew a tea, any kind of tea, mix in a pinch of this, but mind that you use only a pinch. It’s powerful.”
    “What is it?”
    “Poison.”
    “Poison!”
    “Aye, poison if you take too much. Just a pinch will alter your mind. Two pinches will have you seeing monsters in the dark, and three pinches will put you in the grave. Less than a pinch will probably cure a headache. Morgoran instructed me to give it to you when the time came.”
    “Oh, that’s comforting. You said his eyes were already clear. When did he tell you this?”
    “Well, about nine hundred seasons ago, if I remember. It was just after he started spouting out prophecy.”
    “That tin was prepared nine hundred seasons ago?”
    “Aye, he was very convincing that I prepare them. By the way, throw that overpriced potion you bought away. I can smell it on you from here.”
    Rennon took the tin. “What potion?”
    Theosus made a slight motion with his hand, and Rennon stopped breathing. He felt like he had been punched in the stomach. “No more games, boy, I have already brought out your abilities.” He released him. “Now you are calm, tranquil.”
    Rennon gasped a moment for breath; his anger and apprehension flowed out of him. As soon as he was able, he opened the tin. “What is in this, then? I mean, I know what you said about it being poison if abused, but what is it exactly?”
    “If you are so worried about the contents of that tin, remember that I am old enough to have known a few mindwielders in person. That concoction is what they came up with to help control their power when they started losing the ability to do it themselves. I know of no other apothecary in Trigothia that can still concoct it.”
    “What if I run out of this?”
    “I guess you are out of luck, unless you can find an apothecary elsewhere that can duplicate it. The apothecaries in Endil might still be able to make it. Now go on. I have done my part.”
    “Endil? That’s in the middle of the Great Sythian Forest. I can’t go there to get it.”
    “Then you better use it sparingly and not run out. Go now.”
    “Not until you tell me what you did with Ganas.”
    Theosus appeared annoyed. “If you will leave me in peace, I will tell you. He is with the dragons in Draegodor. Morgoran foresaw that they are to help him.”
    “How is it you can remember everything Morgoran said to you nine hundred seasons ago?” Rennon asked.
    “You should be more impressed that I was able to send your friend all the way to Draegodor with such a small Lora Daine.”
    “What is that supposed to mean? I have never even heard of a Lora Daine before today.”
    Theosus looked disappointed. “Here, you will need this.” He handed him a small pouch with something hard inside.
    “What is it?”
    “Your salvation. Now, go find the girl.” Theosus’ eyes flared with a strange twinkle, and Rennon felt lightheaded.
    Rennon scoffed. His mind reeled as he exited the shop.
    What am I doing? he thought. I am losing what little control I had.
    Don’t dawdle, boy, you have to find her now. Use your thoughts.
    Theosus, what are you doing to me? How are you in my thoughts?
    He staggered down the street. Patrons parted out of his way as if he were diseased or drunk. He stopped near an alleyway and slumped up against the wall. I need to brew up some of this , he thought as he looked at the plain tin in his hands.
    Don’t brew it yet. Call to her, Theosus’ voice echoed in his head.
    Deylia! He thought to the image of Deylia in his mind. Where are you? Deylia, can you hear my thoughts? There was no answer. Then it occurred to him that he was going about this all wrong. He let his mind picture the cloaked Enforcers. He called out with his mind.
    He dropped to the ground and waited. After a time, he heard footsteps approaching.
    “Excuse me?” a voice behind him said. Rennon turned to see an Enforcer. “I need to have a word with