He Who Walks in Shadow Read Online Free Page B

that barren land. A jewel, one unlike any the men and women of the steppe had ever seen. Travelers through that region described a diamond pyramid, one whose pure, unbroken facets were carved with a perfection that bespoke techniques no earthly hand possesses. Within those facets seemed to burn a thin flame, a flickering red spark that glowed at the heart of the gem. You know of what I speak. The Eye of God has returned, in falling fire and consuming flame as was prophesied in certain ancient books that I will not mention here but that you know all too well. And those same books tell us that the Oculus will only appear when his return is imminent.
    The darkest tomes speak of the coming of a man, one unlike any the people of this world have ever seen. At least, not for a very long time. A man tall and proud, with the face of a prince and the command of a king. The harbinger of a coming end, of an age beyond our own. Of the twilight of mankind and the return of something that ruled this world before. The one who wears the ring, the one who bears the mark, he of the Yellow Sign. I had reason to fear. For tell me, is there any other sigil that is a danger even to look upon? Is there any other mark of man that can bend the will and control the mind?
    If the Oculus has returned, then the coming of the harbinger cannot be far behind. Alas, it seems the ancient writings regarding this man—if man he be—are correct, for turmoil and disorder have followed in the wake of the news from the east. The world has not been the same since the word came of the Oculus. Bloody conflict descended; famine and disease came with it. The Great War that interrupted our plans killed millions of my brothers and, indeed, my king.
    I do not believe I shall ever have an opportunity to visit Siberia, and I am afraid that neither will you, if you delay. Even though it has been a decade since the event, I am certain that there is something to be learned from the wilderness of Tunguska, and it is even possible that the Eye remains there, waiting to be claimed by those forces of good who would banish the dark one again, holding shut whatever gate he seeks to open. One thing we can know for certain is this—we are not the only ones who seek the Oculus.
    It is for this reason that I hope that your feet will walk where mine cannot, and your eyes will see what must remain forever hidden from mine. Perhaps one day, we can speak of what you discover there.
    Finding your way will not be easy, but the White Army is strong in the east. Travel to Irkutsk, on the banks of the Angara River. The site of the event is far to the north, but there you will find a Colonel Rostov who has been told to assist you in any way you need. The pass I have included bears my signature, and it will provide you with safe travel through our territory, though, of course, I can guarantee you nothing if the Red Army is victorious.
    I will understand if you see fit to forego this opportunity, but I fear for the future if you do. Until we meet again, my friend, I remain your brother in the light.
    General Anton Denikin
    It was grave news, indeed, and insanity to follow through on the General’s request. In the weeks after he posted the message, the men under his command suffered disastrous defeats at the hands of the Red Army. And while the Republicans held firm in the East, no one could say how long that tenuous grip would remain. Yet as he read the letter, I saw a look of resolve spread across Carter’s face.
    It was a cold evening, and Carter had stoked quite a fire in the hearth. He sat down in a chair beside it, lighting one of the cigars that he seemed never to be without. I waited a good ten minutes before I interrupted his thoughts.
    “So you mean to do it then?”
    He arched an eyebrow. “I note a tone of disagreement. I am surprised. I understand that Siberia is rather charming in the winter.”
    “Putting that aside,” I said with a grin, pouring a glass of brandy for each of