Sky Pirates Read Online Free

regain his composure. “What an unexpected surprise. I see that the last year has treated you well. In more ways than one.”
    “Grand Master.” Patrice inclined his head politely, ignoring de Montague’s refusal to acknowledge his new title. “I have indeed found my circumstances to be much improved in recent months.”
    “While it is always a pleasure to see you, I regret to inform you that this is a private meeting,” de Montague said pointedly. “Perhaps you’d like to wait for us downstairs until we finish?”
    “Actually, my business cannot wait. You see, I have come to apply for the role of the thirteenth,” Patrice said in a smooth voice, gesturing toward the empty seat.
    “I’m sorry, but the Council is for warlocks only,” de Montague said, giving him a look of disdain.
    “I don’t believe that to be a problem. As you said, my circumstances are improved in more ways than meet the eye. I think my evading your pathetic door hex is proof enough of my abilities.”
    “How dare you?” de Montague said, narrowing his eyes.
    “Would you have let me in otherwise?” Patrice shrugged.
    “I am sorry to disappoint you, sir, but the thirteenth seat can only be filled by unanimous vote. The loss of Lord Greychester came as quite a shock to us. It may be some time before we have a list of candidates we can put to the vote.”
    “Oh, I don’t think a list of candidates is necessary,” Patrice said. “I see no reason why I cannot put myself forward for consideration right now. Everyone is assembled, so you may as well vote on the matter.”
    There was a gasp of surprise from the other warlocks at his brazen approach. A few of them started muttering in protest.
    “My good man, that is quite impossible,” de Montague spluttered. “It takes more than a cheap touch of the Shadow. In fact, it takes years of training and devotion to become a warlock. You might have come into some money, but I can assure you that you lack the talents needed to ever become one of us.”
    “I think, Grand Master, that you might find yourself sorely mistaken on more than one of those points,” Patrice said, matching de Montague’s tone. “You will hear my application now. I must insist upon it.”
    De Montague snorted and looked disparagingly at Patrice. “Mr. Chevalier, your appeal is quite ridiculous. Request denied. Now please desist with this disruption for you are only embarrassing yourself. Good evening to you.” The Grand Master moved to the fireplace where he rang an ornate fringed bell to summon a servant. “Someone will see you out now.”
    Patrice felt anger rise up inside him, hot and acrid like melted tar. How dare this snobbish weakling treat him as if he were nothing? “I would wait a moment if I were you,” Patrice said. Another, more sinister, smile played across his face.
    “And why should I do that? You have wasted quiteenough of our time.” De Montague’s upper lip curled in disgust. “Now please leave, I will not ask you again.” Patrice laughed. He summoned a small amount of the dark energy inside him and channeled it downward, lifting himself off the floor. The light fittings and floorboards in the room began to tremble. Somewhere a small ornament crashed to the floor.
    Patrice towered over the Grand Master.
    “Prepare to be challenged by one of the most powerful warlocks that has ever lived,” he said quietly. “This is no cheap trick of the Shadow. I, my dear de Montague, am the Shadow Master.”
    De Montague blanched as he stared up at Patrice. “You?” he whispered. “We had heard rumors that a Shadow Master had arisen. It cannot be.”
    Patrice did not answer. Instead he threw his head back and inhaled as much of de Montague’s power as he could in one breath. He felt his lungs fill with the energy of the older warlock, before being absorbed by the ever-growing darkness within him.
    De Montague stumbled and fell to his knees. His face had turned gray, and when he looked up at Patrice