King Of Souls (Book 2) Read Online Free Page B

room until he loomed over Montgomery’s shoulder.
    Montgomery cast an uneasy glance behind him before turning back to face Tara.
    “Tell me about the king you mentioned earlier. You called him Ronan?” She imagined the simpleton who’d crowned himself king dispensing inane wisdom. Fat, pompous, and full of guile.
    Montgomery’s expression softened. “King Ronan? He’s a good man m’lady.”
    Tara needed to know about the soul knights. Did they still reign in Meranthia, or had magic died with the barrier’s collapse? But, how could a simple harbor master understand the complexities involving Elan’s life magic? “Where does he live?”
    “He lives in Freehold m’lady. In the royal palace.”
    “Does he travel to your village often?”
    Montgomery shook his head. “Our village hasn’t seen a member of the royal family in the better part of a century let alone the king. We don’t see many visitors to speak of.”
    Relief washed through Tara’s body. She couldn’t have chosen a better landing port. She gave silent thanks to the Baerinese scouts. Tara glanced toward General Demos, and he offered the barest nod. “Master Montgomery, you’ve been cooperative with your answers.”
    Montgomery tipped his head. “I don’t want any trouble m’lady, and I don’t want any trouble for my family either.”
    “Then, we might find a suitable arrangement.”
    Montgomery raised an eyebrow. “M’lady?”
    “General Demos and I would like to remain anonymous during our stay in your village.” Tara moved behind Montgomery and placed her gloved hands on his shoulders.
    Montgomery stiffened beneath her touch, but made no attempt to escape.
    “If your village receives any visitors, I’d like you to receive them, and make no mention of our presence.”
    Montgomery sat motionless. A bead of sweat started from his balding scalp and rolled down his temple before disappearing into his bushy gray beard.
    “In return, you and your family can enjoy peace of mind. How does that sound?” Tara said.
    Montgomery nodded. “Yes.” His voice raspy, he cleared his throat. “Yes. I think that sounds fine.”

The King Comes Calling
     
    On the fringe of the white sand beach, Danielle reclined against a palm tree trunk. She positioned herself beneath the shifting shade of its wide leafy fronds and let go a deep breath. A gentle late afternoon breeze rustled in the treetop sending waves of cool relief washing through her damp hair. The air current also brought the sweet scent of fresh mint drifting from the jungle overgrowth. If not for intense curiosity driving her to read Arber’s journal, she could close her eyes and catch up on much needed rest.
    Instead, Danielle dragged the timeworn book to her lap and pried open the cover. She leafed through the first pages of Arber’s handwritten journal. To her surprise, the opening entries dated to the previous autumn. Just after the events leading to Merric Pride’s downfall.
    She flipped ahead and found the last page that contained writing. Arber had written the final entry only two days earlier, presumably from the cave where she’d found the journal.
    Danielle returned to the first entry and began reading. Arber wrote in detail of his escape through the Meranthian countryside. He recounted his decision to release the shard magic granted him by the Assembly. The entries didn’t outline a possible motive for his actions, nor did he express satisfaction or regret. He chronicled his journey from Freehold without bias. While intriguing, Danielle needed information surrounding potential threats from the strange desert weather anomalies.
    She paused on an entry dating back six weeks from the present that found Arber on the Heartwood’s southern tip.
    Eleventh Moon, Sixth Day, EY2001
    Tomorrow I will rendezvous with Martell at the northern edge of the Chukchi Desert. It’s my hope the Obsith will provide sanctuary despite my failure to secure Lora’s Sphere. We’ll find another